1. 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

2. 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”

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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