How do I begin my career in health care?

One of the best ways to start your career in the health care field is to become a caregiver and/or a nursing assistant. You can receive Nursing Assistant training through a partnership between Southern Oregon Health Care Consortium (SOHCC) and Rogue Community College. Classes are offered on a regularly scheduled basis, and they are state approved to meet all health care certification requirements. Other facilities also offer approved Nursing Assistant classes.

Once you complete a class, you can work as a Graduate Nursing Assistant for up to four months. The next step is to take and pass the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) exam, you'll then be fully prepared for a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Becoming a caregiver is also a good way to start. No certification is required and the training is shorter and less expensive than a Nursing Assistant class. Taking an RCC Home Healthcare Provider Training class is a good place to begin. Many employers also provide their own training. Or, you can work privately as an independent caregiver.

What type of career advancement is possible?

With additional training and on-the-job experience, many Certified Nursing Assistants go on to other jobs in the health care field. While some careers do require additional schooling, there are many jobs that only require a high school diploma, a GED, or vocational training.

Career opportunities in health care support.

Another way to begin a career in health care is to receive training for one of the many support positions available in information systems, business services, clerical support, recreation, dining services, housekeeping, and maintenance.

To learn more about careers in the health care industry, visit any of the Southern Oregon Health Care Consortium partners listed here.