Do You Need a Degree or Diploma to be a Nurse?

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All nurses share a similar mission, but licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs) have unique roles with different career paths commensurate with their training. The level of education you choose should reflect your professional goals, but the path you follow matters less than getting started. It’s a short road from a vocational school to a rewarding career in nursing.

Do You Need a Degree or Diploma to Be a Nurse?

All nurses are licensed, clinical professionals. States set the education requirements, but a diploma or degree is required to be a nurse in all 50 states. There are no exceptions.

Why Do You Need Formal Education to Be a Nurse?

Healthcare is an increasingly complex, highly scientific field. The level of education nurses need has been widely debated as communities struggle with shortages, but the research is clear, better-trained nurses mean improved health outcomes for patients.

How Do You Become an LPN, RN or RN with a Bachelor’s degree?

Training defines your role as a nurse. While LPNs, RNs with associate degrees (ADNs), and RNs with bachelor’s degrees (BSNs) qualify for many of the same jobs, each role requires progressively more education.

If getting a degree isn’t in the cards right now, the good news is that all you need to become a practical nurse is a vocational school diploma. It’s the first step on the path to a rewarding career in healthcare and a stepping-stone to higher education.

What Is the Difference Between an LPN, an RN and a Nurse with a Bachelor’s Degree?

The biggest difference between an LPN, an ADN and a BSN is their level of training. Let’s take a closer look at what each nurse does, who they work with, where they work and what their career trajectory looks like.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Licensed practical nurses are just that, nurses who focus on practical tasks. A vocational school diploma is required to practice. The curriculum is basic yet comprehensive. LPNs learn how to:

  • Bathe, feed and dress patients
  • Take vital signs
  • Manage therapeutic diets
  • Monitor intake and output
  • Give medications and administer treatments
  • Monitor blood sugar
  • Insert urinary catheters
  • Remove sutures and staples
  • Perform stable wound care
  • Help with therapeutic activities
  • Collect biological specimens
  • Document care
  • Educate patients
  • Support families
  • Supervise paraprofessional staff
  • Perform basic life support

LPN work with other nurses, nurse’s assistants, therapists, doctors and more in clinics, hospitals, private practices, nursing homes, assisted living centers and patients’ homes. Their skills are ideal for people who need nursing supervision but are clinically stable, so the two settings LPNs work in most are nursing homes and home care.

Because practical nurses can meet the needs of most nursing or residential home patients, they qualify to be floor supervisors and with experience, nurse managers. They can also handle their own home care cases and are well-suited to help persons who need daily nursing care, such as tube feedings or ventilation management.

Being a practical nurse is a valuable and fulfilling role, but career growth is minimal without further education.

Registered Nurse (RN) — ADN

It takes a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree to become a registered nurse. Both RNs and BSN s qualify for the same entry-level positions, but associate degree programs focus on developing clinical expertise versus leadership abilities.

RNs learn the same practical skills as LPNs, but they receive additional training. Topics included in an RN program but not in an LPN’s curriculum may include:

  • Pathophysiology
  • Advanced physical assessment skills
  • Psychology and mental health
  • Evidence-based nursing
  • Research and practice development
  • Nursing informatics and technology
  • Community nursing

RNs work in the same places as LPNs, but most are employed in hospitals because they have the training and clinical judgment needed to assess and manage unstable patients. From admission through discharge, they plan, implement and evaluate the outcomes of nursing care.

Responsibilities beyond those of an LPN include:

  • Starting IV lines
  • Complex wound care
  • Blood transfusions
  • Post-surgical monitoring
  • Advanced life support
  • Care planning

They also supervise practical nurses in most settings.

Because registered nurses benefit from classes that dive deeper into the science of healthcare, they’re better equipped to troubleshoot complex medical issues and make independent decisions about nursing care. They’re expected to interact with the clinical healthcare team at a higher level.

ADNs also benefit from additional clinical rotations that expose them to specialized care settings from mental health and chemical dependency units to specialty clinics. They begin their careers with more experience and, therefore, a broader view of the professional nursing field.

Although ADNs have the same scope of practice and professional license as registered nurses with bachelor’s degrees, their career growth is comparatively limited. Moving into a leadership position may prove difficult without experience and higher education.

ADNs may work as charge nurses, floor supervisors and lower-level nurse managers, but roles in upper management and administration are usually reserved for BSNs. ADNs who want to improve their skills and job prospects can take an RN to BSN bridge course to get their bachelor’s degree.

RN to BSN

The number of nurses with bachelor’s degrees grew in size in the last few years. Why? Citing improvements in patient outcomes and lower mortality rates, National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Health calls for an increase in the number of nurses with bachelor’s degrees. Researchers found significant improvements among safety and quality indicators when nurses with BSNs were on the job, so the benefits can’t be ignored.

Students enrolled in a bachelor’s nursing program receive the same clinical training as RNs with an associate degree, but course material digs deeper. The goal is not only for BSN-educated nurses to develop superior clinical skills, but also to be critical thinkers and natural leaders. Third- and fourth-year students take courses in:

  • Research
  • Health
  • Genomics
  • Health technology
  • Leadership
  • Management
  • Health policy

These broader clinical experiences deepen their knowledge and the role of nurses in the world around them. Graduates are primed for even further education and top leadership positions.

Still, most BSNs begin their careers working in hospitals where they learn the ropes and fine-tune their clinical skills. Later, they can advance into supervisory jobs, working their way up the ladder from charge nurses to unit managers. Or, if they prefer clinical practice, BSNs can become certified in a wide range of clinical specialties such as wound care, dialysis and diabetes education.

BSNs are also employed in other healthcare settings for their unique clinical skills. Outreach practices, for example, benefit from hiring nurses with an understanding of community health. But they also qualify for purely administrative roles and jobs in research that none but the most experienced ADNs get. Having a bachelor’s degree opens doors and makes you a more valuable employee.

Most school nursing and public health positions require at least a bachelor’s degree. In these jobs, you’ll not only support your community, but you’ll work with local leaders and heads of industry to create healthcare policy. If you want to take your nursing career as far as it can go, start by getting a bachelor’s degree.

LPN, RN or BSN — Making the Right Choice

There’s no wrong way to join the nursing field, but the education choices students make early in their careers help shape their futures. It’s essential to think about your career goals and where you want to be as a nurse in five, ten or fifteen years from now before you decide.

An easy way to launch a nursing career is to enroll in a vocational school practical nursing program. You’ll graduate with a diploma in months, not years, having spent less time and money than your college counterparts to break into the industry. It’s a great way to gain experience and a good option for adults with responsibilities at home who can’t afford to be without a paycheck for the two to four years it takes to become an RN or BSN.

Becoming an LPN is also an attractive option for students who want to be nurses but who aren’t yet sure which direction they want their careers to take. Working in different settings helps you get a feel for different types of nursing. Many students start as LPNs, so they can earn while they learn, gaining experience and insight as they work toward a degree part-time.

But while experience and aptitude play a part in which jobs nurses grow into, it’s important to be realistic. State law limits a nurse’s scope of practice based on their training, so no matter how much enthusiasm and experience an LPN has, they will never become an RN without a degree. Practical nurses have good jobs, but opportunities for advancement are limited.

If your heart is set on becoming an RN, nurses with bachelor’s degrees are the future. But if you can’t spend multiple years in college now, start with an associate degree and work toward a bachelor’s at your own pace.

As a BSN, you’ll also have education options that can take your career even further. With a master’s degree, you can become a primary healthcare provider in your own right as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) specializing in family health, midwifery, anesthesiology and more.

Florence Nightingale once said that nurses should never consider themselves finished with education. So, whether you begin your nursing career as an LPN, an RN or a BSN, where you start is always less important than where you’re going.

Final Thoughts

The World Health Organization projects a 5 million-plus shortage of nurses worldwide by 2030, so LPNs and RNs with all levels of training will continue to be in demand. Nearly a quarter-million new nurses are needed in the next decade in the US alone. But training remains the key to success in this versatile and dynamic field. With the right education, you can lead the pack.

LPN Program

Gwinnett Institute in Orlando offers a Practical Nursing diploma program that trains LPN students for positions delivering basic bedside care to patients. LPN courses create employment opportunities that include entry-level practical nursing positions in long-term care facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, urgent care facilities, occupational care centers, and physician offices.

Upon successful completion of the program and demonstrated nursing competence, the college graduates will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN licensure examination.*  

Registered Nurse Program

The Associate of Science in Nursing degree program at Gwinnett College provides training to prepare college graduates to enter the nursing profession as a registered nurse.  Classroom theory, challenging assignments, skill labs, simulations, and clinical experiences help to prepare college graduates for an entry-level nursing position. 

RN to BSN Program

The RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing/RN-BSN program is designed to provide professionals currently licensed as registered nurses the flexibility of online study to build upon the knowledge gained through previous training and education. The RN to BSN program courses are designed to assist college students with developing the core knowledge and skills needed to provide patient-centered care and to work collaboratively with other professionals in the field.

*While Gwinnett Colleges & Institute provides test preparation and review assistance to college students, it cannot guarantee any college student will be able to take or pass any type of licensure exam.  College students must be mindful throughout their entire training program that licensure is a pre-requisite for employment as a nurse and to diligently prepare themselves to meet this important requirement.

Contact us today to learn more about becoming an LPN, RN or BSN at Gwinnett College.

Can I Be a Paralegal without a Law Degree?

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Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work in the legal field? Want to spend years becoming a lawyer or complete a paralegal diploma or degree program in much less time? Becoming a paralegal can also become a stepping-stone to other job opportunities like becoming a lawyer. However, becoming a paralegal allows you to take on important, challenging work. So how do you qualify for this rare opportunity? First let’s look at what a paralegal does.

What Does a Paralegal Do?

Paralegal responsibilities vary depending upon the area of law in which they work. In general, it is the paralegal’s job to support attorneys, conduct legal research, draft documents, and maintain and organize files.

