Entry level Healthcare Jobs

Are you ready to pursue an entry level job in healthcare to gain more experience and clinical hours for application to professional school? This is a compilation of different entry level roles that have basic requirements and certifications in order to be qualified.
Note: When choosing a certification program or location, pay close attention to the tuition rate and costs, and also be sure that it is an accredited program.

• CNA- Certified Nursing Assistant
  Information from the CNA certification program through Pikes Peak State College:
  The PPSC CNA program can be completed in 10 weeks or 15 weeks. It is offered with first trimester start times and second trimester start times as well as entirely in person options or hybrid class options where the students can take the lecture portion of class on line and the lab portion in person. Students can expect to be in lecture/lab for 5 weeks or 10 weeks if they choose to sign up for the hybrid courses. Following lecture/lab the students will do up to 60 hours of clinical training in long term care, acute rehabilitation and hospital settings. Upon completion of the program students are eligible to take the CNA written and hands on skills test to qualify for certification.Here is the link to PPSC CNA website- https://www.ppcc.edu/programs/nursing/nursing-assistant/index.php

  Nursing and Therapy Services of Colorado-CNA Program: https://ntsoc.com/

  Voyager CNA: https://www.getcna.co/

• Medical Scribe
  A Medical Scribe is essentially a personal assistant to the physician; performing documentation in the Emergency Health Records system (ERH), gathering information for the patient’s visit, and partnering with the physician to deliver efficient patient care.
  For someone interested in medicine, whether it is a personal interest, or part of a career goal to become a physician or physician assistant, the chance to become a Medical Scribe is unlike any other opportunity available. It offers exciting one-on-one collaboration with a physician and is unprecedented in its level of exposure to real medicine in practice.A background in Medical Scribing is quickly becoming the standard for pre-medical experience, and is suggested by medical school acceptance committees across the country. The competition to become a Medical Scribe is intense, and the demand for Medical Scribe services across the country has never been higher.

  Becoming a medical scribe usually entail on the job training. There is typically a Words Per Minute typing test, and a Medical Scribe Certification Exam, though not always required. Medical Terminology course is helpful in qualification. Training is approximately 6–8 weeks. Inpatient scribes complete additional training modules. Generally speaking, it takes approximately 3–4 months for a new scribe to feel efficient and comfortable with EMR and patient flow.

• Phlebotomist
  Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, research, or blood donations. hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, blood donor centers, and doctors’ offices.
  Locations for certification programs: Pikes Peak State College- https://www.pikespeak.edu/programs/phlebotomy/index.php
  For more information on the PPSC Phlebotomy Certification program: https://career.uccs.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/145/2022/03/Phlebotomy-Cert.docx
  Other local programs: Pima Institute, Phleb. Training Specialists in Colorado Springs
• Medical Billing/ Coding 
  Colorado does not require medical billers and coders to hold a state license. Medical billers and coders are free to work in any setting without a license, such as hospitals, private practices, medical facilities, clinics and other health care facilities.Completing a certification program or earning an Associate’s Degree will prepare medical billers and coders to take national certification exams offered by the AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) and AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders). These organizations have separate exams for medical billers and medical coders. Having one of these certifications is not mandatory to work in Colorado, although it can be beneficial in a variety of ways.

• Medical Assistant
  Medical assistants perform routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices and clinics of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors and optometrists running smoothly. Medical assisting is one of the nation’s fastest growing careers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Medical assistants have both administrative and clinical duties. They may answer the telephone, greet patients, fill out medical records and update them as needed, schedule appointments and handle correspondence and billing.

  On the clinical side, medical assistants often are the people who take medical histories, prepare patients for examination, assist the doctor during appointments and perform basic laboratory tests, along with other clinical responsibilities.

  What a medical assistant does will depend on the office where she or he works, state law and the needs of the assistant’s employer.

