Four Online Degrees That Can Help You Heal Others

Some students are motivated by financial success, while others aim to be the best in their chosen field. However, for many students, their primary motivation is to help others. Thankfully, there are plenty of career paths that offer competitive salaries, career satisfaction, as well as opportunity to make lasting differences in the lives of others. If you would like to play a role in improving the lives and well-being of others, then the following degrees can help put you on the right track.

Speech-Language Pathology

How Does Speech-Language Pathology Help Others?

Most people associate speech-language pathology with helping those who have difficulties forming words or speaking clearly. However, a speech-language pathologist can also assist with more issues related to communication. For example, they can provide help with swallowing conditions, language issues, and social and cognitive-communication disorders. Since all of these can play a significant role in interpersonal relationships, the assistance offered by speech-language pathologists can be life-changing.

What Are The Steps Needed To Become A Speech-Language Pathologist?

When choosing an online degree program in speech-language pathology, it is important that clinical practicums are included. While some nonclinical programs can be done entirely online, these are typically not enough to become certified and can limit your career options.

A graduate degree is needed to become a speech-language pathologist, but many students begin with an online bachelor's degree in a related field, such as communication science and disorders. Once completed, they can move on to a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology or related degree.

Before working as a speech-language pathologist in America, students must also pass the Praxis 2 Examination in Speech-Language Pathology, which is administered by the ETS (Educational Testing Service). This exam can typically be done at test centers throughout the country, and students can do so whenever they meet the necessary requirements. An additional requirement for state licensure is a post-graduate clinical fellowship. Many students who apply for state licensure also tend to apply for accreditation through ASHA to get a certificate of clinical competence. Finally, of course, a certain number of continuing education hours are required by many states to maintain licensure and by ASHA to retain certification.

Dental Assistant

How Does Dental Assistance Help Others?

Oral health isn't just good for people's self-esteem but can also be beneficial for general health (https://www.mouthhealthy.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/patient_61.ashx). Dental assistants are a vital part of the dental industry and are responsible for a myriad of functions at dental clinics. These can include preparing and sterilizing surgical tools, setting up the tools needed during dental procedures, and making sure that the dentist has everything they need while working on patients.

What Are The Steps Needed To Become a Dental Assistant?

There are multiple pathways available to students interested in becoming dental assistants. Online certificate programs are the most common, but students can also complete an associate degree in dental assistance. While most dental assistance courses can be completed online, the best ones tend to offer externship placements that provide students with much-needed real-world learning experiences.

To earn dental assisting certification in the United States, students must pass all three components of the DANB (Dental Assisting National Board) Certification Exam. The Board also has requirements for work experience before awarding certification.

Pharmacy Technician

Proper medication is an integral part of healthcare, and it is the job of pharmacy technicians to ensure that patients receive safe and effective medication therapy. Because pharmacy technicians play such an essential role in maintaining the safety of patients, it is gratifying for people who want to help others. Pharmacy technicians can work in a hospital pharmacy or retail pharmacy and typically operate under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Duties may include dispensing prescription and over-the-counter medication to patients or health professionals. They may also be required to assemble the medication needed for prescriptions or provide patients with relevant information about their medication.

What Are The Steps Needed To Become a Pharmacy Technician?

Students require certification before they can work as pharmacy technicians, which can be done through an associate of applied science degree, which is available online. Online Pharmacy Technician Certificate programs are also available. A certain amount of continued education is also required to maintain your pharmacy technician certification status.

Social Work

Social work is perhaps one of the degrees that are most associated with helping others in need. It is a career path where most of your time is dedicated to assisting people in dealing with problems in their everyday lives. People who are vulnerable, oppressed, or living in poverty can all benefit from the assistance of social workers. In addition to the poverty alleviation and child welfare that most people associate with social workers, they also perform other vital functions. Social workers can choose to specialize in areas such as communities, children and families, health care, schools, and substance abuse or behavioral disorders.

What Are The Steps Needed To Become a Social Worker?

Typically an undergraduate degree is the entry-level educational requirement to becoming a social worker, but some career paths may need a master's degree. In addition, depending on their state, students may also require licensing. Degree programs, such as Bachelor of Social Work, can be completed online. Still, students usually also have to do supervised internships or fieldwork where they learn the skills needed to work with people.

Students who want to continue on to become clinical social workers tend to enroll in master's degree programs, which feature specialized concentrations. These degree programs also focus more on clinical assessments and management. In addition, to work as a clinical social worker, students must pass national social work licensure examinations.

Conclusion

The degree programs listed above are just a tiny sample of all the available options for students who want to help heal others. There are many other career paths in therapy, counseling, nursing, education, and more possible through an online degree, and these can make a massive difference in the lives of others.