Education and Certification For Health Care Professionals

The health care industry will generate more jobs through 2016 than any other U.S. industry, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The job prospects for these professionals are very good for the foreseeable future. Several factors fuel the high demand for health care workers, including:

* Baby boomers are approaching retirement age and are expected to require more care as they age.
* With technological advances medical doctors have opportunities to work on unusual and demanding cases. This increases the need for allied health professionals to attend to patient care.
* High tech equipment requires additional workers who are trained to operate the specific equipment.
* With more and more options for tests and treatments, people typically use more care than in previous generations. Also, because of early detection and treatment advances, people are living longer.
* There is a nationwide shortage of registered nurses, due largely to the shortage of nursing professionals to provide health care education.

Health care professions offer ample opportunities for advancement. The key to advancement in these professions is health care education. With further education, workers can become specialists in any number of specialties, including case management, grief counseling, legal nurse consulting, and crisis intervention counseling, among many others. Some of the less common education programs prepare students to be funeral service assistants, meditation instructors, alternative/holistic care practitioners, hypnotherapists, and spiritual counselors. With the required education, professionals may also become administrators or health educators.

For those interested in nursing, there's a common sequence of advancement in this high demand field. Becoming a registered nurse requires a two- to three-year diploma or associate's degree in nursing or a four-year bachelor's of science in nursing. Registered nurses with bachelor's degrees have more career advancement opportunities. Online programs allow registered nurses to receive credit toward their bachelor's degrees in nursing for previous coursework and experience.

Many colleges, universities, community colleges, and professional schools offer health care education. They offer degree, certification, and/or diploma programs. Quality programs prepare students to sit for the national certification exams in their specialties. Flexible class times, evening and weekend classes, and online classes make it possible for working professionals to continue their education without leaving their jobs. Online courses may be self-paced independent study or may involve more structured learning.

Many employers reimburse for professional education classes. Larger places of employment may even sponsor courses, certification programs, and seminars at their institutions. This makes it easier for staff to attend and keep up-to-date in their fields.

Because health care standards and procedures change frequently, professionals benefit from continuing education courses in their specialties. In fact most specialties require coursework for recertification. The number of courses required for recertification and number of years between certifications vary according to the specialty.

This industry is the largest employer in the U.S. and it's still growing rapidly. Careers in health care are as close to recession proof as any. Continuing health care education provides opportunities for advancement and specialization in a wide variety of rewarding careers.

The Information Age and the Need For Health and Education Indicators

In this modern Information Age, the global nature of interactions and economies have put a premium on knowledge; and hence education. Today, knowledge and human or intellectual capital is widely recognized to be one of the important factors, if not the most important one, in economic development and production. This means that a greater premium is put now more than ever on investments in both health and education, which serve to improve the workforce and further unlock human potential. To this end, many people aim to find a health and education indicator or indicators to help gauge progress towards improving these aspects of society and government.

In fact, just taking a good look around will show that nothing is causing as much change, both upheaval and innovation, in academic and business institutions as the redefinition of intellectual and human capital. Continuing developments in information technology, new media, and their accompanying shifts in mindsets and ways of thinking are increasingly putting emphasis on human knowledge bases. That is, as most online businesses and electronic commerce organizations have found out, the company cannot ever claim to "own" those skills, information, and expertise that live in the minds of its employees. This is why more and more people are beginning to realize the need for a good educational system, if a country's workforce is to remain globally competitive. Employers value the proper training and competence that only a proper education can give. Politicians are now running on platforms that heavily stress schooling and education, and voters show their sympathy.

However, as is true with almost all significant change, this paradigm shift has not yet been reflected fully. For instance, in the gross domestic product or GDP of the United States, costs incurred in the pursuit of education still count as expenditures instead of the investments in capital - human capital - that they are. In the future, as the new wave of the information age continues to swell, it is expected that proper importance and regard would be given to education.

Putting a set of indicators together to accurately gauge the state of an educational system should take into account many different factors. First, some overall measures should be taken in order to assess the general efficiency of the system. These might consist of the absolute and relative percentages of the population at various academic stages, for instance. This may then be correlated with each tier's economic impact in order to get a general idea of the effects of the educational system on the national and global economy.

