CultusAt one time, if you wanted to be part of the healthcare industry, you could almost count on going to college for several years. Today, that is no longer the case, because there are many healthcare careers available.
Many of these careers require only completing short-term programs and obtaining certification. Learn about these four quick healthcare certifications that will jump-start your career. So, here are the 4 healthcare certificates to start your career in the medical industry.
Emergency Medical Technician
You can become an emergency medical technician (EMT) in less than a year but will be certified as an emergency medical professional who is always in demand. As an EMT student, you’ll complete coursework, lab classes and practical field experiences riding in an ambulance or working in the emergency room of a hospital.
Medical Assistant
Medical assistants help physicians as they treat patients while also performing some administrative duties within the medical office. Medical assistant programs, which can usually be completed in less than a year, are offered in many colleges and schools throughout the U.S. and in Canada. One example is the medical office assistant (MOA) program offered through ABES College (Alberta Business Education Services). This program provides students with an internship in both a hospital and a medical office where they can obtain hands-on training learning all aspects of the MOA job.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
With the addition of electronic health records and electronic billing in most medical facilities, the medical billing and coding specialist is also greatly in demand. Training for this career can take a few months or up to a year depending on the school. Students take medical office courses and learn medical coding used throughout the healthcare industry. Graduates of this program may find work in many health-related industries.
Medical Laboratory Assistant
Although slightly similar to the MOA program, this program prepares students to work not only in a medical office, but also in a medical lab assisting with tests, drawing blood and performing other medical procedures. Students in this program may also obtain other certifications such as First Aid for Healthcare Professionals, CPR for Healthcare Professionals and Defibrillator for Healthcare Professionals. This 19-week program is, coincidentally, also offered at the Alberta Business Education Services.
If you’ve been choosing alternate career choices because you felt you couldn’t commit to or afford long-term medical programs, your career can now take a new direction with all this new information.
Don’t wait another minute to start your medical career. Check out the many available options today!
By Anica Oaks