The new year is a popular time for reflection. People look back on the successes of last year, consider their failures, and resolve to make the next one even better. At this time, it is important to set realistic goals. Prism Career Institute provides healthcare career training programs near you in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Here, we discuss how to set career goals as a medical assistant or practical nurse.
A Plan for Growth: What Are Good Professional Goals for Healthcare Workers?
Medical professionals, including medical assistants and practical nurses, have a variety of goals they can set for their careers. Some popular choices include:
- Earning a new certification
- Completing a higher-level program
- Taking continuing education courses
- Moving into a new department or work setting
- Increasing your earning potential
Each goal requires different action steps to accomplish it.
The Value of Specialization: Should You Aim for a New Certification This Year?
One way to give your career a boost is to pursue a new certification. Practical nurses and medical assistants both need basic certifications to legally work in their field. Additional certifications are available, however, that enable you to perform more advanced tasks. People with these certifications may qualify for specialized positions or higher pay. They also enjoy better job security. These benefits make additional certifications a valuable way to enhance your career.
Additional certifications typically require accumulating a certain amount of work experience before passing an exam. Online continued education resources may be available to help you prepare.
Certifications for Medical Assistants
Both new and experienced medical assistants can seek out specialty certifications. These certifications demonstrate your competency in a specific area of the healthcare industry. They exist in a variety of fields and can increase your likelihood of getting the job you are most passionate about. Some examples of specialty certifications include:
- Family Medicine medical assistant (SCMA-FM)
- Cardiology medical assistant (SCMA-CD)
- Orthopedic surgery medical assistant (SCMA-ORS)
- Pediatric medical assistant (SCMA-PD)
- OB/GYN medical assistant (SCMA-OBG)
This list is not exhaustive, and other specialty certifications exist. If there is a field of medicine that has caught your interest, then do some research to discover what certification corresponds to your desired position.
Certifications for Practical Nurses
New and veteran practical nurses may seek out post-licensure certification. These certifications qualify you to perform more advanced services, such as IV therapy or wound care, or demonstrate your ability to work with a certain subset of patients. Some nursing jobs require new hires to have or earn a specific certification. Some examples include:
- IV Therapy
- Wound Care Certification (WCC)
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Certified Hemodialysis Nurse (CHN)
- Pharmacology (NCP)
- Developmental Disabilities (DDC)
- Long-Term Care (LTC)
Once again, this list is not exhaustive. If there is a specific position or advancement that you are interested in, then speak with the employer to learn more about what certifications would make you a better candidate.
The PN to RN Pathway: What Are the Steps for This Career Transition?
Additional certifications are not the only way to advance your medical career. If you are a practical nurse (PN), then there may be opportunities to progress to a registered nurse (RN). RNs enjoy better pay than PNs because they have more education and a higher level of responsibility. They are afforded more independence and may perform more technical tasks, such as operating medical equipment, leading a nursing team, and supervising PNs.
RNs typically need an associate or bachelor’s degree before sitting for the NCLEX-RN exam. As a practical nurse, however, your existing education and experience can count for part of that requirement. Bridge programs take you the rest of the way. They take one to two years to complete, depending on the level of degree you are pursuing. Some organizations offer tuition reimbursement or allow you to study while you work, so speak with your employer if this is a career path you’re interested in.
Looking Ahead: How Do You Create a Five-Year Plan for Your Healthcare Career?
While looking ahead to the new year, don’t forget to plan even further. Healthcare career training is a lifelong career investment. In an industry as large and dynamic as medicine, there will always be a way to continue pushing your career forward. A five-year career plan sets goals and keeps you motivated. It also helps you set smaller goals that will bring you closer to your dreams.
When creating a five-year plan, consider where you would like to be in five years. Then, note down your current skills and experience. Research your goal and write down the steps you will need to achieve it, being as specific as possible. You can break this list down by months or years to create an achievable plan to accomplish your career objectives. At Prism Career Institute, our career services department can guide you through devising a five-year plan that fits you.
Learn How to Set Career Goals at Prism Career Institute
If your goal for the new year is a new career, look no further than Prism Career Institute. Our focused and efficient programs help you achieve your goals. Start making your New Year’s resolution a reality by enrolling in career training near you in NJ or PA. Contact us to learn more about our programs or how to apply, or for more advice on how to set career goals.