Regardless of one’s role in the healthcare arena pursuing certification can lead to promotions or greater responsibility, an increment in salaries and a strong presence in the job market.
What are Healthcare Certifications?
Healthcare certification is the process by which an individual in the health sector, voluntarily choose to demonstrate some level of proficiency in their craft of care through specialized training, followed by thorough exams that require a pass that focuses on essential knowledge-set or skills. These individuals improve their delivery of care, patient management and learn how to optimize the cost of care. This is achieved through leadership in regard to patient safety, regulation and accreditation, improved data analytics and an understanding of population health. Healthcare certifications is a formalized training and professional experience that create a wide range of variability upon which to judge a job candidate, professional certification is useful to employers in that it provides a universalized set of standards against which to judge the quality of candidate proficiency.
Why Do I Need Certification in Healthcare?
Certification is a professional qualification that certifies a person’s ability. Similarly, in healthcare, a certification for Nurses helps to validate their mastery of skills, knowledge and abilities through certification and meet ongoing learning and practice requirements through recertification. Having certification gives patients and families a form of confidence that the professional health personnel has demonstrated experience and knowledge in the complex specialty of critical care. Another insight to why certification is needed in healthcare, it serves as a vehicle for hospitals to differentiate themselves from competitors and demonstrate to consumers that they have attracted the most skilled and experienced health practitioners. a) The Institute of Medicine, author of the groundbreaking 2000 study on medical errors titled. To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System, recommends that health professional licensing bodies implemented periodic reexaminations and relicensing of doctors, nurses, and other key providers. Certification provides ongoing validation of specialty experience, knowledge and skills. b) Employers play an important role in a Nurse’s decision to seek certification. Employers who embrace and support nurse certification are better positioned to thrive in the highly competitive healthcare market. c) Ongoing education and experience reduces a nurse’s exposure to risk and better prepares him/her to make informed decisions that encompass a larger scope
Can I Get A Well-Paying Job With Just A Certification In Healthcare?
Getting a well-paid job with just a certification in healthcare is one hundred percent possible. A career in the health field can be a very rewarding experience, no matter the role an individual works in. Having an interest in starting a career in the medical field requires as little as two to three years of schooling. You will still need to participate in some form of training for many of these entry-level careers, but you can secure these positions in two years or less. Some medical jobs may require as little as an associate degree or training certificate, and you can choose to advance your career by continuing your education and earning an undergraduate or graduate degree in your field. There are some jobs that pay hourly rates while others pay a yearly salary. When calculating hourly pay according to a 40-hour workweek and 52 paychecks per year, many of these jobs offer a substantial income for little schooling. The following 7 medicals jobs can offer higher pay and you can obtain certification credentials in as little as two to three years or less:
1. Medical Assistant
National Average Salary: $36,068 per year Medical assistants work under the supervision of physicians and are usually the first point of contact for patients entering the medical office and exam room. Medical assistants record patient’s medical histories, vital signs and document symptoms and patient concerns for the attending physician. You can start your career as a medical assistant with a certification and state licensure, otherwise, you can obtain an associate degree.
2. Dental Assistant
National Average Salary: $36,524 per year A dental assistant is responsible for a combination of dental and administrative tasks including preparing and maintaining dentists’ tools, organizing patient records and scheduling appointments. You can become a dental assistant by completing a training program and obtaining certification or state licensure.
3. Phlebotomy Technician
National Average Salary: $37,356 per year A phlebotomy technician, known simply as a phlebotomist, is a medical professional responsible for drawing a patient’s blood for lab tests, blood donations and intravenous insertions. Phlebotomy technicians are trained and skilled with safely drawing blood and plasma and work with patients in hospitals, diagnostics centers, blood banks and other healthcare settings. You can enter this field with on-the-job training and a certification of completion.
4. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
National Average Salary: $39,656 per year Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are responsible for attending to emergency 911 calls and providing emergency medical assistance to patients in need. They may attend to patients in an emergency situation that require first aid and life support to care for injured, sick or dying patients. You can become an EMT with as little as a certification in emergency medical treatment or paramedics.
5. Clinical Laboratory Technician
National Average Salary: $44,574 per year A clinical laboratory technician or medical laboratory technician performs tests and analyze samples like body fluids, tissue and other samples. Laboratory technicians commonly work in diagnostics centers, hospitals and medical laboratories. You can get started on this career path with an associate degree.