  How to become an MA:
  Some hiring locations will train on the job for specialties in Medical care. Other programs that lead to certification: Pikes Peak State College Medical Assistant Program:
  https://www.pikespeak.edu/programs/medical-assistant/index.php
  The quickest medical assistant program is six weeks long, but most medical assistant training is three months or longer. Medical assistant courses vary from 5 days to two years, depending on the certificate or diploma you are earning.

  More info: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm
  https://www.aama-ntl.org/medical-assisting/what-is-a-medical-assistant

• Pharmacy Technician 
  In order to become a pharmacy tech in Colorado, the first thing you’ll need is a high school diploma or GED. From 2020, you are required to obtain Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification. You’ll need to be at least 18 years old, of good moral character and be able to pass a criminal background check. You will then be required to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The PTCB has continuing education requirements.You can start a pharmacy tech position with a high school diploma and then receive on-the-job training with your employer. You may or may not need to obtain certification, yet certification could benefit you in this field. One of the main certifications for pharmacy technicians to pursue is PTCB certification.

• EMT- Emergency Medical Technician
  The state of Colorado requires all EMT candidates to be at least 18 years old and complete an approved EMT course, pass a practical skills examination as well as pass the NREMT (National Registry Exam). Once confirmation of completion has been received by the state of Colorado the EMT candidate may fill out and submit the Colorado State EMT Certification Packet which will include an affidavit and PDF file of the actual application. You will have to substantiate your identity with a recognized I.D. and provide all documentation proving your completion of the requirements. You must have current CPR certification as well prior to submitting the application.Emergency medical technicians must complete state-approved programs in order to be eligible to sit for examination. The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment has provided a list of programs, arranged by city; it is linked from the main certification page (https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/ems-provider-certification). EMT is considered an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provider designation. Prospective students can click on ‘Find an EMS provider’ to find programs at any level.

  -The basic EMT credential is granted on the basis of a state-approved practical examination and a standardized national certification examination.

  -Practical Skills Exam and NREMT (National Registry Exam)

  -The certification candidate will create an NREMT account and wait for authorization before attempting to schedule an examination. The fee at the EMT level is $70. An authorized candidate will receive an ATT, valid for 90 days. The candidate will be responsible for scheduling his or her own examination through the Pearson assessment company. The test is computer-delivered and is available on an ongoing basis.

  -The prospective EMT will apply online through the Online Application Tracking Hub (OATH) system.

  -The Department has provided a slide-based tutorial to illustrate the application process (https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/ems-provider-certification).

  -CPR Certifications

  Pikes Peak State College offers an EMT certification course:
  PPCC EMT program is a series of five courses totaling 12-credit hours completed in one semester. Upon program completion students are eligible to take the NREMT written exam to become certified EMTs and eligible for practice. They also offer a paramedic program that is equivalent to an associate’s degree.

  Some courses may transfer, so check with each program.

• Paramedic
  Colorado paramedics are certified by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). State certification is based largely on national certification. However, the state imposes minor additional requirements. Paramedic training builds on Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) skills. The individual can expect to train and test as an EMT at some point along the way. This requirement has been set by the national certification agency.
  A prospective paramedic will need to complete a program that has been state-approved; CDPHE maintains a list of Colorado programs (https://cdphe.colorado.gov/emergency-care/emergency-medical-services/ems-providers/ems-provider-certification).
  Colorado requires paramedic-level programs located within its borders to seek accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
  At the end of the paramedic course, the student will take a practical skills test.
  Colorado poses an additional training requirement: A prospective paramedic will need an Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) through a Department-approved provider.
  The candidate will need to pass a psychomotor test in order to achieve national certification. He or she will also need to pass a cognitive examination administered by the National Register of Emergency Medical Technicians. The examination is computer adapted.
  The candidate can apply for examination and national certification through the NREMT website (https://www.nremt.org/). A $110 fee will be required.
• X-Ray Technician
  To become a radiological technologist in Colorado, you typically enroll in and complete a radiographic training program from an accredited radiology school that is approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. While entry-level certificates in radiology can be earned, most students need to complete an associate program to enter the field. Here are the basic steps required:Earn a high school diploma. This is the first step for most jobs in health care. Students can get a jump on their college studies by taking classes in math and science, such as anatomy, biology, chemistry, physiology, and physics.

