Start Training Today for a Career in Healthcare

Transcription

1 The StraighterLine Guide: Start Training Today for a Career in Healthcare By Barry Lenson 2013 StraighterLine. All Rights Reserved.

2 Table of Contents Table of Contents Introduction: Why the Demand for Trained Healthcare Professionals Has Never Been Greater Part One: Is a Healthcare Career Right for You? Part Two: Which Healthcare Careers Are Growing Fastest? Part Three: Who Will Hire You after Your Training? Part Four: What Is the Best Way to Start Training without Breaking the Bank? About StraighterLine Notes

3 Introduction: Why the Demand for Trained Healthcare Professionals Has Never Been Greater If you've been following the news over the last few years, you already know how difficult it is to find a job today - even if you are a recent college graduate. But here is some good news that you should know as you make your educational plans... The demand for trained medical support professionals is booming. With the right training, one of these jobs can be yours. But why are new jobs being created in the healthcare professions? There are several reasons you should know... Americans are using a wider variety of healthcare providers than ever before. The "family doctor" is pretty much a thing of the past. Americans are now using emergency rooms, walk-in emergency care centers, test centers, same-day surgical centers, dialysis providers, physical therapists, chiropractors, and many more kinds of healthcare providers. And all of those healthcare providers need trained professionals to staff their operations. Handling medical insurance claims has become more complicated than ever before. Due to new healthcare legislation and the complexity of medical insurance policies, demand has surged for qualified medical billers and coders. As you will discover in the pages ahead in this report, the need for these specialists will increase dramatically in the future. America s population is growing older, and aging people need more medical care. According to data from the latest U. S. Census, the number of Americans older than 65 increased from 34,992,000 in 2000 to 37,888,000 in That growth is expected to continue until the year 2025 and beyond. And as our population ages, the demand for healthcare services will continue to grow. 3

4 Part One: Is a Healthcare Career Right for You? Before we discuss your opportunities as a trained healthcare professional, let's ask an important question that you should think about first Is a career in healthcare a good fit for you? In other words, will you enjoy working in the healthcare field? Will you be successful? Here is a list of traits that successful healthcare support professionals share, so take out a pencil and check the ones that you already have A desire to help people. Good listening skills. Enthusiasm for learning new technologies. Ambition and a desire for professional growth. Good organization. The ability to multitask (handle several tasks at the same time). And here is a list of traits that you will not need at the start of your training A record of success in science classes that you have already taken. A college degree. Advanced computer skills. Knowledge of diseases, human anatomy, or medicines. That second list of traits that you don't need might surprise you. But the fact is, you will gain all the scientific and technical knowledge you need as you train for one of the fast-growing medical support professions. You do not need to be a master of that knowledge before your training begins. Good listening and people skills - the traits on the first list - come first. If you have them, you should explore different healthcare professions and consider training for the specialty that makes the most sense for you. 4

5 Part Two: Which Healthcare Careers Are Growing Fastest? Which medical support professions are growing most quickly, and which should you consider training for? Here are the latest career projections from the Occupational Outlook Quarterly, a publication of the U.S. Government's Bureau of Labor Statistics. The demand for Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians is projected to grow 14% by ,100 people worked in this profession in 2008, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that their number will grow to 373,600 in In this profession, you could earn between $36,180 and $74,680 a year. The demand for Dental Assistants is projected to grow 36% by ,300 people worked in this profession in 2008, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that their number will grow to 400,900 in In this profession, you could earn between $22,270 and $46,150 a year. The demand for Medical Office Assistants is projected to grow 34% by ,600 people worked in this profession in 2008, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that their number will grow to 647,500 in In this profession, you could earn between $20,600 and $39,570 a year. The demand for Medical Records and Health Information Technicians is projected to grow 29% by ,500 people worked in this profession in 2008, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that their number will grow to 207,600 in In this profession, you could earn between $20,440 and $50,060 a year. 5

6 The demand for Nursing Aides is projected to grow 18% by ,532,300 people worked in this profession in 2008, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that their number will grow to 1,811,800 in In this profession, you could earn between $8.34 and $15.97 hourly. The demand for Pharmacy Technicians is projected to grow 31% by ,300 people worked in this profession in 2008, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that their number will grow to 426,000 in In this profession, you could earn between $8.35 and $18.77 hourly. The demand for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians is projected to grow 17% by ,700 people worked in this profession in 2008, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that their number will grow to 251,218 in In this profession, you could earn between $35,100 and $74,970 a year. The demand for Surgical Technologists is projected to grow 25% by ,500 people worked in this profession in 2008, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that their number will grow to 114,700 in In this profession, you could earn between $27,510 and $54,300 a year. 6

