HSC 0003, Health Care Career Paper
Health Care Career Paper Instructions
HSC 0003, Introduction to Healthcare
Health Sciences and Related Studies
Topic
The purpose of this paper is for students to research, learn and write about specific elements of a
health care worker’s career. Students are recommended to choose the health care worker in the
field they are planning to enter. Examples of paper topics include: Registered Nurse; Diagnostic
Medical Sonographer; Physician Assistant; Pharmacy Technician; Massage Therapist or
Radiographic Technologist. The Miami Dade College Campus’s (Medical Campus) Library has
resources dedicated to these careers. Do not choose physicians or dentists as a topic as this paper
is not designed for those careers.
Format
The required format is APA 7th ed.
o Using MS Word, the paper is to be neat, and well organized using correct spelling
and grammar,
o Students should use the information and resources located on the
MDC Learning Resources Website at https://libraryguides.mdc.edu/c.php?
g=239325&p=1591789. There you will click on the corresponding tabs for each
section of the paper to find resources. You will also find a tab for APA 7th ed.
information and a Microsoft Word Template for you to use for this paper.
A Cover Page
o In APA 7th ed. format
o All pages are numbered
Body of the Report
o In APA 7th ed. format
o No abstract, introduction or author’s note
o The body length is three to four pages. No less than 3 and not to exceed 4 pages.
o New Times Roman, 12-point font
o One inch margins
o Double spaced
o Left justification
o No lists, bullets, graphics, tables or pictures
o Work is to be expressed in paragraph form only
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HSC 0003, Health Care Career Paper (Rev. 12/2020, PI)
References Page
o The title is References not Works Cited or Bibliography
o Indicate the exact source of the specific information used in the paper by citing all
references on the reference page.
o Only references cited in the paper with in text citations are to be included on the
reference page.
o Include a minimum of six different sources of information (books, professional
journal articles, electronic sources, websites, etc.).
o Wikipedia is not acceptable as a reference
Plagiarism
The health care career paper is to be the student’s original work. Plagiarism is the improper
borrowing of another person’s words, ideas, or methods. If you use another person’s material, you
must acknowledge your source. When you cite a source properly, you have given credit where it
is due, and you have also given your readers a way to locate the original material on their own.
But, there is more than that to plagiarism. Copying material directly without placing it between
quotation marks, even if you provide the source, is an act of plagiarism.
GRADING RUBRIC
15% of overall course grade
CONTENT AND APA CITATION (90% of written paper grade)
I. JOB DESCRIPTION
Describe the care/service provided by the healthcare professional, (used correct APA
ciations)
Describe the limits of authority and responsibility – legislated “scope of practice” for
this health care career. (used correct APA citations)
Describe the “Code of Ethics” for this health care occupation (used correct APA
citations)
II. EDUCATION /REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION
Describe the educational requirements for the profession/occupation (using correct
APA citations)
Identify at least two different educational institutions/schools offering the program.
(using correct APA citations)
State how much time it takes to complete the program (using correct APA citations)
Describe the approximate cost for each of the educational institutions (using correct
APA citations) (using correct APA citations)
What is the minimum degree or certification that can be earned for this health care
career? (using correct APA citations)
Identify the professional certification or registration required (using correct APA
citations)
III. EMPLOYMENT
What is the job availability for this profession? How many jobs are expected to
become available? (using correct APA citations)
Growth trends in the field: How much is the profession growing? (using correct APA
citations)
Number of jobs advertised locally for example in the Sunday Herald or other
publication (using correct APA citations)
Is experience required for the jobs? How much? Explain. (using correct APA
citations)
Salaries – Entry level and with experience (using correct APA citations)
Advancement opportunities, two or more, with or without additional education (using
correct APA citations)
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HSC 0003, Health Care Career Paper (Rev. 12/2020, PI)
IV. PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
Local, State or National Professional Organization and cost to join as a student. (using
correct APA citations)
Professional journal with publication address and cost. (using correct APA citations)
Are Continuing Educational Units (CEUs) required for this profession? How many and
how often? (using correct APA citations)
Describe two or more ways (not course subjects), that members of a professional
organization can gain continuing education requirements and earn CEUs (using correct
APA citations)
V. REFLECTION / PERSONAL CAREER PLAN
Reflect on how you see yourself “fitting” into this profession. What are
your attributes, experiences or influences?
Describe your personal career plan. How do you plan to enter this field?
Include goals, objectives and strategies.
SOURCES, ORGANIZATION, FORMAT, SPELLING & GRAMMAR (10% of written
paper grade)
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
At least 6 substantial references are used. They may include: books; professional journal
articles; and web sites.
All references are correctly cited on the Reference page in correct APA 7th ed format.
ORGANIZATION, FORMAT, SPELLING, GRAMMAR
Well organized, with each section containing appropriate content
Double spaced, 12-pt font size, 1” margins.
Body of paper 3 – 4 pages with separate cover page and reference page.
Correct spelling and grammar.
