Are you interested in changing careers? Are you looking into allied health careers, but you’re not sure which specialty to choose? There are plenty of specialties to choose from and all of the healthcare fields are in demand.
Healthcare occupations are growing much faster than most career fields at 18%, compared to the average of 7%. This is projected to result in more than 2.4 million new jobs added to the market, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) [1]
There are plenty of allied health careers that you can prepare for at a trade school. Here are six examples:
- Basic Nursing Assistant
- Dental Assisting
- Massage Therapy
- Medical Assisting
- Medical Coding
- Pharmacy Technician
#1: What is a Basic Nursing Assistant?
Nursing assistants may work in [2] nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities), hospitals (state, local, and private), continuing care retirement communities, and assisted living facilities for the elderly, home healthcare services, and the government.
Read more on How Hard is BNA Training?Â
Individuals interested in becoming a BNA will need to prepare for the Certified Nursing Assistant certification exam by enrolling in training, like Midwest Technical Institute’s Basic Nursing Assistant Course.
#2: What is a Dental Assistant?
A dental assistant [3] performs lab tasks and works under the supervision of a dentist.
Depending on their state*, dental assistants may be able to complete the following: [3]
- Coronal polishing
- Sealant applications
- Fluoride applications
- Topical anesthetic applications
Most dental assistants work in [4] offices of dentists, the government, or offices of physicians.
People who want to be dental assistants should consider training, like the MTI Dental Assisting program, in order to enter the industry.
*Some states, including Illinois, require additional training in order to perform certain tasks.
#3: What is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapists use their hands, fingers, forearms, and elbows to knead muscles and tissues in clients’ bodies. Many massage therapists work [5] as self-employed workers, but plenty are employed in personal care services, offices of other health practitioners, offices of chiropractors, and in the accommodation industry.
To work as a massage therapist in most states, an individual will need to complete the relevant training, like the Massage Therapy Program that MTI offers. This program is available at the Springfield and East Peoria, IL campuses.
#4: What is Medical Assisting?
Medical assistants work in a variety of locations [6] such as the offices of physicians, hospitals (state, local, and private), outpatient care centers, and offices of chiropractors. Medical assistants typically work full time and may need to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
To become a Medical assistant, training is recommended through a trade school, like MTI’s Medical Assisting Program.
#5: What is Medical Coding?
Medical coders typically [7] review patient information for preexisting conditions, such as diabetes, so patient data can be coded properly, assign appropriate diagnoses and procedure codes for patient care, population health statistics, and billing purposes, and work as liaisons between healthcare providers and billing offices.
Medical coders can complete training, which can be done through the MTI Medical Coding Specialist Program, to enter the industry.
#6: What is a Pharmacy Technician?
Pharmacy technicians often work [8] in pharmacies and drug stores, hospitals (state, local, and private), general merchandise stores, and food and beverage stores.
In order to become a pharmacy technician, individuals should consider completing training, like the MTI Pharmacy Technician Program.
There is Demand for Employees in Allied Health Careers
If you’re unsure of where to begin, the first step to a career in one of these fast-growing allied health professions may be completing the helpful training. Allied health careers are projected to grow more than the average expectancy so these trades may be a great investment. Contact the Admissions Team at Midwest Technical Institute to learn how to enroll.
*Not all programs and courses are available at all campuses. Please contact your local campus for program availability.
Sources
[1] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm [2] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm#tab-3 [3] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm#tab-2 [4] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm#tab-3 [5] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm#tab-3 [6] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm#tab-3 [7] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm#tab-2 [8] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm#tab-3