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Career Paths

MEDICAL CODING AND BILLING

There are several reasons why a career in the medical billing and coding field can be a good choice:

High demand: The healthcare industry is growing, and the demand for medical billing and coding professionals is expected to increase as well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical records and health information technicians (which includes medical coders and billers) is projected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

Competitive salary: Medical billing and coding professionals can earn a competitive salary. The median annual wage for medical records and health information technicians was $44,090 in May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Variety of work settings: Medical billing and coding professionals can work in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, physician offices, and insurance companies. This allows for flexibility and potential opportunities to work in different environments.

Opportunities for advancement: There are opportunities for career advancement in the medical billing and coding field, such as becoming a supervisor, manager, or instructor. Additionally, certification programs exist for medical coders and billers that can enhance career prospects and earning potential.

Remote work options: Many medical billing and coding jobs offer remote work options, which can be particularly attractive for individuals who require more flexibility in their work schedules.

Overall, a career in the medical billing and coding field can offer job security, a competitive salary, opportunities for advancement, and the flexibility to work in a variety of healthcare settings or remotely. If you have an interest in the healthcare industry and enjoy working with data and technology, medical billing and coding could be a rewarding career choice for you.

GRADUATE IN 28 WEEKS

PATIENT CARE TECHNICIAN (PCT)

There are several reasons why pursuing a career as a patient care technician (PCT) can be a good choice:

High demand: There is a growing demand for PCTs in the healthcare industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of nursing assistants, orderlies, and attendants (which includes PCTs) is projected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

Fulfilling work: PCTs provide direct patient care, which can be rewarding and fulfilling. They assist patients with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating, and they also monitor vital signs and assist with medical procedures.

Variety of work settings: PCTs can work in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. This allows for flexibility and potential opportunities to work in different environments.

Opportunities for advancement: There are opportunities for career advancement as a PCT, such as becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or pursuing further education to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN).

Short training period: The training period for becoming a PCT is relatively short, typically ranging from a few weeks to a few months. This allows individuals to enter the healthcare industry relatively quickly.

Overall, a career as a PCT can offer job security, fulfilling work, opportunities for advancement, and a relatively short training period. If you have a passion for helping others and are interested in working in the healthcare industry, becoming a PCT could be a great career choice for you.

GRADUATE IN 31 WEEKS

VOCATIONAL NURSING

There are several reasons why pursuing a career in vocational nursing can be a good choice:

High demand: There is a growing demand for vocational nurses in the healthcare industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses is projected to grow 9% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

Fulfilling work: Vocational nurses provide direct patient care, which can be rewarding and fulfilling. They monitor patient health, administer medications, and assist with medical procedures.

Variety of work settings: Vocational nurses can work in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home health agencies. This allows for flexibility and potential opportunities to work in different environments.

Competitive salary: Vocational nurses can earn a competitive salary, with the median annual wage for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses being $50,090 in May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Shorter training period: The training period for becoming a vocational nurse is relatively short, typically ranging from 12 to 18 months. This allows individuals to enter the healthcare industry relatively quickly.

Opportunities for advancement: There are opportunities for career advancement as a vocational nurse, such as pursuing further education to become a registered nurse (RN) or specializing in a particular area such as pediatrics or gerontology.

Overall, a career in vocational nursing can offer job security, fulfilling work, a competitive salary, a variety of work settings, a shorter training period, and opportunities for advancement. If you have a passion for helping others and are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, becoming a vocational nurse could be a great career choice for you.

GRADUATE IN 12 MONTHS

Home Health Aide/Nurse Assistant

There are several reasons why pursuing a career as a Home Health Aid/Nurse Assistant can be a good choice:

High demand: There is a growing demand for Home Health Aides/Nurse Assistants in the healthcare industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of nursing assistants, orderlies, and attendants (which includes Home Health Aides/Nurse Assistants) is projected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

Fulfilling work: Home Health Aides/Nurse Assistants provide direct patient care, which can be rewarding and fulfilling. They assist patients with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating, and they also monitor vital signs and assist with medical procedures.

Short training period: The training period for becoming a Home Health Aide/Nurse Assistant is relatively short, typically ranging from a few weeks to a few months. This allows individuals to enter the healthcare industry relatively quickly.

Variety of work settings: Home Health Aide/Nurse Assistant can work in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home health agencies. This allows for flexibility and potential opportunities to work in different environments.

Opportunities for advancement: There are opportunities for career advancement as a Home Health Aide/Nurse Assistamt, such as pursuing further education to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN).