7 Part Three: Who Will Hire You after Your Training? This is a very important question to ask. Let's take a closer look If you are a trained as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist or Technician, you could be hired by: Dialysis centers Hospitals Insurance companies Medical laboratories Medical practice groups MRI and other testing centers U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers If you are trained as a Dental Assistant, you could be hired by: Dentists A variety of clinics and other organizations that provide dental care to women in transition and other populations in need Oral surgeons Dental implant centers Providers of cosmetic dental services U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers 7

8 If you are trained as a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist, you could be hired by: A variety of organizations that provide health services to women in transition and other populations in need Attorneys Chiropractors, massage therapists and other specialized care providers Correctional facilities Dialysis centers Hospitals Immediate care centers Independent physicians Insurance companies Medical practice groups MRI and other testing centers Schools that need instructors to teach medical billing and coding Short-term-stay surgical centers U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers If you are trained as a Medical Administrative Assistant, you could be hired by: Chiropractors, massage therapists and other specialized care providers Dialysis centers Hospitals Immediate care centers Independent physicians Insurance companies Medical practice groups MRI and other testing centers Short-term-stay surgical centers U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers 8

9 If you are trained as a Medical Assistant, you could be hired by: A variety of organizations that provide health services to women in transition and other populations in need Chiropractors, massage therapists, oral surgeons and other specialized care providers Dialysis centers Hospitals Immediate care centers Independent physicians Insurance companies Medical practice groups MRI and other testing centers Short-term-stay surgical centers U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers If you are trained as a Nursing Assistant, you could be hired by: A variety of organizations that provide health services to women in transition and other populations in need Chiropractors, massage therapists, oral surgeons and other specialized care providers Dialysis centers Hospitals Immediate care centers Independent physicians Insurance companies Medical practice groups MRI and other testing centers Short-term-stay surgical centers U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers 9

10 If you are trained as a Patient Care Technician, you could be hired by: A variety of organizations that provide health services to women in transition and other populations in need Chiropractors, massage therapists, oral surgeons and other specialized care providers Dialysis centers Hospitals Immediate care centers Independent physicians Insurance companies Medical practice groups MRI and other testing centers Short-term-stay surgical centers U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers If you are trained as a Pharmacy Technician, you could be hired by: Commercial pharmacies Hospitals that have pharmacies Mail-order, Internet and other pharmacies U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers 10

11 If you are trained as a Phlebotomy Technician, you could be hired by: Dialysis centers Hospitals Immediate care centers Independent physicians Medical practice groups Short-term-stay surgical centers U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers If you are trained as an X-Ray Technician, you could be hired by: Chiropractors, massage therapists and other specialized care providers Hospitals Immediate care centers Independent physicians Medical practice groups MRI and other testing centers Physical therapists Short-term-stay surgical centers U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers 11

12 Part Four: What Is the Best Way to Start Training without Breaking the Bank? If you search online for the term "medical training," you will discover there are many schools that offer training in the medical support professions. Some of these institutions offer online training programs, others have facilities and campuses where classes are held. You will also notice that those schools are eager to welcome you as a student. Many have financial aid counselors who will help you obtain government-funded and other loans to help pay for your studies. But here is a suggestion Before signing up as a full-time student - and paying tuition or borrowing to pay for your classes - why not explore the healthcare field first by taking some low-cost courses online? StraighterLine offers a selection of 10 excellent college-level courses that can help you get a solid grounding in healthcare - and help you make a more informed decision about whether or not to enroll in a more expensive, full-time training program. Ten Reasonably Priced Online StraighterLine Healthcare Courses You Can Choose From Medical Terminology Your Price: $49 with a monthly subscription plan Transferrable College Credits: 3 This course introduces elements of medical terminology, such as the etymology of words used to describe the human body. Students learn to apply proper terminology and spelling for major pathological conditions. This course identifies and explains the terms used for the integumentary, respiratory, nervous, reproductive, endocrine, urinary, digestive, lymphatic, hematic, immune, and musculoskeletal systems. It compares and contrasts the different body systems. Students define and describe the function of each system of the body. 12

