Additional Health Professions
When wanting to pursue a health profession, one of the first things to consider would be time and commitment. Typically, to enter a health profession, it is common to enroll in either a professional school or a specific program after obtaining a bachelor's degree. Yet, a handful of health professions do not require a bachelor’s degree; some only require an Associate’s Degree or even a certificate.
Below, we provide a list of alternative health professions that only require up to a Bachelor’s degree and lower. Within the profession sections, we provide an idea of how to get there, along with any general requirements, degree types, and links that lead to more information.
A Radiologic Technologist is part of a medical team specializing in creating images (called X-Rays) of specific parts of the human body from the outside. Using radiation, a Rad Tech can assist in reading someone's body to help a clinician diagnose a wide range of diseases, syndromes, cancers, and afflictions. Rad Techs prepare the patient to get an X-ray done while exposing the patient to as little radiation as possible.
How to become a Radiologic Technologist
Degree: There are specific certificates, but it is possible to enroll in an associate or bachelor's degree that was made specifically for Rad-Tech. Certificates and Associate's degrees are the most common while a bachelor's is less common.
Time: Depending on the degree, the curriculum up to the point of certification can last from 12 months to 4 years.
Prerequisites: For the degree/certification, a high school diploma or GED is required. No additional classes are needed (courses are built onto the curriculum).
What is the ARRT credentialing?
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) offers a certification exam within the different disciplines, which helps recognize individuals who meet the qualifications of their professional standards. In short, the certification helps to show employers that you have both the knowledge and skills to provide patient care on a highly standardized level.
Though the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification is not directly required for practice, most employers require certification/state licensure.
To learn more about the exam and its specifics, please visit this site by the ARRT.
Specializations
Listed below are the most common specialties along with a link to a description of each. For the full, comprehensive list available, please follow this link to ARRT: Credential Options
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Bone Densitometry
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Breast Sonography
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Cardiac Interventional Radiography
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Computed Tomography (CT)
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
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Mammography
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Vascular Interventional Radiography
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Vascular Sonography
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Nuclear Medicine
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Radiation Therapy
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Radiography
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Registered Radiologist Assistant
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Sonography
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Cardiovascular Interventional Radiography
Rad-Tech programs in California
Here is a list of Rad-Tech programs in California. If any questions about the program come up, feel free to contact us for clarification or contact the program of choice!
An Ultrasound Technician is part of a medical team specializing in creating images (called Ultrasounds/Sonograms) of specific parts and cavities of the human body from the outside. Using specialized equipment such as a transducer, UltraSound Technicians can help create internal images to assist clinicians in diagnosing and treating diseases, syndromes, cancers, and afflictions.
How to become an Ultrasound Technician
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Degree: Direct certificates are the most basic pathway to start a career in Sonography. associate and bachelor degrees do exist, with bachelors being the least common.
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Time: Depending on the degree, the curriculum up to the point of certification can last from 1 to 4 years.
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Prerequisites: For the degree/certification, a high school diploma or GED is required. No additional classes are needed (courses are built onto the curriculum).
What is the ARSMS credentialing?
The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) offers exams, credentials, and certifications that ensure sonographers meet the standard of quality care and patient safety on a professional level. In short, the certification helps to show employers that you have both the knowledge and skills to provide patient care on a highly standardized level.
Though the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) certifications are not directly required for practice, most employers require certification/state licensure.
To learn more about each exam and its specifics, please visit this site by the ARDMS.
Also, check out the Benefits of ARDMS Certification and how it can help boost your job opportunities!
Specializations
Listed below are the most common specialties along with a link to a description of each. For a full, comprehensive list available, please follow this link to ARDMS: Examinations and Credentials
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Abdomen (AB)
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Adult Echocardiography (AE)
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Breast (BR)
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Fetal Echocardiography (FE)
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Musculoskeletal Sonographer (MSKS)
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Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN)
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Pediatric Echocardiography (PE)
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Pediatric Sonography (PS)
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Vascular Technology (VT)
Ultrasound Tech programs in California
Below is a list of Ultrasound Tech programs in California. If any questions about the program come up, feel free to contact us for clarification or contact the program of choice!