As a paralegal, you might find yourself completing tasks such as investigating a case, reviewing documents, researching pertinent laws and regulations, drafting correspondence and legal documents, filing legal documents with the court, and scheduling a variety of depositions and meetings.

Paralegals frequently use computers and other technology in connection with their responsibilities. Familiarity with electronic database management and assorted legal software is a must.

Can You Be a Paralegal Without a Law Degree?

You absolutely can become a paralegal without earning a law degree. In fact, the vast majority of paralegals have not completed a law school education. A diploma or degree from a vocational school is the only credential an employer will value when look at a paralegal candidate.

What Education Will Help You Become a Paralegal?

Completing a paralegal diploma or degree program at a vocational school is the route that many paralegals choose. These programs provide you with an understanding of the legal system in the United States and help you to acquire the skills and knowledge that you need to work as a paralegal. Topics such as the court system, trials, laws, legal research, contracts, hearings, ethics, and technology all will be explored.

What Do You Learn During a Paralegal Program?

Throughout the duration of the diploma or degree program, you will be introduced to various legal concentrations. These include topics such as tort law, bankruptcy, civil law, criminal law, family law, wills and trusts, and real estate. By being introduced to many different areas of the legal field, you will gain a broad understanding of litigation and the many areas of law in which litigation is used.

Legal Theory

Your classes will allow you to explore legal theory and reasoning as well as the fundamentals of legal research and writing. You’ll learn how to analyze your research findings as you become familiar with the resources, terminology and documentation that are required for paralegals.

Litigation

While learning about litigation, you’ll cover areas like family law, environmental law, and criminal law. When coursework focuses on business law, you’ll discover what you need to know about banking, real estate, corporations, and contracts.

Family Law

Imagine that you develop an interest in family law while completing your paralegal diploma or degree program. If you became a paralegal in a family law practice, you would be working with people who are going through a separation or divorce. Accordingly, you would encounter things like the division of property, alimony, child custody, child support and visitation rights. You also might deal with diverse situations like adoption, restraining orders, grandparents’ rights, and child guardianship with the state. A family law practice might have you frequently preparing for court dates.

Corporate Law

You will learn about corporate law. Corporate paralegals often work in an in-house capacity at a large business. During the program you learn how to support the company’s legal department. You may do this by keeping tabs on legislation that might affect how your industry does business and implementing changes to the contracts on which your organization relies. You will learn how to complete a variety of business entity documents that must be filed with the state government to maintain your company in good standing. You will also learn paralegal duties like generating annual reports or organizing shareholder meetings.

Wills and Trusts

During the diploma or degree program, you will learn about wills and trusts in estate planning and probate law firm. You learn how to interact with clients who are interested in preparing a will, trust, or other estate planning document. Preparing probate forms and drafts of trusts and wills is part of what you learn during the paralegal program. You’ll learn how to delve into the client’s financial situation and assess creditors’ claims after a client is deceased.

As you can see, paralegals may be responsible for a broad array of tasks and projects. Some paralegals are deeply involved in litigation and love the challenge of regularly supporting attorneys who appear in court. Others are intrigued by the world of big business, and they enjoy keeping track of legislative developments and examining the finer points of complex business contracts. Still other paralegals like to help people determine how they will distribute their assets at the time of their death.

These and many other possibilities are open to you when you complete a paralegal diploma or degree at a vocational school. Which career path sounds most interesting to you?

What Types of Law Do You Become Familiar with in This Paralegal Program?

Your paralegal diploma or degree program will cover all major areas of law including bankruptcy, criminal law, family law, immigration, intellectual property, personal injury, and real estate. With a broad-based foundation in legal knowledge, you will be prepared to support attorneys and take on a wide assortment of responsibilities in the legal world.

The Legal System

Your journey toward becoming a paralegal begins with a broad overview of the legal profession and the legal system in the United States. Introductory coursework includes subjects like legal research, legal writing, and legal ethics. Your instructors will help you to familiarize yourself with legal theory as well as civil litigation and procedures. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore criminal law and procedures, methods of investigation and evidence gathering and completing computer research. Other topics may include the preparation of legal documents, law office procedures and economics.

Different Types of Law

Once you have a firm grasp of the legal world and how it works, it’s time to dive into the various concentration areas. Bankruptcy law, business organizations, real estate law, family law, intellectual property and personal injury are just a few of the subjects that will receive an in-depth exploration.

Legal Research

Thanks to your coursework in these areas, this program will prepare you to help lawyers to investigate cases and interview clients. Performing independent legal research will be a part of your daily routine, and you’ll understand all the legal terminology that you need to succeed in the modern law office.

Manage File Systems

With your working knowledge of computers and specialized legal office software, you will be fully prepared to hit the ground running in your first job. You’ll have expert-level skills regarding managing and maintaining complex file systems and be able to identify and assess ethical issues. With your sharpened writing skills, you will be ready to write legal correspondence, draft reports and set up complex legal documents.

What Are the Benefits of a Formal Education?

The legal field today is fast-paced and demanding. It is essential that paralegals be knowledgeable, well-educated, polished, and professional. Unless you have completed a paralegal diploma or degree program that demonstrates your grasp of the pertinent subject matter, it will be hard to stand out in a crowded field of applicants.

A Complete Paralegal Curriculum

Earning a paralegal diploma or degree exposes you to a complete curriculum. Trying to learn to about being a paralegal by yourself may leave major gaps in your learning, and this can hold you back when applying for a job. While sitting in an interview at a law firm, you want to make the best first impression possible. One way to do this is by saying that you’ve earned a paralegal diploma or degree from a vocational school.

This tells potential employers that you’ve earned the right to the title paralegal. Your education is complete and thorough, fully preparing you to take on this challenging role.

Industry Experienced Instructors

Attending a formal paralegal diploma or degree program lets you work with instructors who have real-world, legal industry experience. Many instructors are practicing attorneys or paralegals with decades of experience. If you want to know what it’s really like to live and work in the legal field, then this is the place to find out.

Your instructors will introduce you to the day in and day out reality of working in the modern legal profession. Thanks to their insight and experience, you’ll begin your career with a clear understanding of your responsibilities.

Real World Experience

This is accomplished through the review of real case studies. You’ll become familiar with how the U.S. legal system works by delving into real-world examples. Examining facts, evidence and testimony will bring obscure legal points to light, and you’ll gain a fresh and comprehensive understanding about how the legal world really works.

Career Services

Another advantage of a formal education in the paralegal profession is that you receive comprehensive career services. We help you find the perfect job that suits your interests and abilities. There are many different legal concentrations, and some of them may appeal more to you then others. Thanks to our career services, we can help you land the perfect opportunity that fits your passion.

Want to Learn More?

Do you have the qualities law firms are looking for in a paralegal? Ready to learn more about becoming a paralegal or legal assistant? The Gwinnett Colleges & Institute diploma and degree programs in Paralegal Studies provide students with the theoretical and practical knowledge and the legal skills necessary to perform many paralegal functions including research, writing, investigation, and interviewing.

Contact us today or complete the Request More Information form on the top of the page to take the next step towards your new career in the Paralegal field.

What is an Electronic Health Record (EHR)?

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Are you interested in becoming a medical assistant and wondering what an electronic health record is? What does it do and how does a medical assistant use it during their duties at a medical facility? With the evolution of medical technology, the industry is identifying ways to improve health outcomes and one important way that has happened is by transferring paper files to electronic health records.

What is an Electronic Health Record?

The electronic health record (EHR) is a systematic collection of a patient’s electronically stored information. The electronic health records are the central repository of information for all providers in a patient’s care including physicians, medical offices, and healthcare professionals.

An electronic health record is a digital compilation of a patient’s entire medical history. Stored in a computer, it holds information including:

  • Demographics
  • Diagnoses
  • Immunization record
  • Allergy list
  • Medication profile
  • Vital signs
  • Progress notes
  • Care plans
  • Diagnostic test results
  • Radiographic images
  • Administrative and billing data

Some of the information recorded in electronic medical records is also recorded in electronic health records. While use interchangeably, they do have distinct use cases.

What is the Difference Between EHR and EMR?

While electronic medical records (EMRs) are designed for proprietary use, EHRs are built to be accessible by everyone involved in the patient’s care from a primary physician to billing specialists.

Why not just replace EMRs with EHRs? The answer is complicated but lies in patient privacy. Patients must expressly consent to share records related to substance abuse, mental health treatment or STDs, so some records are safer as EMRs.

While EMRs and EHRs are destined to remain separate systems, the goal is that EHRs will eventually contain most of the information in EMRs so that patients always get the promptest and most informed care possible.

Patient Benefits of Electronic Health Records

There are many important benefits to using electronic health records. Some of the benefits include improved patient outcomes, collective care throughout the patient’s life, historical tracking of patient records, proper monitoring of patients, less errors and duplicate testing, time and resources savings, and confidential and secure patient information.

Electronic Health Records Help Improve Patient Outcomes

A medical records system can be set up to alert the health care provider of possible complications, allergies to certain medications, critical lab values or an alert that the patient is due for an important test. These electronic health record systems can also let physician’s offices know who is late on their bills or has a denied claim. Electronic health records make it easy for a medical assistant to support a medical facility and keep it running smoothly.

Collective Patient Care

The electronic health record can be accessed, created, and managed by authorized providers and medical staff from multiple health care organizations. Patients receive better medical treatment because the shareability of electronic health records among the healthcare provider community. The physician doesn’t have to wait hours for the patient’s medical records to be received in the mail or fax. With electronic health records, patient information is available for another medical provider almost instantaneously.

By sharing the information with all health care providers, the risks of medical errors are lowered, the patient doesn’t have to pay for duplicate tests, and overall quality of care improves. With electronic health records, the patient is also able to access and respond to physicians using communication tools like text messages and emails.

Historical Tracking of Patient Records

Physicians have access to the patient’s health care records across their entire life, offering explanations for different conditions or treatments that have administered. Many patients move from one physician to the next and each physician can access the patient’s notes in electronic format.

