About Healthcare Aide Jobs and Degrees |
 |
March 21, 2005
by Craig Friesen
Healthcare Programs Columnist
Interest in health care does not have to be limited to physician and nurse professions. With completion of a healthcare aide degree or program you could choose a vocation such as nursing aide or home health aide with employment possible in numerous settings.
University of Phoenix Online allows students to earn their degrees and advance their careers - all online.
About Healthcare Aide Jobs and Degrees
Healthcare aide degrees can be obtained through vocational training centers, nursing care facilities, community colleges and some universities. Programs usually lead to a vocational certification such as nursing aide certification or will prepare students for qualification exams.
Upon graduation, two of the most likely occupations are nursing aides and home health aides. Duties include serving meals, assisting patients with personal hygiene, escorting patients in hospitals to tests or procedures, and keeping patients' rooms tidy. Nursing aides can expect to find work in hospitals, nursing homes, mental health facilities, or home healthcare services. Home health aides provide similar services as nursing aides, but often in homes and residential care facilities rather than institutions such as hospitals. In 2002 home health aides and nursing aides together held nearly 2 million jobs. The job outlook for healthcare aides is high due to an aging population and frequent career transitions.
Coursework for Home Health Aides and Nursing Aides
Healthcare aide degrees offer a wide selection of courses specializing in patient care procedures. Most healthcare aide courses are task-oriented such as how to measure vital signs, follow emergency procedures, restrain patients safely, and transfer patients from one bed to another. You should also expect instruction on communication skills, biology, or even helping patients cope with death and dying. Courses for home health aides will differ slightly from nursing aides because of institutional needs but the core courses will essentially be the same for most healthcare aides.
About the Author
Craig Friesen is a freelance writer living in rural Saskatchewan, Canada. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies from University of Manitoba and a Master of Divinity degree from Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Indiana.
|
Related Articles |
 |
|
|
| |
