The demand for healthcare workers is outpacing the rate at which students are graduating from their programs. This is good news for job searchers who want to make a difference in the world by working in one of the following healthcare careers.
Not everyone is interested in direct patient care and the good news is that healthcare providers seek employees with diverse skill sets to fill their rosters. To get started, here are the top health care jobs that employees need to fill and the education required to get there.
Direct Patient Care Jobs:
Registered Nurse (RN)
Education: One of the most popular healthcare careers, there are many different routes to become an RN. Community colleges offer two year programs after prerequisites are met. Colleges and university offer bachelor, master, and PhD degrees in the field.
Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO)
Education: After completing a bachelor's degree, prospective doctors must gain entry to an accredited medical school. Upon completion, a lengthy internship and residency must be finished before doctors are allowed to practice without supervision. Many specialties require an additional period of residency before application for licensure within the field.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Education: Most LPN programs last a year and are available at universities and community colleges. One of the most decidedly hands-on of the healthcare careers, graduates often work in doctors' offices and long-term care facilities.
Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Education: Certified nursing assistant programs range from one to six months in length. Graduates will work under the supervision of RNs or LPNs.
Healthcare Support Positions:
Medical Billing and Coding
Education: Medical coders are increasingly turning to online classes for their education. Classes generally take one year to complete and graduates must pass an exam to begin working.
Medical Transcriptionist
Education: Requiring a high degree of accuracy and extensive knowledge of medical terminology, a degree in medical transcription takes 12 months to complete on average. Coursework is readily available online and offered at local community colleges.
Clinical Lab Specialist
Education: Entry level lab workers can be certified for work in a clinical lab setting by completing a two year degree at a community college. Extensive experience or a bachelors degree is required for more advanced work.
Healthcare careers are diverse and interesting. With such high demand, graduates quickly find the fulfilling work they hope for.
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