6. Medical Coding Specialist
National Average Salary: $45,947 per year A medical coding specialist works within the billing department of medical organizations like hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities and other healthcare settings. A medical coding specialist is responsible for classifying and documenting diagnoses, treatments and procedures for billing and reimbursement from health insurance companies. You can become a certified coding specialist (CCS) by undergoing a training program and obtaining certification.
7. Health Information Technician (HIT)
National Average Salary: $47,861 per year Health information technicians (HITs) manage and organize healthcare and medical data by ensuring the accuracy, accessibility, quality and security of medical information within digital systems and in print. HITs commonly work in hospitals, clinics, assisted living facilities and other healthcare facilities to streamline the organization and maintenance of important health data. You can enter this field with an associate degree, but many employers encourage a bachelor’s degree.
How Much Does It Cost To Get A Healthcare Certification?
Learning is the foundation of excellence. Obtaining a certification in healthcare can be quite expensive but the vast knowledge gained is worth the price paid. Healthcare is a very high demanding career and to obtain a certification you need to undergo some level of training which cost some amount and eligibility is also considered during the admission process. The cost of healthcare certificates varies among schools. Certificate programs typically start with introductory courses in health, patient management, and tools for diagnosis. On average, students can expect to pay between $4,000 for program and tuition cost for Medcerts, and up to $20,000 for colleges while an online program cost $3,000 average. Exam fees, books & materials are included. Also, certificate requirements include passing an exam, graduating from an accredited program (or earning the requisite amount of experience), and current CPR certification.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Healthcare Certification?
Working in a healthcare facility requires a full-length degree program and years of dedication. Earning a healthcare certificate can be a quick way to build a strong career in one of today’s fastest-growing fields. Healthcare certificates can lead to careers as medical assistants, patient care technicians, pharmacy technicians and many others. These programs are often available online as well as in-person, making it possible to conveniently get your foot in the door without years of training. Certificate programs for healthcare professionals are narrowly focused and can prepare you for your chosen career in just a few weeks or months.
Certificate vs Certification
Getting a healthcare certification can take some quality time depending on the medical field. There is a slight difference between a certificate and a certification, although you may hear the two words used interchangeably sometimes, understanding the difference between a certificate and certification is important, especially in healthcare. A healthcare certificate program is a type of educational or training program in which participants receive a certificate upon graduation and/or passing an exam. It indicates the completion of a course or program with a specialized focus but is different from a program that results in a degree. On the other hand, professional certification involves a process in which an organization awards an individual a credential after verifying they’ve met specific, standardized criteria. A simple explanation is this, think about a certificate program as an avenue for participants to acquire specialized knowledge or skills, while the purpose of professional certification is to validate an individuals’ competency through a set assessment system. For example, a dental assistant who might have graduated from a dental assistant certificate program and receive a certificate of completion, but to begin working, you’ll still have to obtain professional certification through the Dental Assisting National Board. In this section below, we will talk about certificates as well as benefits and time to complete certificates in some healthcare fields.
Dental Assisting
Dental assistants work with dentists and dental hygienists to provide dental care to patients. Dental assistants perform duties such as scheduling appointments, keeping detailed records, assisting dentists in procedures, and taking x-rays. Benefits of Certification Some states require dental assistants to earn licensure or certification before practicing in a dental office, especially if they will have expanded duties, such as polishing teeth. Certification can be obtained through the DENTAL ASSISTING NATIONAL BOARD. Time To Complete Certificate Earning a certificate for dental assisting typically takes about one year through a community college or vocational school. Medical Secretary/Administration Working in a medical office, whether in the front office or the back, can begin with a medical secretary certificate. This entry-level work is notable because it provides graduates with an opportunity to get to know the business of medical administration well before embarking on further education to increase promotion prospects. Benefits of Certification The need for certification depends on the particular job. Some medical offices want to hire those who have earned certain credentials, such as those through the National Healthcareer Association. Time To Complete Certificate Medical secretaries in healthcare offices can be trained on the job, but they may be more likely to be competitive in the field with a certificate from a community college or vocational school. These programs can take anywhere from six months to one year. Patient Care Tech Patient care techs, sometimes known as nursing assistants look after patients in the hospital or nursing home settings. They work under the supervision of LPNs and RNs, handling day-to-day duties for patients that can include helping with feeding and toileting, turning bedridden patients to prevent pain and bedsores, measuring vital signs and reporting any concerns to nurses. Benefits of Certification Certification or licensure is usually required for a nursing assistant. Passing an examination after graduation from an accredited program is required; after that, graduates can use certain titles, depending upon the state. In most states, the title is Certified Nursing Assistant. In some states, additional credentials are possible; these individuals might be known as Certified Medical Assistants, as they can dispense medication and perform other duties beyond the usual expected of CNAs. Time To Complete Certificate Earning this certificate typically takes about six months, but some programs last for a year.
