by Jacob Ward

In today’s economy, job security is something not often taken for granted, as companies in many industries struggle to turn a profit and compensate for losses in sales through layoffs and hiring freezes. Latest statistics show that nearly 10 percent of the U.S. population is unemployed, home prices and sales are plummeting and the nation’s financial system can be described as turbulent at best.

Despite the “gloom and doom” economic climate across the country, there are still several bright spots in terms of employment, and training in these career fields is available in the 501, in particular at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton (UACCM).

Still a bright spot 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 14 million jobs in the country are in the healthcare field, with seven of the 20 fastest-growing occupations healthcare related. As the U.S. population continues to live longer, it is estimated that this career field will generate some 3 million new jobs by 2016 – more than in any other industry. This statistic is echoed in and around the 501, as healthcare job prospects are expanding rather than shrinking.

For anyone currently job hunting – whether a recent high school graduate, dislocated worker or someone ready for a career change –

UACCM offers a number of options for training in this fast-growing field. Some of the options take only one to two semesters to complete.

“UACCM is extremely proud to be helping train today’s students to become tomorrow’s healthcare professionals,” said Marilyn Thomas, UACCM division chair of health science and adult education.

I need a job now!    

For many Arkansans, there is no better time than now to retrain or make a career shift. In many cases, this change is of necessity. For those needing to fast-track to a new career and re-enter the workforce quickly, UACCM offers plans of study that can be completed quickly – dietary management, certified nursing assisting, emergency medical technology and practical nursing.

The Dietary Management Program at UACCM prepares students to work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools, correctional facilities and other non-commercial foodservice settings. The program also prepares students to assist dieticians in the provision of food service and nutritional programs. UACCM is one of only two accredited programs for dietary management in the state, and the certificate for this program can be earned in only one semester.

Regional reports have estimated that there will be a 14 percent growth for nursing assistants over the next several years in and around the 501, making it an in-demand career field. UACCM’s Nursing Assisting Program combines classroom instruction with a clinical component to prepare students to provide caring, competent and skilled nursing care to residents in long-term care, hospice or acute care facilities in only one semester of coursework.

Another industry with a growing need is Emergency Medical Technology (EMT), with an estimated 28.4 percent growth rate through 2014. The Emergency Medical Technology-Basic Program at UACCM is designed to open the door to the EMT world by teaching basic principles, procedures and techniques of pre-hospital emergency care. This certificate of proficiency prepares students to apply for the National Registry Emergency Medical Technician–Basic Examination.
Hard work goes rewarded

Treat patients. Educate the public about medical conditions. Provide emotional support to patients’ families. Record medical histories. Perform tests and analyze results. Operate sophisticated medical machinery. Administer treatment and medications. Assist with patient follow-up and rehabilitation. Explain post-treatment home care needs. Manage diet, nutrition and exercise programs. Run immunization clinics, blood drives and public seminars on various conditions. Sound fun?

Practical and registered nurses are responsible for all these things and then some on a daily basis. While outwardly exhausting, the nursing occupation is a land of vast opportunity, with a faster than average growth rate and extremely competitive salaries projected for the future.

At UACCM, students can choose to pursue a technical certificate in practical nursing or an associate of applied science degree in registered nursing. Each program is typically completed in two years, and once students complete the practical nursing program, there are opportunities to enter the workforce or to continue on to become a registered nurse – both of which offer bright and promising futures.

“It is encouraging to know that our students will possess the competencies necessary to be successful in this high-demand career area,” Thomas said.