1. Introduction to Health Careers Over 200 different careers in healthcare Education requirements vary and depend on many factors Preparation begins in high school – Sciences – Social Studies – English – Mathematics – General typing and accounting is helpful

2. Health Occupation Education (HOE) HOE Programs can prepare students for immediate employment in many healthcare careers – Certified Nurses Aid (CNA) Post Secondary Education (After high school) – Vocational or Tech School – Community College – College or University

3. Health Occupation Education Associate’s Degree – awarded by a vocational/tech school or community college after completion of two years of study. Bachelor’s Degree – awarded by college or university after a prescribed course of study that usually lasts 4 years or more.

4. Health Occupation Education Master’s Degree – Awarded by college or university after completion of 1-2 years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree Doctorate or Doctoral Degree - Awarded by college or university after two or more years beyond a Master’s degree – Some doctorates can require up to six years of additional study

5. Health Occupation Education Three terms associated with health careers – Certification – Registration – Licensure

6. Certification A person has fulfilled requirements of education and performance and meets standards and qualifications established by the professional association or government agency that regulates a particular career A certificate is awarded – certified dental assistant, certified laboratory technician, certified medical assistant, certified nurses aid

7. Registration Registration is required in some health occupations Registration is performed by a regulatory body (professional association or state agency that administers an exam and maintain a registry or list of qualified health professionals) Examples: Registered Dietitian, Registered Respiratory Therapist, Registered Radiologic Technologist

8. Licensure A process where a government agency authorizes individuals to work in a given health occupation Requirements can vary from state to state Attaining and maintaining a license usually requires a person to: – Complete a approved education program – Pass state board test – Maintain certain standards

9. Licensure Examples of licensed professions: – Physician – Dentist – Chiropractors – Therapist (Physical, Occupational, Speech) – Athletic Trainers – Registered Nurse – Licensed Practical Nurse

10. Accreditation For most healthcare careers graduation form an accredited program is required before certification, registration or licensure will be granted. Accreditation ensures that the program of study meets the established competency standards It is important that students ensure the school or programs are accredited before attending them

11. Accreditation Two major accrediting agencies for healthcare programs: – Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) – Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) Students can contact agency to check to see if a school/program is accredited

12. Continuing Education Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) are required to renew and maintain certifications, registrations and licenses Additional hours of education in specified health career field during a specific time period Example: many states require 24 – 48 CEU’s every 1-2 years in order to renew Generally – 1 hour = 1 CEU

13. Educational Trends Muticompetent or Multiskilled Worker – Healthcare workers with more than one skill – ie: technician that can do EEG & ECG – Technicians that can do x-rays and ultrasound – Saves money – don’t need two people – Usually after having employment person get additional training in another field

14. Trends Entrepreneur – an individual who organizes, manages and assumes risk of a business Some healthcare careers allow a person to work as an independent business owner Many entrepreneurs work under the direction or guidance of physician, dentist or licensed professional a given field Helpful to have business skills and education in business (Master’s Degree in Business)

15. Trends Entrepreneurial Opportunities Include: Dental Laboratory Technicians Dental Hygienists Nurse Practitioners Physical Therapists Physician Assistants Respiratory Therapists Physicians, Chiropractors, Optometrists

16. National Healthcare Skill Standards National Healthcare Skill Standards (NHCSS) were developed to indicate the knowledge and skills that are expected of healthcare workers at entry and technical levels

17. National Healthcare Skill Standards Health Care Core Standards – Were developed to indicate the knowledge and skills of healthcare workers should have: Discusses an academic foundation Communication skills Employability skills Legal responsibilities Ethics Safety practices Teamwork Knowledge of systems in healthcare environment

18. National Healthcare Skill Standards Therapeutic/Diagnostic Core Standards – Skills required of workers that focus on direct client care in both therapeutic and diagnostic occupations Diagnostic Cluster Standards – Skills required of workers in health occupations that are involved in creating a picture of the health status of a client at a single point in time – Planning, preparation, procedure, evaluation and reporting

19. National Healthcare Skill Standards Information Service Cluster Standards – Skills required for workers that are involved in documentation of client care Coding Information Systems Documentation Operations to enter, retrieve and maintain information

20. National Healthcare Skill Standards Environmental Service Cluster Standards – Skills for workers that are involved in creation of a healthcare environment both direct patient and indirect patient care Environmental Operations (Plant Ops) Aseptic Procedures (Sterilization) Resource management (Supplies) Aesthetics (pretty enviornment)