How Do I Get Healthcare Certification?
It should come as no surprise, but the logistics and behind-the-scenes operations of healthcare providers can get complicated. Between billing and payment, managing various facilities and departments and ensuring the quality of healthcare, there’s a lot to navigate and understand. These professionals are adept at planning, directing and coordinating medical and health services. They may manage an entire facility or simply preside over an individual department. You’ve always been interested in working in the booming healthcare field but have found that your skillset lies more with business and administrative duties. This is precisely why you’ve determined healthcare management certification is the perfect blend of both worlds. If you’ve ever been interested in working in a medical field but have found that your skillset lies more with business and administrative duties, this could be the perfect blend of both worlds for you.
Important Steps to Get a Healthcare Certification
Every career starts with a plan with steps to take along the way. Not every step will cover the same distance, but it’s important to know what lies ahead. Aspiring to get certification in healthcare will need to take the following steps:
Determine your educational path
Different schools have different types of programs, and you want to figure out which college will prepare you the best for the future you want. While most hiring managers prefer at least a Bachelor’s degree for healthcare managers, it’s becoming more common to get a Master’s degree in the field as well, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In fact, some employers may actually favor a more advanced degree. “In today’s healthcare environment, a degree is critical to not only obtaining a position but being considered for promotion,” says Dr Laura De La Cruz, an instructor at Rasmussen College. “A broad degree, such as an MBA with a specialty, would provide more opportunities.” Once you decide what type of degree you want, you can start vetting programs and decide if you’d prefer to be in class with a professor and classmates or learn from a distance and connect through an online program. You may even want to consider a blended program that will allow you to participate through a combination of the two. Another factor to consider, especially if you’re leaning toward earning a Master’s degree, is whether you’d like to complete all of your schoolings upfront. Management positions will likely require experience no matter your education level, so it may benefit you to first earn a Bachelor’s degree and then earn experience before pursuing a Master’s degree.
2. Earn your degree
While this is certainly easier said than done, completing college and earning a degree is an absolutely essential step. The hours you’ll spend studying will be a big help in navigating a complex industry. A Healthcare Management degree, for instance, combines business-related courses with healthcare-related courses that will give you a strong foundational knowledge of medical terminology, hospital organization and health information services. Combine this with courses covering risk management, statistics, healthcare regulations and financial management, and you will cover much of the know-how you’ll need to succeed in a healthcare management role. While it may seem overwhelming to attend four or more years of college, know that you are securing your future, gaining confidence in a field of interest and ensuring your career prospects for later in life. Keep your chin up and work hard—you won’t regret the time you spent preparing yourself for what lies ahead, and you’ll have the opportunity to connect with passionate instructors and learn about best practices in the healthcare industry.
3. Build work experience
“A healthcare management career requires some experience in healthcare, whether it is as a paid paraprofessional, such as a CNA, or as an intern in administration,” De La Cruz says. “Attempting to find a position with just a degree is difficult given that healthcare is such a specialized area.” Experience is important no matter what job you’re hoping to get. Healthcare management positions are no different—while you may have to get an education to be qualified for a management role, you’ll need to work your way up. You may get your start in a hospital or clinic’s billing department, or by working in an administrative role for a medical device or pharmaceutical company—there’s a ton of potential entry points into the “business” side of healthcare. Landing your first healthcare job after college can be a little tricky if you don’t have much work experience, so it is important to take advantage of any experience-building opportunity available to you. If the college program you’re a part of offers internships or opportunities to shadow professionals in the field, take advantage of it! You’ll be able to ask questions, learn from your mistakes, and gain crucial experience.
