This degree is designed for those who have already earned some form of health care certification or licensure, such as a certified nurse assistant, and are looking to obtain an associate degree in order to further their education or employment opportunities.

Cardiac sonographers use ultrasound to obtain images of the heart, called an echocardiogram. These images can help a doctor to diagnose any blockages or abnormalities in the heart or in the flow of blood within the arteries around the heart.

Dental hygienists work under the direction or supervision of a licensed dentist, and must be licensed by the state in which they practice. Clinical responsibilities include oral examination; scaling and polishing teeth; exposing, interpreting x-rays; and other activities related to the oral health of the patient.

EKG technicians, sometimes called cardiographic technicians, specialize in electrocardiography, or EKG testing. EKGs measure and record heart action and rhythm by graphically tracing electrical activity occurring during heartbeats.

Electronic Health Records Specialists organize and manage patient health data and must be able to confidentially discuss patient information with doctors, insurance personnel, healthcare administrators and other professionals, keeping a sharp eye on details and potential discrepancies in the records.

Emergency medical technicians provide medical care to patients in times of crisis and emergency. EMTs and paramedics respond to emergency calls, performing medical services and transporting patients to medical facilities.

A sonographer is the allied health professional who, for diagnostic purposes, uses high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to create cross sectional images of the patient’s anatomy. Sonographers work in professional harmony with both the radiologist and the clinical physician.

Jackson College offers a health administration/insurance specialist degree program that will prepare students for medical insurance coding and billing, with additional related requirements in both health-related topics and courses in accounting, business and computer information systems.

Medical assistants are multi-skilled health care practitioners trained to work in the business and clinical parts of a medical office, clinic or hospital. They assist physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors and optometrists in helping their offices run smoothly.

For every instance that a patient receives care, a health care professional maintains a record of the observations, medical or surgical interventions, and treatment outcomes, with proper medical insurance codes.

Work in today’s health care field as a medical receptionist or medical secretary. They may transcribe dictation and prepare reports or articles for physicians or scientists. They also take medical histories of patients, arrange for patients to be hospitalized, or process insurance payments.

Nurses promote health, prevent disease and help people cope with illness. Registered nurses (RN’s) provide care, treatment, counseling and health education to individuals, families and their communities. Most registered nurses work as part of a team with physicians and other healthcare specialists.

Pharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists prepare prescription medications, provide customer service and perform administrative duties within a pharmacy setting. Working under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, pharmacy technicians are often the first line of customer service.

Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, research and blood donations. They provide a vital link in today’s health care field. A person’s blood is key in modern medical diagnosis and treatment and contains information that can be used to diagnose and treat

Radiography is an allied health career that examines patients using radiation, ultrasound or magnetic fields. Radiographers, also referred to radiologic technologists, produce X-rays and use other imaging techniques such as CT and MRI, essential in diagnosing medical problems.

Respiratory care practitioners, also known as respiratory therapists, assist in the care of patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary (relating to the heart and lungs) problems. They use high-tech equipment and the latest medical procedures to help patients.

Vascular sonographers utilize ultrasound equipment to evaluate a patient’s veins and arteries for any abnormalities. Ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging technique using high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body.