Professional Standards Not all college degrees are the same Educational requirements for HC professions vary Associate’s Degree obtained from a 2 year school, usually a community college AA Associate of Arts AS Associate of Applied Science i.e. dental assistant

Professional Standards Bachelor’s Degree obtained from a 4 year college or university Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing “B.S.N” Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Language “B.A.” Master’s Degree obtained after completion of a Bachelor’s degree, usually 1-2 more years of education Master’s of Science in Nursing “M.S.N” Master’s of Art Psychology Master’s Business Administration “MBA “ Masters of Public Health “MPH” Master of Social Work “MSW”

Professional Standards Doctorate or Doctor’s Degree obtained from a university “PhD” Doctor of Philosophy usually after a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree is completed Takes 4-6 years after a Bachelor’s degree Takes 2-4 years after a Master’s degree

Professional Standards Doctor of Medicine MD Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine DO Doctor of Podiatry DPM Doctor of Chiropractic DC Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine DVM Doctorate of Nursing DN Doctorate of optometry OD

Professional Standards Methods to ensure skill and competency of HC personnel and to protect the consumer/patient 1. Certification HC worker has met standards and qualifications of the profession Certificate is issued by an association that governs the profession i.e. Certified medical assistant

Professional Standards 2. Registration performed by a regulatory agency or professional association- usually government Administer exams and keep a registry of qualified personnel i.e. Certified Nurse Assistants are listed on a registry by the Board of Nursing

Professional Standards 3. Licensure a government agency authorizes individuals to work in a given HC occupation Must pass a state board exam and maintain certain standards Registered Nurse Physical Therapist Medical Doctor Respiratory Therapist

Professional Standards Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations “JCAHCO” **world leader in evaluating quality and safety of care delivered in all types of healthcare settings. In the industry, a JCAHCO certification is considered the gold seal of approval. an organization must undergo an on-site survey by a Joint Commission survey team at least every three years