Steps to Becoming a Licensed Healthcare Professional in the United States

Written By Lauren Davis, BS, CPT

Summary

  • To become a licensed healthcare professional in the United States, individuals must typically complete a formal education program, pass a national certification exam, and obtain a state license.
  • Healthcare professionals can choose from a variety of career paths, including nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, and medical laboratory technology.
  • Continuing Education and professional development are essential for maintaining licensure and staying current in the field of healthcare.

Introduction

Becoming a licensed healthcare professional in the United States is a rewarding but challenging process that requires dedication, hard work, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in providing quality care to patients and are responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of those in their care. In this blog post, we will explore the steps involved in becoming a licensed healthcare professional and the various career paths available in the healthcare industry.

Educational Requirements

One of the first steps to becoming a licensed healthcare professional is to complete a formal education program in your chosen field. The educational requirements vary depending on the specific profession, but most healthcare professionals must have at least a bachelor's degree or higher. Some examples of healthcare professions and their educational requirements include:

Nursing

  1. Registered Nurse (RN): To become an RN, individuals must complete a nursing program approved by the state board of nursing and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
  2. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN): APRNs, such as nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists, must have a master's or doctoral degree in nursing and obtain national certification in their specialty area.

Pharmacy

  1. Pharmacist: Pharmacists must have a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an accredited pharmacy program and pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX).

Physical Therapy

  1. Physical Therapist (PT): PTs must have a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).

Medical Laboratory Technology

  1. Medical Laboratory Scientist: Medical laboratory scientists must have a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science or a related field and pass the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification exam.

Professional Certification

In addition to completing a formal education program, healthcare professionals must often obtain national certification in their specialty area to demonstrate their competence and expertise. Certification requirements vary by profession but typically involve passing a standardized exam administered by a professional certifying organization. Some examples of national certification exams for healthcare professionals include:

Registered Nurse

Registered nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN exam, which is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). The exam tests the candidate's knowledge and skills in various areas of nursing practice, such as medical-surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, and psychiatric nursing.

Pharmacist

Pharmacists must pass the NAPLEX exam, which is developed by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) and tests the candidate's knowledge of pharmacy practice and pharmaceutical science.

Physical Therapist

Physical therapists must pass the NPTE exam, which is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and evaluates the candidate's ability to provide safe and effective physical therapy services to patients.

Medical Laboratory Scientist

Medical laboratory scientists must pass the ASCP Board of Certification exam, which assesses the candidate's knowledge and skills in areas such as clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology, and immunology.

State Licensure

After completing a formal education program and obtaining national certification, healthcare professionals must obtain a state license to practice in their chosen profession. State licensure requirements vary by state but generally include:

Application Process

  1. Healthcare professionals must submit an application to the state licensing board and provide documentation of their education, certification, and professional experience.

Criminal Background Check

  1. Many states require healthcare professionals to undergo a criminal background check to ensure they do not have a history of criminal activity that would disqualify them from licensure.

Continuing Education

  1. Healthcare professionals must complete a certain number of Continuing Education hours each year to maintain their licensure and stay current in their field.

Career Paths in Healthcare

Healthcare professionals have a wide range of career paths to choose from, depending on their interests, skills, and educational background. Some of the most popular healthcare professions include:

Nursing

  1. Registered Nurse (RN)
  2. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
  3. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
  4. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

Pharmacy

  1. Pharmacist
  2. Pharmacy Technician
  3. Clinical Pharmacist
  4. Compounding Pharmacist

Physical Therapy

  1. Physical Therapist (PT)
  2. Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
  3. Orthopedic Physical Therapist
  4. Geriatric Physical Therapist

Medical Laboratory Technology

  1. Medical Laboratory Scientist
  2. Medical Laboratory Technician
  3. Pathology Assistant
  4. Blood Bank Technologist

Conclusion

Becoming a licensed healthcare professional in the United States is a rigorous process that requires dedication, hard work, and a commitment to lifelong learning. By completing a formal education program, obtaining national certification, and obtaining a state license, individuals can embark on a rewarding career in the healthcare industry. Continuing Education and professional development are essential for maintaining licensure and staying current in the field of healthcare. Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in providing quality care to patients and improving the overall health and well-being of communities across the country.

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Lauren Davis, BS, CPT

Lauren Davis is a certified phlebotomist with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of Miami. With 5 years of hands-on experience in both hospital and mobile phlebotomy settings, Lauren has developed a passion for ensuring the safety and comfort of patients during blood draws. She has extensive experience in pediatric, geriatric, and inpatient phlebotomy, and is committed to advancing the practices of blood collection to improve both accuracy and patient satisfaction.

Lauren enjoys writing about the latest phlebotomy techniques, patient communication, and the importance of adhering to best practices in laboratory safety. She is also an advocate for continuing education in the field and frequently conducts workshops to help other phlebotomists stay updated with industry standards.

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