Monitor Patient Outcomes

By using electronic health records, the health care community can monitor a patient and understand when screenings are necessary or when preventative care is administered. Government agencies can also see an epidemic start or identify where budget should be allocated with the help of electronic health records.

Lower Error Rate

Electronic health records can help physicians avoid making errors in medications prescribed and treatments administered. If a patient reports an allergy to one physician, all physicians that access the health records will know about the allergy and not prescribe medication that will cause an adverse reaction. Electronic health records will also reduce the number of duplicate tests that are performed from a lack of insight into other physician’s treatments and medical records.

Saving Time and Resources

Many physicians have resources dedicated to managing incoming and outgoing patient files. Time and resources can be wasted with an inefficiency of paper filing processes. Having electronic health records and a universal coding system allows physicians more time to help their patients.

Confidential and Secure Information

Keeping patient’s personal information in a secure environment, makes it harder for people to steal paper documents or intercept mail that holds confidential patient information. Electronic health records are accessed only by those who have permission. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) specifies who can access a patient’s private health records and when.

Make Healthcare More Affordable

It costs billions of dollars to process medical transactions using old technology like fax and snail mail. Doctors’ offices hired clerical staff just to handle paperwork. Electronic health records speed transactions, making them more efficient and reducing the cost of healthcare for patients.

Bolster Public Health Surveillance

COVID-19 underscores the need for increased public health surveillance. Electronic health records contain the diagnostic codes the CDC and WHO use to track disease rates in real-time. Paper tracking would make large-scale pandemic management nearly impossible, but easily accessible digital data can be converted quickly enough to guide immediate resource management.

How To Become a Medical Assistant

An easy way to become a medical assistant is by attending a vocational school’s medical assistant program. You can complete this program in months, rather than years and start a new career in healthcare as a medical assistant.

What are the Benefits of a Formal Education?

There are many benefits to a formal education. From a comprehensive curriculum to career services and everything in between, getting a formal education will allow employers to skip most of the on-the-job training and allow you to start working right after graduation.

Comprehensive Curriculum

When you attend a medical assistant program at a vocational school, you learn what you need to start working. No art history electives that make you a well-rounded student. Just what you need to start working and nothing else. During a medical assistant program, you learn about anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, phlebotomy, EKG administration and much more.

Lab Experience

One of the great benefits of a medical assistant program is the ability to put lecture theory to the test with lab work. You will spend countless hours working on medical assisting procedures until you have mastered them. You will also have the chance enjoy an externship. Externships allow students to shadow medical assistants and perform real procedures under the strict supervision of a nurse or physician. Practice makes perfect, and you get a lot of practice during a medical assistant program.

Industry Experienced Instructors

At Gwinnett College, we pride ourselves in the instructors we hire to prepare you for the workforce. They have experience in the industry, know what employers are looking for in a candidate, and offer one-on-one attention so you don’t get left behind.

Access to Career Services

The best benefit that you will receive at Gwinnett College is career services to find the job you are passionate about. We help you build your resume, prepare for interviews, write thank you emails and meet employers in the community. Our career services staff works to understand your passion and find the right match for your career.

Final Thoughts

Did learn about electronic health records interest you? Want to use EHRs to help patients improve health outcomes? If you want to learn more about becoming a medical assistant, then contact us today. We are happy to answer any of your questions and we will be by your side every step of the process.

Want to Learn More?

Gwinnett Colleges & Institute offers medical assisting courses to gain essential skills and training at multiple campuses from Lilburn, Sandy Springs and Atlanta/Marietta to Orlando, FL and Raleigh, NC. The core curriculum at these campuses focuses on the medical assisting skills and training you will need to seek entry-level employment in physicians’ offices, clinics, hospitals, and other medical settings needing the services of associates trained in both front and back office medical assisting skills. These medical assisting courses will be the first step in starting a rewarding career.

Contact us to learn more about how you can become a medical assistant today.

Medical Assisting: Clinical and Clerical Duties

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Medical assistants have both clerical and clinical responsibilities. Some tasks are distinctly one or the other, while others blend seamlessly together. As a medical assistant, you’ll be a jack-of-all-trades and a master of many.

What Does a Medical Assistant Do?

Medical assistants support doctors, nurses, and administrators by performing a broad range of clinical and clerical tasks in healthcare settings. Their job descriptions vary, some have a predominantly clinical focus while others are more administrative in nature. It’s a flexible role and an excellent career choice for people with diverse interests, satisfying passions for wellness, science, and finance.

On an average day as a medical assistant, you’ll use your clinical and administrative training to:

Triage Phone Calls

Medical office assistants usually manage the switchboard in medical settings, but while they can make appointments and answer general questions about the practice, they have limited clinical training and can’t respond to health concerns. Their role is to forward medical calls to someone who can best answer symptom-related inquiries, typically a medical assistant.

Medical assistants work side-by-side with doctors, so they’re aware of patients’ needs. They have the clinical expertise necessary to know which symptoms require home care instructions or an emergency visit.

While they can’t offer medical advice, they know, for example, that the surgeon they work for wants all patients with post-operative fevers to be prioritized for appointments. After speaking to the client and reviewing their symptoms, they’ll help the medical office assistant determine when the patient should be seen.

From the administrative perspective, this task also requires significant documentation. Records kept by medical assistants help subsequent providers track symptoms and treatments so that the patient always gets the most timely and appropriate care possible.

Stock Exam Rooms and Manage Inventory

Keeping exam rooms stocked is one responsibility with both clinical and administrative features. After reviewing the day’s schedule, medical assistants use their clinical know-how to choose the supplies needed for each visit. Postoperative care, for example, may require a staple remover kit and bandages while the doctor will need a cerumen removal kit to treat impacted ear wax.

Each of these supplies is also an expense that practices need to track. As a medical assistant, you may need to scan supplies into an inventory tracking system or keep lists of which items to reorder. With experience, you may work with vendors directly to source products and negotiate prices.

Room Patients

When a client arrives for an appointment, you’ll escort them to an exam room while preparing them for their visits. Your role will be to complete the clerical and clinical tasks necessary for providers to make the most of their one-on-one time with patients.

After taking their vital signs, you’ll update their medication and allergy lists, complete verbal pre-screenings, such as the PHQ-9 questionnaire for depression, and take notes about their physical symptoms.

You’ll also search in their medical records for overdue services, such as PAP smears and influenza vaccines, flagging the patient’s needs. When the provider arrives, they will review your notes and follow up on concerns.

Perform Diagnostic Tests

Performing diagnostic tests is a purely clinical responsibility, yet it has an administrative component. Medical assistants can assist with x-rays, draw blood, collect biological samples, complete TB tests, and do EKGs without close supervision. It’s satisfying work for science-driven people.

But each of these tasks also has a billing and coding component in which both medical assistants and medical billing specialists participate. Because they have both clinical and clerical training, medical assistants often serve as the bridge between the exam room and the back office.

Administer Medications and Treatments

Medical assistants can administer many medications and treatments in most states. Though limited to working with stable patients, they can give immunizations, remove stitches, and apply dry dressings under the supervision of a doctor or nurse. They’re also responsible for the administrative aspects of these duties, including obtaining signed consent forms and documentation.

Provide Billing Support

There’s a billing component in most of what medical assistants do, but some medical assistants take a leading role. Just as there are medical assistants that perform primarily clinical duties, so are there some that embrace mostly administrative duties.

Medical assistants can help fill out insurance forms and research rejected claims, filling in the blanks if clinical information was missing. They may also participate in marketing, financial management and human resource activities under the supervision of the practice administrator.

Maintaining Medical Records

Medical assistants make entries into clinical records in real-time as they care for patients. However, they can also oversee entire record systems, directing the flow of information between providers and patients. Patient privacy regulations and internet security add a deeper administrative dimension to recordkeeping responsibilities.

Patient Education

Medical assistants have clinical and clerical roles in patient education. Helping a patient prepare for hospital admission, for example, not only includes giving them clinical instructions, such as not to eat or take medication after a specific time, but it also requires verifying demographic and insurance data for the facility as well as informing insurers of the admission.

Where Do Medical Assistants Work?

Where there are doctors and nurses, there’s a need for medical assistants. Medical assistants are increasingly being recognized for their skill and versatility and are hired in many health settings, including:

Private Practices

The majority of medical assistants work in doctor’s offices, it’s the ideal setting for a blended skillset and makes the most of a medical assistant’s clinical expertise. Core clinical duties may include:

  • Rooming patients
  • Taking vital signs
  • Giving vaccinations
  • Performing diagnostic tests
  • Assisting with treatments
  • Phlebotomy
  • Managing referrals
  • Patient education

Administrative responsibilities encompass:

  • Managing the schedule
  • Overseeing inventory
  • Ordering medical supplies
  • Billing and coding
  • Filing
  • Record management

Hospitals

Medical assistants in hospitals work in many departments, from admissions and ambulatory surgery to the billing and records departments. Because some patients are more acute, clinical roles may be limited to:

  • Taking vital signs
  • Collecting specimens for the lab
  • Patient observation
  • Transporting patients between departments
  • Reviewing post-procedure instructions

Performing phlebotomy and diagnostics tests in a hospital usually require additional certifications, but there’s also more potential for exclusively administrative roles. Hospitals hire medical assistants to:

  • Greet clients
  • Work as unit clerks
  • Restock inventory
  • Handle pre-admission paperwork
  • Track down families for emergency admissions
  • Follow-up on admissions with insurers
  • Work in billing
  • Manage medical records

You could, for example, work exclusively with medical records, ensuring they’re complete and properly stored while responding promptly to inquiries for clinical information. Your clinical training allows you to find pertinent medical information quickly to help doctors make speedy treatment decisions.

