If there was ever an industry that can almost guarantee a constant need for job placement, it’s the health care sector. Good health is always in top demand and so, there are many healthcare needs where physicians require a team of departments to work together in order to carry out the best medical care for their patients.
What this means is that not every job in the health care industry requires a 4-year college degree and although surgeons, doctors, and physicians are considered the face of the industry, they cannot diagnose and treat patients without the help of assistants, technicians, and administrative personnel.
These types of jobs do not always require a bachelor degree either. Often times, a certificate or an associate’s degree is all one needs in order to begin his or her career in the health care industry.
To get an idea of the types of jobs you can get in healthcare, Florida National University (FNU) has comprised a list of some of the jobs that students can pursue with just a certificate or 2-year degree.
Health Service Receptionist
Health Service Receptionists are responsible for a great deal of administrative tasks that involve admitting and discharging a patient as well as scheduling appointments, follow-up visits and updating medical records guided by the physician and nurses’ instruction. They’re also tasked with maintaining patient records and updating his or her personal information and oftentimes, depending on the size of the operation, the receptionist is responsible for managing and updating the patient’s financial information as well as, possibly processing insurance claims.
X-Ray Technician
At times, becoming a Laboratory Technician might require a 4-year degree, but depending on the type of job, a certificate or associate’s degree will do. When looking for a program, attempt to find one that will give you the basic knowledge and skills required to perform radiologic work. A good technician will understand the importance of professionalism as well as, the importance of protecting the patient during exams.
The X-Ray Technician is also responsible for preventative maintenance of the equipment as well as, stocking radiology inventory. Additionally, an X-Ray Technician works directly with patients so he or she needs to be well educated in how to properly handle patients while under his or her direct care.
Physical Therapy Assistants
It is said that this is one of the fastest growing professions in the healthcare industry. Under this particular profession, Physical Therapy Assistants (PTA) operate under the supervision of a certified therapist assisting his or her patients in the rehabilitative process of recovering from surgery, injuries, strokes, or other disabilities that render them physically unable to function.
FNU offers an accredited 2 ½ year PTA program that will teach students the necessary skills to perform as an ethical, competent and safe PTA. Students are also taught to apply techniques that will improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities to patients.
Healthcare Educators
Healthcare Educators is also a growing profession as many companies are investing more into their employees’ wellness. It can be said that healthy employees cost employers less money. As a result, many health care practitioners have changed their career to wellness workers operating as a type of dietician and health coach to help people take better care of themselves.
Many people in this profession work in their community teaching healthy behaviors as well. Healthcare Educators determine their community healthcare needs and develop educational programs while assisting patients with these new healthcare services. A certificate or 2-year degree in the medical healthcare industry would complement this profession easily.
Medical Records Coder
The job of a Medical Records Coder is almost simultaneous with the position of a Health Service Receptionist. A Coder still needs to be organized enough to manage patient records. However, in this particular position, a Medical Records Coder must learn and understand the identification codes for various medical diagnoses and procedures.
Other job titles include Coding Technician or Coding Clerk. Generally, a certificate is needed for these types of positions.
Dental Laboratory Technician
As much as we try to avoid it, at some point, each of us will have to visit the dentist and why not be the person to help assist alleviate a patient’s dental problems as a Dental Laboratory Technician?
A Dental Laboratory Technician specializes in designing and constructing the attachments and replacements for natural teeth. In about two years, FNU’s Dental Laboratory Technician program provides students with knowledge and practical training in the areas of full and partial dentures as well as, crown and bridge porcelain.
FNU: Keeping Track of Time
Here at FNU, we understand the commitment it takes to enroll in a 4-year program. We also understand that it is not uncommon for students to change his or her major after completing a year of college. That’s why FNU’s certificate and 2-year degree programs are perfect for those who are not quite ready to invest thousands of dollars or time into a career they might want to pursue.
If this is you, don’t hesitate any longer. Contact FNU today to find a career that’s right for you!
