Career Pathway Tabs

What is healthcare?

Why should you pursue a healthcare career?

Nursing

• Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required.

• Nursing Assistants
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Provide basic patient care under direction of nursing staff. Perform duties such as feed, bathe, dress, groom, or move patients, or change linens. May transfer or transport patients. Includes nursing care attendants, nursing aides, and nursing attendants.

• Registered Nurses
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.

Health Information Management

• Clinical Data Managers
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

• Management Analysts
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.

• Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Compile, process, and maintain medical records of hospital and clinic patients in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements of the health care system. Process, maintain, compile, and report patient information for health requirements and standards in a manner consistent with the healthcare industry's numerical coding system.

Dentistry

• Dental Assistants
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Assist dentist, set up equipment, prepare patient for treatment, and keep records.

• Dental Hygienists
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Clean teeth and examine oral areas, head, and neck for signs of oral disease. May educate patients on oral hygiene, take and develop x rays, or apply fluoride or sealants.

Healthcare Support Services

• Medical Assistants
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by physician.

• Medical Transcriptionists
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Transcribe medical reports recorded by physicians and other healthcare practitioners using various electronic devices, covering office visits, emergency room visits, diagnostic imaging studies, operations, chart reviews, and final summaries. Transcribe dictated reports and translate abbreviations into fully understandable form. Edit as necessary and return reports in either printed or electronic form for review and signature, or correction.

• Phlebotomists
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. May explain the procedure to patients and assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions.

Medical Imaging

• Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians.

• Radiologic Technologists
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Take x rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's blood stream for diagnostic purposes. Includes technologists who specialize in other scanning modalities.

Surgical Technology

• Surgical Technologists
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeon's assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

Therapeutics

• Occupational Therapy Assistants
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with State laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.

• Physical Therapist Assistants
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with State laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.

• Respiratory Therapists
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.

Emergency Medical Services

• Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Assess injuries, administer emergency medical care, and extricate trapped individuals. Transport injured or sick persons to medical facilities.

Medical Laboratory Technology

• Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.

• Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.

What is advanced manufacturing?

Why should you pursue an advanced manufacturing career?

Maintenance

• Electrical Engineering Technicians
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Test or modify developmental or operational electrical machinery or electrical control equipment and circuitry in industrial or commercial plants or laboratories. Usually work under direction of engineers or technologists.

• Electrical Engineering Technologists
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Assist electrical engineers in such activities as process control, electrical power distribution, or instrumentation design. May prepare layouts of electrical transmission or distribution systems, supervise the flow of work, estimate project costs, or participate in research studies.

• Electromechanical Engineering Technologists
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Assist electromechanical engineers in such activities as computer-based process control, instrumentation, or machine design. May prepare layouts of machinery or equipment, plan the flow of work, conduct statistical studies, or analyze production costs.

• Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Help installation, maintenance, and repair workers in maintenance, parts replacement, and repair of vehicles, industrial machinery, and electrical and electronic equipment. Perform duties such as furnishing tools, materials, and supplies to other workers; cleaning work area, machines, and tools; and holding materials or tools for other workers.

• Industrial Machinery Mechanics
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems.

• Machinists
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.

• Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Perform work involving the skills of two or more maintenance or craft occupations to keep machines, mechanical equipment, or the structure of an establishment in repair. Duties may involve pipe fitting; boiler making; insulating; welding; machining; carpentry; repairing electrical or mechanical equipment; installing, aligning, and balancing new equipment; and repairing buildings, floors, or stairs.

• Maintenance Workers, Machinery
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Lubricate machinery, change parts, or perform other routine machinery maintenance.

• Manufacturing Engineering Technologists
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Develop tools, implement designs, or integrate machinery, equipment, or computer technologies to ensure effective manufacturing processes.

• Mechanical Engineering Technicians
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or calibrate machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.

• Mechanical Engineers
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.

Engineering

• Electronics Engineering Technicians
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Lay out, build, test, troubleshoot, repair, and modify developmental and production electronic components, parts, equipment, and systems, such as computer equipment, missile control instrumentation, electron tubes, test equipment, and machine tool numerical controls, applying principles and theories of electronics, electrical circuitry, engineering mathematics, electronic and electrical testing, and physics. Usually work under direction of engineering staff.

• Electronics Engineering Technologists
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Assist electronics engineers in such activities as electronics systems and instrumentation design or digital signal processing.

• Industrial Engineers
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination.

• Mechanical Engineers
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.

