A healthcare career is best started by getting your hands dirty in the medical field. Working with patients can improve their well-being and health. It is a rewarding career. The healthcare industry in the United States is growing rapidly, and you can choose from a variety of careers.
If you are looking for a way to get into the healthcare industry, becoming a medical assistant (MA), or a licensed professional nurse (LPN), is one of the best ways to do so. Both are highly rewarding careers that offer a fast entry into the medical field. The programs last for less than a full year.
MA vs LPN Job Duties
Medical assistants work under the supervision and guidance of physicians and are responsible for both administrative and medical tasks. Patients may need assistance with scheduling appointments, filling out insurance paperwork and preparing lab reports. Additionally, they can help prepare for surgery and assist with patient examinations.
MAs work in clinics and offices, as well at outpatient surgery centers. Some MAs have jobs in nursing homes and nursing facilities, as well as 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 are also required to maintain confidentiality, communicate effectively and be able take vital signs.
They must also have the ability to administer basic physical tests, draw blood for testing and give injections. Some MAs can even perform simple procedures like phlebotomy, venipuncture and phlebotomy.
While MAs are generally employed in medical offices and outpatient facilities, LPNs work primarily in hospitals, assisted living facilities, and rehabilitation facilities. LPNs work various hours, depending on their duties. These include nights, weekends, holidays, and part-time or full-time schedules.
Regardless of their specific job responsibilities, both healthcare professionals should have a strong commitment to continuing education and professional development. In the case of MAs, this can include earning certification and national registration to better their careers. Earning CEUs may help LPNs maintain their license.
The Two Jobs: Paying for Both
BLS has predicted that MAs and LPNs both will experience a growth in demand of 23 percent within the next 10 year period. The salaries for the two are very different.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a medical assistant is higher than that of an LPN. While the salary for an MA is largely dependent on the type of job they have and their experience, the average salary for an LPN is more consistent across all types of jobs.
Also, there are significant differences in the educational requirements to pursue a career as an LPN and a MA. LPNs are required to complete a state approved program and pass the NCLEX PN exam in order to be deemed eligible for practice.
FAQ
What is the best way to get free coverage for my area's health?
You can apply for free health insurance if you qualify. You might be eligible under Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP or Children's Health Insurance Program.
What is an infectious disease?
A germ, virus, or parasite can cause an infectious disease. Infectious diseases are spread quickly by close contact. You can get measles or mumps, rubella (German whooping cough), pertussis/whooping chives, rubella ("German measles"), measles), pertussis ("whooping cough"), rubella ("German measles"), chickenpox), strep thyme), hepatitis A/B, HIV/AIDS), herpes simplex viruses, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia
What does the term "healthcare" mean?
A service that helps maintain good mental, physical health is known as health care.
Who is responsible in public health?
Public health is the responsibility of all levels. Local governments are responsible for roads, schools as well parks and recreation facilities. The laws and regulations governing food safety, workplace safety as well as consumer protection are enacted by both the national and state governments.
What are your thoughts on the most pressing public health issues?
Many people have problems with obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. These conditions cause more deaths yearly than AIDS, car crashes, and murders combined. High blood pressure, strokes, asthma and arthritis are all caused by poor nutrition, exercise and smoking.
What should you know about vaccines
Vaccines can be very effective and safe ways to stay healthy. Vaccines protect you from certain diseases. Vaccinations should be administered at specific times, such as during childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Your doctor will help you decide when is the best time to get vaccines.
Who owns the healthcare network?
It all depends on your perspective. The government may own the public hospitals. Private companies may run private hospitals. Or a combination.
Statistics
- 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)
- For instance, Chinese hospital charges tend toward 50% for drugs, another major percentage for equipment, and a small percentage for healthcare professional fees. (en.wikipedia.org)
- About 14 percent of Americans have chronic kidney disease. (rasmussen.edu)
- 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)
- Consuming over 10 percent of [3] (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
How To
How to Find Home Care Facilities
Home care facilities provide assistance for people who require it. Home care facilities assist those with chronic illnesses, such as Alzheimer's, who can't move or are too elderly to leave their home. The services offered by these facilities include personal hygiene, meal preparation, laundry, cleaning, medication reminders, transportation, etc. They often work closely with medical professionals, social workers, and rehabilitation specialists.
Referrals from friends, family members or local businesses are the best way to locate a home care provider. Once you have found a couple of providers, it is time to get in touch with them to learn more about their qualifications. Look for providers that offer flexible hours to accommodate your needs. Also, check if they offer 24/7 emergency response.
Ask your doctor or nurse to refer you. If you don’t know where to begin, search online for “home health care” or “nursing home”. Websites like Yelp or Angie's List, HealthGrades and Nursing Home Compare are some examples.
To get more information, call your local Area Agency on Aging and Visiting Nurse Service Association. These agencies will have a list that lists local agencies that provide 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 charge up to 100% of a patient's income! To avoid this problem, you should be sure to choose an agency that has been rated highly by 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. To find out what registration requirements your agency must meet, check with your local government office.
There are many things you need to remember when selecting 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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Look for a reputable and well-established business.
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Get proof of insurance, especially if you're paying out of pocket.
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Verify that the state has granted the agency license.
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Ask for a written contract detailing all costs involved in hiring the agency.
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Confirm that there are follow-up visits by the agency following your discharge.
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Ask for a list if credentials and certifications.
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You should not sign anything without thoroughly reading it.
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Pay attention to the fine print.
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Insure and bond the agency.
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Ask how long the agency has been operating.
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Verify the license of the State Department of Social Welfare for the agency.
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Find out whether there are any complaints against the agency.
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For information on home care agencies, contact your local government department.
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You should ensure that the person answering the phone has the qualifications to answer your questions about homecare.
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For tax information on home care please consult your accountant.
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For every home care agency you contact, always get at least three bids
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The lowest bid is the best but you should not settle for $30 an 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.