When considering a career in healthcare, it is important to get your feet wet. You can work with patients, help improve their health and well-being, and make a positive difference in their lives. The healthcare sector is one the fastest growing in the United States. It offers a wide range of career opportunities.
You can start your career as a licensed practical nurse or certified medical assistant. These two professions offer a quick and rewarding entry into the healthcare field. They both last less than one year.
MA vs LPN: Job Duties
A medical assistant is a person who works under the direction of a physician. They perform administrative as well as clinical tasks. They can help patients fill out insurance forms, prepare lab reports, and schedule appointments. They can also help with patient exams and surgical preparation.
MAs work in clinics and offices, as well at outpatient surgery centers. Some MAs are employed in nursing homes, nursing hospitals, private practice, and hospitals.
The job duties of a medical assistant can vary by facility, but in general, they must be familiar with how to take vital signs, prepare a patient for a exam, explain treatment plans and medications, and update medical records. MAs also need to be able communicate well and maintain confidentiality.
Also, they must be able administer injections to patients and take blood samples for testing. Some MAs even have training in simple surgical procedures such as phlebotomy.
LPNs usually work in rehabilitation and assisted living facilities. They are also employed in hospitals. LPNs are able to work any schedule, whether it is full-time, part-time, or nights and weekends.
In spite of their particular job responsibilities, healthcare professionals in general should maintain a commitment to continuous education and professional growth. For MAs, earning certification and registering with the national registry can help them advance their career. Earning CEUs may help LPNs maintain their license.
Get Paid for Working Two Jobs
BLS estimates that MAs, as well as LPNs, will both be in high-demand over the coming decade. But there is an important difference between their salaries.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS), medical assistants make more money than LPNs. While an MA's salary is heavily dependent on what type of job they are in and how much experience they have, an LPN's salary is fairly consistent.
The educational requirements of a medical assistant are very different from those for an LPN. LPNs have to pass the NCLEX before they can practice in their home state.
FAQ
What role does the public health officer play?
Participating in preventive efforts can help to protect your own health and that of others. Public health can be improved by reporting injuries and illnesses to health professionals, so that they can prevent further cases.
What will happen to Medicare if it isn't there?
The number of Americans without insurance will rise. Employers may decide to drop employees from their plans. Senior citizens will have to pay higher out of pocket for prescription drugs and medical services.
What can we do to improve the health care system?
We can improve health care by ensuring that everyone is provided high-quality medical care, no matter where they are located or what their insurance status.
It is important that we ensure that all children get the necessary vaccines to prevent them from getting diseases such as rubella, measles, and mumps (MMR).
It is important that we continue to work for lower costs of health care and ensure that it remains affordable to all.
Statistics
- Healthcare Occupations PRINTER-FRIENDLY Employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 16 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 2.6 million new jobs. (bls.gov)
- The healthcare sector is one of the largest and most complex in the U.S. economy, accounting for 18% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020.1 (investopedia.com)
- Consuming over 10 percent of [3] (en.wikipedia.org)
- Over the first twenty-five years of this transformation, government contributions to healthcare expenditures have dropped from 36% to 15%, with the burden of managing this decrease falling largely on patients. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Foreign investment in hospitals—up to 70% ownership- has been encouraged as an incentive for privatization. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
How To
How to Find Home Care Facilities
Home care facilities provide assistance for people who require it. This includes elderly people who do not want to leave their homes, disabled people who cannot move around independently, and those who suffer from chronic illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease. These facilities offer services such as personal hygiene, meal preparation and laundry, cleaning, medication reminders, transportation, and so on. They often collaborate with rehabilitation specialists, social workers, and medical professionals.
You can find the best home care services provider by asking friends, family and/or reading reviews on the internet. After you have identified a few providers, you can inquire about their experience and qualifications. Providers should be flexible in their hours so they can fit into your busy schedule. Check to see if there is an emergency response available 24/7.
Ask your doctor or nurse to refer you. You can search online for "home care" or "nursing homes" if you aren't sure where to look. You could also use websites such as Yelp, Angie's List and HealthGrades or Nursing Home Compare.
For additional information, contact your local Area Agency on Aging/Visiting Nurse Service Association (VNA). These organizations will have lists of agencies in your area that specialize in providing home care services.
It is crucial to find a quality home care agency, as many charge very high fees for patients. In fact, some agencies can charge up to 100% of an individual's monthly income. It is best to avoid this problem by choosing an agency with a high rating from the Better Business Bureau. Ask for references from clients who have used your agency before.
Some states require homecare agencies to register at the State Department of Social Services. Find out the requirements for agency registration in your area by contacting your local government.
There are several things to keep in mind when choosing a home care agency :
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Be cautious of companies that require you to pay upfront in order to receive services.
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You should look for a well-established and reputable business.
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Get proof of insurance, especially if you're paying out of pocket.
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You should ensure that the state licenses any agency you hire.
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For all costs related to hiring the agency, request a written contract.
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Confirm that the agency provides follow-up visits after discharge.
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Ask for a list or certifications.
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Do not sign anything without reading it first.
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Always read the fine print.
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Insure and bond the agency.
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Ask how long this agency has been around.
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Verify the license of the State Department of Social Welfare for the agency.
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Find out if there have been any complaints about the agency.
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Contact your local government office that regulates home-care agencies.
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It is important to ensure that staff members answering the phones are qualified to answer any questions you may have about homecare.
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Ask your lawyer or accountant for tax advice on the use of home-based care.
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Always get at least three bids for each home care agency you contact.
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Do not accept a lower bid than the best, but at least $30 per hour.
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Remember that you may need to pay more than one visit to a home care agency daily.
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When signing contracts, read everything carefully.