Clinics

Larger than private practices but smaller than hospitals, clinics are a fun environment for medical assistants. There is less staff, so roles are less focused. Everyone chips in and does the necessary jobs. Clinical tasks may include:

  • Screening patients for symptoms
  • Obtaining vital signs
  • Drawing blood
  • Assisting with radiographs and EKGs
  • Administering medications
  • Reviewing home care instructions

Clerical duties may consist of:

  • Managing the waiting area
  • Checking patients in
  • Requesting prior records
  • Filing
  • Reviewing consent forms
  • Filling out insurance claims
  • Preparing invoices
  • Taking payments, light accounting

Medical Billing Services

Many physicians are now outsourcing their billing to separate the business and health aspects of their practice. Medical assistants working in billing practices have no direct clinical role since they rarely see patients face-to-face. However, they do spend considerable time on the phone with them, ironing out billing and insurance issues, some of which require extensive clinical research. You may have to reach out to providers to clarify health data and review charges.

Responsibilities include:

  • Taking patient phone calls
  • Troubleshooting bills
  • Researching claims
  • Posting payments
  • Collections

What’s the Easiest Way to Become a Medical Assistant?

There’s more than one way to become a medical assistant. You can go to college for two years and get an associate degree or get to work faster with a vocational school diploma.

If you attend full-time, you can graduate in as little as nine months. By eliminating elective classes that don’t directly improve your skills as a medical assistant, you’ll complete your program in less than half the time while qualifying for the same certifications and entry-level positions as your college-educated peers. It’s an unbeatable value.

There are also part-time options that let you learn at your own pace while continuing to work, but full-time participation is the fast route to graduation day It’s a great option for adults who want a new career without sacrificing an extra year of earning potential.

Vocational school medical assisting programs also come with other perks, including job placement benefits. Career advisers work closely with local employers to help fill their staffing needs. Students not only get a networking edge from industry-seasoned instructors, but they often find out about jobs that aren’t posted publicly. Employers are increasingly turning to schools for trained graduates instead of placing want ads that attract unqualified applicants.

Final Thoughts

Medical assisting has a lot going for it as a career. It’s secure and personally rewarding, but the best part about the job is that it’s never stale because it’s so flexible. Whether your strengths lie in clinical or clerical practice, there are always opportunities and a place for you in the medical community.

Want to Learn More?

Gwinnett Colleges & Institute offers medical assisting courses to gain essential skills and training at multiple campuses from Lilburn, Sandy Springs and Atlanta/Marietta to Orlando, FL and Raleigh, NC. The core curriculum at these campuses focuses on the medical assisting skills and training you will need to seek entry-level employment in physicians’ offices, clinics, hospitals, and other medical settings needing the services of associates trained in both front and back office medical assisting skills. These medical assisting courses will be the first step in starting a rewarding career.

Contact us to learn more about how you can become a medical assistant today.

Should I Get a Degree or Diploma in Massage Therapy?

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Are you interested in becoming a massage therapist but not sure if you should go for a diploma or degree? You are not alone. Many people who are interested in this field may have questions about what a massage therapist does, as well as what the difference is between a diploma and a degree in massage therapy. Following is some information that answers these questions, as well as what the benefits are of attending a vocational school program.

What Does a Massage Therapist Do?

A massage therapist provides massage therapy techniques for their clients to reduce pain and inflammation, minimize healing time, reduce stress, and improve their client’s wellbeing and quality of life. Massage therapists also work with different types of clients and maintain open communication with them to efficiently address their needs and make sure that they are providing effective relief.

How Do You Become a Massage Therapist?

The easiest way to become a massage therapist is to get a diploma or degree from a vocational school. With the help of a formal education, you will learn a complete curriculum that includes the many different massage techniques, taught by industry experienced instructors offering one-on-one attention to answer your questions and guide you through the curriculum.

What Do You Learn During a Massage Therapy Program?

During both a diploma and degree program, you learn many of the same skills. From complete training in the many massage techniques to anatomy and physiology of the body. These classes will help you work toward a diploma and with some additional coursework, you can qualify for a degree in massage therapy.

Both a diploma and degree program offer a variety of courses you must successfully pass to obtain you massage therapy diploma or degree.

Anatomy and Physiology

Because massage therapy is dependent upon your knowledge of human anatomy, you will complete coursework in anatomy and physiology. You will become familiar with the innerworkings of the body, including each system and how they interact with each other. When a client identifies the location of their pain, it is important to know how to effectively target this pain and relieve it with the knowledge of anatomy and physiology.

Swedish Massage

This technique is one of the most well-known within the industry. Initially developed in the 1800s, it was designed to alleviate aches and pains by purposefully manipulating various muscle groups and tendons. This technique has been perfected over the years and is now one of the most universally popular techniques utilized in the industry today. This technique is one of the corner stones of massage therapy, and you will receive advanced training while completing your diploma and degree coursework.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage is another cornerstone of the industry. This technique helps a client release tension that is built up within the muscles and tendons, reduce stress, reduce blood pressure, and alleviate pain. Deep tissue massage consists of five specific techniques including cross fiber friction, active release, muscle energy, trigger point, and myofascial. This is a common technique used for strains and sports injuries. Deep tissue massage is also used in rehabilitation because it is effective in decreasing swelling as well as improve healing time.

Chair Massage

Many professionals who work in office settings suffer from aches and pains from their work environment. Hours of sitting at a desk in an unnatural position that is not ergonomically sound can cause injury and unnecessary pain. Many professionals enjoy receiving a chair massage during their lunch hour or even on site.

Reflexology

Reflexology is one of the oldest therapeutic techniques used by many professional massage therapists. This massage technique consists of applying pressure to the palms of the hands and soles of the feet to alleviate aches, pains, and pressure in various parts of the body. Reflexology can be used to treat many ailments, including anxiety, insomnia, and sinus issues. You will receive training in the art of reflexology and be able to perform this technique upon graduation from a diploma or degree program.

Sports Massage

Clients who are physically active will often schedule an appointment for sports massage. Sports massage is designed with athletes and physically active individuals in mind and is meant to enhance athletic performance or help athletes recover from sports-related injuries. Sports massage uses Swedish massage but focuses on one part of the body that is injured. First, the techniques utilized within this specialty are more varied than other techniques, and include working on a client’s trigger points, kneading and wringing the muscles, as well as effleurage. These techniques will break down scar tissue and help to increase mobility and reduce inflammation around the injured areas.

Neuromuscular Therapy

Trigger points are places on a person’s body where a network of nerves come together. These trigger points are responsible for bothersome symptoms, including numbness, tingling, and pain. By targeting these trigger points through neuromuscular therapy, you can alleviate a client’s pain and release harmful energy and toxins from their system. This technique also helps to improve a client’s posture, which is especially beneficial for clients whose line of work is more sedentary in nature.

Business and Success Techniques

Many massage therapists begin their career at entry level positions. However, as they spend more time in the field perfecting their techniques, some decide to embark upon a new path and choose to open their own private practices. It takes advanced knowledge to successfully run a business. Therefore, you will take a class in business and success techniques to learn how to run or manage a private practice. You will learn about marketing, accounting, management, and other important aspects of running a successful massage therapy business.

What are the Benefits of Attending a Vocational School Program?

Whether you are working toward a degree or diploma in massage therapy, there are several reasons why you should consider attending a vocational school program. Following are some of the main benefits you receive by enrolling in a massage therapy program.

Open the Door to More Vocational Opportunities

Many people find it difficult to keep a steady line of work in this current economic climate. By enrolling in a massage therapy program and obtaining education in this highly in-demand field, you are more likely to enjoy vocational opportunities, career growth, and longevity.

Enjoy Stability

Many newly graduated massage therapists start their careers in an entry level position and can work their way up to a managerial position. Others decide to open their own practices and run their own business. By enrolling in a degree or diploma massage therapy program, you will enjoy job stability, self-employment if you choose, as well as making your own hours. You can also decide to bring your professional skills to a client’s home or offer your services on a part-time basis.

Learn a Highly Marketable and In-Demand Trade

The demand for experienced massage therapists has increased dramatically over the last several decades. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for massage therapist is projected to grow 32 percent in the next decade.

Receive Instruction from Industry Experienced Instructors

Instructors who teach at vocational schools come with years of experience and have a wealth of knowledge to bestow upon you. These instructors have seen the industry evolve and are able to provide thorough instruction on delivering quality massage techniques. You will enjoy professional guidance and the mentorship of great teachers. You will also have the ability to maintain these contacts as you embark on your career path.

Access to Career Services

Sometimes it can be difficult to find a great career path without the right connections. The good news is that vocational schools provide career services to help connect you with the right positions and job options. You may prefer to work in a spa setting, while others may want to start at a franchise. Career services will help you find openings, assist in building your resume, and preparing you for job interviews so you can land the perfect massage therapy position.

Final Thoughts

Did you know that you can earn a diploma, and then decide to put your knowledge towards receiving a c degree in massage therapy? The coursework that you successfully complete while getting a diploma can be transferred into a massage therapy degree program. This can help minimize the amount of additional coursework you must complete to receive a degree in massage therapy and allow you to dip your foot into the water by attending a diploma program. Whether you decide to start with a diploma or go directly to a degree program, it is time to start a new and exciting career as a massage therapist today.

Now that you know a little more about degrees and diplomas in massage therapy, what to learn more about training to become a massage therapist? Upon graduation, Massage Therapy Program students will receive diplomas and be qualified to seek entry-level positions as clinical, medical, or deep tissue massage therapists in wellness clinics and centers, spa environments including resorts and franchises, and self-employment.

Gwinnett College also offers a degree program in Massage & Spa Management for students attending the Lilburn, GA campus. The Associate of Science Degree in Massage and Spa Operations is designed to provide you with the additional knowledge and practical skills to transition into positions of leadership within the spa environment or to better function as a proprietor of your own massage business. The program includes core curriculum courses specific to the practice of massage as well as courses to be used in the administration of a practice.

Contact us to learn more about how you can become a massage therapist today.

Can You Become a Medical Assistant in College?