Next, the more specific aspects of the workings of the school system could be probed using more particular measures and indicators. These would then investigate the effects of education on the various demographic groups, and hence assess its relative efficiencies. The prime or most relevant education indicator would vary from country to country, depending heavily on its level of development. Basic education, for example, would be most important to developing countries, because it forms the fundamental step on which succeeding parts would need to build.

Gaining an Online Education in Health Care Administration

Training for an accredited education in health care administration can be completed through a variety of online schools. Students can prepare for their desired career in this exciting field by enrolling in a degree or certificate program. Online educational programs can give students the opportunity to receive the training they need from the comforts of home. Studies can be completed in a number of areas, and will allow students to obtain an associate, bachelor, master, or doctoral level degree in health care administration.

*Health Management

Online health management training programs allow students to gain the education necessary to enter into their desired career. Students can prepare by gaining an associate, bachelor, master, or doctoral degree. Training requirements will vary by level of education and desired career. Students may have the opportunity to study subjects like:

• Business Communications
• Databases and Spreadsheets
• Managed Care Contracting
• Accounting
• Health Care Organizations
• Sociology
• Statistics
• Human Resources Management

...and many other related courses. Training in these areas will prepare students to seek employment in medical offices, hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities. Accredited online schools and colleges will give students the chance to obtain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their desired career in health management.

*Health Services Administration

Online career training for careers in health services administration can prepare students with the knowledge they need to enter into the career they desire. Accredited training is available at a number of levels including associate, bachelor, and master degree levels. Students can study a variety of subjects based on the level of degree. Some studies may include courses like:

• Managerial Accounting
• Communications
• Health Economics
• Healthcare Informatics
• Health Care Policy
• Quality Assurance
• Strategic Planning
• Human Resources

...and many other relevant topics. With an education in these specific areas of study students will be able to find employment managing patients, nurses, doctors, in a variety of medical settings. Training online for a career in health services managements will open a world of options for students.

*Hospital Unit Coordinator

Training for a career as a hospital unit coordinator can be done by enrolling in an accredited online school or college. Students can choose to earn a certificate or associate level degree in this area of the field. Training will require students to complete a variety of coursework that may include:

• Clerical Skills
• Medical Terminology
• Computers
• Communication
• Order Processing
• Clinical Healthcare

...and much more. With knowledge in these areas students will be prepared to enter into their desired career as a health unit clerk, unit coordinator, ward secretary, and more. Students will have the skills needed to enter into the workforce with an accredited online education in hospital unit coordinating.

Nutrition Education For Kids Gets a Failing Grade!

Nutrition class isn't working; this is no surprise to me. There have been many stories on the AP newswires focusing on the billions of dollars that have been spent on nutrition education that have produced zero results. There seems to be no dent in the growing epidemic of obesity. Kids continue to get sicker and fatter, because they are not changing the way they eat.

The piece mentions the federal pilot program that provides free fruits and veggies to kids saying kids won't eat these foods. They point to the fast food and coffee drinks available just across the street and even go so far as blaming moms (many who can't afford to buy better foods) as part of the problem.

Here are some suggestions to fix this predicament. First and foremost, let's drop the word "nutrition" from our vocabulary. We shouldn't need to be nutritionists or biochemists to know how to eat. Change the "N" word to the "F" word, FOOD! Food has many more possibilities.

Second, let's get nutrition out of health class! Most states have standards for health curriculum that put sex and drugs at the top of the list. Nutrition comes in third place behind these two more appealing subjects. If you change nutrition to food, it becomes an interesting topic to integrate into science, math, social studies and English curricula.

Educators know that experiential learning is the most effective way to get a point across. Why not take kids outdoors and let them get their hands dirty? Studies who that kids who are involved with growing food are more likely to eat fruits and veggies that were previously unfamiliar. Growing food not only integrates science ( botany and ecology) but fosters a connection with the earth. These kids will be the stewards of our planet in a few short years. We need to get them out from behind screens and out doors. Leave no child inside!