• Photonics Technicians
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.

Logistics

• Industrial Engineering Technologists
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Assist industrial engineers in such activities as quality control, inventory control, or material flow methods. May conduct statistical studies or analyze production costs.

Quality Control/Assurance

• Chemical Technicians
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for research and development of new products or processes, quality control, maintenance of environmental standards, and other work involving experimental, theoretical, or practical application of chemistry and related sciences.

• Industrial Engineering Technologists
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Assist industrial engineers in such activities as quality control, inventory control, or material flow methods. May conduct statistical studies or analyze production costs.

• Manufacturing Engineering Technologists
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Develop tools, implement designs, or integrate machinery, equipment, or computer technologies to ensure effective manufacturing processes.

• Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

Production

• Automotive Master Mechanics
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Repair automobiles, trucks, buses, and other vehicles. Master mechanics repair virtually any part on the vehicle or specialize in the transmission system.

• Automotive Specialty Technicians
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Repair only one system or component on a vehicle, such as brakes, suspension, or radiator.

• Chemical Technicians
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for research and development of new products or processes, quality control, maintenance of environmental standards, and other work involving experimental, theoretical, or practical application of chemistry and related sciences.

• Electrical Engineering Technologists
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Assist electrical engineers in such activities as process control, electrical power distribution, or instrumentation design. May prepare layouts of electrical transmission or distribution systems, supervise the flow of work, estimate project costs, or participate in research studies.

• Electromechanical Engineering Technologists
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Assist electromechanical engineers in such activities as computer-based process control, instrumentation, or machine design. May prepare layouts of machinery or equipment, plan the flow of work, conduct statistical studies, or analyze production costs.

• Fuel Cell Technicians
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Install, operate, or maintain integrated fuel cell systems in transportation, stationary, or portable applications.

• Industrial Engineering Technologists
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Assist industrial engineers in such activities as quality control, inventory control, or material flow methods. May conduct statistical studies or analyze production costs.

• Machinists
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.

• Manufacturing Production Technicians
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Set up, test, and adjust manufacturing machinery or equipment, using any combination of electrical, electronic, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or computer technologies.

• Mechanical Engineering Technologists
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Assist mechanical engineers in such activities as generation, transmission, or use of mechanical or fluid energy. Prepare layouts of machinery or equipment or plan the flow of work. May conduct statistical studies or analyze production costs.

• Nanotechnology Engineering Technicians
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Operate commercial-scale production equipment to produce, test, or modify materials, devices, or systems of molecular or macromolecular composition. Work under the supervision of engineering staff.

• Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Implement production processes for nanoscale designs to produce or modify materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition. Operate advanced microscopy equipment to manipulate nanoscale objects. Work under the supervision of nanoengineering staff.

• Photonics Technicians
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.

• Solderers and Brazers
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Braze or solder together components to assemble fabricated metal parts, using soldering iron, torch, or welding machine and flux.

• Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Use hand-welding or flame-cutting equipment to weld or join metal components or to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products.

• Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Set up, operate, or tend welding, soldering, or brazing machines or robots that weld, braze, solder, or heat treat metal products, components, or assemblies. Includes workers who operate laser cutters or laser-beam machines.

What is information technology?

Why should you pursue an information technology career?

Cyber Security

• Information Security Analysts
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

Database Administration

• Database Administrators
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.

Computer Networking

• Computer Network Architects
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

• Computer Network Support Specialists
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.

• Network and Computer Systems Administrators
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Install, configure, and support an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Monitor network to ensure network availability to all system users and may perform necessary maintenance to support network availability. May monitor and test Web site performance to ensure Web sites operate correctly and without interruption. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software. May supervise computer user support specialists and computer network support specialists. May administer network security measures.

• Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Design or configure voice, video, and data communications systems. Supervise installation and post-installation service and maintenance.

Computer Programming

• Computer Programmers
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Create, modify, and test the code, forms, and script that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software developers or other individuals. May assist software developers by analyzing user needs and designing software solutions. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

Software Development

• Software Developers, Applications
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions. Design software or customize software for client use with the aim of optimizing operational efficiency. May analyze and design databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team. May supervise computer programmers.

• Software Developers, Systems Software
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Research, design, develop, and test operating systems-level software, compilers, and network distribution software for medical, industrial, military, communications, aerospace, business, scientific, and general computing applications. Set operational specifications and formulate and analyze software requirements. May design embedded systems software. Apply principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis.