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Education is an investment, so students should make the most of it. If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant, you have choices about where to learn. The best decisions are made based on your career goals, so should you go to a four-year or a vocational college? Let’s find out.

Can You Become a Medical Assistant in College?

It might surprise you to learn that some medical assistants have a bachelor’s degree, many colleges offer 4-year programs that provide a medical assisting education, including transferable credits. Some students elect to go the vocational college route and get a diploma or an associate degree. Why? Let’s explore the differences between 4-year and vocational college medical assisting programs.

4-Year College vs Vocational College

4-year and vocational colleges both offer comprehensive, high-quality education, but the practical differences are like night and day.

Program Length

It takes four years to earn a bachelor’s degree in medical assisting. The first two years consist of foundational classes that build on what students learned in high school plus general electives that broaden your horizons but don’t necessarily contribute to your skills as a medical assistant. A poetry class may deepen your worldview, but it won’t help you manage inventory in a medical office. Core classes begin the third year at a 4-year college.

Vocational colleges are different. The curriculum is focused with each class being carefully designed to enhance practical skills. There are a few elective courses to take if you pursue an associate degree. By emphasizing what matters, full-time vocational college students can complete a medical assisting program in just nine months or get an associate degree in two years. Both are faster roads to a steady career.

Class Sizes

4-year college lecture halls host hundreds of diverse students. There’s little personalized attention, and it’s the rare professor who can tailor lessons plans to their students’ needs. Classes may even be managed by a teacher’s assistant. The environment is crowded, and the hustle and bustle of campus life is a lot for some students to handle. If you struggle with the coursework, there are few safety nets.

At a vocational college, small class sizes enhance communication and promote creativity. The slower pace allows for an in-depth exploration of topics presented by industry-seasoned instructors. Lesson plans are individualized, and no one is left behind.

Approach

4-year colleges excel at teaching theory. The focus is on book learning to give students a broad foundation of knowledge. But if you learn best by doing, the first two years can be arduous.

Vocational colleges know that the best way to learn a job is through practice. Labs are equipped with the same tools medical assistants use on the job. You’ll dive headfirst into learning while your motivation is strong, feeling confident and capable before bachelor’s degree students have even gotten their feet wet.

Flexibility

4-year college schedules are tight. Classes must be taken in order, so prerequisites are complete before moving on to more complex material. Students have a full course load with little wiggle room to drop a class to deal with personal needs. And classes fill up quickly, so not everyone will be able to complete their program without taking a summer class or adding an extra semester. Most students live on or near campus with little opportunity to explore real life.

The majority of vocational college students live in their own homes. They commute and save money on room, board and food. Vocational colleges understand the needs of adult students and offer flexible schedules.

Career Services

Some colleges offer job placement services, but for most students, there’s little post-graduation support. The expectation is that as qualified alumni, they’ll be able to find work.

Vocational colleges have made it their mission to translate education into meaningful employment, working with their students before they graduate to line up jobs. Career advisers get to know students, matching a candidate’s strengths and weaknesses with available positions. Vocational colleges partner with local businesses to create a dynamic curriculum to meet their needs, so it’s not surprising that they seek out their graduates.

What Do You Learn During a Vocational College Medical Assisting Program?

Vocational college programs prepare students for entry-level positions as medical assistants. Designed for beginners, little healthcare experience is necessary. You’ll learn what you need to know to get the same jobs as medical assistants with four-year degrees, including:

Anatomy and Physiology

Medical assistants are trained in both administrative and clinical responsibilities. An understanding of how the body is made and how it functions is a must to work in a healthcare setting.

The course isn’t as complex as what licensed healthcare providers endure, but it covers enough to ensure medical assistants can read medical reports and prioritize patient needs. You’ll explore the fourteen body systems, associated conditions and treatments.

Clinical Procedures

Medical assistants help doctors with a wide range of clinical procedures from taking vital signs to performing diagnostic tests and assisting with surgical procedures. Practicing with the latest equipment, you’ll do EKGs and take patients’ temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate and peripheral oxygen saturation.

You’ll explore the world of infection control, learning disinfection, sanitation, and sterilization technique. As a medical assistant, part of your job is keeping shared surfaces and equipment clean to prevent the spread of transmissible diseases.

Phlebotomy

Phlebotomy, the art of drawing blood, is an essential skill for today’s medical assistants. Most private practices now offer this service as a convenience for their patients. It’s a better use of medical resources and speeds up care.

In a vocational college program, you’ll learn how to draw blood and process samples, practicing on models, fellow students, and patients during supervised externships. It’s a simple but technically demanding task that requires confidence and sound clinical judgment.

Office Practices

Vocational college programs give students an overview of how medical offices function. A highly regulated environment, practices are different than the average business. Those without prior clerical experience will learn how to use basic office equipment. Additional topics include customer service principles, communication, delegations and how to build effective workplace relationships.

Computer Applications

Healthcare records are now digital, stored in computerized databases instead of filing cabinets. Part of a medical assistant’s responsibilities is to review and update records. Working with the same type of software you’ll use on the job, you’ll practice accessing, editing and correcting data.

Billing and Coding

Medical coding, a type of alphanumeric shorthand, is used to describe health conditions and services on insurance forms. Used globally, accuracy is critical for reimbursement. Medical assistants help with billing and inventory management by ensuring that documentation is properly coded. This course covers the three most common coding systems and offers an overview of commercial and public health insurance options.

Medical Law and Ethics

There are volumes of healthcare regulations designed to improve care and protect patient privacy. This course introduces students to HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Signed in 1996, it defines patients’ rights and responsibilities and governs how medical information is shared.

You’ll learn how to work safely within the rules and handle the ethical dilemmas you may encounter.

Career Development

Vocational schools set the stage for professional growth by helping you climb the career ladder.

From preparing you for certification to offering placement services, they’ll help you land a rewarding job and position yourself for advancement.

Becoming certified is an important step in your career, and the good news is, the curriculum “teaches to the test.”Upon graduation, you’ll qualify to sit for one of several certification exams, making you a more valuable potential employee.

Externships

Externships are off-site learning opportunities. Students work closely with experienced medical assistants, observing how they perform. You’ll spend up to a week working in a medical setting, building confidence and practicing skills, from scheduling to phlebotomy, with the help of a mentor. Yes, you’re graded, but the goal is to help you feel comfortable as you begin a new career.

Why Get a Vocational College Diploma?

A bachelor’s degree is never wasted. Credits are transferable, so if you decide to become a nurse after a few years as a medical assistant, you won’t have to start from scratch. But is it worth the time and money when you can get the same job with a diploma?

Going to a four-year college has its perks. There are more on-campus activities and nightlife if you can spare the study time. But vocational colleges also have many advantages. Being out of the workforce for four years is tough for students with other financial and family responsibilities. A vocational college education isn’t a shortcut, it’s just a shorter path to the same destination and a great value.

Final Thoughts

Medical assisting is an up-and-coming career with personal and professional benefits. Whether you want a 4-year degree and the full college experience or want a head start in life with a vocational college diploma or associate degree, the most important thing is to get started today.

Which college are you interested in? Gwinnett Colleges & Institute offers medical assisting courses to gain essential skills and training at multiple campuses from Lilburn, Sandy Springs and Atlanta/Marietta to Orlando, FL and Raleigh, NC. The core curriculum at these campuses focuses on the medical assisting skills and training you will need to seek entry-level employment in physicians’ offices, clinics, hospitals, and other medical settings needing the services of associates trained in both front and back office medical assisting skills. These medical assisting courses will be the first step in starting a rewarding career.

Contact us to learn more about how you can become a medical assistant today.

What is an Allied Healthcare Professional?

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Medicine is a team sport, it’s less about doctors and more about a community of committed experts working together to meet patients’ wellness goals. Known as allied health professionals, they’re a diverse group of clinical and administrative specialists who bring unique talents to the team. In demand, they’re the future of healthcare.

What is an Allied Healthcare Professional?

The Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions defines allied health professionals as workers “that deliver services involving the identification, evaluation and prevention of diseases and disorders; dietary and nutrition services; and rehabilitation and health systems management.”It’s a growing field that includes a wide range of technicians, therapists, technologists, clerical specialists, and administrators.

Over half of US healthcare workers are classified as allied health professionals. Some are clinical experts while others have support roles. But each is necessary to achieve the best health outcomes. Allied healthcare professionals include:

  • Speech, occupation, and physical therapists
  • Paramedics and EMTs
  • Nurses
  • Dietitians
  • Midwives
  • Audiologists
  • Nurse anesthetists
  • Billing specialists
  • Medical coders
  • Office managers
  • Hospital administrators
  • Dental hygienists
  • Pharmacy technicians
  • Phlebotomists
  • Laboratory technologists
  • Chaplains
  • Psychologists
  • Counselors
  • Radiology and ultrasound technicians
  • Medical assistants
  • Massage therapists

Why Do Allied Health Professionals Matter?

As healthcare becomes more complex, no single professional has enough training to meet every need. Doctors take the lead, but they depend on experts in complementary fields to provide more in-depth or far-reaching care than they can offer. They collaborate directly and casually to:

Improve Patient Care

When it comes to medicine, many minds make light work. Each professional’s knowledge and experience contribute to more comprehensive and holistic patient care. It’s a win-win for patients who benefit from wide-ranging expertise and doctors who can relax, knowing they’re free to concentrate on what they do best.

Keep Communities Healthy

The recent pandemic showcased the importance of allied health professionals in trying times. As the crisis unfolded, it was all hands on deck to identify and treat the ill. From the medical office assistant that answers telephones in private practices to the nurse that provides home healthcare when hospitals are full, each played a role in helping communities cope. It’s a lesson well learned with future implications now that the crisis has passed.

Frontline allied healthcare professionals are better positioned than doctors to identify health needs among the vulnerable who struggle with resources. Together, they form a network of gateways through which patients can access care. As the shortage of primary care physicians worsens, they will play an increasingly important role.