  Earn an associate degree. An Associate of Applied Science is the standard degree for entry-level radiologic technologists. Before enrolling in their chosen program, students should make sure it is properly accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

  Get licensed or certified in the state of Colorado. Colorado’s state website can help you get information about state-specific requirements. To learn more about the certification process, contact the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)

  Only graduates from ARRT-approved programs can take the ARRT exam. The American Society of Radiologic Technologists notes that professionals working with radiation have varying requirements in Colorado, which may include the ARRT exam or a Colorado State examination. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has information on certifications. You can also contact the Colorado Radiological Society to inquire about the licensure process.

• Dental Assistant
  To legally operate dental x-ray equipment and perform dental radiographic procedures in Colorado, a dental assistant must:Be at least 18 years of age

  Successfully complete minimum safety, education and training for operating machine sources of ionizing radiation and administering such radiation to patients. Approved education or training includes:

  The completion of 5 hours of practical or clinical experience and 3.5 hours of lecture meeting specific Colorado content requirements for a total of 8.5 hours from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, Colorado Commission on Higher Education, the State Board of Community Colleges and Occupational Education, the Private Occupational School Division (or the equivalent in any other state) OR

  Education and training may be provided on-the-job by a licensed dentist or dental hygienist, provided that the educational module used is approved by the Colorado Dental Board OR (c) Successful completion of the national DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam or the national DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam

• Respiratory Therapy Technician
  Respiratory Therapy- Overview: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htmRespiratory Therapy Program: https://catalog.pueblocc.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=6&poid=1237

• Physical Therapy Assistant
  Physical therapist assistants provide physical therapist services under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. PTAs implement components of patient care, obtain data related to the treatments provided, and collaborate with the PT to modify care as necessary.PTAs assist the physical therapist in the treatment of individuals of all ages, from newborns to people at the end of life. Many patients have injuries, disabilities, or other health conditions that need treatment. But PTAs also care for people who simply want to become healthier and to prevent future problems.

  The physical therapist is responsible for the services provided by the PTA. A PT will examine each individual and develop a treatment plan to improve their ability to move, reduce or manage pain, restore function, and prevent disability.

  PTAs can have a profound effect on people’s lives. They help people achieve fitness goals, regain or maintain their independence, and lead active lives.

  Visit ChoosePT.com, APTA’s official consumer information website, to learn more about the benefits of physical therapy.
  Where Physical Therapist Assistants Work

  The vast majority of PTAs, approximately 72%, work in hospitals or privately-owned physical therapy practices. Others work in home health, schools, and rehab units. Approximately 28% of PTAs work part-time.
  How Much Physical Therapist Assistants Earn

  The median income for a physical therapist assistant is $52,000. Salaries vary based on position, years of experience, degree of education, geographic location, and practice setting.
  Physical Therapist Assistant Education and Licensure

  To work as a physical therapist assistant in the United States, you must graduate from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education-accredited physical therapist assistant education program and pass a state-administered national exam to obtain licensure or certification required in most states.

  The length of a PTA program is typically two years (five semesters). Primary content areas in the curriculum may include, but are not limited to, anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, neuroscience, clinical pathology, behavioral sciences, communication, and ethics/values.

  Approximately 75% of the PTA curriculum is classroom (didactic) and lab study and the remaining 25% is dedicated to clinical education. PTA students spend on average 16 weeks in full-time clinical education experiences.

  Physical Therapy Assistant Overview:
  More info: https://www.apta.org/your-career/careers-in-physical-therapy/becoming-a-pta
  Physical Therapy Program: https://www.pikespeak.edu/programs/physical-therapist-assistant/index.php