Competitive salary: Home Health Aides/Nurse Assistants can earn a competitive salary, with the median annual wage for nursing assistants, orderlies, and attendants being $30,850 in May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Overall, a career as a Home Health Aide/Nurse Assistant can offer job security, fulfilling work, a short training period, a variety of work settings, opportunities for advancement, and a competitive salary. If you have a passion for helping others and are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, becoming a Home Health Aide/Nurse Assistant could be a great career choice for you.

GRADUATE IN 4 WEEKS

MEDICAL ASSISTANT

There are several reasons why pursuing a career as a medical assistant can be a good choice:

High demand: There is a growing demand for medical assistants in the healthcare industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 19% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Versatility: Medical assistants have a versatile role and can perform a variety of tasks, such as taking patient histories, measuring vital signs, assisting with medical procedures, and handling administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and maintaining medical records.

Short training period: The training period for becoming a medical assistant is relatively short, typically ranging from a few months to a year. This allows individuals to enter the healthcare industry relatively quickly.

Variety of work settings: Medical assistants can work in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and private practices. This allows for flexibility and potential opportunities to work in different environments.

Opportunities for specialization: There are opportunities for medical assistants to specialize in areas such as podiatry, ophthalmology, or cardiology, which can increase job opportunities and earning potential.

Competitive salary: Medical assistants can earn a competitive salary, with the median annual wage for medical assistants being $35,850 in May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Overall, a career as a medical assistant can offer job security, versatility, a short training period, a variety of work settings, opportunities for specialization, and a competitive salary. If you have a passion for helping others and are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, becoming a medical assistant could be a great career choice for you.

GRADUATE IN 9.5 MONTHS

Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist/Phlebotomy Technician

There are several reasons why pursuing a career as a Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist/Phlebotomy Technician (LMRT/Phlebotomy) can be a good choice:

Growing demand: There is a growing demand for LMRT/Phlebotomy technicians in the healthcare industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of radiologic technologists and technicians (including LMRTs) is projected to grow 5% from 2020 to 2030, and employment of phlebotomists is projected to grow 25% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Variety of tasks: LMRT/Phlebotomy technicians perform a variety of tasks, including taking X-rays and drawing blood for medical tests. This allows for a diverse and interesting work experience.

Short training period: The training period for becoming an LMRT/Phlebotomy technician is relatively short, typically ranging from six months to a year. This allows individuals to enter the healthcare industry relatively quickly.

Versatility: LMRT/Phlebotomy technicians can work in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and laboratories. This allows for flexibility and potential opportunities to work in different environments.

Competitive salary: LMRT/Phlebotomy technicians can earn a competitive salary, with the median annual wage for radiologic technologists and technicians being $63,710 in May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the median annual wage for phlebotomists being $36,320 in May 2020.

Opportunities for advancement: There are opportunities for LMRT/Phlebotomy technicians to advance their careers by pursuing further education or certifications, such as becoming a radiologic technologist or a medical laboratory technician.

Overall, a career as an LMRT/Phlebotomy technician can offer job security, a variety of tasks, a short training period, versatility, a competitive salary, and opportunities for advancement. If you have an interest in healthcare and enjoy working with patients, becoming an LMRT/Phlebotomy technician could be a great career choice for you.

GRADUATE iN 10.5 MONTHS

At Valley Grande Institute, you’ll receive real training for real life and earn a respected license or certification in your field of training. What’s more, you’ll receive the ongoing help and support you need to begin and maintain your new career. Valley Grande Institute provides career planning and other career services to help you excel in your respective job/ field.

VGI Career Services goals:

  • Equip each of our students with the tools and skills needed to be seen as a medical professional
  • Assist our graduates in their job search
  • Motivate and empower our graduates through one-on-one interaction and collaboration with employers
  • We offer a variety of valuable services, such as: resume building, job readiness training, interviewing techniques and job search strategies.

If you’ll be graduating from VGI and entering the job market within a few weeks, we have career specialists that help you take charge of your employment search.

Career Services

Prior to completing the program Valley Grande Institute Career Services department will assist students in their resume writing, interviewing, and job placement.

This department will emphasize the professional needs of the healthcare worker from dress to communication strategies.

VGI is uniquely positioned to expedite your search process and reduce associated costs. We have a team of professionals dedicated to matching the talent of our students with employer requirement and business needs. Benefits include:

  • Access to a vast talent pool. Review resumes of students in VGI programs.
  • Personalized candidate screening tailored to your organization.
  • Onsite and virtual recruiting events. Conduct group or private interviews at our campus.

Our Graduates Make a Difference

Since 1992, our graduates have landed healthcare careers not only in the Rio Grande Valley, but statewide and nationwide as well. Many successful VGI graduates have entered into management and are now our customers. Organizations that hire VGI graduates realize the benefits of our education and training.