Educational requirements and levels of training

Secondary education High school courses which should include English, science, social studies, mathematics and computers. H.O.E programs if available should be taken if interested in medical profession.

Types of education Associate’s degree – 2 yrs. Bachelor’s degree – 4 yrs. Master’s degree – 1-2 post bachelor degree Doctorate or Doctoral Degree-1-2 yrs. After master’s degreep-PhD

Certification A person has fulfilled requirements of education and performance. They meet the standards and qualifications established by the professional association or government agency that regulates that profession. Example: Dental assistant

Registration Granted by a regulatory body that administers examinations and maintains a current list of qualified personnel in a given health care area. Example – Registered dietician

Licensure A government agency authorizes individuals to work in a given profession. Obtaining and retaining licensure usually requires a person complete an approved educational program, pass a state board test, and maintain certain standards. Example - RN

Accreditation Ensures that a program of study meets the established standards and prepares students for employment in the health career. Two major agencies are (CAAHEP) Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and (ABHES) the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

Continuing education units (CEUs) Required to renew licenses or maintain certification or registration in many states. Hours of education must be in related area of work Be aware of state requirements due to variation

Education level, trends, and opportunities Categorized into 4 levels Professional Technologist or therapist Technician Aide or assistant

Professional 4 or more years of college with bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree Example – Medical doctor

Technologist or therapist 3 to 4 years of college plus work experience, usually bachelor’s and sometimes master’s degree. Example – Speech therapist

Technician 2 yr degree, special education and 3 – 4 yrs on the job training. Example – Surgical technician

Aide or assistant Specific number of hours of specialized education or one or more years of training combining classroom and/or on-the-job training. Example – Nurse assistant

Multicompetent or multi-skilled worker – workers are hired to perform a variety of skills due to cost containment. Entreprenur – an individual who organizes, manages, and assumes the risk of a business. Trends