Medical Assistant Schools and Training

The decision to study to become a medical assistant can lead you to a very rewarding career. Medical assistants are an invaluable resource in many physicians’ offices across the country. Healthcare is constantly evolving and therefore those with medical assistant training are always in demand.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are presently 800,000 doctors practicing medicine in the United States. There are an estimated 500,000 medical assistant employed by these doctors. If you do the math you will quickly ascertain that there are not enough medical assistants to go around. This is a field in the area of medicine that is expected to grow tremendously in the next 10 years. In fact, from 2002 until 2012, the position of medical assistant is expected to be one of the fastest growing of all careers.

Before you begin in-depth research over the net to find medical assistant schools and medical assistant colleges, here are some significant points of notes for those considering a career as a medical assistant:

The Work of a Medical Assistant

The career of a medical assistant is challenging and demanding but can be very rewarding, as previously mentioned. Medical assistants are responsible for any number of routine clinical and clerical duties such as keeping medical documents safe. When employed in small offices, medical assistants practically run the entire office. In small medical practices, medical assistants are often referred to as “generalists” who have both administrative and medical duties. The medical assistant reports directly to the doctor or to the office manager. On the other hand, in larger offices medical assistants most often specialize in one area of the practice or another and are supervised by the administrator of the given department.

Medical assistants can find employment in the offices of physicians, as well as other medical professionals including chiropractors, massage therapists, ophthalmologists, podiatrists, etc. Many choose to specialize in a discipline of the medical field.

It is important to note that a medical assistant is not the same as a physician’s assistant. Those who work as physician’s assistants work closely under the supervision of a doctor. This job involves examining patients, as well as helping in the diagnosing and treatment of patients.

It is essential that a medical assistant have superior organizational skills as well as strong customer service skills. The ability to communicate effectively and to problem solve is very important but it is not always stressed as much as it should be in the medical assistant training. Medical assistants are often the thread that connects patients to the medical professionals and therefore need to be able to talk and help in any situation that arises.

Some of the administrative duties that a medical assistant might be required to do include greeting and signing in patients, answering the telephone, handling medical correspondence, and making sure that medical records are updated as necessary. They might also have to fill out insurance forms for patients, book appointments, manage the billing of medical services to patients, set up admissions to the hospital, as well as set up work to be done in the laboratory.

The laws governing medical assistants are different from state to state and therefore so are the clinical duties assigned to them. In general, a medical assistant can perform any number of tasks of this type such as going over a patient’s history with them, checking vital signs, helping both patients and doctors with medical exams, and discussing various treatment options with patients. Medical assistants may also conduct lab tests of a very general nature, sanitize medical supplies, get rid of used materials, and prepare lab specimens from the doctor’s office.

Part of a medical assistant’s job is to teach patients about the treatments they require and how this can play a role in their lifestyle choices and eating habits. They may prepare medications for patients and then administer the medications themselves, as well as write up prescriptions for medication refills under the close supervision of a doctor. Medical assistants are able to ready patients to have x-rays, and they are capable of taking electrocardiograms. They are also able to take blood from patients, adjust dressings as required, and remove sutures.

Medical Assistant Training and Education

If you wish to train to become a medical assistant you must complete a one or two year program at an accredited medical assistant college or a school that offers the medical assistant training program. At the end of the medical assistant training an associate’s degree or certificate is obtained.

In order to enroll in a medical assistant school, you must have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Medical assistant classes will take place in a medical assistant college because there is lab work to be done but some schools do offer some courses that can be taken online. To take medical assistant training it helps if your strengths lie in mathematics and sciences and that you did well in these subjects in high school.

The medical assistant training will involve courses in clinical procedures, laboratory techniques, medical office procedures, as well as medical terminology. Besides learning the medical terminology for the occupation, it is essential that medical assistants develop the interpersonal skills in order to learn how to best communicate with patients and medical personnel alike. It helps to be a people person if you wish to pursue a career as a medical assistant.

Outlook for Medical Assistants

In 2006, there were 417,000 medical assistants across the nation working in physician’s medical practices. An estimated 148,000 jobs for medical assistants are expected to need to be filled through the year 2016 due to the many technological advances that are being made in the medical field, as well as the increasing longevity of the population and the expanding needs of the healthcare system.

In order to advance as a medical assistant, you need to receive more training as well as a higher level of certification. It is not uncommon for those working as medical assistants to choose to further their studies in order to become nurses or pursue other specialties in the field of healthcare. Some medical assistants enjoy the administrative component of their job the most and choose to become administrative medical assistants. From there they can apply for a position as office manager.

There are some online medical assistant training programs that offer certification and are well suited to those already in the profession who are interested in being promoted or who wish to learn more in order to open the door to a wider array of medical assistant positions. Still other medical assistants might look to online education at a medical assistant school in order to keep abreast of new developments in the medical field and to learn about new technologies being developed.

The Salary of Medical Assistants

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, in the year 2007 medical assistants earned yearly earnings of $28,270. The highest paying of all of the medical assistant positions were those at state government facilities. Here the average annual salary for a medical assistant was $36,430.