4. Consider licensure or certifications
While a license is not typically required in most areas of medical and healthcare management, all states require licensure for nursing home administrators. If you’re headed in this direction, the American College of Health Care Administrators provides the Certified Nursing Home Administrator and Certified Assisted Living Administrator distinctions.“Licensure in management or administration is not as critical as it is in other areas of healthcare,” De La Cruz says. “However, certification is becoming increasingly important as administrators are being expected to take on more responsibilities and duties in different areas.”Even if licensure isn’t considered necessary for the position you’re applying for, certifications can help you stand out as a candidate. For example, the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management offers certification in medical management, and the American Health Information Management Association offers a health information management certification.Not sure which certifications could benefit you? One helpful trick is to take some time to browse the LinkedIn profiles of professionals working in healthcare management roles to get an idea of which, if any, certifications they’ve pursued.
5. Start seeking out new positions
Healthcare management requires excellent leadership, communication and analytical skills. Not only are you working with people, but you’re applying technical knowledge to necessary and important administrative duties. Combining your interpersonal skills with detail-oriented abilities takes practice and time. But if you master these skills and feel as though it comes naturally, advancing your career may be an important next step for you. “The healthcare field is very different from the traditional business field,” De La Cruz says. “Finding a position or getting promoted requires a strategic plan.” Depending on how large the organization you work for is, there’s generally room to advance your position and climb the healthcare management ladder. For instance, if you’re currently managing a department’s healthcare information system, you might aspire to manage the entire hospital’s healthcare information system in the future. You may even want to pursue a high-level executive position that incorporates strategic planning and takes part in overseeing a variety of clinics and hospitals. It’s not always a simple process working your way up the career ladder, so it may help to seek out advice or some informal mentorship from established colleagues. Remember, career advancement can be a bit of a grind, so you’ll need to stay determined and not get discouraged if you face setbacks along the way.
What Is The Best Certificate To Get In Healthcare?
Several universities and communities in partnership with various online educational platforms offer free healthcare education with certificates to students and other participants. However, I will mention but a few of them. Here is a list of some universities and programs that offer healthcare certification online:
#1. Global Health Learning Center
The Global Health Learning Center offers free online public health courses to help students reach their goals for their studies. The public health courses range from cancer prevention to antimicrobial resistance and family planning. Students have many courses to choose from without a high cost for their education. The opportunity to study a variety of topics ensures that students have access to studies that may assist with their specific goals for a career or continuing education. The Global Health Learning Center stands apart by offering certification programs as well as individual courses in public health topics. The certifications may help students who want to obtain a career in public health or related fields by giving them a clear understanding of important topics that may impact their career plans. It also gives students access to many fields of study as it relates to public health and safety. The Global Health Learning Center offers USAID continuous learning credits for some of the online courses. Courses: Global Health Learning Center
#2. Harvard University/eDx
Harvard University offers two free online public health courses for students who want to build on their knowledge or start gaining an understanding of a specific topic. The intermediate course focuses on global health as it applies to quality and safety. The beginner course focuses on the effects of climate change on human health and populations. Students can take the courses for free and focus on accomplishing their goals for a career.The way Harvard University stands apart from other programs is the accelerated focus of the courses. Students can finish the courses in seven or eight weeks, which allows them to work at a fast pace. It also offers a flexible online schedule that allows students to work around their personal schedule and obligations when studying for continuing education or to learn valuable details that may help in their careers. Students can obtain a certificate after finishing the online courses from Harvard University by paying a small fee. Courses: Improving Global Health: Focusing on Quality and Safety; The Health Effects of Climate Change
#3. Institute For Healthcare Improvement
The Institute for Healthcare Improvement offers an online course in quality and safety as it relates to populations. The courses focus on introductory topics that help students learn the basics they need to understand before moving into more advanced studies. The intermediate courses focus on specialized topics of discussion as it relates to healthcare and populations. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement stands out for offering translations of course material in French, Spanish, and Portuguese. Students can take courses in the language that is most comfortable for their studies. It gives students who may not be fluent in English an opportunity to complete the course and learn the same lessons. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement breaks down lessons into 15 to 40-minute-long sessions to make it easy for students to keep up with the course material. Courses: Triple Aim for Population
