The healthcare industry is one of the fastest-growing fields in the U.S. There is a growing nationwide need for professionals capable of delivering a high level of care. It’s also a field with diverse options. From dental assistant to pharmacy technician to massage technician, there are many ways to apply your healthcare training. The Praxis Institute offers diploma and associate degree programs in several disciplines. Here, we discuss some of the career options to pursue with training in healthcare.
Dental Assistant
Dental assistants support dentists in providing patient care and may handle some administrative duties. Responsibilities vary between locations and specific offices. Depending on the position, these tasks may include:
- Scheduling appointments and managing patient records
- Disinfecting operating instruments to prepare for examinations
- Identifying and providing the correct tools for a procedure
- Administering X-rays and operating dental equipment
- Taking impressions for tooth molds
- Discussing recent and upcoming procedures with patients
- Sterilizing an examination room after a procedure
While many dental assistants work in a clinic, others don’t. You may find opportunities in the military, correctional facilities, state boards, or product sales – anywhere dental training may be valuable.
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technician responsibilities range between states. For example, some states allow pharmacy technicians to mix medications and contact physicians for refill authorization, while others don’t. What you’ll do may also differ depending on the work environment. Pharmacy technicians can be found in hospitals, retail stores, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes, completing tasks such as:
- Gathering prescription-related information from patients and physicians
- Observing inventory and notifying pharmacists of shortages
- Measuring out and preparing compounded medication
- Repackaging bulk prescription medicines for individual use
- Restocking shelves and automatic dispensing machines
- Using computer databases to log patient information
- Answering questions over the phone or at the counter
- Scheduling appointments and consultations
A pharmacy technician diploma also offers the option to specialize in focus areas like patient advocacy, medical billing, or radiology. This makes it an excellent stepping stone into the broader healthcare industry.
Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical therapy is a fast-growing field as more and more healthcare providers and patients recognize its value to treatment plans. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment for physical therapist assistants to grow 19% through 2032. Under the supervision of a physical therapist, these assistants put care plans into action to help patients recover from pain and dysfunction. Their duties often include:
- Aiding patients with prescribed exercises and stretches
- Using walkers, exercise bands, and other aids
- Administering heat, cold, water, and electrical impulse therapies
- Promoting wellness practices and injury prevention
- Educating patients and families on post-treatment recommendations
- Collecting and recording data with electronic health records
Physical therapist assistants can find work in a variety of locations, including hospitals, sports centers, home health agencies, nursing homes, and schools.
Massage Technician
Therapeutic massage technicians gain an in-depth knowledge of musculoskeletal systems and basic massage techniques. Massage technicians provide a range of services, such as full body massages and:
- Abdomen massages
- Back massages
- Hands and arms massages
- Face and neck massages
- Feet and legs massages
Techniques like these are essential for providing client services. Besides spas and salons, massage services are also frequently used in hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice settings as part of physical therapy or to relieve patient stress.
Learn More About Healthcare Training
If any of these career options interest you, now is a great time to consider healthcare training. The Praxis Institute helps students throughout Miami and Hialeah, Florida, with multiple healthcare training programs led by experienced teaching staff. What’s more, our competitive pricing and flexible scheduling make training accessible. Contact us today to find out how healthcare job training can help you take the first steps toward a rewarding career.