If you're considering a healthcare profession, getting your feet in the door is a good place to begin. You can help patients improve their health, well-being and lives by working with them. The healthcare industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States, and there are many different career options to choose from.
If you're interested in a healthcare career, one of your best options is becoming a certified medical assistance (MA) and/or licensed practical nurse. 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 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. They can also help patients with examinations and preparation for surgical procedures.
MAs are often employed in private practices, clinics, and outpatient surgical centers. Some MAs work at nursing homes, hospitals, and private practices.
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 also need to be able communicate well and maintain confidentiality.
They should also be able do basic physical testing, give injections and draw a blood sample for testing. Some MAs have been trained to perform simple surgery like phlebotomy or venipuncture.
LPNs tend to work in assisted living and rehabilitation centers, hospitals and medical offices. LPNs may work different hours depending on the nature of their duties. This includes nights, weekends and holidays. They can also be employed full-time or part-time.
No matter what their specific job duties are, both healthcare professionals need to be dedicated to their professional development. MAs can improve their careers by earning certifications and national registrations. For LPNs it is important to earn continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain licenses.
You can earn two jobs and get paid for them
The BLS predicts that both of these careers will be in high demand. MAs are expected to grow by 23 percent over the next decade, while LPNs will increase by 16 percent. The salaries for the two are very different.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics(BLS), the average medical assistant's salary is higher. The average LPN salary is consistent regardless of the type of work they do or their level of experience.
Also, there are significant differences in the educational requirements to pursue a career as an LPN and a MA. LPNs do not have the same requirements as MAs. They must complete an approved state program and pass NCLEX-PN before they're allowed to practice in that state.
FAQ
Who controls the healthcare system in Canada?
It all depends how you view it. The public hospitals could be run by the government. Private companies may run private hospitals. Or a combination.
What are medical systems?
Medical systems were designed to make people live longer and more healthy lives. They ensure that patients get the best care possible when they are in need.
They make sure that the right treatment is provided at the right time. They also provide information that doctors need to be able to offer the best advice possible on the most appropriate treatment for each patient.
What about the role of the private sector?
Healthcare delivery can be facilitated by the private sector. It also provides equipment used in hospitals.
Some hospital staff are also covered by the program. So it makes sense for them to take part in running the system.
But there are limits to what they can offer.
It is not always possible for private providers to compete with government services.
And they shouldn’t try to run it all. This could mean that the system doesn't deliver good value for money.
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)
- The health share of the Gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to continue its upward trend, reaching 19.9 percent of GDP by 2025. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Price Increases, Aging Push Sector To 20 Percent Of Economy". (en.wikipedia.org)
- Over the first twenty-five years of this transformation, government contributions to healthcare expenditures have dropped from 36% to 15%, with the burden of managing this decrease falling largely on patients. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
How To
What are the Four Health Systems?
Healthcare is a complex network that includes hospitals, clinics and pharmaceutical companies as well as insurance providers, government agencies, public officials and other organizations.
This project had the overall goal to create an infographic to explain the US's health care system to anyone who wanted it.
Here are some key points.
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The GDP accounts for 17% of healthcare spending, which amounts to $2 trillion annually. That's more than twice the total defense budget!
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Medical inflation reached 6.6% for 2015, more than any other category.
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On average, Americans spend 9% of their income on health costs.
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As of 2014 there were more than 300,000,000 Americans who weren't insured.
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Although the Affordable Care Act (ACA), has been passed into law, it is not yet fully implemented. There are still large gaps in coverage.
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A majority of Americans believe the ACA should be maintained.
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The US spends the most money on healthcare in the world than any other country.
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The total cost of healthcare would drop by $2.8 trillion annually if every American had affordable access.
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Medicare, Medicaid, private insurers and other insurance policies cover 56%.
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These are the top three reasons people don’t get insured: Not being able afford it ($25B), not having enough spare time to find insurance ($16.4B), and not knowing anything ($14.7B).
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There are two types, HMO (health maintenance organization), and PPO (preferred providers organization).
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Private insurance covers almost all services, including prescriptions and physical therapy.
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The public programs include hospitalization, outpatient surgery and nursing homes. They also cover long-term care and hospice care.
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Medicare is a federal program that provides senior citizens with health coverage. It pays for hospital stays and skilled nursing facility stays.
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Medicaid is a joint federal-state program that provides financial assistance for low-income individuals or families who earn too little to qualify for other benefits.