Health Care Career Training & Job Guide

In the US, the health care industry is growing rapidly. There are many reasons for this, including an increasing aging population and innovations in medical technologies and treatment options. This is an exciting time to be considering a job in health care. Options vary widely, from working as a home health care aide to working in health care management.

Working in Health Care

The most successful health care workers are be caring and compassionate, and they enjoy helping people. It�s also beneficial to be flexible, able to work in a fast-paced environment and detail oriented.
 
Contrary to popular belief, many jobs in health care don�t require a four-year degree.

Jobs in Health Care

There are many types of health care jobs, and many of them only require a few years of vocational or technical training. These include:
  • Dental Assistants: Dental assistants help the dentist with routine tasks such as assisting with routine cleanings and giving patients post-surgical directions.

  • Home Health Aides: These people work in the homes of the elderly or those that need help with routine tasks. They help people with daily tasks, administer medications, check vital signs and assist with simple exercises.

  • Medical Assistants: Medical assistants perform administrative tasks, such as greeting patients, filing, answering phones, and filling out insurance forms. Some also perform clinical duties like taking medical history and vital signs, collecting specimens and assisting the physician with exams.

  • Medical Transcriptionists: Medical transcriptionists listen to recorded doctor's tapes and transcribe them into medical reports. They most often work in hospitals or doctors� offices, and sometimes work from home.

  • Physical Therapy Assistants: Physical therapy assistants perform treatment duties such as teaching patients to use crutches, helping with exercises, and applying hot and cold packs. Aides prepare supplies, assist patients, and keep treatment areas clean.

Facts and Figures

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 3 million health care positions will be generated between 2006 and 2016. That�s more than in any other industry.
 
Salaries in health care vary greatly, based on job responsibility and education level. Hospital workers tend to earn some of the higher salaries in the field, as they are often required to have specialized education. Those working in facilities requiring around-the-clock staffing may be better compensated based on overtime earnings, weekend and holiday pay, or time spent on call.

Education Training and Work Experience

Education requirements for health care jobs vary greatly. People working in home health settings or nursing homes may not need any formal education. Others, such as nurses and massage therapists, will require at least an associate�s degree or vocational training experience.
 
Many health care jobs require less than a four-year degree. Those wishing to break into the health care industry may be able to obtain hands-on job training. As with most other careers, the more training you have, the more attractive of a candidate you'll be.

Related Associations and Groups

There are many associations pertaining to health care that professionals can join. These groups can also provide a wealth of information for those who are looking to enter this industry. Such groups include:
  • American Association of Health Care Professionals
  • American Association of Medical Assistants
  • American Physical Therapy Association
  • Healthcare Providers Service Organization.
 
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