Chart the Future of Healthcare

Healthcare professionals are becoming more dependent on each other for support. It will take their combined vision to address the problems we face as a nation. As a group, they’re best equipped to diagnose emerging issues as we create a more equitable healthcare system. The future of medicine will be built on a collaborative foundation.

Popular Allied Health Professions

Allied health professionals have hundreds of different job titles, but these professions are among the most popular.

Registered Nurse (RN)

Registered nurses plan, provide and supervise nursing care in a wide range of settings from hospitals to homes. Autonomous professionals, they collaborate closely with other allied healthcare workers to provide quality patient care. While the push is on for more RNs to have bachelor’s degrees, associate degree nurses have the same professional licenses and qualify for most of the same jobs. Their responsibilities include:

  • Create care plans
  • Assessing patients for changes in condition
  • Administering medications
  • Performing treatments
  • Providing emergency care
  • Managing medical equipment
  • Assisting with activities of daily living
  • Supervising practical nurses and paraprofessional staff
  • Educating patients

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

LPNs are entry-level nurses with vocational school diplomas. LPNs can build on their training while they work and gain experience. Like RNs, they’re licensed and can fill many of the same roles. But their responsibilities are more practical and include:

  • Helping patients bathe, dress, eat and use the toilet
  • Taking vital signs
  • Inserting urinary catheters
  • Monitoring intake and output
  • Administering medications
  • Performing basic treatments
  • Testing blood glucose
  • Wound care
  • Assisting with therapeutic exercises
  • Collecting lab specimens
  • Maintaining feeding tubes
  • Supervising paraprofessional staff
  • Patient and family education

Medical Assistant

Medical assistants manage clinical and administrative tasks in office settings. Ubiquitous in doctor’s offices, they support physicians, nurses, billing staff and office managers. Duties include:

  • Triaging phone calls
  • Rooming patients
  • Taking vital signs
  • Collecting biological samples
  • Updating health records
  • Performing diagnostic tests
  • Phlebotomy
  • Ordering supplies
  • Sterilizing equipment
  • Assisting with minor surgical procedures
  • Basic wound care
  • Patient education

A diploma is generally expected by employers and required for most certifications. Full-time students can complete the program in less than a year.

Medical Office Assistants

Medical office assistants are clerical support specialists, they handle the many administrative tasks that are part of every patient visit. It’s a non-clinical role with responsibilities including:

  • Switchboard management
  • Data entry
  • Updating patient demographics and insurance information
  • Patient screening
  • Filing
  • Sorting mail
  • Interoffice communication
  • Assisting with billing
  • Ordering office supplies
  • Accepting payments

Becoming a medical office assistant is ideal for people who enjoy science and medicine but prefer not to be direct caregivers. There are no firm education requirements, but practically speaking, a diploma is a must. Students attending full-time can obtain a diploma in months, rather than years.

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

Nearly all healthcare bills in the US are covered by insurance. Medical billing and coding specialists handle the claims. They work in hospitals, clinics and private practices managing billing and other financial activities, such as:

  • Medical coding
  • Obtaining insurance pre-authorizations
  • Completing and submitting health insurance forms
  • Troubleshooting rejected claims
  • Posting payments
  • Collections
  • Light accounting

Like medical office assistants, higher education isn’t mandatory for medical billers, but it’s expected and essential for certification. The field is complex, and few would thrive without extensive training or experience. Full-time programs can be completed in months, rather than years.

Medical Office Administrator

The definition of a medical office administrator varies. Jacks-of-all-trades, they do whatever is necessary to keep doctor’s offices running smoothly. Duties may include:

 

  • Managing human resources
  • Customer service
  • Setting departmental budgets
  • Monitoring revenue
  • Making large purchase decisions
  • Marketing

Depending on their education and experience, their job description may look more like a medical office assistant’s or an office manager’s. The medical office administrator diploma program takes less than a year.

Massage Therapist

Massage therapists work with clients directly to relieve stress, reduce muscle pain and rehabilitate injuries through bodywork. Embraced by mainstream medicine as an alternative to surgical or pharmacological treatments, manipulating soft tissue is scientifically proven to improve health and enhance mobility. Students in massage therapy programs learn more than bodywork techniques. They delve into:

  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Kinesiology — the study of movement
  • Nutrition
  • Aromatherapy
  • Medical ethics
  • Therapeutic communication

Massage therapy is a fast-growing field with self-employment potential, so a well-rounded education is necessary to function as an allied healthcare professional. Graduates are well-versed in holistic care. Training can take up to two years depending on students’ desired credentials.

Is There a Need for Allied Health Professionals?

As the American population ages, they need more access to preventive health services. Employment in allied healthcare occupations is projected to grow 16 percent through 2030, adding more than 2.6 million new jobs according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Students training in allied health today will have more opportunities than many other occupational groups. As careers in some industries fade, replaced by technology, the medical field remains vibrant.

How To Become an Allied Health Professional

Allied health professions require different levels of education, but there are dozens of job titles to choose from that don’t require spending years in a 4-year college to train for. The easiest way to get started is to get a diploma or an associate degree from a vocational school. Programs are lifestyle friendly and include far-reaching benefits, such as:

A Comprehensive Education

Vocational school programs are shorter than degree programs because they focus on practical courses. You’ll graduate in a fraction of the time by eliminating unnecessary electives. The education, however, is no less complete. Graduates are well-prepared for entry-level positions and poised for professional growth.

Certification Preparation

Certification is how job applicants demonstrate their competency. It looks great on a resume and serves as a foundation for continuing education, but it takes work. Vocational schools teach to the test, so students are prepared to seek credentials upon graduation.

Career Services

The public rarely knows about the best job openings, many jobs are never posted. Instead, employers work with local schools to fill their positions with qualified applicants. As a graduate, you’ll be in the right place at the right time.

Final Thoughts

Allied health professionals are the bedrock of the healthcare system. Millions strong, they need millions more to join their ranks. There are opportunities in the field for dedicated individuals with a wide range of aptitudes and career goals. Enthusiasm is the only requirement. Vocational schools take care of the rest.

Registered Nurse Program

The Associate of Science in Nursing degree program at Gwinnett College provides training to prepare college graduates to enter the nursing profession as a registered nurse.  Classroom theory, challenging assignments, skill labs, simulations, and clinical experiences help to prepare college graduates for an entry-level nursing position.

LPN Program

Gwinnett Institute in Orlando offers a Practical Nursing diploma program that trains LPN students for positions delivering basic bedside care to patients. LPN courses create employment opportunities that include entry-level practical nursing positions in long-term care facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, urgent care facilities, occupational care centers, and physician offices.

Upon successful completion of the program and demonstrated nursing competence, the college graduates will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN licensure examination.*  

*While Gwinnett Colleges & Institute provides test preparation and review assistance to college students, it cannot guarantee any college student will be able to take or pass any type of licensure exam. College students must be mindful throughout their entire training program that licensure is a pre-requisite for employment as a nurse and to diligently prepare themselves to meet this important requirement.

Medical Assistant

Gwinnett Colleges & Institute offers medical assisting program courses to gain essential skills and training to achieve entry-level positions in this career field. These courses will be the first step in starting a rewarding career. All Gwinnett College & Institute campuses offer diploma programs with the Orlando, Lilburn, Marietta, and Sandy Springs also offering medical assisting associate degree programs.

Medical Billing & Coding Specialist

Gwinnett Colleges & Institute offers medical billing & coding program courses to gain essential skills and training to achieve entry-level positions in this career field. These medical billing & coding diploma and degree courses at the Orlando, Marietta & Lilburn campuses will be the first step in starting a rewarding career.

Medial Office Administrators

The Associate of Science Medical Administration program prepares Gwinnett College students for entry-level positions as medical office administrators. Graduates of this degree program will have the technical & professional-interaction skills necessary to function in the demanding medical industry. 

Massage Therapist

The massage therapy training diploma program consists of a well-planned sequence of courses, with each course preparing the college student for the more intensive information to follow. The school curriculum includes training to provide college students with the scientific knowledge, manual skills, and mastery of business to successfully become a professional massage therapist.

Contact us today to learn more about becoming an allied health professional at Gwinnett College.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Paralegal?

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Paralegals perform essential functions in law firms and government agencies. Fulfilling a support role to attorneys, the paralegal may help with research, writing, compiling evidence and a range of other functions in the legal industry. Did you know that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects demand for paralegals to grow 12 percent in the coming decade? This makes it imperative for prospective legal professionals to understand the qualifications that need to be met to find employment as a paralegal.

Is a Paralegal Career Right for You?

Working as a paralegal can be challenging, but it helps to have the right skill set. In general, people who are drawn to this field are detail-oriented, have excellent reading comprehension and possess writing skills that are above average. Even before you begin your studies in a paralegal program, it is helpful if you read and write as much as possible. Sharpening your skills will serve you throughout your education and during this new career. This field is also highly technical. The better you are at noticing minute details, the more of a chance you will have to succeed in legal work.

The scope of responsibility for paralegals has increased in recent years as lawyers take on more cases. Many paralegals are now asked to complete tasks that would have been reserved for lawyers in the past. If you are up for a challenge that could introduce you to a career with excellent long-term prospects, then becoming a paralegal might be the right choice for you.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Paralegal?

This can vary significantly from one job to the next, so it pays to be as well-prepared as you can. Most paralegal positions require that you hold a high school diploma, and it is not unusual to see advertisements seeking candidates that have years of professional experience. Do not let this deter you. Other entry-level positions are available, and some law firms may prefer someone who is new to the field and can be trained in their specific methods.

At a minimum, most prospective employers look for a candidate who holds a paralegal diploma. These diploma programs provide you with the specialized knowledge needed to operate in a law firm or legal setting.

Many individuals prefer earning a diploma over other ways to enter this field. This is because the diploma program focuses only on necessary subjects while foregoing general academic studies. Moreover, these programs can be completed in as little as one year, meaning you can go from the classroom to the law office in little time.

