Download 4 PP Introduction to Health Professions

Introduction to the
Health Professions
Objectives
• 4.31
Discuss levels of education, credentialing
requirements, and employment trends in
healthcare.
Educational Requirements
• Most entry-level jobs in healthcare require a
high school diploma.
• Some award a diploma or certificate < 1 yr,
at technical schools or healthcare facilities.
• Most healthcare professions require
postsecondary (college) programs.
College Degrees
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Associate’s degree – usually 2 years.
Bachelor’s degree – usually 4 years.
Master’s degree – usually 6 years.
Doctorate (doctoral degree) – approximately
8 years total, or 3-6 years after Bachelor’s
Career Levels
• Professional = 4+ years college with
bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree
• Technologist or therapist = Usually
bachelor’s degree, sometimes longer
• Technician = Usually 2 yr associate’s degree
• Aide or Assistant = Usually 1 yr or less
Credentialing
• Methods to prove competence in the health
professions.
• Designed to protect the consumer and
health care providers.
• Usually mandated by government agency,
professional association or state board.
Certification
• Usually issued by professional association or
government agency.
• Means that person has fulfilled requirements
of education and performance.
• Examples:
– Certified dental assistant (CDA)
– Certified medical assistant (CMA)
– Certified nursing assistant (CNA)
Registration
• Required in some health careers.
• Regulatory body administers exam and
maintains a list (registry).
• Examples:
– Registered dietician (RD)
– Registered respiratory therapist (RRT)
– Registered radiologic technologist (RT)
Licensure
• Government agency authorizes individuals to
work in an occupation.
• Varies from state to state.
• Must complete approved program, pass state
board, and maintain certain standards.
• Examples: Physician, dentist, physical
therapist, registered nurse, LPN/LVN.
Employment Trends
• The healthcare industry is one of the
“healthiest” in terms of employment trends.
• 10% of all jobs in America are in health care.
• Go to the Bureau of Labor Statistics website
for current employment data at
www.bls.gov
Entrepreneurship
• Entrepreneurship is
usually the process of
creating a new
business.
• Entrepreneurs:
• Are risk-takers
• Innovative
• Confident
• Multi-skilled
• Totally
committed
• Results oriented
• Visionary orient
Healthcare Examples
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Opening a pharmacy.
Opening a medical or dental practice.
Starting a healthcare staffing agency.
Starting a Nutrition consulting business
Personal trainers and health advisors.