13 Pharmacology I Your Price: $49 with a monthly subscription plan Transferrable College Credits: 3 This course introduces pharmacology as the study of drugs. The course begins with an explanation of therapeutic and adverse effects, in addition to the basic operation of the nervous system. Then, several body systems and the conditions that affect them are reviewed, with particular reference to the use of drugs to treat these conditions. Topics include muscle relaxants, anesthetics, pain medication, and nervous system and psychological disorders. As students work through this course, their appreciation of how drugs affect the body in intended and unintended ways will increase. Pharmacology II Your Price: $49 with a monthly subscription plan Transferrable College Credits: 3 This course continues the study of pharmacology. Several major body systems are covered, including the cardiovascular, urinary, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and reproductive systems, with particular emphasis on the endocrine and immune systems. The components and functions of each of these systems are reviewed, along with diseases and conditions that affect them. The drugs that are used to treat such conditions are studied with respect to their mechanisms of action, therapeutic effects, and adverse effects. As students work through this course, their understanding of the ways in which drugs act on the body will improve. Introduction to Nutrition Your Price: $49 with a monthly subscription plan Transferrable College Credits: 3 This course explores: the types of nutrients you need; how the body uses nutrients; how nutrition affects health; and how nutrient needs change at different stages of life. This course also explores how psychology, society, and your own values and beliefs affect what and how people eat. Introduction to Biology Your Price: $49 with a monthly subscription plan Transferrable College Credits: 3 Introductory Biology is an introductory course in the biological sciences. Topics included are cell structure and function, bioenergetics, DNA structure and function, cell reproduction, taxonomy, evolution, ecology, and an overview of the anatomy and physiology of the major organ systems. 13

14 Introduction to Biology with Lab Your Price: $49 with a monthly subscription plan Transferrable College Credits: 4 Introductory Biology is an introductory course in the biological sciences. Topics included are cell structure and function, bioenergetics, DNA structure and function, cell reproduction, taxonomy, evolution, ecology, and an overview of the anatomy and physiology of the major organ systems. This course includes an at-home lab component and supplemental assessments and exercises. Anatomy & Physiology I Your Price: $49 with a monthly subscription plan Transferrable College Credits: 3 This course provides a comprehensive look at the human body's structure and functions. Topics include organization of the body, characteristics of life, anatomical terminology, how the body maintains homeostasis, the relationship of chemistry to anatomy and physiology, and cell function and division. The skin, skeletal system, muscles, and nervous system are examined. Sensory organs and the endocrine system are also presented. Several diseases and disorders are discussed, and as well as the cause, detection, and treatment of them. Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab Your Price: $49 with a monthly subscription plan Transferrable College Credits: 4 This course provides a comprehensive look at the human body's structure and functions. Topics include organization of the body, characteristics of life, anatomical terminology, how the body maintains homeostasis, the relationship of chemistry to anatomy and physiology, and cell function and division. The skin, skeletal system, muscles, and nervous system are examined. Sensory organs and the endocrine system are also presented. Several diseases and disorders are discussed, and as well as the cause, detection, and treatment of them. Students will also perform and complete content complementary at home labs with accompanying assessments as a lab component to this course. 14

15 Anatomy & Physiology II Your Price: $49 with a monthly subscription plan Transferrable College Credits: 3 Building on Anatomy and Physiology I, this course examines major parts of the body and how they work independently as well as together. The reproductive system is discussed as well as stages of human development. Students learn about the lymphatic system and the three lines of defense the body has against pathogens. Also explained are the cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, and urinary systems as well as nutrition, metabolism, body fluid balances, and aging. Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab Your Price: $49 with a monthly subscription plan Transferrable College Credits: 3 Building on Anatomy and Physiology I, this course examines major parts of the body and how they work independently as well as together. The reproductive system is discussed as well as stages of human development. Students learn about the lymphatic system and the three lines of defense the body has against pathogens. Also explained are the cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, and urinary systems as well as nutrition, metabolism, body fluid balances, and aging. This course includes an at-home lab component and supplemental assessments and exercises. 15

