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

• 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

• Opening a pharmacy.• Opening a medical or dental practice.• Starting a healthcare staffing agency.• Starting a Nutrition consulting business• Personal trainers and health advisors.