Many employers require certification even if the state does not. Certifications play a significant role in career advancement and benefits in various fields. Though it may sound like an additional task for some, you can always opt to get certified online.
By obtaining certification, you can enhance your knowledge and skills in specific areas. This makes you a valuable asset in the healthcare industry. Remember that there is a difference between a certificate and a certification. A certificate program is an education where you get a certificate upon graduation (or passing an exam). Certification involves a process in which you get a credential after accomplishing the prerequisites.
Benefits of an online course
With online courses, you have the freedom to learn anytime, anywhere, and at your own pace. You can access lectures anytime, allowing you to do your studies around other commitments. The range of options available in online courses is astounding. Here are some of the benefits you can expect in taking an online course:
Offer flexibility in scheduling and location. Learners can access course materials and lectures at their convenience.
Cut the need for commuting to a physical location, saving time and money.
Allow you to pursue your interests, even if they are not available locally.
Often offer self-paced learning, allowing you to progress at your own speed.
Often is more cost-effective compared to traditional in-person education.
Healthcare certifications you can get online
There is a wide range of healthcare certifications that you can get online. They cover various specialties and disciplines within the healthcare industry. The availability and requirements for these certifications may depend on the state. Here are some valuable healthcare careers you can get certified online:
Medical Assistant (MA) Online MA courses widely vary, It may take 4-12 months in duration. This can cost you around $2,000-$16,000, depending on the program you enroll in. In online programs, you’ll learn about the basics of your duties. This includes topics like clinical medicine and administrative assisting. Some schools may also help you with externships after completion.
Patient Care Technician (PCT) An online PCT course lasts an average duration of 4-8 weeks but may take 6 months. On average, the cost of an online PCT program is around $3,000. In an online course, expect to learn about different PCT techniques. This includes legal issues in healthcare, standard precautions you can expect to take, and infection control. You’ll also learn pharmacology, nursing practice, EKG, and phlebotomy.
Medical Coding and Billing (MC/B) Learning to become an MC/B specialist online can take as little as 5 weeks to 2 years. You’ll learn to use the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) and the CPT Category II and ICD-10 codes. You’ll also gain hands-on practice using MC/B software. It costs as little as $800 to $17,000 to get your certification to become an MC/B specialist online.
Pharmacy Technician You can earn an online pharmacy technician certification in as fast as 12 weeks to a year. To get a certification, your coursework needs to cover the basics of pharmacology, pharmacy law, and pharmaceutical calculations. Extra courses like anatomy, physiology, and healthcare systems may also be necessary. Certificate programs can cost between $800-$2,000.
Dental Assistant Online training programs in this profession usually take anywhere from 10 weeks to a year. These programs teach students about oral anatomy, dental materials, and office administration. Additional courses include dental X-rays, medical emergencies, dental health education, and other routine dental assistant tasks. Prices vary widely with this program and can cost from $3,000 to $30,000
Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) Earning a PTA certification can’t be 100% fully online because of its nature. But, many schools offer hybrid programs where students must complete in-person clinicals. A PTA program can take as long as 5-24 months. You may expect a tuition cost between $5,000 - $10,000, depending on the school you enrolled in. To sum it up, you'll study all about movement, pain, and treatments in an online PTA program.
EKG Technician An online EKG certification course can be as short as 45 - 60 hours, and it costs around $600 - 1,000. Some programs can be 4 - 12 weeks long and cost at least $2,000. You’ll learn medical terminology and disease processes in healthcare settings. This will teach you to explain procedures to patients and check blood pressure. Also, position patients, apply holter monitors, and assist cardiologists with stress testing.
Accomplishing an online certification requires discipline, commitment, and effective strategies. This option is ideally more convenient. But different people have different circumstances and accessibility. By adopting a growth mindset, you can channel this positivity to maximize the value of your online certification. Here are some tips to help you do this:
Set Your Purpose. Before embarking on your certification journey, take the time to reflect on your purpose and why you have chosen this particular certification. Understanding your purpose will provide you with motivation throughout the process.
Chart SMART Goals. Establish Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals. Break down the course into manageable milestones and set deadlines to track your progress.
Create a Structured Study Plan. Develop a structured study plan that aligns with your goals and ensures a balanced approach to learning. A well-organized study plan provides a roadmap for success and helps you stay on track.
Use Various Learning Resources. Take advantage of the diverse learning resources available to you. Explore different resources to gain a comprehensive grasp of the concepts.
Practice Self-Assessment: Regularly assess your progress and understanding of the course material. Assessing your gaps helps you identify areas that need further attention so you can study more efficiently.
Seek Feedback and Support: Actively seek feedback from instructors to gauge your progress. Reach out for support when needed, and don't hesitate to ask questions.
Online learning is just as important as traditional learning–it’s just the mode that has changed. Remember to research the accreditation and certification validity of the program you will choose. Conducting thorough research into the program you choose is crucial in ensuring that you receive a credible and respected education in the field. The small planning details set you up for success by saving you time and resources.
Another factor to take into consideration is your state program qualifications. Understanding these is essential so you can meet the necessary criteria for your target path. This knowledge allows you to plan your educational journey effectively. Staying informed about these details can help you remain updated so that you can navigate your career with confidence.
Again, getting certified is optional, and you still have the choice to pursue it if you like to. Here at Dreambound, we set you up with classes that can fit your lifestyle so your learning can go on smoothly. May it be online, hybrid, or full on-site classes, Dreambound has the best options for you.
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Venice Nuyda is a student-support representative at Dreambound. She is responsible for helping students through their training journey in the allied health space. She is passionate about helping others and writing informative articles to aid candidates in advancing their vocational careers.