Web Development

• Web Developers
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Design, create, and modify Web sites. Analyze user needs to implement Web site content, graphics, performance, and capacity. May integrate Web sites with other computer applications. May convert written, graphic, audio, and video components to compatible Web formats by using software designed to facilitate the creation of Web and multimedia content.

User Support

• Computer Network Support Specialists
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.

• Computer User Support Specialists
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Provide technical assistance to computer users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, or via telephone or electronically. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems.

Computer Systems

• Computer Systems Analysts
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to implement and improve computer systems. Analyze user requirements, procedures, and problems to automate or improve existing systems and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and scheduling limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.

• Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions.

• Network and Computer Systems Administrators
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Install, configure, and support an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Monitor network to ensure network availability to all system users and may perform necessary maintenance to support network availability. May monitor and test Web site performance to ensure Web sites operate correctly and without interruption. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software. May supervise computer user support specialists and computer network support specialists. May administer network security measures.

What is administrative support technology?

Why should you pursue an administrative support technology career?

Office Support Services

• Computer Operators
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Monitor and control electronic computer and peripheral electronic data processing equipment to process business, scientific, engineering, and other data according to operating instructions. Monitor and respond to operating and error messages. May enter commands at a computer terminal and set controls on computer and peripheral devices.

• Data Entry Keyers
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Operate data entry device, such as keyboard or photo composing perforator. Duties may include verifying data and preparing materials for printing.

• Desktop Publishers
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.

• First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of clerical and administrative support workers.

• Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Perform routine clerical and administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers.

• Word Processors and Typists
  
  Occupation Source: ONET

  Use word processor, computer or typewriter to type letters, reports, forms, or other material from rough draft, corrected copy, or voice recording. May perform other clerical duties as assigned.

What is an apprenticeship?

What are the benefits of becoming an apprentice?

Healthcare

• AHIMA Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist
  
  Apprenticeship Source: AHIMA

  The Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist (CDIS) will be responsible for demonstrating competency in coordinating and performing day to day operations, providing concurrent/retrospective review, and improving documentation of all conditions, treatments, and care plans to ensure highest quality care is provided to the patient. In addition, CDIS should be able to educate clinical staff in appropriate documentation criteria. The CDIS will ensure that documentation reflects Medicare Severity Diagnosis Related Groups (MS-DRG), case mix index, severity of illness, risk of mortality, physician profiling, hospital profiling, and reimbursement rules. Monitoring changes in laws, rules, regulations, and code assignments that impact documentation and reimbursement is implicit. Knowledge and skills on Microsoft Access database management and ability to present information effectively and clearly is essential.

• AHIMA Health Information Management Business Analyst
  
  Apprenticeship Source: AHIMA

  The Health Information Management Business Analyst (HIMBA) interfaces between clinical or business units and the information technology/management department. The HIMBA analyzes the business processes, procedures, and organization structure in order to identify problems and determine solutions. The HIMBA works collaboratively with Information Technology Service (IST) professionals, HIM operational staff, and Clinical Staff, and should be able to critically evaluate information gathered from multiple sources, reconcile conflicts, and distinguish user requests from the underlying true needs. Coordination of activities to ensure health information is complete and accurate in all systems is essential. Candidate should have a strong communication skills, understanding of customer needs, business skills and understanding of the business domain. Bachelors or Masters in Health Information Management or a related field is required.

• AHIMA Health Information Management Data Analyst
  
  Apprenticeship Source: AHIMA

  The Health Information Management Data Analyst (HIMDA) will be responsible for documenting the types and structure of the business, data analyzing and mining business data to identify patterns and correlations among the various data points, mapping and tracking data from system to system in order to solve a given business or system problem, designing and creating data reports and reporting tools to help business executives in their decision making, and performing statistical analysis of business data. This position requires analytical skills and data management skills to develop solutions to business problems. In addition, this position requires data mapping in support of a cross-functional team developing and/or refining strategies. Coordination of activities to ensure health information is complete and accurate in all systems is essential. Candidate should have a strong understanding of customer needs to efficiently communicate at multiple levels, both internal and external.

• AHIMA Hospital/Facility Coder
  
  Apprenticeship Source: AHIMA

  The HIM (Health Information Management) Hospital Coder will use coding conventions and guidelines to abstract, analyze, and accurately assign ICD (International Classification of Diseases) and CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) principle and secondary diagnostic and procedural codes to inpatient, ambulatory, and hospital outpatient medical records. The HIM Hospital Coder will query physicians when diagnosis is unclear, audit records, and perform peer reviews. This position must utilize encoder, grouper, and other Health Information Management software often including Electronic Health Records.

