If you would like to pursue a career in the medical field, there are a number of paths you can pursue that do not involve the time or money that it would cost to attend medical school. Medical training programs are offered at community colleges and trade and vocational schools, and some specialties can even be studied online.
Interested in a career in medicine, but you don't have the time or finances to consider medical school? That's okay, there are many careers in the medical field you can prepare for with less commitment of time and resources.
Career Training for the Medical Transcriptionist
One such career you can prepare for will let you work in the medical field - out of your own home! Yes, you can study (also at home online if you choose) to be a medical transcriptionist, listening to recorded notes made by doctors and nurses and typing them up in the form of medical reports, correspondence, or other necessary written material. The 2005 Occupational Outlook Handbook (www.BLS.gov) reports that demand for medical transcriptionists will grow pretty quickly (18%-26%) through the year 2014, as healthcare becomes our fastest-growing industry.
Career Training for the Physician's Assistant
The boom in the healthcare industry will also create increased need for physician's assistants, with the projected demand according to the 2005 Occupational Outlook Handbook (www.BLS.gov) expected to increase by more than 27% through 2014. Physician's assistants (PAs) receive 2 years of training at colleges, medical schools, community colleges, in hospitals, or in the military. In order to receive certification they must then pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
Training for Nurses (LPN and RN)
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) need only complete a practical nursing training program offered at a community college or trade school and then pass an exam called the NCLEX-PN. A registered nurse (RN) will need to obtain an associate's degree in nursing through a community college or hospital training program and then pass the NCLEX-RN. If desired, a bachelor's in nursing (BSN) may be earned so the aspiring RN may have even more career flexibility and advancement opportunities. There is even a master's degree in nursing for nurses wishing to rise to the top of their profession.
Training for Careers in Alternative Medicine
If you are interested in some of the alternative medical treatments gaining increased popularity and respect these days, you may wish to check into courses and certification programs offered in disciplines such as homeopathy, acupuncture, therapeutic massage, chiropractic medicine, and herbal healing.