Another experiential component of learning involves cooking. Kids really do like to cook! It doesn't have to be cookies! Teach them to slice an onion ( take a peek at the onion cells under a microscope!). Bake a traditional dish from another country ( social studies, history). Teaching kids to cook gives them life skills that they will need to know. It may even inspire them to go into the culinary arts.

We must change the school food environment to support food based learning. More fresh fruits and veggies in our schools are essential. But not just as a handout in the cafeteria. Each day, each week, feature a veggie. Integrate it into the curriculum in the classroom.
Make lunch count!

Einstein once said a problem cannot be solved with the consciousness that created it.
Our packaged processed food industry and our food pyramid will not solve our current crisis in declining children's health. We need to think out of the pyramid to find innovative food based solutions.

Benefits of Continuing Education in Health Care Field

We all know that education is very significant to everyone; it is everyone's dreams to finish their formal schooling, not only to have a degree but to have something to be proud of. People who have finished formal schooling years have great chance to find good job but CEU will give you more opportunity to advance your career and to earn more money.

CEU courses are designed to help individuals in improving and enhancing their knowledge, skills and talents. CEU is not just a requirement for professionals to renew or maintain their license but it is a great tool for improving their craft. Professionals in health care field like doctors, practitioners, nurses and social workers are required to take CEU courses because health care field is always changing. They need to keep up with this change in order to give the possible care to patient.

There are various CEU nurses or CEU nursing courses that are available and you can take CEUs course at your own convenience. Continuing education in health care field has a lot of benefits, not only for the health care providers but also for the patient. Individuals trust health care provider's knowledge, skills and expertise. They believe that health care providers will help them to stay healthy and live longer. So, health care providers should not fail them, they need to take continuing education courses to gain new knowledge, enhance skills and talents and learn new advancement and discoveries in drugs, diseases and treatments. Continuing education credits may vary depending on the profession and state of health care provider.

Continuing nursing education will give job and career satisfaction because it will not only help nurses in learning new skills but it will make them feel that they are valuable. They will be able to meet patient's expectations and they can provide the service and care that patient deserves. That is why it is recommended to take ethics CEUs and MFT CEU when planning to take nurses continuing education to give them the foundation that they need in their field. Nursing CEUs are very important because it can protect you when employers need to downsize, if you have the skills and nursing continuing education, you will have more chance to retain your position.

Online CEU is available to almost all geographic area and online CEUs are more affordable in taking CEU. Online continuing education is very easy to use because almost all resources and tool you need is available online. There are videos to watch, articles to read, quizzes and tests to take and forums to interact with other people.

Social workers are also required to take social work CEU or social work CEUs. Social work continuing education is either taken as online courses or the social worker is required to attend classes in person. The courses that you can take depend on your specialization and interest. This is not just a requirement but opportunity to improve your knowledge and skills in helping patients. Check at Speedyceus.com for more information.

Health Insurance Continuing Education for Producers

All health insurance professionals are required to acquire a certain amount of continuing education credits every 1-2 years depending on the state in which they reside in. Health insurance continuing education keeps agents up to date with the latest products available to their clients. Many agents choose to do their education online to save both time and money. This allows them to stay focused on writing new policies and signing new contracts. The real money in health insurance sales is selling to different corporations. Many corporations do their research and contact different health insurance companies so the companies' employees get the best benefits possible. The health insurance agent in charge of selling the products must be up to date on current market trends and know exactly what small and large companies are looking for. Continuing education provides the knowledge to agents on new laws and regulations and also new services they can provide their clients.

Many agents hold both a life and health license so they need to complete certain classes to fulfill their continuing education for both licenses. A new agent should contact a reputable school to see when they are due and what courses they should take. An approved provider or an agent's state can provide them with the correct courses to take and how many continuing education credits they need to stay in compliance. Agents who do not stay in compliance with state regulations could be subject to significant fines. The education provider will assist you over the phone and even take your order right then and there to assure you get what you need. Many online schools also report to the state within 24-48 hours from when you complete the course.