#4. John Hopkin’s University/Apple iTunes
Johns Hopkins University offers a free public health course with a focus on the history of the field of study. The free course focuses on the historical context of public health as an industry and how it has changed over time to reflect improvements in knowledge, medical science, and new theories. It also discusses historical ailments and sicknesses and the ways the concerns were resolved. Johns Hopkins University stands apart by offering a comprehensive look into the development and growth of public health measures that improve public safety in modern life. It strives to ensure that students have a clear understanding of the changes that have occurred over time as well as the way current public health issues may relate directly to historical context and situations. It gives students a strong foundation that helps them understand important topics of discussion in public health and safety. The Johns Hopkins University course on public health history is available for free through the Apple iTunes store for students to download onto a smartphone or tablet.Courses: The History of Public Health
#5. John Hopkin’s University/Coursera
Johns Hopkins University offers two free courses in public health through Coursera’s online system. The course on biostatistics in public health is a beginner level course that explores statistical data and analytical methods used in public health for improved skills when it comes to reading biomedical research statistics and related data points. The Foundations of Global Health course is also a beginner level course that offers a strong foundation when it comes to public health as it applies to a global environment.A key way Johns Hopkins University’s courses at Coursera stand apart is the flexible format. Students can study when it fits their schedule and have access to course materials at any location with a computer, laptop, or tablet. The course is fully online and students do not need to attend any classes at the college to complete the course. The courses from Johns Hopkins University require 10 weeks or less to complete based on student preferences and personal scheduling. Courses: Biostatistics in Public Health; Foundations of Global Health
#6. John Hopkin’s University/JHUSPH OPEN
Students who want to study a variety of topics related to public health from Johns Hopkins University can focus on the free courses available at JHSPH Open. Students have access to many courses that range from animals in research and foodborne bioterrorism to global tobacco control and child development. You have access to many online free courses that allow you to focus on an area of study that fits your long-term goals for your career and interests.The courses from Johns Hopkins University at JHSPH Open stand apart by providing a well-rounded view of public health. The array of courses allows students to recognize the different ways public health impacts local and global environments. It also strives to give students a strong foundation in the risks to public health and safety that may arise in modern environments. Students can separate courses at Johns Hopkins University by topic or by collection to make it easier to follow through with a topic as it applies to public health. Courses: JHUSPH Open
#7. Karolinska Institutet/eDX
The Karolinska Institutet offers a free course in the introduction to global health online that allows students to learn the foundation they need to build on their skills and knowledge. The course focuses on variations in health outcomes based on different countries and localities. It also explores differences based on gender and uses a perspective of equality to help shed light on important topics in public health. A key way the Karolinska Institutet stands apart from other options is the accelerated pace. The course requires only six weeks of time to complete and students can work on the classes when it fits their personal schedule. It offers an online format that makes it easy for students to keep up with the course from any location. The course from the Karolinska Institutet does not require any prerequisite courses and is designed for beginners in the study of public health. Courses: An Introduction to Global Health
#8. Liberty University/Apple iTunes
Liberty University offers a Community Health Nursing course for free through the Apple iTunes store. The free course focuses on the role of nurses in community health as well as the impact of environmental factors on a local community. It strives to ensure that nurses understand how to adapt to different situations that may arise when working with a community. Liberty University stands apart by offering a free course without any prerequisite standards. Students in nursing, public health, or any other field of study can take the course through the iTunes store. That allows students to gain a broad understanding of public health as it relates to nursing and local communities. It is a flexible solution for students who may have limitations on their time. The course from Liberty University takes a Biblical approach to the public health and nursing topics discussed in the course. Courses: Community Health Nursing #9. MIT/edX The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or MIT, offers a free online public health course on global health informatics with a focus on improving the quality of care in a medical setting. The course work is advanced, so it is ideal for students to have previous knowledge when it comes to informatics and medical technology. It is not designed for students who are starting out in their degree and do not have the fundamental knowledge about public health and informatics to help with their understanding of the course material. MIT stands apart from other courses by focusing on the computer science aspects of public health and medicine. It recognizes the role of technology in modern medicine and provides students with a clear idea of how technology may change the quality of care given to patients. Improvements to medical technology may impact long-term public health strategies and MIT prepares students for the challenges that may arise over time. MIT’s online course allows students to obtain a certificate for a small fee that may help when it comes to employment opportunities or proving knowledge of informatics. Courses: Global Health Informatics to Improve Quality of Care
