Careers in Health Care

Types of education Associates degree- 2 yrs. Bachelors degree Masters degree Doctorate or doctoral degree

Certification A designation earned by a person to certify

that he is qualified to perform a job Certification indicates that the individual has a

specific set of knowledge, skills, or abilities in the view of the certifying body

The difference between licensure and certification is licensure is required by law, whereas certification is generally voluntary

Registration A list of individuals on an official record who

meet the qualifications for an occupation

Licensure Given by a governmental agency when a

person meets the qualifications for a particular occupation

Accreditation An official recognition

Continuing education units A nationally recognized method of

quantifying the time spent in the classroom during professional development and training activities. Ten hours of instruction = 1.0 CEU. One hour of instruction = 0.1 CEU

Continuing education units in some states are need to continue your license

Summary Certification issued by professional organization

or government agency – no college required – issued if you fulfill requirements of education and performance – example dental assistant, certified laboratory technician, medical assistant

Registration granted by regulatory body – exam administered and current list maintained – example registered dietitian, respiratory therapist, radiologic technologist

Summary continued Licensure – government agency

authorizes individuals to work in a given occupation – must complete approved education program, pass a state board test, maintain standards to obtain and retain license – example physician, dentist, physical therapist, RN, LPN

Training Professional – 4 or more years of college

and an advanced degree – i.e. doctor, dentist

Technologist or therapist – usually bachelors degree and work experience – i.e. physicial therapist, laboratory technologist

Training continued Technician – usually an associate’s degree

and on the job training – i.e. dental laboratory technician, surgical technician

Assistant or aide – usually one or more years of training that combines classroom and/or on the job experience – i.e. dental, medical, or nurse assistant

Entrepreneuer Organizes, manages, and assumes the risk of a

business Health care – sometimes works under the

direction or guidance of physicians or dentists Education – business courses, bachelor’s degree

and/or specific health care master’s degree Possible health care entrepreneur opportunities –

dental hygienist, CNP, PA, RT, recreational therapist, chiropractor, dentist, optometrist