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is an entry-level paraprofessional who assists individuals with physical/mental disabilities and other health-related impairments. Tasks may include (but are not limited to) transporting, bathing, feeding, cleaning, and monitoring patients' vitals along with cleaning medical instruments, administering/restocking medication, and communicating patient concerns to the head nurse.
How to become a CNA
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Degree: CNA Certificates must be certified by your state's nursing board/health department. These training programs are mainly offered by community colleges. Red Cross chapters, and even nursing homes themselves (meaning you get your license while training for your job).
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Time: Training programs can take anywhere between 4 to 15 weeks. There is a minimum of necessary training hours listed in the prerequisites below.
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Prerequisites:
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High School diploma/GED Certificate
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Pre-Certification requirements:
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Training Hours (state-mandated)
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50 hours of classroom training
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100 hours of supervision under a Licensed Practitioner Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN)
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Seven hours of HIV/AIDS training
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Competency Exam
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What is the CNA Competency Exam?
The CNA Competency Exam is an exam that tests the knowledge, skills, and understanding of prospective Certified Nursing Assistants. This exam ensures that CNAs are held up to a benchmark level of care and possess the skills to provide proficient care. Exam sections vary state by state but usually include:
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Physical Care Skills
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Psychosocial Care Skills
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Role of the Nurse Aide
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Aging Process and Restorative Care
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Basic Nursing Skills
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Care Impaired
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Communication
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Data Collection
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Disease Process/Infection Control
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Mental Health
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Personal Care
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Resident Rights
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Role and Responsibility
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Safety
For more about the California CNA Exam, please visit NursingExams.com: CNA Practice Test and Study Guide.
CNA programs in California
An Emergency Medical Technician is a part of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team that responds to emergency medical calls, provides on-scene medical care, transports patients, and works with other EMS professionals to ensure the stability and improvement of patients while being transported to a healthcare facility. EMTs work in a fast-paced situational environment, where no two days are the same.
How to become an EMT
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Degree: Certification from an EMT program approved by the EMS agency of the county where you intend to work/reside.
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Time: EMT programs usually vary, ranging from 8 weeks to 1 year.
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Prerequisites:
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Certain programs can vary in prerequisites
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Current American Heart Association BLS (CPR) certification
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High school diploma/GED.
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Pass the EMT-specific NREMT exam to be certified to practice
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What is the specific NREMT exam?
The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) is a branch of the EMS certification organization that ensures all EMS clinicians (EMR, EMT, AEMT, Paramedic) have both the knowledge and skills needed to provide proficient care. The NREMT exam focuses on EMTs and provides the necessary exam for certification.
Before being able to practice and before obtaining an EMS license, nearly all U.S. states and territories require National Registry certification.
To learn more about the EMT NREMT exam, the different pathways for certification, and the exam's specifics, visit this website (specifically for Emergency Medical Technicians).
EMT programs in California
Below is a list of EMT programs and EMS agencies in California. If any questions about the program come up, feel free to contact us for clarification or contact the program of choice!
An Advanced Emergency Medical Technician is a part of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team that works alongside the EMT. The main difference between an EMT and an A-EMT is that an A-EMT has the knowledge necessary to work with basic and advanced ambulance equipment along with performing interventions on patients when necessary. The A-EMT and EMT both work together to provide the best, quickest care possible.
How to become an A-EMT
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Degree: Certification from an accredited A-EMT program approved by the EMS agency of the county where you intend to work/reside.
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Time: A-EMT programs are not as fast-paced as EMT programs, so they can range from 4 months to one year.
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Prerequisites:
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Current EMT Certification (See above health profession for steps)
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Pass the A-EMT-specific NREMT exam to be certified to practice
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What's the difference between an A-EMT and an EMT?
