Education Requirements
Certification
Are offered by specific non-government organizations upon completion of training and testing.
Credentials
used to describe licenses, certifications, or special training needed to practice in the health sciences field.
Steps to licensing for nurses
Complete a high school diploma. Choose a nursing program at a college. Choose which nursing degree you wish to obtain. Complete required hands-on training hours. Take and pass your states nursing exam. Continue taking classes or trainings as required by your state.
The state requirements for licenses vary, but all states will require applicants to have one or more of the following:
Completion of education beyond high school Completion of the certification requirements of a national organization Completion of a specific amount of hands-on training Passing written, verbal, and/or hands-on examinations Proof of participation in continuing education or training
Holistic Health Career Requirements
Education: Typically, a holistic practitioner will earn a degree or certificate in their specialty, and then pursue other credentials. Licensure: Some holistic specialties require licensing. For example, chiropractors require licensing depending on state regulations. Those practicing in non-traditional specialties generally receive an associate's or bachelor's degree in a field of study before taking their certification exam. Skills Required: It is important to consider what skill level you wish to acquire. For example, acupuncturists or holistic dietitians need to have skills in biology, human anatomy, and body composition.
Skill Level Certifications: Vary by state and position Usually provided by a private organization Specific exams for each profession/level In some locations, certification serves as an alternative to licensing Licenses: In some states and for some professions, a certification is a prerequisite for those working toward obtaining a license Provided by federal and state government agencies May require testing Credentials: Represents completed series of training, education, and/or testing
Examples: Radiation Technician Sonographer Dental Assistant Information Systems Manager Healthcare Emergency Professional Acupuncturist Athletic Trainer Social Worker Dental Hygienists Marriage and Family Therapists EMT Technician (EMT-P) Registered Nurse (RN) Nurse Aide (CNA) Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
Education Level High school diploma - 4 years. Associates Degree - 2 years of college/specified degree or general humanities. Bachelor's Degree - 4 years of college/specified degree. May include additional certifications and/or licensing. Master's Degree - 2-6 years of post-college work in a specialized area. May include certifications and/or licensing. Doctorate Degree - 3-4 years of medical school in a specified degree after completing a bachelor's program/degree.
Health Care Positions Medical Assistant, home care aide, medical billing assistant, occupational therapist aide. Radiation technician, RN (AA level), pharmacy technician, physical therapist's assistant, message therapist, medical sonographer, vocational nurse. Blood bank technology specialist, RN (BA level), occupational therapist, nutritionist, dietitian, counselor, biological technician. Mental health therapist, speech pathologist, radiologist, social worker, therapist, health administrator, physician assistant. Biomedical chemist, psychiatrist, doctor in a range of different fields/specialties (including surgery), psychologist, professor.
Holistic Health Science Careers
Holistic careers include licensed acupuncturists (LAs), chiropractic doctors (DCs), and massage therapists. These practitioners focus on emotional and spiritual care, which goes beyond treating physical symptoms and health problems. Holistic medicine focuses on treating the cause of the illness and helping patients achieve general well being. Positions within this general area of health care have varying degree requirements.
License
Is required and regulated by government agencies. It indicates what the worker is allowed to do and be general or specific.
Requirements for Nursing
Nursing is one of the larger sub-fields of the health industry. Different types of positions require different levels of education and credentials.
Advances Positions in Health Sciences Advanced health science positions require a master's degree or a doctoral degree. Earning an advanced degree takes time, dedication, and commitment to a specialized field. The average time frame to obtain a master's or doctoral degree is two to four years beyond a bachelor's degree, depending on the program. You may also need to pass a licensing or state exam in addition to earning your master's or doctoral degree.
Position Pharmacist (Master's) Physical Therapist (Master's) Mental Health Counselors (Master's) Genetic Counselors (Master's)
Entry-Level Positions in Health Sciences In health care, entry-level positions often require only a high school diploma or an associate's degree. In many cases, individuals will elect to take an entry-level position in a field, receive valuable on-the-job training, earn certifications, and then choose to enter a college degree program. Entry-level positions are a great way to gain experience in any field, and determine if that field is right for you.
Positions Home health/Personal Care Aides (HS Diploma) Medical Secretaries (HS Diploma) Addiction/Mental Health Counselors (HS Diploma) Occupational Therapy Aides (HS Diploma) Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (Associate's)
Intermediate Positions in Health Sciences Intermediate positions in the health sciences require at least a bachelor's degree. People in these positions are critical to the daily operations of the health care industry. They often work alongside doctors and specialists to complete important medical tasks.
Positions Physician's Assistant (Master's) RN (Associate/Bachelor's) EMT/Paramedic (Associate/Bachelor's) Dietitian (Bachelor's) Clinical Laboratory Technician (Bachelor's)
Mandatory licensure
Practitioner must have a license.
Title licensure
Practitioners must have specific credentials.
Registration
Practitioners must provide information regarding their training, credentials, and experience to government agencies.
Certification/Position Anesthesia Technician/Technologist CNA MA Phlebotomist MRI Technologist
What they do/Where they work? Assist in the administration of anesthetic medicine, designed to numb and/or sedate the patient during a procedure. Hospitals Deliver basic health treatments under supervision of a registered nurse. Hospitals, clinics, and private homes Performs administrative duties on behalf of the supervising physician. Hospitals, clinics, rehab centers, doctors' offices Collects blood for testing and donation purposes. Hospitals, clinics, doctors' offices Uses MRI scanners to capture diagnostic images of patients. Mostly hospitals, but some imaging centers and doctors' offices
To become a nurse, you will be required to complete many hours of hands-on training before graduating from your nursing program. At first, this training is with dummies, as shown in the picture. As you continues your training, you will get experience with actual patients. This will prepare you for the required clinical exam you'll take from your state's Board of Nursing.
You will also have to take the NCLEX-RN exam. It covers patient assessment, care planning, and other practices and procedures used in nursing. If you pass, you will be a licensed nurse. Depending on your state of residence, further education might be required.