HEALTH CAREERS need your helping hands

by George Cartsonis

If you’re a person who likes helping others, a career in the medical field may be just the thing for you. You don’t have to become a physician. You don’t have to spend four years earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Oakland Community College offers dozens of health career choices, just a few of which are highlighted below. In many areas you can choose to earn a one-year certificate or enter a two-year degree program.

Health programs are offered at four of OCC’s campuses, with each campus having a different area of emphasis (see sidebar program and location listing). One thing all these programs have in common is the  extremely high success rate of OCC graduates in passing regional, state and national licensing exams.

Area health facilities also know the quality of OCC students…and grads are in demand as health care providers.

Students come to OCC’s health programs for many reasons, and at many stages in their lives. Often students are looking for a career change. Others are returning to school after raising their own children. They range from their late teens into their 50s, according to OCC health program directors.

For students most interested in working in a hospital or clinical setting, Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Radiologic Technology offer great opportunities to provide patient care. Other students may be more attracted to Exercise Science and Technology or  Massage Therapy, and can use the skills they acquire in a wide range of settings from hospitals, nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities to health and wellness clubs.