Why Earn a Diploma as a Healthcare Assistant?
A Healthcare Assistant Diploma is a perfect fit for the individual who wishes to help people in a healthcare setting. Furthermore, since it doesn't require the years and years of schooling required for registered nurses or physicians, a Healthcare Assistant Diploma is an excellent choice for students who do not have a lot of time or money to spend on achieving a new career.
Career Possibilities
Occupational Outlook and Demand for Healthcare Assistants
Medical assistants are in great demand by employers of healthcare professionals at this time. Employment opportunities are expected to continue growing at a fast pace through the next several years. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics at www.bls.gov predicts this occupation to be among the fastest-growing occupations nationwide.
Salary Information for Healthcare Assistants
Those who find employment as a healthcare assistant or medical assistant may expect to earn approximately $25,466 in their first year of employment, according to PayScale.com. After five years of employment, the average salary for healthcare assistants goes up to about $27,963 per year.
Degree Specifics
Coursework Requirements for Healthcare Assistants
Students must take part of their training in a hospital or other healthcare setting, completing a work experience placement. Students expecting to earn a Healthcare Assistant Diploma must be able to master course material in the following topics:
- Interpersonal Communication
- Pharmacology
- Clinical and Lab Competencies
- Medical Office Procedures
- Medical Insurance and Coding
- Human Diseases
Skills Learned for Healthcare Assistants
Students will engage in practical activities as well as receiving in-class instruction in order to relate theories learnt to practical application. Since healthcare and medical assistants must provide a variety of services for a health unit, the following skills are required of graduates with a Healthcare Assistant Diploma:
- Prepare patients for surgery or medical examinations
- Maintaining accurate, confidential records for all patients
- Perform diagnostic tests such as blood work, EKG, and urinalysis
