If you want a rewarding job that helps others, a healthcare career could be a great choice. Hospitals, clinics, and care centers need trained workers to support patients every day. Choosing the right healthcare program is your first step toward joining this growing field.
At Dorsey College, we understand that picking a healthcare career program is a big decision. The right program can help you gain skills, earn certifications, and feel confident in your future. Let’s explore how to decide if this path is right for you and what options you might consider.
Is a career training healthcare program for you
Not everyone is sure about a healthcare career at first, but many people discover it’s a perfect match for their skills and goals. It’s all about figuring out which healthcare career program is right for you.
To start, decide if a healthcare career in general is something that aligns with your skills and passions. You might be a good fit for a healthcare program if you:
- Enjoy helping people
- Have patience and empathy
- Like working with your hands
- Can follow directions and pay attention to detail
- Want a career where every day feels meaningful
If you don’t check off all of these items, that’s okay. Some of these things you can learn in a healthcare career training program. The program may also train you in how to work in many settings, from doctor’s offices to nursing homes. Most programs are hands-on, so you can practice skills before starting your first job. Many programs can be completed in months instead of years, so you can start working sooner.
How to choose the best program for you
Picking the right healthcare training program takes thought. You’ll want to look at your strengths, the time and cost of training, job demand, and growth opportunities.
Evaluate your interests and strengths
Start by asking yourself:
- Do you like working directly with patients?
- Are you more comfortable in a clinical or office setting?
- Do you prefer tasks that require physical activity, or do you like administrative work?
For example, if you enjoy close patient contact, an MA or PCT program might be a great match. If you like balancing patient care with office duties, medical assisting could be ideal.
Knowing your strengths can also help you succeed in training. Strong communication skills, compassion, and attention to detail are key in almost every healthcare career program.
Consider time and cost of training
Healthcare programs vary in length. Some, may take only a few months. Others, such as an LPN program, may take a year or more.
Think about how soon you want to enter the workforce and how much time you can commit to school. Shorter programs can get you working quickly, but longer ones may lead to higher pay or more responsibilities.
Cost is another factor. Many schools offer financial aid to those who qualify or payment plans to help make training more affordable. Be sure to ask about these options when researching programs.
Research job market demand
It’s smart to choose a healthcare program that prepares you for jobs in high demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, some healthcare jobs are expected to grow faster than average over the next decade. 1 These jobs include home health and personal care aides, and medical assistants.
In Michigan and beyond, trained healthcare professionals are needed in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies. Look into local job postings to see what employers are hiring for and which certifications they require.
Explore growth opportunities
Some healthcare careers allow you to build on your training and move into higher roles. For example, a PCT might later train to become an LPN or RN. A medical assistant might specialize in a certain type of care or move into office management. Starting out as a phlebotomist can give you the experience and networking needed to figure out which branch of healthcare you’d like to move into next.
Choosing a program with growth potential can help you keep your options open as your career develops.
Healthcare training program options
There are many healthcare program choices, each with its own focus and career path. Here are some of the popular options at schools like Dorsey College.
1. Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) Programs
Medical Laboratory Assistant programs train students to work in laboratories, where they support medical teams by handling and preparing samples for analysis. Duties may include:
- Collecting, labeling, and handling patient samples (such as blood or urine)
- Preparing specimens for testing
- Maintaining lab equipment and ensuring it is clean and functional
- Recording and organizing test data accurately
A Medical Laboratory Assistant training program is a great choice for those who enjoy detail-oriented work and being part of the diagnostic process.
2. Medical Assistant (MA) Programs
Medical assistants work in clinics, doctor’s offices, and urgent care centers. They often handle both clinical and administrative tasks, such as:
- Taking patient histories and vital signs
- Giving injections or preparing patients for exams
- Scheduling appointments and updating medical records
A medical assistant program can be completed in a year or less in many cases, and it offers a mix of skills for a flexible career path.
3. Dental Assistant
Dental assistants support dentists and dental hygienists in caring for patients. Their work may include:
- Preparing patients for dental procedures
- Sterilizing instruments
- Taking dental x-rays
- Scheduling follow-up visits
Dental assistant programs usually combine classroom learning with hands-on practice in a dental lab or office setting.
4. Patient Care Technician (PCT) Programs
PCTs often have training similar to CNAs but with added skills. They may work in hospitals, dialysis centers, or rehabilitation facilities. Duties might include:
- Assisting with patients with daily activities
- Performing EKGs
- Collecting lab samples
A PCT program may take longer than a CNA program but can open doors to more specialized roles.
5. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Programs
LPNs provide nursing care under the direction of registered nurses and doctors. They may:
- Administer medications
- Monitor patient health
- Create care plans with the healthcare team
An LPN program (usually called a Practical Nurse or Practical Nursing program) usually takes about a year to complete and is designed to prepare you for the NCLEX-PN licensing exam. LPNs often have more responsibilities, and higher earning potential, than CNAs or MAs.
Pick a career training college that aligns with your needs!
Choosing the right healthcare program is about more than the career itself. It’s also about where you train. A good healthcare career program will:
- Offer hands-on learning opportunities
- Provide guidance from experienced instructors
- Have support services like tutoring, job placement help, and financial aid advising
- Keep class sizes small for more personal attention
Dorsey College has been training Michigan students for healthcare careers for decades. With multiple campuses and flexible schedules, students can find a healthcare program that fits their life. Whether you want to work in a doctor’s office, a hospital, or a dental clinic, Dorsey College offers programs designed to help you succeed.
Your healthcare career can start with just one decision: Enrolling in the right training program. By exploring your options, considering your goals, and choosing a trusted school, you can take the first step toward becoming a skilled healthcare professional.
