Careers in Health Care - Unit 1 Notes

Careers in Health Care - Unit 1: Employability Skills, Career Options, and Preparation

Education Requirements

  • Education requirements depend on several factors, including the specific health profession and location, as requirements can vary from state to state.
  • Basic preparation typically begins in high school.
  • Health Occupations Education (HOE): Courses designed to introduce and prepare students for immediate employment in a health career.

Types of Degrees:

  • Associate’s Degree: A two-year degree obtained from a vocational-technical school or community college.
  • Bachelor’s Degree: A four-year degree obtained from a college or university.
  • Master’s Degree: Requires one or more years of concentrated study after completing a bachelor’s degree at a university.
  • Doctorate: Requires at least three to four years or more of concentrated study after obtaining a master’s degree from a university.

Higher Education Institutions

  • Vocational-Technical Schools: These institutions are specific to certain careers and provide hands-on industry training. They typically do not include basic studies such as math, English, etc.
    • Example: Austin Career Institute
  • Community Colleges: Focused on general coursework that may be transferred to universities. Learning environment consists of lectures in person or online. Provides an introduction to various career paths. A good option for students seeking a more flexible schedule and lower tuition costs.
    • Example: Austin Community College
  • Colleges: Two- to four-year institutions that focus more on undergraduate programs or a specialized field of study. Smaller than universities in terms of enrollment and class size.
    • Examples:
      • Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
      • Liberal Arts College
      • Huston-Tillotson University
  • Universities: Four-year or more institutions that focus on a wider range of programs, including undergraduate, master’s, and doctorate degrees (PhD). Many universities are also focused on research. Characterized by large enrollment and class sizes compared to colleges.
    • Examples:
      • The University of Texas at Austin
      • Texas State University

Certification, Registration, and Licensure

  • These demonstrate competency, qualification, and expertise in a professional practice setting.

  • All certifications, registrations, and licenses are valid in the state in which they are obtained. Additional authorization is required in other states.

  • Certification: A statement issued by a professional organization, indicating that an individual has met the requirements of education and/or experience and also met the standards set by the organization.

    • Examples:
      • Medical Assistant
      • Laboratory Technician
      • Dental Hygienist

  • Registration: An agency sets standards in a specific health field, administers exams, and maintains a list of active practitioners who are qualified and competent in their field of practice.

    • Examples:
      • Registered Dietitian
      • Registered Nurse

  • Licensure: A government agency authorizes an individual to work in a specific profession. This indicates that someone has demonstrated the ability and knowledge to perform tasks as stated by law.

    • Examples:
      • Medical Doctor
      • Doctor of Osteopathic

  • Continuing Education Units (CEUs): Additional education hours in a specific health care career required to be obtained within a specific time in order to maintain or renew licenses.