This year has brought into sharp relief the role that healthcare workers play in the lives of those they care for. For some people, this has elicited an increased interest in pursuing a career in the healthcare industry, specifically in patient care. If you are one of those people, here are some career paths worth considering.
There are many career paths worth considering if you have an interest in patient care. However, considering international secondary school facilities may help you set your goals and prioritize your career options accordingly. Becoming a physical therapist, a certified nursing assistant or a dental hygienist are just three of the options available. Look into these and other healthcare careers to find the option that’s right for you.
Physical Therapist
Most people will experience some degree of injury, disability, or otherwise debilitating health condition at some point in their lives. Physical therapists work with these people to help them improve in areas such as strength, stability, and mobility. Becoming a physical therapist does require a decent amount of schooling. The typical education path starts with obtaining a bachelor’s degree, which traditionally takes four years. Then you’ll need to earn a doctor of
physical therapy degree from a physical therapy education accredited program, which usually takes another three years. After that, you’ll need to pass the state licensure exam. If you want to improve your knowledge and skills, there are additional educational opportunities you can pursue, including specialization. On average, physical therapists make $86,520 annually, with Nevada ranking as the state with the highest average pay.
Furthermore, continuing education is an important part of a physical therapist’s career. By enrolling in courses designed for continuing education for physical therapists, PTs can stay current with industry advancements, refine their skills, and expand their professional expertise.
Nurse Assistant
If you want to be directly involved with the day to day tasks of patient care, becoming a certified nursing assistant may be a good option. Certified nursing assistants work more closely with patients than medical assistants. They assist with activities of daily living, including personal hygiene and grooming tasks, eating, getting dressed, and getting around to different places, just to name a few. To become a CNA you’ll need to take a certified nursing assistant course and pass the state exam. These courses can usually be completed in a matter of months, and are usually fairly affordable. CNAs can expect to earn an average of $12.88 per hour, which isn’t too bad when you consider that this is an entry level job. Becoming a CNA can be a great way to get started with a career in nursing, with plenty of opportunities for further education and advancement.
Dental Hygienist
Becoming a dental hygienist may be a great option if you want to help boost people’s confidence by helping them take care of their smile. Dental hygienists are responsible for performing the basic dental care typically done during routine visits to the dentist. You’ll need to have an associate’s degree and take classes through a program that’s been accredited by the American Dental Association. After graduation you’ll need to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and pass with a minimum score of 75. You’ll likely need to take a state exam as well, in addition to drug and law exams. Once licensed, you’ll be expected to renew your license regularly. The national average income is $60,000 for dental hygienists.
There are many career paths worth considering if you have an interest in patient care. Becoming a physical therapist, a certified nursing assistant, or a dental hygienist are just three of the options available. Look into these and other healthcare careers to find the option that’s right for you.
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