How to Become a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are at the foundation of the support staff in hospital and doctors offices. Becoming a medical assistant is not as hard as you might imagine. Medical assistants are multi-talented health care professionals and their responsibilities are multi-faceted. Medical assistants generally have administrative and clinical duties to keep the offices of physicians and health care facilities operationally sound.

The ideal candidate to become a medical assistant should be above else, flexible. Responsibilities vary from office to office but it is not unusual to be assigned administrative responsibilities one minute and then be taking medical histories or preparing patients for examinations the next. The medical assistant candidate should be able to communicate well and enjoy people as the position involves a significant amount of patient interaction. Being a people person is a positive attribute to possess

Formal training is not a prerequisite, however just as in any other profession it is preferred. There are medical assistant schools online and many colleges offer certificate programs to become a medical assistant. Many students complete one or two year programs and are well prepared to begin their search for medical assistant jobs. The programs grant an associates degree, certificate, or diploma depending on course work completed. You should prepare yourself with education the best you can. Many medical assistant schools offer job placement programs upon successful completion of studies.

Career advancement is possible with further training. Many medical assistants go on to become nurses, or other health care careers. Once established in an doctors office or health care facility you may find that your employer is willing to help with further education.

Salaries for medical assistants will vary form location to location, but is largely based on experience and education.  Medical Assistants can be licensed or unlicensed. A trained medical assistant can expect a salary between $22,000 and $32,000. Hospitals almost always pay more than private practices, but there are exceptions. A medical assistant will a high level of competency can expect to be well sought after and well paid

Career Opportunities in the Health Care Industry

Whether you are actively seeking a new job, or looking to be retrained for a new profession, the health care industry is an excellent direction to turn your attention to. Regardless of the type of work you have been employed at in the past, there are plenty of opportunities in the health care field and there is expected to be many more in the years to come.

There were 14 million jobs in health care in 2006 throughout the nation which made it the biggest industry in that year. Of these jobs, 13.6 million accounted for a variety of jobs for both wage workers as well as salary workers. Approximately 40 percent were to be found in hospitals, while 21 percent could be found in nursing homes and residential care facilities. Sixteen percent of these jobs were found in doctors’ offices.

In the year 2004, the Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS) ranked health care as the largest of all of the professional sectors throughout the country. At that time there were 13.5 million jobs in health care. Approximately 13.1 million of these jobs were held by salary and wage earners while 411,000 were jobs held by those who were self-employed.

According to the Healthcare Job Outlook 2008- 2009, the health care industry is expected to generate an estimated three million new jobs (both wage and salary positions) between the years 2006 and 2016. This is more than any other type of industry. In fact “seven of the twenty fastest growing occupations are health care related.”

Retraining Opportunities

The need to retrain workers who have been laid off from their jobs has become an increasing concern. According to the forecasts of University of Michigan economists, there will be an estimated 33,000 auto industry jobs lost in the course of the next two years. This loss is above and beyond the losses that have been felt during the past few years.

Efforts to retrain auto workers to become employable in the health field are underway. As nurses and other health care providers retire, the need for more workers to replace them is imminent. Auto workers who are far from retirement age are seen as an untapped work force and resource to the overstressed health care industry. This is a line of work that is well worth taking the time to consider.

In Southeast Michigan the health industry is working closely with the deans of nursing schools as well as human resource professionals to develop health related training programs for workers who are displaced and in need of work. Beaumont Hospital is one such institution that has partnered up with Michigan State University to retrain employees. They have come up with an accelerated program in nursing that takes 12 months to complete.

Another school that is retraining health care workers in order to fill necessary positions is Colorado’s Community College of Denver. The school has created a part time worker- friendly training program that takes place evening and weekends. Those who participate in the program earn a licensed practical nursing credential (LPN).

In Wisconsin in 2007, Senator Russ Feingold introduced an act called the Community- Based Health Care Retraining Act which helps make it possible for workers who are displaced to retrain for jobs in the health care industry.

If you have lost your job and are looking for retraining in the health care sector, check to find out what programs your local community colleges, junior colleges and universities have to offer. Check the local hospitals as well. Search online for programs that can fit your schedule and are financially feasible for you. Opportunities are out there- do not give up!

Qualified and skilled workers are always in demand in the health care industry. This is a huge industry that encompasses a tremendous amount of professions- everything from doctors and nurses, to assistants, technicians, therapists and administrators.

Health care is a science intensive and technology driven industry that is composed of workers who are highly educated and extremely well trained. The selection of jobs in the health care sector accounts for a diverse range of educational requirements. Topping the list of the most educated in the field of medicine are practitioners who diagnose and treat health problems. However there are many workers employed in health care who hold down positions that require four years or less of formal education.

Some of the fastest growing occupations in health care include dental hygienists and health information technicians. Individuals in these positions will assist practitioners in the diagnosing and treating of patients and will be responsible for the operation of technical equipment. Many of the employees who fill these positions are those who have graduated from a one or two year training program. These jobs require a high school diploma and special training but often do not necessitate a four year college program.

Service occupations in the health care sector such as home health aides, nursing aides, dental assistants, medical assistants and personal care  workers are attractive as retraining options as they require very little specialized training or education. It is possible to start out in any of these positions and then with more education and experience either transfer to another position or move to a higher level job.

