Educational Requirements and Training Levels

Secondary Education High School courses Health Science courses can prepare students for immediate employment in some health care careers or for the additional education they need after graduation

Post-Secondary Education Occurs after high school Career-Technical school Community college University

Education Levels Associate’s Degree Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Degree Doctorate or Doctoral Degree

Associate’s Degree Awarded by a technical school or community college Is received after completion of a two-year course of study

Bachelor’s Degree Is awarded by a college or university Is received after completion of a prescribed course of study that usually lasts for four or more years

Master’s Degree Awarded by a college or university Usually requires two years of work beyond a bachelor’s degree Usually a total of 6 years 4+2=6

Doctorate or Doctoral Degree Awarded by a college or university Two or more years beyond a master’s degree Some may require four to six years of study (Minimum of 8 years of study)

Accreditation Graduation from an accredited program is required for most health care careers Ensures that the program of study meets the established standards and prepares the student for employment It is important to make sure that your school is accredited before enrolling

Continuing Education Continuing education units (CEUs) are required to renew licenses or maintain certification or registration Additional hours of education must be obtained in a specified period of time Healthcare workers should be aware of their state requirements regarding CEUs for their career

Levels of Training Professional Technologist or Therapist Technician Aide or Assistant

Professional Four or more years of college Usually have a master’s or doctorate degree Examples: Doctor, Dentist, Physician Assistant, Pharmacist

Technologist or Therapist Usually a bachelor’s degree; at times may have master’s degree Examples Physical Therapist, Medical Lab Technologist

Technician Two years associate degree Special health occupations education with on the job training Examples: Medical Lab Technician; Surgical Technician

Aide or Assistant Specific number of hours of specialized education or One or more years of on the job training Examples: Nurse Assistant

Multi-Skilled Worker New trend to save cost in some rural and smaller facilities Workers are hired to perform a variety of skills Ex they may do both ECGs and EEGs or they may do both medical lab and respiratory therapy functions

Entrepreneur Individual who organizes, manages and assumes the risk of a business Many work under the supervision of physicians or dentists Examples: dental hygienists; physical therapists; physicians; dentists; optometrists

Entrepreneurship Involves many risks Requires a certain level of education and ability Can be an extremely satisfying choice for someone who is well motivated, self- confident, responsible, creative and independent