#10. National Center For Disaster Preparedness/Columbia University
The National Center for Disaster Preparedness through Columbia University offers an online course in public health that helps students with their long-term goals. The course in surveillance and forecasting of emerging diseases teaches students how to resolve problems in emergency situations that may arise when an infectious disease develops. It strives to prepare students for different scenarios so that they can react quickly. The National Center for Disaster Preparedness stands apart by focusing on the possibility of predicting or identifying diseases before it causes an epidemic. By focusing on the possibility of forecasting an infectious disease as it starts to emerge into a population, public health professionals can take measures to limit the risks to the population. Students take a pre-test and a post-test for the course before receiving a certificate.Courses: Surveillance and Forecasting of Emerging Infectious Diseases
#11. NEXTGENU
When you are looking for free online public health courses to improve your understanding of a topic or for personal interests, NextGenU offers several options for your goals. NextGenU has long been recognized for their free online public health courses, but they have recently made an even bigger step – offering the first entirely FREE online MPH degree. Developed in partnership with the WHO, the CDC, and many other organizations, NextGenU has upped the ante for free public health education. A key way NextGenU stands apart is the dedication to free education. Not only do they offer multiple online courses for free that allow students to get credits for their degrees. They have built those courses and their degree on the highest level of expertise and reach, giving their students access to the very best minds in public health. NextGenU is the first organization to offer a free online degree for students who plan to study public health. Courses: NextGenU Courses
#12. OpenSuny/Coursera
OpenSUNY offers free online public health courses that help you focus on valuable skills for your career. The free course available through the school is Global Health Diplomacy. The course focuses on teaching students about the different ways politics, finances, and diplomacy interact to make decisions on a global scale in relation to health and public safety. The degree goes beyond the medical topics and terminology to help students recognize other factors that may impact public health on a global scale. A key way OpenSUNY stands apart is the flexibility of the free online course. The beginner level course in public health allows students to sign up for the class at different times throughout the year. It is a fully online program, which allows working adults to complete the class when it fits their schedule. It also allows many students to sign up for the free course, so many students can take the class. OpenSUNY offers accelerated online courses, and the free course in public health is a seven-week class that students can complete when they have time. Courses: Global Health Diplomacy
#13. PENN STATE/COURSERA
Penn State offers a free online course in Epidemics with a focus on the Dynamics of Infectious Diseases. The online course recognizes that infectious diseases are a complex problem that impacts public health and safety. It offers insights into the history of disease control and methods of preventing sicknesses, as well as the complications associated with infectious diseases that may cause harm to human health or death in a modern medical environment. It helps students understand the potential concerns that may arise as bacteria and viruses evolve and complicate medical treatments. The way Penn State’s free online course stands apart is the direct focus on infectious disease and the spread of sicknesses. The program explores different infectious diseases that have caused epidemics and death in the past, as well as the risks associated with disease adaptation to medical treatments. It allows students to gain a firm understanding of a basic topic of discussion for public health. The program takes around 16 hours to complete and offers flexible deadlines to allow students to work on their studies when they have the time. Courses: Epidemics – the Dynamics of Infectious Diseases
#14. SDG ACADEMY/EDX
SDG Academy offers a free online public health course in Global Public Health that allows students to understand the role of institutions and infrastructure within local communities and areas on global public health. It explores the impact of healthy individuals on their surroundings and interactions and strives to identify the connections between economics, social interaction, and environment on health. The online course from SDG Academy allows students to obtain a verified certificate to show they completed the course, which may help with job opportunities or gaining credits for a degree. A key way SDG Academy stands apart for its free online course is the focus on environmental factors and human health. The program teaches students about the way community health influences economics, migration to new locations, and trade. It also touches on the impact of health on the food systems of a local environment and how changes to a food system may impact the health of local communities. Courses: Global Public Health
#15. Stanford University/Coursera