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Expanded scope of practice: A-EMTs have a more comprehensive range of skills and abilities than EMT-Basics. This means they can perform more advanced procedures, such as administering certain medications, interpreting electrocardiograms (ECGs), and using advanced airway devices.
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Increased career opportunities: A-EMT certification can open up new career opportunities in critical care transport, wilderness medicine, and special event medicine.
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Better pay: A-EMTs typically earn higher salaries than EMT-Basics, due to their expanded skill set and increased responsibilities.
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Enhanced patient care: With their advanced training and abilities, AEMTs are better equipped to provide high-quality patient care, leading to better health outcomes.
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Career advancement: A-EMT certification can be a stepping stone to becoming a paramedic, the highest level of pre-hospital care provider.
What is the specific NREMT exam?
The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) is a branch of the EMS certification organization that ensures all EMS clinicians (EMR, EMT, AEMT, Paramedic) have both the knowledge and skills needed to provide proficient care. The NREMT exam focuses on EMTs and provides the necessary exam for certification.
Before being able to practice and before obtaining an EMS license, nearly all U.S. states and territories require National Registry certification.
To learn more about the A-EMT NREMT exam, the different pathways for certification, and the exam's specifics, visit this website (specifically for Emergency Medical Technicians).
A-EMT programs in California
Below is a list of EMT programs and EMS agencies in California. If any questions about the program come up, feel free to contact us for clarification or contact the program of choice!
A Paramedic, or Ambulance Assistant, is a part of the Emergency Response Services (EMS) team responsible for traveling to emergency medical situations to provide a range of care to patients. The paramedic plays one of the four vital roles in the EMS System. Their duties include assessing the patient and their environment, administering procedures like CPR, and stabilizing patients for transport to the hospital if needed.
*Note: To become a Paramedic, one must first be Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certified along with a certain amount of hours of work. See the profession above on how to become an EMT.
How to become a Paramedic
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Degree: Paramedic Certificates (mainly offered by Community Colleges) are the most common, but associate degrees in paramedicine do exist. Paramedicine degrees are highly scarce and designed for currently certified paramedics looking to “strengthen their skillset”.
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Time: Depending on which program you select for certification, you could earn a paramedic certificate in 6 to 18 months. Paramedic (PM) students complete a program between 1,200 to 1,800 hours and may last six to twelve months (depending on the program pace).
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Prerequisites:
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Current EMT or A-EMT Certification (See above health profession for steps)
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At least 3 months of EMT or A-EMT experience with a certified EMS provider (approximately 480 hours minimum)
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3-6 months recommended
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Current Drivers License (in the state of the program)
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Pass the EMT-specific NREMT exam to be certified to practice
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What is the specific NREMT exam?
The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) is a branch of the EMS certification organization that ensures all EMS clinicians (EMR, EMT, AEMT, Paramedic) have both the knowledge and skills needed to provide proficient care. The NREMT exam focuses on Paramedics and provides the necessary exam for certification.
Before being able to practice and before obtaining an EMS license, nearly all U.S. states and territories require National Registry certification.
Some states also require a state-specific exam. The program you enrolled in will provide more information on the specifics of what the state of licensing requires.
To learn more about the Paramedic NREMT exam, the different pathways for certification, and the exam's specifics, visit this website (specifically for paramedics).
The exam will cover the entire spectrum of EMS care including Airway, Ventilation, Oxygenation; Trauma; Cardiology; Medical; and EMS Operations. Items related to patient care are focused on adult patients (85%) and pediatric patients (15%).
The exam items are written by members of the EMS community, including educators, providers and medical directors. Each exam has questions that count toward your score and questions that do not. Your exam will have between 80–150 questions.
Paramedic programs in California
Below is a list of EMT programs and EMS agencies in California. If any questions about the program come up, feel free to contact us for clarification or contact the program of choice!