• Medical Assistant
  
  Apprenticeship Source: Urban Institute

  Medical assistants work in medical offices and outpatient care centers, including urgent care centers and surgical centers. They work with licensed health care and allied health care providers, including doctors, optometrists, podiatrists, chiropractors, nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, nurses, radiology technicians, respiratory therapists, and office support staff (e.g., clerical office staff). Some medical assistants work in small medical practices that employ only a physician and a single medical assistant, and others work in larger medical practices and outpatient care centers (including those affiliated with hospitals).

  Medical assistants work with licensed medical care providers in medical offices or other outpatient centers to maintain office records and equipment, schedule and participate in the examination and treatment of patients, perform basic diagnostic tests or medical procedures, and provide patient education and follow-up support.

  Work Process Schedule PDF

• Medical Records and Health Information Technicians/Medical Coders
  
  Apprenticeship Source: Urban Institute

  Coding professionals use coding conventions and guidelines to abstract, analyze, and accurately assign International Classification of Diseases, Current Procedural Terminology, and other classification systems, as well as principal and secondary diagnostic and procedural codes to inpatient, ambulatory, and outpatient medical records. Coding professionals also query physicians when diagnosis is unclear, audit records, and perform peer reviews. These professionals use encoder, grouper, and other Health Information Management software, including electronic health records. Job requirements include a current credential, such as Registered Health Information Administrator, Registered Health Information Technician, Certified Coding Associate, or other designated credential from a nationally recognized organization.

  Coding professionals assign clinical classification codes for medical services. They also use abstracting databases, internal and external audit results, Quality Improvement Organization reports, and revenue cycle edit and denial information, and they are a resource to the clinical team. This position requires effective interaction with coding staff, clinical staff, and different levels of management throughout the health care system.

  Work Process Schedule PDF

Advanced Manufacturing

• Industrial Maintenance Technician
  
  Apprenticeship Source: Urban Institute

  Industrial Maintenance Technicians work in the private sector and are critical to ensure the smooth and reliable operation of the industrial plants and equipment in their industry.  They set out to maintain and repair manufacturing equipment. They help to ensure through the work that they do, that industrial machinery and equipment is maintained at the highest possible level, ensuring the productivity and safety of the entire production team. 

  Work Process Schedule PDF

• Industrial Manufacturing Technician
  
  Apprenticeship Source: Urban Institute

  Entry level Industrial Manufacturing Technicians operate industrial production related equipment, work with manufacturing related tools, and perform work processes related to a wide variety of manufacturing settings. Apprentices will safely learn to set up, operate, monitor, and control production equipment. They will also help improve manufacturing processes and schedules to meet customer requirements.  Industrial Manufacturing Technicians provide a baseline foundation for other occupations, including in the job areas of mechatronics and machinists.  Industrial Manufacturing Technicians engage in the production of a diverse set of products including, but not limited to, consumer goods, automobiles, medical devices, food products and commercial parts and supplies.

  Work Process Schedule PDF

Information Technology

• Cyber Security Support Technician
  
  Apprenticeship Source: Urban Institute

  Cybersecurity professionals maintain the security and integrity of information technology systems, networks, and devices. According to the National Cybersecurity Workforce Framework, cybersecurity professionals securely provision, operate, and maintain; protect and defend; investigate; collect and operate; analyze; and provide oversight and development.

  Some cybersecurity support technicians and analysts are employees in small or large companies, nonprofits, and government agencies; some are outside contractors that provide services to other organizations; and others are self-employed.

  Work Process Schedule PDF

• IT Generalist
  
  Apprenticeship Source: Urban Institute

  Information technology generalists perform various support functions, particularly if they work in a small-to-medium-size company that has a small IT department with few specialist positions. IT generalists set up technology for employees, maintain internal networks, support telework functions, and provide help desk support. Workers in this position work with IT colleagues, staff at all levels within an organization, external clients, and vendors.

  IT generalists maintain functioning information technology equipment and networks, provide support to technology users, ensure security of information and IT infrastructure, and uphold company policies regarding use, security, and redundancy of data.

  Work Process Schedule PDF

What are credentials?

Why should you obtain a credential?