What Do You Learn in a Paralegal Diploma Program?

Accredited paralegal diploma programs prepare you for a variety of law firm, in-house and governmental employment settings. Accordingly, you will encounter a broad range of subject matter.

Before you begin exploring more specific areas of focus within the law, your coursework will teach you the fundamentals. Typically, classes include legal writing, legal research and law office management. Further, you may encounter topics as ethics, legal reasoning and the common technologies that are utilized by legal professionals.

Once you have attained a certain level of general legal knowledge, you will begin exploring a legal concentration. These may include business law, wills and estates, family law, real estate law, criminal law, bankruptcy law, environmental law, immigration law, and intellectual property. Because there are so many possible areas of focus, it is common for diploma programs to help you to choose which topics you want to focus. Accordingly, you may choose courses that focus in two or three areas.

Don’t worry if you are uncertain about which legal concentration is the right one for you. Much of what you learn in each of these classes will be applicable in other focus areas. Additionally, when you land a job, your employer is prepared to spend significant time training you on the organization’s policies and procedures, so you will be blending what you learned in the diploma program with on-the-job learning.

Choosing a Paralegal Focus Area

If you are completing a program that asks you to select certain legal areas in which you would like to concentrate, it might be helpful to have a greater understanding of some of the most common legal fields.

Business or Corporate Law

For instance, one of the most popular choices is business or corporate law. Paralegals in this area assist with the dissolution and formation of business organizations as well as mergers and acquisitions. When a company wants to ensure that they are complying with state and federal laws, they turn to a business law firm for guidance.

Criminal Law

A criminal law firm focuses on defending people who have been accused of breaking the law. Of course, you can also choose to work for a prosecutor. While working in this field, you will encounter cases that deal with basic rights and individual liberties.

Estate Planning, Probate and Wills

If you select estate planning, probate and wills, you will support a lawyer who looks for ways to minimize tax liability and organize the debts and assets of their clients. You’ll encounter significant paperwork in this role, requiring that you are highly organized.

Intellectual Property

Intellectual property is a focus area that is unlike most. In addition to being attorneys, the lawyers in this field must have a background in some scientific or technical subject. Although some of these practices litigate, others are engaged solely in obtaining protection in the form of patents, trademarks and copyrights. This specialized area requires paralegals to complete significant on-the-job training.

Real Estate Law

In real estate law, you will work on cases that deal with the ownership of land and structures as well as the development of land. Landlord disputes and matters involving tenant rights are frequent. You may deal with the review of contracts, preparing for litigation or helping plan for new developments.

Family Law

Family law allows the paralegal to focus on issues that arise between individuals in a family. Law firms that concentrate in this area are smaller, and may work in areas such as adoption, child welfare, and divorce.

Personal Injury Law

If you are interested in helping people recover from accidents and injuries, then personal injury law may be the right area for you. When an individual or entity acts in a manner that is reckless or negligent and someone gets hurt, it is the personal injury law firm that steps in to ensure that the victim receives fair compensation.

Bankruptcy Law

When people are going through bankruptcy, they rely on a law firm to help them file the correct paperwork and guide them through required court sessions. Your job as a bankruptcy paralegal involves significant preparation of paperwork as well as handling filings with the bankruptcy court.

Immigration Law

Immigration practices help individuals and families who are navigating through the naturalization process. This is a long and difficult journey, but an immigration paralegal provides essential support. These firms also help people who are in the country without legal permission as well as those who are refugees or are seeking asylum.

What Does a Paralegal Do?

The main function of the paralegal is to support lawyers through tasks such as legal research, legal writing, creating and maintaining files and drafting legal documents. This means every day can look quite different. A paralegal may perform research and investigate the facts of a case or look up relevant laws and regulations. Considerable time is spent organizing and maintaining documents, especially those that require review by an attorney. Many paralegals will write summaries of reports and evidence for lawyers to use and draft legal correspondence and documents.

If the lawyer is engaged in litigation, then the paralegal may complete tasks that are associated with depositions and exhibits. Taking notes, filing briefs and other legal documents. coordinating with clients and other interested parties are common.

Regardless of what kind of legal practice you are engaged in, it is common for you to spend a majority of your time sitting in front of a computer. With so many court filings now being made online, the need to make trips to the courthouse for filings is not necessary.

Where Do Paralegals Work?

Once you have acquired the necessary qualifications, you are ready to seek employment at a law firm. However, paralegals also are employed by federal, state and local governments in a variety of capacities. Other professionals in this field will serve in an in-house capacity. Typically, these companies are large and have sizable legal departments that require paralegal support. Paralegals also may find employment in insurance and finance firms.

What Is Working in a Law Firm Like?

No two law firms are exactly alike. Some are quite small, consisting of a solo practitioner and a paralegal to provide support. Other law firms have offices scattered across the globe and thousands of employees to staff them.

Most law firms are mid-size. These practices have anywhere from five to 30 attorneys. While some are in general practice, most choose one or two areas of concentration. For instance, it is not unusual to see firms that only do intellectual property or that only handle probate and estates.

Just as law firms differ in size, their cultures can vary widely. Some law firms, especially those that have been in existence for many decades, tend to be conservative. Other firms pride themselves in being on the cutting edge of technology or perhaps they like to foster a more casual and familial atmosphere.

Considerations such as size and culture certainly will play a role in your job selection. You also will want to weigh the pace of work. For instance, a law firm that handles a great deal of litigation can be extremely fast-paced and high pressure. You might thrive in this sort of environment, but it is not necessarily right for everyone. Fortunately, some firms have a more laid-back practice. It’s worth remembering that even in a more casual atmosphere, the legal field remains exceptionally deadline driven.

Want to Learn More?

Do you have the qualifications to work at a law firm as a paralegal? Ready to learn more about becoming a paralegal or legal assistant? The Gwinnett Colleges & Institute diploma and degree programs in Paralegal Studies provide students with the theoretical and practical knowledge and the legal skills necessary to perform many paralegal functions including research, writing, investigation, and interviewing.

Contact us today or complete the Request More Information form on the top of the page to take the next step towards your new career in the Paralegal Studies field.

Do Massage Therapists Need to Know about Anatomy?

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Are you interested in becoming a massage therapist? Did you know that it is one of the most rewarding career fields? It offers respite and relief for people suffering from physical and emotional ailments. Ultimately, you get to help others and learn a new vocation at the same time, it’s a win-win.

Massage therapy involves the treatment of specific areas on the body, while also healing the mind and the spirit. Massage therapy is a unique field, as it combines art and science to provide maximum benefit and therapeutic relief for clients. It is one of the most rewarding career fields today and is projected to grow 32 percent over the coming decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. You will learn a lot during a massage therapy program including anatomy and many different massage therapy techniques.

Do Massage Therapists Need to Know about Anatomy?

Because massage therapy benefits every system in the human body, learning about anatomy is a critical skill. During your training in massage therapy, you will learn all about anatomy and physiology as well as many of the benefits and massage techniques that go along with the training massage therapy. Massage therapy can have a beneficial impact on many body systems including:

Circulatory System

Made up of blood vessels that carry blood toward and away from the heart, the circulatory system delivers oxygen to help tissues, while getting rid of waste products. Massage promotes healthy blood flow throughout the body. It can also help remove toxins from the muscles and tissue.

Respiratory System

A network of organs and tissues that help human’s breath, the respiratory system helps move oxygen throughout the body, within the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs. Massage can increase lung capacity and promote deep breathing. This breathing can also reduce stress and tension on the body and improve sleep.

Lymphatic System

A network of tissues, vessels and organs that work to bring lymph back into the bloodstream. Lymph fluid passes through the lymph nodes and helps protect the body from infection and disease. Massage promotes the effective flow of bodily fluids, including lymph fluids to help clients relieve stress and boost their immune system.

Muscular System

Made up of the skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle tissues, the muscular system attaches to the skeleton, allowing our body to move. While the heart is the hardest working muscle in the body, massage can help reduce blood pressure, increase blood flow, and introduce additional oxygen to the bloodstream to aid the heart as it removes carbon dioxide from the body’s blood. Massage can also relieve muscle tension and remove lactic acid buildup in the muscles.

Gastrointestinal (Digestive) System

The gastrointestinal system is made up of the GI tract that includes the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. The overall digestive system also includes the salivary glands, mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, and rectum. These organs help the body digest food, utilizing vitamins and nutrients to help keep the body healthy, while at the same time disposing of the waste. Massage assists the digestive system by reducing inflammation, relieving tension, and helping clients with the stress of constipation.

Skeletal System

Made up of the bones and connective tissues that form the body’s central framework. In conjunction with muscles, the skeleton helps the body stay upright and move in many different ways. Massage enhances flexibility, increases range of motion, and promotes healthy muscles, tissues, and bones.

Urinary System

The urinary system helps remove waste material and other byproducts from the body by expelling it through urination to prevent blood toxicity. Massage can engage the urinary tract and help increase urinary output. Reducing the fluid retention with massage is also important for a healthy heart.

Endocrine System

Responsible for producing and distributing the body’s hormones, the system must stay in balance otherwise the client can experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Massage can help restore the proper balance of oxytocin, cortisol, serotonin, dopamine, and other important hormones, helping the body maintain appropriate hormone levels.

Nervous System

Comprised of the brain and spinal cord, the nervous system helps the body transmit, receive, and process information. Massage enhances the senses and promotes healthy functioning of neural pathways. It can also help release oxytocin and other “feel good”hormones to improve relaxation of the brain, decrease heart rate, lower blood pressure, and enhance the brain’s mood.

Why Learn Anatomy During a Massage Therapy Program?

Because effective massage therapy is dependent upon achieving physical relief, it is essential that you have a good grasp on the human body and a thorough understanding of anatomy. There is much more to massage therapy than just simply “rubbing the pain away.” Understanding the ways in which various muscle groups are connected will help you identify the source of a client’s pain or discomfort.

