Medical Career Programs in My Area
…As the demand for healthcare services continues to rise, so does the need for qualified medical professionals. In this article, we will explore the various medical career programs available in your area and provide information on requirements, job outlook, and potential earnings.
Nursing Programs
Nursing is one of the most popular and in-demand medical careers. There are several types of nursing programs available in different levels such as certificate, associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. These programs are offered at various community colleges, universities, and vocational schools in your area. During a nursing program, students learn about anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and other medical-related subjects. They also gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations at hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. Upon completion, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a licensed nurse. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for registered nurses is expected to grow by 12% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. In addition, the median annual wage for registered nurses was $73,300 in May 2019.
Medical Assistant Programs
Medical assistants work in healthcare settings, assisting physicians and other healthcare professionals with clinical and administrative tasks. To become a medical assistant, you can enroll in a certificate or associate’s degree program at a community college or vocational school in your area. During a medical assistant program, students learn about medical terminology, anatomy, and basic clinical procedures such as taking vital signs, preparing patients for exams, and drawing blood. They also gain administrative skills, including medical billing and coding. Most programs also include a clinical externship where students can apply their knowledge in a real-world setting. The job outlook for medical assistants is also promising, with an expected growth of 23% from 2018 to 2028. The median annual wage for medical assistants was $34,800 in May 2019.
Pharmacy Technician Programs
Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of pharmacists, assisting with tasks such as filling and dispensing medications, maintaining patient records, and managing inventory. To become a pharmacy technician, you can enroll in a certificate or associate’s degree program at a community college or vocational school in your area. During a pharmacy technician program, students learn about pharmacy law and ethics, medication terminology and calculations, and how to use pharmacy software. They also gain hands-on experience through laboratory and clinical experiences. Upon completion, students can take a certification exam to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). The job outlook for pharmacy technicians is projected to grow by 7% from 2018 to 2028, and the median annual wage was $33,950 in May 2019.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Programs
Diagnostic medical sonographers use ultrasound technology to produce images of internal organs and tissues to help with diagnosis and treatment. To become a sonographer, you can enroll in an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program at a community college or university in your area. During a diagnostic medical sonography program, students learn about anatomy, physiology, and sonography principles. They also gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in different healthcare settings. Upon completion, students can take a certification exam to become a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS). The job outlook for diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to grow by 14% from 2018 to 2028, and the median annual wage was $74,320 in May 2019.
Summary
Medical career programs in your area offer a wide range of opportunities for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare field. Whether you have a passion for patient care or prefer working behind the scenes, there is a program that can help you achieve your career goals.
- Nursing programs are available at different levels and offer a promising job outlook with a median annual wage of $73,300
- Medical assistant programs can be completed in less than two years and have a projected job growth of 23%
- Pharmacy technician programs provide a path to a fulfilling career with a projected job growth of 7% and a median annual wage of $33,950
- Diagnostic medical sonography programs offer a promising job outlook with a projected growth of 14% and a median annual wage of $74,320
If you are interested in pursuing a medical career, research the programs available in your area and choose one that aligns with your career goals and interests. Remember, education and training are crucial for success in the competitive healthcare industry.