Lord Fairfax Community College (LFCC)

• AAS Health Information Management
  
  Credential Source: LFCC.EDU

  Health information is the data related to a person's medical history, including symptoms, diagnoses, procedures, and outcomes. Health information records include patient histories, lab results, x-rays, clinical information, and notes. A patient's health information can be viewed individually, to see how a patient's health has changed; it can also be viewed as a part of a larger data set to understand how a population's health has changed and how medical interventions can change health outcomes.
  
  Health information management (HIM) is the practice of acquiring, analyzing, and protecting digital and traditional medical information vital to providing quality patient care. It is a combination of business, science, and information technology.

• AAS Information Systems Technology with Cyber Security
  
  Credential Source: LFCC.EDU

  Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses. Their responsibilities are continually expanding as the number of cyberattacks increases.

• AAS Information Systems Technology with Networking Specialist
  
  Credential Source: LFCC.EDU

  Install, configure, and support an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Monitor network to ensure network availability to all system users and may perform necessary maintenance to support network availability. May monitor and test Web site performance to ensure Web sites operate correctly and without interruption. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software. May supervise computer user support specialists and computer network support specialists. May administer network security measures.

• AHIMA Healthcare Technology Specialist Certificate (CHTS)
  
  Certification Source: AHIMA

  Because of new technology, qualified technical support and management professionals will be needed across hospitals, clinics and other healthcare organizations.

  CHTS competency exams ensure that a competent workforce is ready to effectively implement and manage the use of electronic health records. They show expertise and competence, proving a readiness to seize new opportunities in an expanding market.

  The CHTS is a long-term validation of healthcare and IT skills—the cornerstone of a successful health IT career.

• Certificate in Office Systems Assistant
  
  Credential Source: LFCC.EDU

  Administrative support technology reinforces the day-to-day operations of other organizations. The processes employed in this sector (e.g., general management, personnel administration, clerical activities, etc.) are often integral parts of the activities of establishments found in all sectors of the economy.

• CSC in Cyber Security
  
  Credential Source: LFCC.EDU

  Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses. Their responsibilities are continually expanding as the number of cyberattacks increases.

• CSC in Hospital Facility Coding
  
  Credential Source: LFCC.EDU

  Medical coders for hospitals spend their days reviewing medical records to assign inpatient and ambulatory surgery codes and ensure that the health care providers they work for are properly reimbursed for their services. Coding accurately is not easy. The coder must carefully read the doctor's and nurse's notes to determine exactly what services the patient received. If a service is overlooked, the provider will not receive payment for it. The coder must also understand private payer policies and government regulations for accurate coding and billing. If the coder chooses the wrong code, the provider may have to return any excess payment or face legal charges for overbilling. Codes change constantly, so coders must keep abreast of new rules and interpretations. A solid understanding of medical terminology, including anatomy, is also required.

• CSC in Information Processing Technician
  
  Credential Source: LFCC.EDU

  Administrative support technology reinforces the day-to-day operations of other organizations. The processes employed in this sector (e.g., general management, personnel administration, clerical activities, etc.) are often integral parts of the activities of establishments found in all sectors of the economy.

• CSC in Networking Specialist
  
  Credential Source: LFCC.EDU

  Install, configure, and support an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Monitor network to ensure network availability to all system users and may perform necessary maintenance to support network availability. May monitor and test Web site performance to ensure Web sites operate correctly and without interruption. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software. May supervise computer user support specialists and computer network support specialists. May administer network security measures.

• VCCS Bronze Career Readiness Certificate
  
  Certification Source: VCCS.EDU

  Bronze signifies that a recipient possesses skills that support success for 16% of jobs.

  This Bronze Career Readiness Certificate may be earned through any of Virginia’s Community Colleges or Virginia’s Workforce Centers and is based on WorkKeys® Assessments, part of ACT’s Work Readiness System assessment system developed by ACT, an international leader in assessments, research, and solutions in education and workforce development for over 50 years. ACT WorkKeys® is a job skills assessment system that helps employers select, hire, train, develop, and retain a high-performance workforce. The series of tests measures foundational and soft skills and offers specialized assessments to target institutional needs. Successful completion of ACT WorkKeys® assessments in Applied Math,  Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents may lead to earning the Virginia Career Readiness Certificate or ACT’s National Career Readiness Certificate, both portable, standardized credentials.

  

  You can learn the competencies associated with this certificate on Knowledge to Work and you may also search for Career Readiness Certificate at Lord Fairfax Community College (LFCC).

• VCCS Gold Career Readiness Certificate
  
  Certification Source: VCCS.EDU

  Gold signifies that a recipient possesses skills that support success for 93% of jobs.

