Objectives  Name the four types of degrees and the approximate number of years for completion  Differentiate between the following and give one career example for each. Certification Registration Licensure  List 4 levels of training in order

Educational Requirements  Depends on many factors  Can vary from state to state  Basic standards do exist

Secondary Education  High School  Should include Science, Social Studies, English and Math  General keyboarding skills  Healthcare Science Education Vocational program Prepares students for immediate employment (CNA) Also prepares for additional education after graduation (Nursing School, paramedic, etc.)

Post Secondary Education  School after High School Technical School- offers a diploma or certificate ○ Coosa Valley Technical College Community College (“Junior College”) – offers a certificate, diploma, or Associate Degree ○ Dalton College ○ Georgia Highlands University or College- offers a Bachelor, Master, or Doctorate Degree ○ University of Georgia ○ Georgia Southern ○ Kennesaw State University

Types of Degree Programs  Associate’s Degree Awarded by Tech school or Community college 2 year program  Bachelor’s Degree Awarded by College or University 4 year program

Degree Programs (cont.)  Master’s Degree Awarded by College or University 1-2 ears after a Bachelor’s degree Specialize n an area  Doctor’s Degree or Doctorate Awarded by College or University 2-6 years additional study beyond a Bachelor’s or Master’s (do not have to have a Master’s degree to enter a doctorate program)

Beyond a degree, Other Requirements may include: Certification, Registration, and Licensure  These are the methods used to ensure skill and competency of health care personnel  They ensure that the individual is able to meet a standard of care  Protects the consumer or patient

Certification  Issued by professional association or government agency  Issued if a person fulfills performance or educational requirements and meets certain standards  Examples Certified Medical Assistant Certified Dental Assistant Certified Lab Technician

Registration  Required by some careers  Granted by a Regulatory body in that career area Regulatory body Administers an exam Keeps a “registry” (list) of qualified personnel who pass the exam  Example Registered Dietitian (RD) Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

Licensure  Issued by a Government Agency that authorizes a person to work in a given occupation  Varies state to state  Requirements Complete and approved educational program Pass a State Board test Must maintain certain standards to retain the license (such as taking continuing education classes or working so many hours in that field)

Licensure  Examples Physician Dentist Physical Therapist (PT) Registered Nurse (RN) Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Before obtaining certification, registration or licensure  Must graduate from an accredited program  This ensures the program of study meets standards  Make sure your school is accredited before enrolling!!

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)  Required to renew licenses or maintain registration  Additional hours of education specific to the career you are registered in  Example RN’s must obtain hours of CEU’s every 2 years in order to renew his/her license

Levels of Training  Professional Four or more years of college and advanced degree (Masters or Doctorate) Medical doctor, dentist, Nurse Practitioner  Technologist or therapist At least three to four years of college (Bachelors) plus work experience Physical Therapist, Speech Therapist, Registered Nurse

Levels of Training (cont.)  Technician Two years (Associates) or 3-4 years on the job training Dental laboratory technician, surgical technician  Assistant or aide One or more years of classroom and/or on the job training Dental assistant, medical assistant, CNA

Multiskilled Healthcare Worker  New trend in Health Occupations  Perform a variety of healthcare skills  Eliminates the need for many specialists  Examples Combined EKG technician and EEG technician Combined laboratory, radiology and respiratory skills

Entrepreneur  Individual organizes, manages and assumes the financial risk of a business for the purpose of making a profit  Many must work under the direction of a doctor  Does involve risks  Examples Dental laboratory technicians, physical therapists, optometrists, and respiratory therapists

In Summary…  4 types of degrees Associate’s Bachelor’s Master’s Doctorate  The Differences between Certification Registration Licensure

In Summary…  Levels of training Professional Technologist or therapist Technician Assistant  Multiskilled Healthcare Worker  Entrepreneur