Always believed that med school was your one-way ticket to the elusive healthcare world? Think again. What am I getting at? Is there more than just one way to wiggle your way into this field? You better believe it because that’s exactly what I’m getting at.
We’ve all been there. We’ve all wanted to ‘grow up to be a doctor’ one day. As life would have it, though, sometimes things don’t always work out the way we want them to.
But things do work out.
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And if you’ve still held onto that little dream of one being associated with the healthcare industry, well, here are career options that will take you there faster than you might think.
1) Surgical technologist: Behind every successful surgeon is his team of healthcare professionals. One such healthcare professional is a surgical technologist. Also known as an operating room technician, surgical technologists assist in surgical operations by helping prep the room for surgery and helping the surgeon during the surgery. You’ll find colleges that provide online training programs here at http://onlinesurgicaltechniciancourses.com/
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Your road: A post-secondary certificate or an associate’s degree. Certification helps in the job hunt.
How much you’re looking at earning: A median wage of $39,920 per year as of 2010.
2) Veterinary Technologist & Technician: Vets treat our animal friends and we love them for it. Their jobs can be particularly challenging and to help ease some of their stress and work load, we have veterinary technologists and technicians who work under the supervision of vets to treat injured and sick animals. They perform tests, handle lab work and also assist in surgeries.
Your road: A 2-year associate’s degree along with meeting state’s requirements of becoming registered, certified or licensed.
How much you’re looking at earning: A median wage of $30, 140 per year as of 2011.
3) Dental assistant: You might not be crazy about your next dentist’s appointment, but guess whose job it is to keep you comfortable while you’re in there? You guessed it- the dental assistant. A dental assistant not only keeps you comfortable, but also preps you for dental procedures and treatments and essentially holds not just your hand through the procedure, but the dentist’s as well. You can find colleges accredited by AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) at their website.4) Your road: While there are no formal educational requirements, some states do prefer to hire students from accredited programs and possibly passing a state exam. If you choose to enroll at an accredited career training institute like the Porter and Chester New England Institute of Dental Assistant, you could be done with your program in 9 months! A sweet deal for anyone looking to start working ASAP.
How much you’re looking at earning: A median wage of $33,470 per year as of 2011.
5) Physical therapist assistant and aide: If you’ve ever been hurt in an accident or injured yourself, you might’ve needed physical therapy. These physical therapists help with pain management and help you move without it hurting too much. Well, physical therapists aren’t the only ones who help. Physical therapist assistant and aides play an important role in getting you moving as well. Look for accredited colleges and if you’re looking for online courses, check out Accredited Online Colleges website.
Your road: Completion of a 2-year associate degree program from an accredited physical therapist program.
How much you’re looking at earning: A median wage of $49, 690 per year as of 2010.
6) Occupational therapy assistants and aides: Sometimes people might get seriously injured in an accident. They suffer injuries that could leave them disabled. In order to improve their lives occupational therapists and their assistants and aides help them improve their movements so that they too can lead fulfilling lives. Here’s a list of colleges that provide these programs.
Your road: A 2-year associate degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program. Some states might also require state licensing.
How much you’re looking at earning: A median wage of $ 51,010 per year as of 2010.
So if you really thought you’d lost your chance at being a part of the healthcare industry, think again. Your dream career might just be as little as 9 months away!
Resources:
1) http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm#tab-1
2) http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/veterinary-technologist-and-technician/salary
3) http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Dental-assistants.htm#tab-1
4) http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm
5) http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapy-assistants-and-aides.htm#tab-1