16 Going Back to College? Consider Taking Your Required Courses from StraighterLine When you enroll at StraighterLine, you take our online, self-paced college courses in the comfort of your own home. If you pass those courses, they automatically transfer for full credit when you enroll in one of our accredited partner colleges. Your Degree Comes From Them. The Savings Comes From Us. Why pay more for the same degree? For just $99 a month plus as little as $49 per course registration fee, you can take as many 3- and 4-credit college courses as you want. Courses include: Business Accounting I Accounting II Business Communications Business Ethics Business Law Economics I: Macroeconomics Economics II: Microeconomics Financial Accounting Introduction to Business Managerial Accounting Organizational Behavior Principles of Management College Prep Developmental Writing Introductory Algebra Prior Learning Assessment Student Success English English Composition I English Composition II Humanities American Government Cultural Anthropology Introduction to Communications Introduction to Criminal Justice Introduction to Philosophy Introduction to Religion Introduction to Sociology Personal Finance United States History I United States History II Western Civilization I Western Civilization II Languages Spanish I Spanish II Mathematics Business Statistics Calculus I Calculus II College Algebra Precalculus Sciences Anatomy & Physiology I Anatomy & Physiology II First Aid/CPR General Chemistry I General Physics I General Physics II Introduction to Biology Introduction to Environmental Science Introduction to Nutrition Introduction to Psychology Medical Terminology Microbiology Personal Fitness & Wellness Pharmacology I Pharmacology II 16

17 Why StraighterLine? We re New. We re Different. Why Should You Trust Us? In the short time we've been around, we've been recognized as a revolutionizing force in education by major news organizations and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and have forged partnerships with the leading accredited online colleges and universities. Our Partner Schools include: Our courses are evaluated and recommended by the American Council on Education's College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE CREDIT), which includes over 1,800 participating colleges and universities. In addition to the institutions with which StraighterLine has a direct relationship, more than 200 other schools are reported to have accepted StraighterLine coursework for transfer credit. 17

18 Don t Take Our Word for It. Listen to Our Students "Because of your company I am able to finish my BA this year!!! I use the post 9/11 GI bill and doing these classes are saving me valuable time so I can move on to my MA next year!...i didn't think I would be able to have enough time for a BA and MA but straighterline is making it possible! Love the program!!!" - Tawny Miller, 5/31/12 "Love your program it is easily one of the most challenging and rewarding programs offered online." - Michelle Dyer, 3/7/12 "Working full-time and caring for a family makes it impossible for me to attend brick and mortar classes during the week....there is no other product out there that can compare to StraighterLine's $99 monthly enrollment. It's cost effective, convenient, and makes earning your degree possible. I highly recommend StraighterLine!" - Cory Hutchinson, 1/16/12 "I've had 10 courses transferred so far without any issue, and it's usually been very prompt in comparison to most schools I've dealt with." - Adam Ditillo, 12/12/11 "...I also appreciate the unconditional support I have received from the school - it's so reassuring to know that there is a constant team of support while I am completing my courses - especially since I have been out of school for a long time! Thanks again for everything!" - Laura Chimuk, 3/26/12 18

19 Our Students Grade Us! To better understand how our courses are meeting students' needs, we commissioned a well-regarded higher education research firm to conduct a survey of our alumni. StraighterLine Students Earn Real College Credit 95% of the students who sought credit for completed StraighterLine coursework were successful. This includes nearly 82% of those who sought credit at colleges and universities outside the StraighterLine partner college network (ie, institutions with which StraighterLine does not have a formal articulation-like arrangement). StraighterLine s Programs Are Effective Over 70% who completed a StraighterLine course felt it made them more likely to complete a college degree. Over half felt better prepared for traditional college courses as a result of having taken a StraighterLine course. Students Are Overwhelmingly Satisfied with StraighterLine s Courses Among those who completed a StraighterLine course,over 90% would recommend the program to a friend. Satisfaction was remarkably high even among those who did not successfully complete,where 76% would still recommend StraighterLine to a friend. StraighterLine vs. Online Courses Offered by Traditional Colleges and Universities Respondents who had also earned college credit through an online course offered by a college or university were asked to compare that experience with StraighterLine on a number of measures. StraighterLine courses were found to be: Equally or more rigorous 91% indicated StraighterLine equally or more academically rigorous than Online University/ College Courses Continues 19

20 More convenient 70% indicated StraighterLine more convenient than Online University/College Courses More affordable 61% indicated StraighterLine lower cost than Online University/College Courses Greater overall satisfaction 94% indicated more or equally satisfied with Straighterline compared with Online University/ College Courses About the study: Hezel Associates invited to participate in the survey all students who had either successfully or unsuccessfully completed a StraighterLine course during the period from the company's inception to June 6, There was an 11.8% response rate during the data collection period. You can download a PDF of the final results at: 20