Every client is unique, and your symptom management techniques might affect each client differently. As a well-trained massage therapist, you will understand this, and work closely with each client to deliver a session that is customized to meet their needs. Lastly, there are many different massage therapy techniques, with each technique being unique in delivery and experience. Therefore, it is important to understand how human anatomy responds when utilizing various techniques and modalities.

Massage Therapists Train in a Variety of Techniques

There are many different therapeutic techniques to learn during a massage therapy program. Each has established protocol and specific purposes. These are the most common massage techniques you will learn during a massage therapy program. They include:

Swedish Massage

Swedish Massage is the basis of most massage therapy including deep tissue massage and chair massage. Swedish massage techniques aid in the circulation of blood and lymph, relaxing

muscles, improving joint mobility, and inducing general relaxation. The specific massage strokes included in Swedish massage are effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, and vibration. Each Swedish massage technique produces a different effect that aids in the decrease of muscle tension and improve relaxation.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage mirrors that of Swedish massage. However, deep tissue massage also involves the use of deeper pressure and trigger point therapy. Trigger points can be felt as knots or bands of tissue that elicit pain if pressed. These knots of pain can align with other areas of the body. The deactivation of trigger points allows muscle tension to decrease and improve blood flow to the muscle.

Sports Massage

This type of technique is used among athletes or anyone that exercises and does repetitive tasks. Sports massage is known to alleviate muscle tension associated with sports and exercise, and can also promote better sleep hygiene, increase flexibility, and improve a client’s range of motion. Many endurance athletes will seek out sports massages before or after an event.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a technique known for its unique ability to balance physical and spiritual energy, as well as alleviate physical pain and discomfort. Shiatsu is perfect for clients who deal with anxiety, depression, or chronic stress. This massage technique is found to improve symptoms associated with anxiety and depression, like migraines and headaches. Shiatsu is a great technique to use for clients experiencing other ailments, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, digestive issues, and lower back pain.

Lymphatic Massage

A properly performed lymphatic drainage massage can provide several health benefits for the client. The lymph nodes are responsible for the effective draining and movement of bodily fluids throughout each system. Having a properly balanced flow of lymph fluids can improve one’s immune system, as well as promote deeper relaxation during a client’s appointment. This massage technique can also reduce muscle soreness and swelling due to fluid retention.

Cranial-Sacral Therapy

Many people identify issues involving the neck and head as having a significantly negative impact on their lives. Tension, anxiety, and other chronic conditions often appear in the form of physical symptoms such as headaches, stiff neck muscles, and other issues. Cranial-Sacral therapeutic techniques have become increasingly popular and is a popular treatment for clients experiencing these symptoms. Sessions usually last an hour, and involve a light, purposeful touch, as the massage therapist assesses each part of the body for tension and other energy imbalances.

Thai Massage

One of the oldest therapeutic techniques, Thai massage can significantly improve pain and tension throughout the body. Originating in India and dating back thousands of years. Thai massage involves active participation from the client, and is performed by using a variety of moves, pressure, and stretching techniques to facilitate total body relaxation. Clients will enjoy lower stress levels, increased energy, improved blood flow and circulation, as well as a better range of motion.

Final Thoughts

Knowing anatomy as a massage therapist will come in handy when it is time to create a massage treatment plan for clients. You will understand how massage affects each body system and help manage a client’s symptoms. In tandem with the different massage techniques, you will be able to help clients relieve pain, reduce stress, and enjoy life even better. Massage is a rewarding career, so take the first step and start training to become a massage therapist today.

Now that you know a little more about how massage and anatomy overlap, what to learn more about training to become a massage therapist? Upon graduation, Massage Therapy Program students will receive diplomas and be qualified to seek entry-level positions as clinical, medical, or deep tissue massage therapists in wellness clinics and centers, spa environments including resorts and franchises, and self-employment.

Gwinnett College also offers a degree program in Massage & Spa Management for students attending the Lilburn, GA campus. The Associate of Science Degree in Massage and Spa Operations is designed to provide you with the additional knowledge and practical skills to transition into positions of leadership within the spa environment or to better function as a proprietor of your own massage business. The program includes core curriculum courses specific to the practice of massage as well as courses to be used in the administration of a practice.

Contact us to learn more about how you can become a massage therapist today.

How Do I Get a Job in Medical Billing?

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Are you interested in medical billing? Did you know that the field is expected to grow 9 percent in the coming decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics? And the best part is that you don’t have to spend years earning a degree to qualify. The easiest way to get started is by getting a diploma from a medical billing program at your local vocational school.

Medical billing jobs are deeply invested in health and medicine, but they are far removed from patients and other forms of direct healthcare. The ability to find gainful employment in a matter of months, rather than years, also makes it more enticing for someone who does not want to invest four to eight years just getting educational requirements to work.

What Does a Medical Billing Specialist Do?

Medical billing specialists are administrative experts. They know insurance coding regulations and procedures inside and out, and they know how to meet all the requirements of the medical billing system. Their jobs help patients and physician’s practices ensure insurance regulations are met and claims are filed in an orderly, timely manner.

A medical billing specialist does not treat or care for patients themselves, but they may come in contact with nurses and other medical professionals to clarify details and ensure they have the most accurate information. Some common medical billing job responsibilities are:

  • Reviewing, updating, and managing a network of patient accounts
  • Preparing and sending invoices
  • Performing administrative tasks in the office, such as answering phone calls and responding to emails
  • Following up with patients whose payments are overdue
  • Answering patients’ questions about their medical bills
  • Setting up payment plans for patients
  • Always maintaining full patient confidentiality
  • Working in compliance with federal, state and organization rules and regulations

How Do I Get a Job in Medical Billing?

Many entry-level positions, like medical billing, require some formal training and/or proof of certification. In school, you learn about various forms of insurance coding and processing procedures, medical administrative tasks and regulations that govern the field. Working with people’s health information at your fingertips requires a deep knowledge of how to protect their identities. A vocational school is the best place to learn everything you need to be a successful medical billing specialist.

Do You Need a Diploma for a Medical Billing Job?

Although, you technically don’t need a formal education to become a medical billing specialist, you may have a hard time competing against candidates that do. Not every medical billing job has strict educational requirements beyond a high school diploma or GED. However, the field is competitive, and you can gain an edge over other applicants by having formal training. Earning a medical billing diploma shows an employer that you are committed to the job and can work more efficiently than someone who requires on-the-job training.

You’ll also can work more confidently knowing everything there is about insurance coding, medical billing and maintaining accurate patient records. Because you will start with more knowledge and skills than someone without experience, you are able to qualify for promotions sooner.

Having a medical billing diploma also allows you to apply for more jobs. There are many positions that offer more benefits than the entry-level positions, especially for someone who has formal training. You can cast a wider net for job opportunities by completing your diploma at a vocational school.

What Do You Learn in a Medical Billing and Coding Program?

You are introduced to the American health insurance system, including how health insurance works from both a consumer and provider’s standpoint. You will get an overview of insurance coding and processing protocol as well as the requirements in the healthcare delivery system.

Medical Coding

You learn billing basics through the ICD-10 coding process. The ICD-10 is the national standardized method of medical coding for diagnostic purposes. Created by the World Health Organization, the ICD-10. It ensures that all billing and coding processes are in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

You will learn about the difference between short-term and long-term coding for various types of treatment and care. CPT/HCPS coding systems are also discussed at length, and you will be able to clearly differentiate the two and apply them in the workplace by graduation.

Coding Skills for Different Environments

Additional lessons teach you how to manage coding from operative reports, inpatient care, and advanced clinical coding. Billing varies heavily among different medical practices, and you will be comfortable working as a medical biller in a variety of settings such as hospitals, private practices and clinics, physician offices, health insurance offices and third-party medical administrative companies.

Medical Terminology

During a medical billing and coding program, you learn the terminology behind anatomy and physiology. Even though you will not work directly with patients, it is important to understand the terms for procedures, pharmaceuticals, treatments and diagnosis. When you process insurance claims and enter medical information into patient charts, you must know the difference between similar sounding terms, abbreviations, and calculations. One way you will learn medical terminology is by understanding roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Every medical term can be broken down into its parts and defined to identify the proper meaning and corresponding medical code.

School Externships

Many adults struggle to find employment when there is a gap between their educational qualifications and practical work experience. If you have all the knowledge but none of the first-hand experience, employers may be wary. They may also simply not have the time or resources to provide additional support, so students without relevant work experience could be passed up on a job they might be good at.

School externships give you the opportunity to apply your skills in real medical settings. You learn as you go with personalized feedback and support from your supervisors. Instructors also help you along the way. Externships give you a low-risk way to apply your knowledge and skills in the real-world while building up experience for your future resume.

Once you’ve acquired all the practical knowledge you can in the classroom, you must put your skills to the test. Technology for medical billing can be overwhelming at first; from various accounting software to spreadsheets and electronic health systems (EHRs), there’s a lot to learn. Your externship will allow you to master all the most used technological tools and prepare you for day one of your new career.

Final Thoughts

Medical billing is open to people of all ages and experience levels. Some people may choose to pursue their diploma right out of high school while others are looking for a career change. You might be considering vocational school as an alternative to college or to shift gears and pick up a new trade. Either way, medical billing could be right for you. Learn more about how Gwinnett College can help you start a new career as a medical billing specialist.

Want to Learn More?

Gwinnett Colleges & Institute’s Medical Billing and Coding programs will provide you with the opportunity to learn insurance coding and processing, medical administrative procedures, and the regulatory requirements in the healthcare delivery system.  School externships provide the opportunity to apply the medical billing and coding skills learned in the classroom in actual medical settings. Gwinnett Colleges & Institute offers medical billing & coding courses to gain essential skills and training to achieve entry-level positions in this career field. These medical billing & coding courses will be the first step in starting a rewarding career.

Contact us to learn more about how you can become a medical billing and coding specialist today.