Health careers besides nursings

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So lately I have been second guessing my decision to become a nurse. I am still pretty set on it but I want to make sure I am making the right choice before I go into the two year program. So my question is, are there any one year certificates(besides LPN) that pay decent(around LPN pay)?

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Medical assistant pays slightly less than LPN and some positions may pay as much or more, depending upon experience. But there are limited job opportunities. The same can be said of emergency medical technicians.

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Medical assistant pays slightly less than LPN and some positions may pay as much or more, depending upon experience. But there are limited job opportunities. The same can be said of emergency medical technicians.

I was actually looking into that, but one thing confused me. One program says medical assisting, certified and the other says medical assisting, clinical. Which would be the better choice? differences between the two?

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Certified would mean that completion of the program would qualifiy a person to take the certification exam. Clinical would indicate that it is only the portion of the program that teaches the clinical skills, another course or program would be needed to cover the office skills. Of course, being certified would be an advantage when looking for work.

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Specializes in MICU, SICU, PACU, Travel nursing.

I could be wrong, but I think there are some ultrasound/echo type programs that are 1-2 years. I hear the curriculum is challenging and positions can be far and few. but it pays pretty well for the program length.

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The local cc in my area offers a surgical tech cert that takes a year.

Quite a few allied health programs take two years but can be done in one year if the accelerated track option is available. EEG tech is one that I can think of off the top of my head. If you use google to find a web page that lists allied health occupations then look at schools in your area to see what they offer I'm sure you'll find some more options.

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Respiratory therapy, or physical therapist.

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Specializes in ER.

Dental assistant or dental hygienist. Dental assistant is usually around a 9-month program. Dental hygiene is typically 2-year program.

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Physical Therapist now requires a doctorate- it's a professional doctorate so not quite as long as a PhD but still at least 6 years for most people.

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Specializes in Mother-Baby, Rehab, Hospice, Memory Care.

Surgical Tech is usually a one year program and pay is very similar to LPN. My husband is attending a 12 month Surgical Technology program which is 4 hours daily 5 times a week with a 3 month long clinical rotation. This was the best choice for him to enter into a health care profession. He plans on advancing to RN or PA in the future. Respiratory Therapy, Radiology Tech, and Ultrasound Tech are usually 2-3 year associate degree programs so they would take as long as an ADN program. Pharmacy Tech and EMT are other options but I don't think the pay quite compares to LPN.

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Specializes in Peri-op/Sub-Acute ANP.

I found this link yesterday for a friend who is thinking of going into healthcare.

http://www.explorehealthcareers.org/en/Career.35.aspx

It seems to be fairly extensive, well written and informative. Hope it helps.

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A Certified Medical Assistant, with the American Association of Medical Assistants might open more opportunity doors.

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