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Ten-Step Guide to a Career in Healthcare
AllHealthCare
Step 8: Pass the Licensing Exam
Before you can begin practicing, many healthcare professions require that you pass a licensing examination. States may also have their own exams you must pass in order to practice in that state. Some of the most common exams are:
- United State Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
- National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN)
- National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN)
- National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)
There are also many certification exams that you may or may not be required to take in order to pursue your desired career.
For more information on professional exams, please visit the following sites:
United States Medical Licensing Examination: Professional exam for physicians
The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy: Physical therapist licensing organization
National Council of State Boards of Nursing: Governing body administering the NCLEX-RN and the NCLEX-PN
National Healthcareer Association: the Largest Allied Healthcare Certification Agency
Study Guides Each exam has study guides that you can purchase. These often come with numerous practice tests and a CD-ROM to help you study. Along with learning the information you will be tested on, it is equally as important to learn how to take the test. Practice all the various kinds of multiple choice questions so that when you come across them on exam day, you will not have to spend a lot of time deciphering what you are being asked to do.
Student Lounge
Visit AllHealthcare’s Student Lounge Discussion Forum to network with others who are studying for their licensing exams.
Coreen
2 months ago
4 comments
I am a student preparing to enter the job market in the spring of 2010 in Medical Billing and Coding. Coreen
shing
3 months ago
4 comments
hello, im sheila of cebu city philippines, i am a registered pharmacist here in my country and wouls love to join your group. is there a way i can join you? i am so much interested to it and i love serving patients..how can i make through all this? thank you..
RSeyssel
5 months ago
76 comments
I've carefully considered a career change into the healthcare field for some time. According to the suggestions listed here, I am half-way through the process. The biggest obstacle I've faced is finding an externship that will allow me to acquire the hours needed before I can register for taking the licencing exam (Pharmacy Technician). This article was very useful in assuring me that I'm doing things in the right order!
madalaine
about 1 year ago
2 comments
I enjoy dealing with people especially children.I join this program so i can learn more and expand my knowledge about health caew.Right now am working in U.A.E.Is there any possiblity that i can join the team, Thanks and regards.
chloes1977
about 1 year ago
2 comments
Hello, I am Cleofe C. Brito, a Biology graduate and would like to become a physician, I am already working but not wth the field of biology..I am already 30 years old and Im in the Philippines. As I go through with the info I got interested and wanna Join. My question is do I have any chance to be with the said program? Thanks
jennifer_biotech
about 1 year ago
2 comments
Hi,I am jennifer,B.Sc Biotechnology(2007).I couldnt find out career.Give me sugestion what to do.Dont ask me to take M.Sc Biotech.I want to start my career in healthcare and to earn experience because i think experience is the best teacher where i can learn more what i read in book.Please guide me and do the needfull.I hope i will get reply from your team.
Thank you
7754
about 1 year ago
2 comments
I love working with people. I worked in a hospital in Ill. I worked on the major menical floor for 1!/2 years and in ICU and CCU for 11/2 years. I would love to go on and continue in some type of nursing. I loved it. I also worked in recovery room after surgery and in the emergency room on and off. It was challeging.
sebanja
about 1 year ago
2 comments
great to be part of a huge Global Care. it has not been easy but i try so hard to be as positive as i can get. just Colin Powell said "Perpetual Optimism is a Force Multiplier."
sebanja
Borke
about 1 year ago
2 comments
I am already a doctor in Nigeria, how can I get involved in your program.
Borke
gina
about 1 year ago
2 comments
HELLO! I AM VERY MUCH INTERESTED TO BE A PART OF HOME HEALTH CARE PROGRAM BECAUSE I LOVE WORKING WITH PATIENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. BUT THE PROBLEM IS I AM HERE IN THE PHILIPPINES AND I DO NOT KNOW IF YOUR PROGRAM COVER THIS AREA.
keekee22
about 1 year ago
2 comments
I enjoyed the guide. I am a medical assistant, but i would like a career in home health care. I love working with patients. I would love to be a home healthcare aid, because i'll be able to take care of some one special, and give them my full attention and care.
vlrtillis946
about 1 year ago
2 comments
Are you all currently located in the FortWorth area?
jawirt
about 1 year ago
26 comments
Great guide. Easy to follow with good info.
demonteham
about 1 year ago
2 comments
i am willing to go through each step to get me back on my feet as soon as possible.