  This Gold Career Readiness Certificate may be earned through any of Virginia’s Community Colleges or Virginia’s Workforce Centers and is based on WorkKeys® Assessments, part of ACT’s Work Readiness System assessment system developed by ACT, an international leader in assessments, research, and solutions in education and workforce development for over 50 years. ACT WorkKeys® is a job skills assessment system that helps employers select, hire, train, develop, and retain a high-performance workforce. The series of tests measures foundational and soft skills and offers specialized assessments to target institutional needs. Successful completion of ACT WorkKeys® assessments in Applied Math,  Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents may lead to earning the Virginia Career Readiness Certificate or ACT’s National Career Readiness Certificate, both portable, standardized credentials.

  

  You can learn the competencies associated with this certificate on Knowledge to Work and you may also search for Career Readiness Certificate at Lord Fairfax Community College (LFCC).

• VCCS Silver Career Readiness Certificate
  
  Certification Source: VCCS.EDU

  Silver signifies that a recipient possesses skills that support success for 67% of jobs.

  This Silver Career Readiness Certificate may be earned through any of Virginia’s Community Colleges or Virginia’s Workforce Centers and is based on WorkKeys® Assessments, part of ACT’s Work Readiness System assessment system developed by ACT, an international leader in assessments, research, and solutions in education and workforce development for over 50 years. ACT WorkKeys® is a job skills assessment system that helps employers select, hire, train, develop, and retain a high-performance workforce. The series of tests measures foundational and soft skills and offers specialized assessments to target institutional needs. Successful completion of ACT WorkKeys® assessments in Applied Math,  Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents may lead to earning the Virginia Career Readiness Certificate or ACT’s National Career Readiness Certificate, both portable, standardized credentials.

  

  You can learn the competencies associated with this certificate on Knowledge to Work and you may also search for Career Readiness Certificate at Lord Fairfax Community College (LFCC).

International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP)

• IAAP Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) Exam
  
  Credential Source: IAAP-HQ.ORG

  The IAAP Certified Administrative Professional (CAP®) is a professional certification geared toward office and administrative professionals. It is the only recognized professional certification in the administrative field that encompasses all areas of the profession. The tasks and responsibilities of those working in administrative professions are as varied and vast as the number of firms employing them. Whether a first-level support for the manager of a community non-profit, the project lead for a city in the Midwest, or the executive assistant for the chief executive officer for a Fortune 500, administrative professionals are required to possess many skills and talents.

What is a workplace skills framework?

How can I use a workplace skills framework?

Employability Skills

• ACT Work Readiness System Framework
  
  Workplace Skills Framework Source: WorkKeys® Assessments

  This ACT Work Readiness System Framework serves the VCCS Bronze, Silver, and Gold Career Readiness Certificates available on this website under credentials & other awards / Lord Fairfax Community College (LFCC).

• NNBIA Common Employability Skills
  
  Workplace Skills Framework Source: NNBIA

  This model can take its place as the foundation for all industries to map skill requirements to credentials and to career paths. In doing so, this model allows employees to understand the skills that all industries believe prepare individuals to succeed.

• VCCS General Education
  
  Workplace Skills Framework Source: VCCS.EDU

  Associate degree programs provide a coherent, shared experience for students to develop the core general education competencies expected of all college-educated individuals. General education, as an integrated and cohesive whole, provides the educational foundation necessary to promote intellectual and personal development. Upon completion of the associate degree, Virginia Community College System graduates will have achieved competency in 1) civic engagement, 2) communication, 3) critical thinking, 4) professional readiness, 5) quantitative literacy, and 6) scientific literacy.

  Collectively, these general education competencies distinguish Virginia Community College System graduates as individuals with a breadth of knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to pursue their careers, continue to develop as learners, and contribute to the well-being of their communities. The six competencies are defined in policy and are supported by a resource guide.

• VCCS Professional Readiness Framework
  
  Workplace Skills Framework Source: VCCS.EDU

  Soft skills for workplace success adopted by Virginia’s Community Colleges.

Management

• Competency Model Clearinghouse Management
  
  Workplace Skills Framework Source: Competency Model Clearinghouse

  The upper tier of the Building Blocks model also includes competencies frequently required for supervisory and managerial occupations. They represent the additional knowledge and skill areas that a supervisor or manager should possess in addition to those required in the industry or occupation. Examples of management competencies are included in the Building Blocks model.