Temperature is suitable for healthcare opportunities
A career in health care could be the cure for your work problems. Whether working with patients, being a key contributor to a medical office team, or starting your own business, health care is a fulfilling, challenging, and exciting career choice. And there has never been a better time to train for a healthcare position. With the aging of baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964), a shift from inpatient to outpatient care, and the expansion of health care facilities, the demand for healthcare workers is expected to increase in the coming years, especially in California.
Below are the fastest growing healthcare careers in California:
*Dental Assistance*
Average Annual Salary: $31,985
2002-2012 Job Growth: 57%
Future Career Paths: Dental Hygienist, Licensed Vocational Nurse
*Health Claims Examiner/Medical Biller*
Average Annual Salary: $31,772
2002-2012 Job growth: 41%
Future Career Paths: Medical Coder, Insurance Adjuster
*Massage Therapy*
Average Annual Salary: $36,340
2002-2012 Job Growth: 21%
Future Career Paths: Physical Therapist, Day Spa Manager
*Medical assistant*
Average Annual Salary: $28,890
2002-2012 Job Growth: 46%
Future Career Paths: Licensed Vocational Nurse, Medical Coder
*Optical dosage*
Average Annual Salary: $32,441
2002-2012 Job growth: 23%
Future Career Paths: Store Owner, Manufacturer Sales Representative
*Pharmacology Technician*
Average Annual Salary: $33,632
2002-2012 Job Growth: 31%
Future Career Paths: Occupational Therapy Assistant, Dietary Technician
*Surgical Technology*
Average Annual Salary: $40,178
2002-2012 Job growth: 36%
Future Career Paths: Central Supply Manager, Assistant. Operating room administrator.
*Diagnostic Medical Sonography*
Average Annual Salary: $60,908
2002-2012 Job Growth: 21%
Future Career Paths: Physician Assistant, Medical Technologist
** Salaries listed above are median annual wages reported by the State of California Employment Development Department and do not reflect entry-level salaries for the health care positions listed.
Key success factors
Do you have a genuine desire to help people? Then you are likely to be successful as a health professional. The other four critical skills you will need to be successful in health care are:
or team player. Healthcare is a group activity, so interpersonal skills and teamwork are essential.
o Compassionate and caring. Helping care for people requires patience and an attitude of service.
o Comfortable in any environment. You may be part of a large organization or a small staff, working at the local, state, regional or national level. The possibilities are endless.
o Desire for lifelong learning. You will need to continue studying and learning throughout your career to keep up with the latest developments in the field.
Health care lends a helping hand
Health professionals are essential when it comes to caring for the physical, mental, social and emotional well-being of people. Whether it’s a health information specialist or a dental receptionist, all support staff play a vital role in patient care. As an important contributor to the health care system, you will need to be able to build trust and credibility with your co-workers and patients. Good communication skills, the ability to follow instructions, and strong listening skills are important, especially if you work in a clinical setting.
Technical skills are a must.
Technology has altered the practice of medical care. No matter what the field of health care, the ability to work with computers and high-tech equipment is a powerful asset. As a medical biller, you’ll likely be asked to help process some claims electronically. Clinical medical assistants may be dealing with an electronic medical record. Pharmacy technicians often operate automatic pill dispensers. But if you’re not familiar with such tools, don’t worry: your important career path will help you get introduced to these concepts.
exciting environments
Is it any wonder shows like NBC’s “ER” and “Scrubs” and CBS’s “Rescue 911” have been so popular? They show the drama of medicine and the reality of life and death situations. Health care is full of stimulating and interesting interactions. Of course, big city hospitals are bustling with activity, but even a quiet suburban assisted living facility, chiropractor’s office, retail pharmacy, HMO, or medical clinic has daily drama and fascinating daily interactions. If you enjoy a variety of tasks, work well under stress, and take pride in a job well done, then you have what it takes to be a valued member of the health care team.
lifelong learning
Medical workplaces have always been environments that support and encourage professional growth and development. On-the-job training and continuing education opportunities abound, and employers will often subsidize your education. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities for advancement, so your ambition will serve you well in a healthcare profession. If you are interested in a career such as massage therapy, rest assured that complementary and alternative medicine is becoming integrated into conventional health care systems, offering you even greater opportunities. No matter what your area of interest is, be sure to start at a school that provides a positive learning environment and is prepared to help you launch your career in this exciting field.
reality check
Although not all healthcare professionals work with patients, those who do will find that people are sicker, older, and living longer, often with chronic illnesses. Maintaining a positive attitude is key to maintaining a cheerful office or clinic. Are you ready for the challenge? Being a paid caregiver requires trust, commitment and compassion.
Summary
The clock never stops ticking in the health profession. Maybe it’s time for you to join this financially rewarding, stable and rewarding occupation. A recent study showed that California led other states in the number of health care job openings advertised, with other regions also showing strong demand across the country.
One healthcare worker said it best: “Touching someone’s life in a positive way is the most rewarding job there is.”
A request free information For information on health care professional training programs offered in Southern California, visit http://www.americancareer.com.
A request free information For information on health care professional training programs offered in the San Joaquin Valley of Northern California, visit http://www.acicareercollege.com.
About American Career College
For more than 25 years, American Career College (ACC) has been helping thousands of students get started in the healthcare industry. ACC offers nine healthcare training programs at campuses in Los Angeles, Orange County, and Norco, California:
Dental Assistance
Health Claims Examiner/Medical Biller
massage therapy
Optical dosage
Vocational Nursing
Pharmacology Technician
Surgical Technology
Medical and diagnostic sonography (ultrasound)
Medical assistant
About ACI Career College
At its McHenry Avenue campus in Modesto, CA, the university offers six accredited health care training programs:
Health Information Specialist
Medical Clinical Assistant
Medical-Dental Administrative Assistant
Pharmacology Technician
massage therapist
Dental Medical Receptionist