Did you know that you can pursue a career in healthcare without completing multiple years of medical school? It’s true! Whether you have a busy schedule, work and family responsibilities, or are just looking for a more streamlined education, you have options when it comes to completing a healthcare program.
One option for aspiring healthcare professionals is to enroll in a vocational training program, like those offered at ACC. Some of these programs can be completed in under a year, empowering you to gain the skills and knowledge needed to quick-start your career with confidence.
Read on to learn more about six healthcare programs that you can finish in less than a year.
One of them might be the right fit for you.
1. Pharmacy Technician
ACC offers a Pharmacy Technician program that can be completed in as little as 9 months. With only two in-person classes a week for five hours each day, you can complete the rest of your coursework online from wherever is convenient for you. The program also includes a 320-hour, in-person externship that gives you the opportunity to reinforce your knowledge and skills through real-world experience.
- Labeling and dispensing medication
- Measuring, mixing, and pouring dosages of medications
- Updating patient information
- Rotating inventory
- And much more
As a pharmacy technician, you can work in a variety of settings including hospitals, retail locations, physician offices, and outpatient medical centers.
A pharmaceutical career can be an excellent choice for someone with an aptitude for math because pharmacy professionals are often tasked with measuring medication ingredient proportions, determining medication dosages, and keeping pharmacies stocked. Check out our post on how math is used in the medical field for more on this topic.
2. Dental Assisting
The Dental Assisting program at ACC can be completed in as little as 10 months. This program is taught in a blended format combining online dental assisting classes with only two days a week of in-person instruction. You have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through a 160-hour externship in a real dental office.
Dental assistants play an important role in patient care by supporting dentists with patient procedures, sterilizing and preparing instruments, managing patient records, and advising patients on proper dental hygiene.
Curious about what you’ll learn in a Dental Assisting diploma program? The program at ACC includes courses like:
- Fundamentals of Dental Assisting
- Science of Dentistry
- Restorative Dentistry/Pharmacology
- Pediatric Dentistry/Orthodontics
- Oral Surgery/Anesthetics
- And more
If you consider yourself an active listener, problem solver, and strong communicator, a career in dental assisting may be a great fit for you. View the occupational profile on the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) website for more info on this rewarding career path.
3. Medical Assistant
Prepare to help medical offices run effectively through ACC’s Medical Assistant program, which lets you earn your diploma in as little as 9 months. This blended program requires only two days of in-person instruction per week with the rest of the coursework being completed online. With a 200-hour externship, you have the opportunity to demonstrate your learning and hone your skills through real-world experience.
Medical assistant duties range from administrative tasks to clinical support. Top responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Scheduling appointments
- Checking office and lab supplies
- Preparing treatment rooms for patient examinations
- Running routine lab tests
- Taking/recording vital statistics and medical histories
- Providing patients with explanations of medications, treatment procedures, physician instructions, etc.
Read the ACC career guide to learn more about what it takes to become a medical assistant in California.
4. Optical Technician
The ACC Optical Technician program is designed to help you prepare for an entry-level position as an optical technician, optical lab technician, or contact lens fitter. This program can be completed in as little as 9 months with only two days per week of in-person instruction and the rest online.
Optical tech students have the opportunity to develop their skills using the same equipment they’ll come across on the job, such as a lensometer and Optikam. With a 200-hour externship, you can gain real-world experience and prepare to start working with confidence.
Optical technicians help patients discover eye care solutions that improve their vision and make them feel good, too. Here are some other key responsibilities of optical technicians:
- Assisting customers in selecting and fitting eyeglasses, or contact lenses
- Providing information on options pertaining to frames, tints, and coating
- Making recommendations based on the customer’s needs, occupation, and habits
- Fitting eyeglasses and making adjustments as needed
- Providing instructions on how to care for eyewear or contact lenses
Check out the ACC career guide on how to become an optician in California to learn more about education requirements, licensure, exams, and more.
5. Medical Billing
Through ACC’s Medical Billing program, students can earn their diploma to become a medical biller and health claims examiner in approximately 7 months. Students complete their coursework 100% online and are required to complete an in-person externship in the greater Los Angeles area at the end of the program.
Medical billers are an integral part of a healthcare provider’s reimbursement process, though they can also work for independent third-party billing companies. A career in medical billing can come with numerous perks including good work-life balance, remote work opportunities, and career mobility.
Online medical billing training teaches you how to:
- Use software applications and tools commonly used by medical billers
- Understand the claims processing cycle and identify a rejected or denied claim form
- Become familiar with medical terminology you’ll encounter on the job
- And more
If you excel at time management, complex problem solving, and client service, you might be well-suited for a career in medical billing.
6. Medical Coding
ACC’s online Medical Coding program can be completed in as little as 30 weeks, which is just under 8 months. The 100% online program helps prepare students to classify medical procedures, diagnoses, and treatments into a standardized coding system that healthcare providers, insurance companies, and government agencies can understand.
Medical coders possess a unique skill set that enables them to analyze medical records and perform specialized data entry. Medical coder responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Entering electronic data, such as demographic characteristics, history and extent of disease, diagnostic procedures, or treatment
- Identifying, compiling, and coding patient data using standard classification systems
- Maintaining or operating a variety of health record indexes to collect, classify, store, or analyze information
- Protecting the security of medical records to ensure confidentiality
- Releasing information to persons or agencies according to regulations
Applicants to ACC’s Medical Coding program must demonstrate at least one year of healthcare/medical billing experience.
Complete Your Healthcare Training In Under a Year at ACC
If you’re interested in a healthcare education that will allow you to earn your diploma in less than a year, you may want to consider one of ACC’s programs. ACC programs are designed to help ensure that students are prepared to jump into a successful career as soon as possible.
At ACC, classes start throughout the year, so chances are good that there's a new healthcare class starting soon. Fill out the brief form at the bottom of this page to connect with a representative. ACC is committed to helping you make a difference in your life — and the lives of others!
