Those Wanting To Pursue A Career In The Health Care Or Medical Field Should Plan Their Education

Have you often thought that you would like to be working in some capacity in the health or medical field? Does the idea of providing some level of comfort and assistance to someone in need sound like a good day's work? If you have aspirations of working in this "in demand" industry, then it is time to plan your education as different occupations require different degrees.

This seems to be the optimum time to consider a career in health or medicine as an aging population has increased the demand for qualified professionals. There are numerous career choices in the health care industry so you will need to determine what your goals are in order to think about degree programs. Whether you want to work with patients or deal with the billing for services, a program exists to meet your educational needs.

Let's start at the bottom rung and work upward by first looking at some occupations you might consider if you are a high school graduate. Depending on your interests, you might want to consider a program for dental assistants, fitness trainers, or medical assistants. You can be any one of these right out of high school by enrolling in a training program.

You might want to consider an associate's degree program, especially if you are interested in dentistry because you could be a dental hygienist by extending your education. Also, some folks attend associate's degree programs to become radiologic technicians, respiratory therapists or LPN's. Perhaps you prefer a more "hands-on job" and want an associate's degree in message therapy.

If you are looking to provide a higher level of health or medical service to the public, then you would be wise to find a bachelor's degree program. With a bachelor's degree you might work as a physician's assistant or a registered nurse, or if working with patients is not your cup of tea, you may choose to be a health educator. Whatever your aspirations are, you will find a myriad of bachelor's degree programs to choose from in the health and medical fields.

We all know that more money means more responsibility and higher education. Those students looking to rise to the top in their chosen careers will surely need to enroll in a master's degree program. If you want to work as a social worker, mental health therapist, or health administrator, you will need an advanced degree. Be sure to research thoroughly to find the program that best meets your educational and financial needs.

Of course, the pinnacle of degrees in health and medical field is the doctorate degree. Graduates of Ph.D. programs usually work as researchers in areas of oncology or other research areas. Another example of a Ph.D. at work is a psychologist, while other Ph.D.'s work as policy makers or professors in colleges or universities.

The health and medical professions offer a wealth of job opportunities for those who have what it takes to work in this challenging field. Depending on your career choice, you will most likely need a post-secondary health care degree to qualify. The good news is that you will have many accredited programs from which to choose, including online degree options as well.

Re-Inventing Health Class

For most high school students health class is just another filler in their schedule where they can get an easy grade for showing up. This is because many teachers stick with a very "by the book" approach to this class. Simply, a little creativity and imagination could make health a student's favorite class of the day. There is an immense amount of topics that can be covered in health, ranging from eating disorders and drugs to current events and world news. There are many basic activities that can be used to enhance a health class if given the chance. Any activity that helps the students have a hand in their own learning will instantly be more interesting. Health should not simply be a class filled with PowerPoints and lectures. Since the entire class applies to real life experiences students may have, then the activities should do just the same. Lessons should be based around the students themselves and their thoughts and feelings rather than just a fountain of facts.

Classroom based discussions are popular among English and History classes, but how about incorporating them into a health class. A discussion on a current event could have the students enticed for hours. One way to do this is through a Socratic Seminar. This is basically a class discussion lead by the students themselves. With an interesting topic, students will talk about and feed off each other's ideas. As long as everyone agrees to respect each other's opinions and disagree courteously the Socratic Seminar will be a success. Teachers may even be surprised by the participation of some students who may usually be quiet or shy. Teachers, do not worry, you will not lose control of your class. If the discussion goes in an unintended direction the teacher can simply ask questions to the group that direct the discussion any way they choose. Students will really enjoy this because it is a way for them all to be involved with no pressure to give the right answer. Since health class lends itself to so many interesting and controversial topics, the Socratic Seminar can never fail.

There are numerous activities that can be developed around health content, because, again, health content is so extensive and easily relatable. Skits or puppet shows depending on the content are a great way to get students thinking and enjoying themselves at the same time. No one ever said that learning couldn't be fun. Students can be given a specific topic and after doing research or using facts given to them, they can put together a skit or puppet show encompassing the information. This is a creative way to get information across to students and it lets them have a hand in their education. By creating the skits and by watching the ones other students present they are learning the information. Students are more likely to remember the information presented also. If there is a funny or creative skit students will remember more of the information presented then they would from taking notes during a lecture.

For most people when they remember things they learned in school it is not information from notes. No one says "oh yes, I know that the cranium is another word for the head from Dr. Smith's lecture from Anatomy class my junior year in high school." Instead people remember information based on something they did when they learned it, for example someone many people remember all the states in the U.S. from the states song they learn in music class. Any of these creative teaching techniques can be applied to multiple subjects, but health class clearly lends itself very well to these techniques. Students can directly relate to the topics being covered and for many of them the topics directly affect them so they have opinions and ideas to share. By embracing these techniques teachers can re-invent the notions behind high school health and transform it into a subject that students enjoy and find great benefit in.