The health care industry accounts for one of the fastest, high growth career opportunities today. The U. S. Department of Labor reports that 10 of the 20 fastest growing occupations for the next 10 years will be health care related.
Most people want a good job with a good salary but don't want to go to school for an extended period to achieve that. There are a number of jobs in health care that can provide that with an Associate's Degree or Certificate requiring education of two years or less.
1. Medical Assisting
Medical Assisting requires good organization skills, the ability to multitask, and a strong desire to help people in a hands-on way. Duties of a Medical Assistant include taking patients' medical histories, scheduling appointments, measuring vital sings, sterilizing medical instruments, or even giving injections as directed by the physician.
Most medical facilities require a Medical Assistant to have a certificate or Associate's Degree in medical assisting. Thanks to the internet, earning an Associate's Degree is less an obstacle than you might think. You now have the opportunity to earn your degree online. Online education is becoming more and more popular and more accepted by employers. So many employers want employees to know how to use technology and how to communicate online through writing skills. Online courses provide students the opportunity to pick and choose when they want to study. Medical Assisting jobs are projected to increase 31% due in part to the aging baby-boom generation requiring more health care.
2. Medical Records and Health Information Technician
A Medical Records and Health Information Technician require a detail oriented person to maintain patient's medical records, manage them effectively, and keep them confidential and secure. Learning medical terminology is essential to this position.
Preparing for this career involves obtaining a certificate or Associate's Degree in Health Information Technology. It is projected that this career will grow 21% from 2010 to 2020. This projection is based on the fact that as people age, they need more health care, which means more insurance claims being submitted and more technicians to facilitate the work.
3. Physical Therapy Assistant
A Physical Therapy Assistant assists patients recovering from injury, illness or surgery. Duties might include helping patients do exercises ordered by the physical therapist, teaching them how to use equipment designed for mobility issues or observing and reporting their status.
The need for Physical Therapy Assistants has grown tremendously and is expected to grow another 46%. This projection is based on the fact that baby boomers are entering the prime age for heart attacks and strokes requiring physical therapy for rehabilitation.
An Associate's Degree from an accredited physical therapist program and a license is required in most states to pursue the Physical Therapy Assistant career.
4. Massage Therapist
Massage therapists treat patients or clients by using techniques to manipulate the soft-tissue muscles of the body, relieving pain, rehabilitating injuries, reducing stress, increasing relaxation, and providing overall wellness of the patient or client. Being a Message Therapist requires a lot of physical stamina. Massage Therapy also helps improve posture and strength.
Massage therapists work in a number of different types of settings, both private and public. They can be found in private offices, spas, hospitals, fitness centers, shopping malls and some travel to clients' homes or offices to provide care.
Massage Therapy is projected to grow 20% for a number of reasons. First, because of an increase in the number of spas employing Massage Therapist and second because people are more interested in massage benefits such as increased energy and reduced health problems.
Preparing for a career in Massage Therapy requires a post-secondary education program that can require 500 hours or more of study and experience, although standards and requirements vary by state. Most states require Massage Therapists to have a license or certificate.
A diploma or certificate is an important step in obtaining the career you desire; however, a professional appearance also carries a significant amount of weight before, during, and after the employment process. All these medical careers require proper professional attire that may include nursing scrubs, lab coats, jackets, and professional footwear, in some instances during the education process and most likely upon employment.
In summary, the need for health care workers continues to increase and is in great demand. If you're interested in beginning or changing your career consider the security, statistics of need, and salary offered by the health care industry.
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