Continuing education schools will also let the agent know if you need a monitor present or your exam is open book. This is a very important rule to follow. Some states require a third party to watch you take the exam then sign an affidavit. Other states allow you to refer back to the textbook while taking the exam. Some states even require the agent to complete their continuing education in a classroom. Make sure to ask the provider what your state requires before you begin the course. Health insurance continuing education is essential and helps the agent and their clients stay up to date on the latest products available. Health insurance education also keeps the producers in compliance with their state to avoid any fines.

Online Training Options for Health Care Careers

The amount of medical services needed in the United States opens many possible career choices for students. The health care field requires numerous professionals to carry out specific duties within a community or inside a hospital. Students are able to enter a career in health care by choosing to complete education through an online school.

There are many avenues that can be taken when students decide to enter a distance learning school for the health care profession. Career training can be pursued in areas like health education, health information technology, public health, and more. Students should research the health care field to decide on the right educational program that will facilitate the best learning for their career goals. Some degree and career options available through online study may include:

*Health Education

Working to inform others how to gain a healthy lifestyle can be pursued from an associate to doctoral level of education. Training prepares students to understand diseases, health issues, and wellness practices thoroughly so they can help others reach good health. Tobacco use, teenage pregnancy, nutrition, physical fitness, and community health are subjects explored inside an online program. Becoming a health educator on these issues and much more is possible upon graduation of a concentrated program.

*Health Information Technology

The medical history of patients is extremely important. When completing education students learn how to ensure all information is accurate by understanding the field and its technology. Online schools provide degree opportunities at the associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree level. Students can expect to study medical terminology, data analysis, anatomy, information management, health insurance information, billing, and coding. The examinations of these different topics prepare students to step into the workplace as health information technicians.

*Physician Assistant

Professionals work to conduct a variety of tasks from recording patient histories to casting broken bones. The standard educational requirement is having a bachelor's degree before entering a training program. Most online colleges provide a graduate training at the master's degree level. Students should expect to take online classes in pharmacology, biochemistry, pathology, and internal medicine. Programs require a hands-on experience course where students visit a hospital located in their hometown and work with physicians and their patients. Some colleges offer associates and bachelors degree programs.

*Public Health

Many career options are available to students that seek education in public health. Administrative duties and procedures for health related practices are studied inside a degree program. This can include working with homeless and foster care children. Students learn about community health, environmental health, promoting wellness, and more. Online colleges provide training through undergraduate study and graduate-level degrees.

Educational Preparation Options for Health Care Careers

The opportunity to receive the training that is necessary to enter into a health care career is available through accredited schools, colleges, and degree programs. You can train for an exciting profession in the medical field by enrolling in an educational program. Studies can be completed at various levels and in the specialized area of your choice. Accredited higher education programs are designed to help you receive the skills and knowledge that is necessary to enter into a successful career in this field. You can begin by learning a number of things about receiving an education in health care.

1. Training Options

Gaining an accredited education in this area can be done by completing training programs that are offered at several levels. You can choose to earn an accredited associate, bachelor, master, or doctoral level degree. Once you have decided on a degree level you can choose the area of concentration available at that level. Options will vary but can include cardiovascular technology, health information, health education, health science and services, physician assisting, preventive medicine, public health, and many other specialized areas. You can begin the path to an exciting new career by finding a program that meets your needs and beginning career training today.

2. Career Possibilities

There are numerous options available when it comes to careers in this field. You can prepare for the career of your dreams by selecting an educational program that meets your needs. Accredited training is available to help you gain the skills and knowledge to enter into a career working as a health educator, medical professional, physician assistant, public health worker, health sciences professional, and a variety of other related professionals. Receiving an accredited higher education will enable you to enter the workforce and pursue the employment that you desire. You can prepare for any of these careers by completing the required coursework and training.

3. Coursework

Career preparation will require that you learn certain subjects related to the level of education and career you wish to obtain. You can expect study a lot of the same courses for most health care careers but some professions may require you to learn more in depth topics that relate to the specific profession. You can learn nutrition, fitness, wound care, information technology, social sciences, anatomy, behavioral science, physiology, and many other related course topics. You can study these subjects to prepare for a career in biology, education, psychology, nursing, and much more. You can begin by enrolling in an accredited school or college to start the path to an exciting new career.