HEALTH CAREERS

EDUCATION  Health Occupations Education (HOE) ◦ Vocational training for immediate employment >>>OR<<< ◦ Additional education after HS graduation

 Associate’s Degree – vocational- tech school or community college (2 years)  Bachelor’s Degree – college or university (4 or more years)  Master’s Degree – one or more year beyond BA or BS  Doctorate or Doctor’s Degree – 2 or more years beyond bachelor’s or master’s

CERTIFICATION  Person has fulfilled requirements and meets standards of government or professional association  Ex: certified dental assistant, certified lab tech, certified medical assistant

REGISTRATION Workers take exams and are placed in a list of qualified personnel Ex: registered dietician, registered respiratory therapist

LICENSURE  Government agency authorizes individuals to work in a given occupation  Can vary from state to state

 Requirements: ◦ Completion of approved educational program ◦ Passing the state board test ◦ Maintain standards  Ex: physician, dentist, RN, phys. therapist

CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS Required to renew licenses or maintain certification or registration Additional hours of education during a specified period of time

MULTISKILLED WORKERS Workers who can perform a variety of skills Additional training or educational programs that prepare multi- competent workers

ENTREPRENEUR  Individual who organizes, manages, and assumes the risk of a business  Must still work under the direction or guidance of doctors  Ex: doctor, dentist, physical therapist, dental lab technician, etc…

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURES

Follows a line of authority or chain of command Will vary: with the size of hospital or office Number of people employed

Important for health care workers to identify and understand their respective positions Workers must take questions, problems, and reports to their immediate supervisors If they cannot help, then go to the next level

SAMPLE MEDICAL OFFICE CHART

SITUATION #1 YOU WORK AS A NURSE ASSISTANT IN A HOSPITAL. A PATIENT ASKS FOR HELP TO GO TO THE BATHROOM. HOW CAN YOU DETERMINE IF THE PATIENT IS ALLOWED UP TO THE BATHROOM?

SITUATION #2 YOU WORK AS A DENTAL ASSISTANT IN A LARGE DENTAL CLINIC WITH THREE DOCTORS. YOU SEE THE SECRETARY- RECEPTIONIST TAKING MONEY OUT OF THE CASH DRAWER AND PLACING IT IN HER PURSE. WHAT DO YOU DO?