Stanford University offers a free online course in International Women’s Health and Human Rights that allows students to gain a strong foundation in topics related to the rights of women around the world. The course focuses on the lives of women from infancy until they reach old age, and the way rights impact the health and well-being of women in different regions of the world. A key way Stanford University stands apart from other programs is the focus on flexibility. The course takes around 48 hours to complete, but the flexibility ensures that students are able to finish the course within eight weeks. You can also take more time to complete the course and finish it in 11 weeks if you have obligations that limit your time. T That level of flexibility ensures that you are able to stay on track and finish your coursework when it fits your schedule. Students can purchase a certificate for the course in International Women’s Health and Human Rights from Stanford University if they want to gain credit or use the certificate for continued education in their job. These are professional certifications by which any professionals, including those in healthcare, voluntarily choose to demonstrate proficiency in their craft through specialized training, followed by passing exams focused on essential knowledge-sets or skills. Healthcare involves the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of illnesses, diseases, and injuries. Some professionals treat the mind, others operate within the body, and many focus on one specific body function (hearing, reproduction, sight, etc.). But beyond that, the field includes everybody who’s working to keep the healthcare system running the place. Healthcare courses cover a broad range of subjects, such as nursing, dentistry, nutrition, pharmacy, alternative medicine, social care, psychology, healthcare management, and many others. Every career on this page will expand with 3 to 38 per cent more job openings in the next seven years Healthcare will always be necessary. Especially as the population ages, more opportunities and more specializations will open up. A small number of jobs can be secured with a high school diploma. In general, careers paying less than $35,000 require a certificate, training program, or Associate’s degree. Bachelor’s degrees open doors in limited medical fields. Master’s degrees usually prepare students for more specialized careers. And every physician has graduated from a Doctoral program. One great example of a healthcare career is Athletic Training! This profession has a wealth of job openings, specifically in states like Hawaii, Delaware, and South Dakota But it’s not just job openings! You can also find salaries of almost $60,000 in states like Nevada, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia. A simple explanation is this, think about a certificate program as an avenue for participants to acquire specialized knowledge or skills, while the purpose of professional certification is to validate an individuals’ competency through a set assessment system. o UC BERKELEY/OPEN ACADEMYo STANFORD UNIVERSITY/COURSERAo SDG ACADEMY/EDXo NEXTGENUo NATIONAL CENTER FOR DISASTER PREPAREDNESS/Columbia UNIVERSITY Certificates are earned through short-term programs, which focus on specific technical aspects of the healthcare field. Classwork will focus on the speciality of the certificate, and prepare students with the skills needed to enter these fields immediately upon completion. Those who complete these programs are eligible for positions such as Surgical Technicians, who earn a median salary of just over $45,000, or as Cardiac Care Technicians, who earn an average of around $55,000. Associate’s Degree programs typically last around two years and lead to entry-level work in healthcare. Coursework depends on specialization, but will typically focus on coursework solely related to the student’s specific focus. Students will get hands-on experiences in their field, and interact with real patients before even starting their careers.Example careers include Pharmacy Technicians, who earn around $31,000, or Psychiatric Assistants, who earn around $27,000. Bachelor’s Degree programs will cover a broader range of knowledge than certificate or associate programs. Students will engage in coursework inside and outside of their specialization, though the bulk of their coursework will be in their chosen field. Students graduating with a bachelors may pursue a career as a radiologic technologist, who help doctors to take X-Rays and CAT scans and earn a median salary of around $57,450. Graduate Degree programs will build on the knowledge that students gained in their undergraduate programs. Coursework will once again focus on the student’s speciality field but will go far more in-depth than previous stages.Once completed, this degree entitles students to enter fields such as healthcare administration. Those in this field earn a median of just under $100,000. There are a wide variety of programs for certification within Healthcare Management including the following:★ Healthcare Information & Management Systems Certification★ Healthcare Management and Leadership Certification★ Healthcare Policy★ Health Service Management★ Healthcare Policy and Regulatory Leadership★ Elements of Healthcare Leadership★ Healthcare Information Systems
Conclusion
Healthcare is one of the most demanding industries today. For those seeking employment opportunities in Healthcare, a certification program can allow those with little or no background in the industry to become health care professional. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Handbook predicts that employment of medical and health services managers will grow faster than the average occupation, with over 20 percent growth in the Healthcare Management workforce between 2008 and 2018. With the rapid expansion in healthcare, the job outlook should be excellent – especially for those with additional certifications in Healthcare Management. Because they take less time to complete, the cost of a certification program can be significantly less than earning a degree in this area. You can find a certification program in a variety of settings including community colleges, universities and online schools. Certification programs prepare students to work in a specialized area of Healthcare and can add to their professional skills.
