When hoping to pursue a career in the medical field, the variations of careers are nearly unlimited. Likewise, the levels of these careers are varied, as well. The education required for a particular career in the medical field is largely based on the job that one is looking for.
Prospective medical students who have an idea of the path they’d like to pursue must find a pathway to get there. Florida National University (FNU) offers details regarding some of the best medical programs in Miami:
Why Miami?
Florida is known for its busy beaches and sunny days—but that’s not all. Florida is also well known for its medical care! Viewed by most Americans as the center of retirement, an aging population is a factor that has led to increased attention to the medical field.
Students who are considering a career in this industry should note that Miami is a strong contender in the field—but not for this reason, alone! Review some of Miami’s top medical programs to which students should consider applying:
- Nursing Bachelor of Science
Those who graduate with their Bachelor of Science in Nursing are able to pursue a career as a Registered Nurse (RN). This program also lays the foundation to build further education upon. Those who wish to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner must obtain their bachelor’s degree before moving on to a master’s program. Upon graduation from a master’s program, a nurse practitioner can pursue an entry-level position in the field.
Nurses are kind and compassionate, knowledgeable medical professionals who seek to serve through healing and helping. It is a great career for anyone who fits this description!
- Nursing Associate of Science
Individuals who are not prepared to commit to the full bachelor’s program also have the opportunity to learn in a 2-year associate’s nursing program. After graduating, one can still pursue a career as an RN, a career that is growing faster than average according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
- Respiratory Therapy Bachelor of Science (Advanced)
Breathing is known as one of the main sources of life—if a patient is not breathing, his or her life is on the line until he or she is taken care of. Not to mention, just minutes, or even seconds without oxygen can cause severe brain damage. That is why respiratory therapists are in high demand: they are crucial to the health of patients around the world!
Respiratory therapists play a pivotal role in ensuring a patient’s overall health whether treating patients with asthma, or helping those who have suffered through lung trauma (i.e. a collapsed lung). After graduating with a bachelor’s degree, respiratory therapist students can pursue a career in hospitals, nursing care facilities, and patient homes.
The purpose of the Respiratory Therapy Advanced Program is to enhance the education of RRT graduates with a current NBRC credential in order to provide them with professional growth and skills in areas of management, cultural diversity, and supervisory skills across various healthcare settings.
- Respiratory Therapy Associate of Science
Just as its bachelor’s degree-owning counterparts, individuals who obtain an associate’s in respiratory therapy specialize in lung and breathing health. With this degree, one can still enter the field in an entry-level career—and keep in mind that an individual can always return to school after graduating with an associate’s.
This program prepares the students to pass the Entry and Advance Level Exam National Board for Respiratory Care. It offers the knowledge and skills necessary for a position in hospitals, respiratory care departments, anesthesiology or pulmonary rehab, pulmonary diagnostics, nursing homes, and home health agencies.
- Medical Assistant Technology Associate of Science
According to the BLS, “Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners” (BLS). They participate in tasks that emphasize patient care, patient assessment, analysis, and more. Courses in this program include Urinalysis and Body Fluids, Hematology and Coagulation, and Parasitology and Mycology.
This program prepares students for entry-level employment as a medical assisting technologist in administrative and clinical settings. Students who complete this program can work in hospitals, clinics, medical labs, diagnostic centers, and medical offices.
- Medical Laboratory Technology Associate of Science
This program will prepare students for an entry-level position in the health care delivery system in hospitals, private clinical laboratories, or research laboratories. Students will have knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, and serology. They will also have skills that include blood collection and laboratory testing of body fluids in hematology, urinalysis, serology, and blood bank practices. With all of these skills handy, making a difference in the lives of patients is just a degree away!
- Medical Assistant Career Education Diploma
One of the fastest paths toward the medical field is to become a medical assistant. According to the BLS, only a post-secondary non-degree award is needed to accomplish this goal and to enter the field at entry level—so get ready to learn and prepare to start your career!
- Physical Therapist Assistant Associate of Science
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program will provide the students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform as a competent, safe, and ethical PTA. The students will learn and apply techniques that will improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities to patients in clinical settings.
Graduates from this program are eligible to take the national licensure exam. Studying in the PTA program will provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to take the licensure exam and to work successfully in a career in the field.
Online Offerings
FNU is also proud to offer a number of medical programs online. Review our site for a list of programs available fully online. These courses are perfect for students across the nation to participate in.
FNU: Training for a Healthier Future
FNU is dedicated to training and educating America’s future health care providers and medical professionals at the starting level. Those who are interested in one of the listed programs of study should not wait to begin their education. Apply to FNU now!
Works Cited
“Medical Assistants.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2015.
“Nurse Practitioners.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2015.
“Registered Nurses.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2015.
“Respiratory Therapists.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2015.
