Short term courses in medical field offer a quick route to get into medical roles like EMTs, phlebotomists, and specialized nurses, as the programs span between four weeks and six months. If you have nursed the idea of getting into the medical industry faster, this article is an “A-must-read” for you.
The medical industry is among the most stable and fastest-growing industries globally, and because of that, many people want to get into the field. However, not everyone has the time or even resources to spend about 7 or 8 years in medical school, and this is where medical short-term courses come in.
Whether you are a student, a graduate, or a professional looking to upgrade your current role, these courses are designed to equip you with practical healthcare skills in a short period of time, usually a few weeks to one year.
In this article, we will explore the top short medical courses, why they are important, and also their direct links for application. I urge you to follow me closely with undivided attention.
Why Short-Term Courses in Healthcare?
These are the reasons people opt for short medical courses.
- The courses are faster entry into healthcare careers without long degrees.
- The programs are affordable compared to full medical courses.
- They are practical and offer hands-on skills for real hospital environments.
- They serve as a career switching opportunity for non-medical graduates.
Short Term Courses in Medical Field
I will list and give a brief overview of these courses so you understand what they are all about. Read till the last sentence.
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) by CT State Community College
- Basic Life Support Course by European Resuscitation Council
- Medical Laboratory Technician Training by Alison
- Phlebotomist Training by Alison
- Patient Care Assistant (PCA) by Atingi
- Nursing Assistant Fundamentals Specialization by MedCerts
- ECG Technician Certification by PCT
- Medical Assistant & Phlebotomy Technician Certifications by PCT
- Medical Billing and Coding Fundamentals Specialization by Medcerts
- Dental Assisting Programme by Nuffield Academy
1. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) by CT State Community College
This course, offered by CT State Community College, provides in-depth training on how to become nationally registered and state-certified emergency medical technician. It covers patient assessment, cardiac arrest management, airway management, patient immobilization, diabetic emergencies, etc.
The mode of study is on-ground or hybrid, and you must be at least 16 years old before applying and 18 years old to enroll in the national registry. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be eligible to sit for the initial state of CT certified EMT examination and national board certification.
Course Duration: 130 lecture hours
Course Fee: $1500
2. Basic Life Support Course by European Resuscitation Council
This course is designed to give you training in the delivery of BLS and the use of an AED. It is offered by the European Resuscitation Council and is open to everyone. It explores the safe use of an Automated External Defibrillator or delivering effective BLS in the absence of an AED.
The training is interactive and hands-on, and it is taught by certified ERC instructors. There’s no theory component in this course, as well as entry requirements. The certificate validity is 3 years.
Course Duration: Half a day (minimum of 4 hours)
Course Fee: Direct enquiry
3. Medical Laboratory Technician Training by Alison
Learn the roles and responsibilities of a medical laboratory technician through this course offered by Alison. It explores the common laboratory safety protocols, procedures essential for specimen collection and analysis, the significance of microbial pathogens in medical diagnostics, etc.
It is delivered through on-demand videos and hands-on training. This course is CPD-accredited, and upon successful completion, you earn your certificate.
Course Duration: 1.5 – 3 hours
Course Fee: Free
4. Phlebotomist Training by Alison
Alison offers this training on phlebotomy to equip you with the primary responsibilities of a phlebotomist. It discusses safety measurements and procedures, infection control, prevention of hematomas, nerve damage, modern diagnostic methods, and so on.
This course holds CPD-accreditation, taught through on-demand videos and a course assessment. Upon successful completion of the course, you earn your certificate.
Course Duration: 1.5 – 3 hours
Course Fee: Free
5. Patient Care Assistant (PCA) by Atingi
This self-paced course teaches you how to provide basic nursing care and manage sick patients. It explores basic human anatomy & physiology, hospitals & healthcare system, basic nursing skills, body mechanics, general health & hygiene, emergency first aid and CPR, and many other topics.
It is delivered through self-paced learning modules, online assessments, and Metaverse content. This course is ideal for class 8th pass students who want to work in hospitals and nursing homes to give care to patients.
Course Duration: 8 hours
Course Fee: Free
6. Nursing Assistant Fundamentals Specialization by MedCerts
Gain an understanding of the expectations of an allied healthcare professional in the workplace through this course offered by MedCerts, and delivered through Coursera. It focuses on patient care assistance, healthcare setting navigation, hygiene and safety protocols, etc.
It is taught through on-demand videos, learning projects, case studies, and assessments. It is flexible, and upon successful completion, you will earn your certificate.
Course Duration: 12 weeks (2 hours a week)
Course Fee: About $49.00
7. ECG Technician Certification by PCT
Phlebotomy Career Training offers this course that explores topics like principles of proper ECG technique, review of cardiac cycle, understanding of cardiac muscle contraction, therapeutic communication, review of heart medications, and more.
The course is self-paced, accessible 24/7, and fully taught online. Upon enrollment, you will be assigned an instructor who will guide you throughout your learning journey. To enroll, you must possess a high school diploma or equivalent GED.
Course Duration: 4 weeks
Course Fee: $490
8. Assistant & Phlebotomy Technician Certifications by PCT
This is a 2-in-1 program that teaches you all you need to know about medical assistant and phlebotomy technician, and upon graduation get full certification for both. It is 100% online and explores topics like SOAP Note charting, infection control, proper phlebotomy technique, specimen processing, and other essential topics.
The courses are self-paced, mobile–friendly, and always accessible. To enroll in the course, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent GED; however, no prior experience is needed.
Course Duration: 8 weeks
Course Fee: $985
9. Medical Billing and Coding Fundamentals Specialization by MedCerts
MedCerts through Coursera offers this course that explains the essential skills of an insurance billing specialist. The course explores professionalism in allied health, medical terminologies & human body, etc.
It is taught through on-demand videos, practical exercises, and assessments. It is important to note that this specialization is not designed to prepare you for national certification.
Course Duration: 4 weeks (10 hours a week)
Course Fee: About $49.00
10. Dental Assisting Programme by Nuffield Academy
This is a program designed to equip you with practical skills and knowledge on clinical industry. It explores basic dental practice management competencies, dental procedure management, etc. It is open to all experience levels who wish to be part of the Dental industry in the capacity of a Dental Assistant (DA).
Course Duration: 3 days
Course Fee: $500
Conclusion
You can now see that you don’t have to spend 7 or 8 years to get into the medical field. The courses I listed above can help you achieve that at a faster rate. Find the ones that align with your career goals, and start learning.