Health care employees are in demand, regardless of the level of education and training they possess at any given time. Those who have already have worked in the health care field and/or who have training that is geared towards health, may find it easier to secure new employment as well as to branch into other positions in this sector. However the opportunities that await those new to the field are many and are growing all of the time.

Occupational Outlook for a Variety of Health Care Jobs

When it comes to retraining in the health care sector, here are some of the best positions to consider, as well as the median salary you can expect to earn and the education required for the position.

Home Health and Personal Care Aides
On-the-job-training
$7.58/ hour
(This is one of the fastest growing of all of the health care jobs)

Licensed Practical Nurses
Graduate of a LPN program (one year in most cases)
$26,940/year
(Average growth)

Medical Assistants
Certificate
$20,680/year
(This occupation is growing much faster than average)

Nursing and Psychiatric Aides
Vocational training or on-the-job-training
$7.99/hour
(This occupation is growing faster than average)

Pharmacy Technicians and Assistants
Certificate as well as on-the-job-training
$8.54/hour
(Average growth)

Physical Therapy Assistants and Aides
Assistants must earn an associate’s degree or attend a certified program from a technical school or an accredited community college
Aides receive on-the-job training
$21,870 /year
(This occupation is growing much faster than average)

Take full advantage of the job opportunities that await you in the health care industry and do not lose heart. It may take some time and effort but you will find a new job. Losing a job is never easy but with retraining opportunities available to you, a challenging new career in health care awaits you in the not so distant future!

Health Care Administration Careers

The health care industry is alive and well. An aging populace and the demand for dedicated professionals is growing at a steady pace. Not all health care careers involve direct patient contact. Many people choose health care administration careers as a platform for entering the health care industry. Ultimately health care is a business and qualified people are needed for health care management. Health care managers have a wide range of responsibilities, from overseeing hospital day-to-day operations to facilitating financial operations to just about anything else in between. Health care administration personnel are often multi talented and possess many management skills.

Health care management generally comes from diverse backgrounds and specialize in business, administration and financial operations. While patient care would be a preference for most health care administration careers, it is not necessary. What is necessary are dedicated professionals with purpose and passion for working health care jobs.

Health Care administrators are usually paid very well. It is well deserved as many health care administrators often work long hours, well above the typical nine to five jobs. The top administrators can expect to earn well into six figures.

Educational requirements for the top jobs include a Master Degree, but many jobs are available for those with lesser education. Prior experience in business administration or financial responsibilities will enhance your opportunities.

While profitably and solid bottom lines are goals of any health care administrator, a passion for combining that skill with helping people is a must. The ideal candidate should be able to balance the needs of the patients with the fiduciary responsibly of the health care facility in which you are employed. It is a challenging task to say the least , but one that is rewarding and fulfilling . The demand fo health care administration careers is available for the right person.

Health Care Careers, Surgical Technologist

The Career of a Surgical Technologist

Surgical technologists are individuals who, as the name implies, help out in the operating room when surgical procedures are taking place. A surgical technologist, sometimes referred to as a surgical tech, a surgical technician or a scrub, works under the careful supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, as well as other surgical workers. A surgical technologist is part of an operating team and plays a vital role in operating room procedures.

Job Description

A surgical technologist prepares the operating room for surgery by ensuring that all equipment, surgical tools, liquids and sterile dressings are where they are supposed to be. The equipment must be checked by the surgical tech to ensure that it is in proper working order. This includes both sterile as well as non-sterile equipment.

Another important aspect of a surgical technologist’s job is to ready a patient for surgery. The tech washes, shaves and disinfects the site where the incision will be made and then delivers the patient to the operating room. Once there, the technician places the patient on the operating table in the position necessary for surgery and then covers him or her with what are known as sterile drapes. Before surgery, the technician must also check the vital signs of the patient and note them accordingly as well as thoroughly reviewing the patient’s chart. Once the surgical team enters the OR, the surgical technologist is responsible for helping the members into their gowns and gloves.

The surgical tech has other duties to perform during the course of the surgery. Technologists are the ones who hand the doctors and nurses the tools and supplies they require during surgery. They are also responsible for counting equipment and instruments such as needles and sponges. If required, surgical techs may have to handle sterilizers, lights and suction equipment. Sometimes surgical techs are asked to collect specimens and then hand deliver them to the laboratory.

After surgery is over, the surgical technologist must take the patient to the recovery room or their room in the hospital. They must then return to the operating room to restock supplies for the next surgery.

Education and Training Requirements

The training program to become a surgical technologist can take anywhere from 9 to 24 months to complete. This can lead to the person obtaining a certificate, a diploma or an associate’s degree. In order to qualify for a formal program offered by a selection of universities, vocational schools, community colleges, junior colleges, as well as hospitals and the military, you must have a high school diploma. The courses you are required to take in high school in order to study to become a surgical technologist include mathematics, biology, chemistry and health. Always choose a school that has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

Programs of this sort involve both education done in a classroom setting as well as supervised clinical experience. Some of the courses include human anatomy, microbiology, medical terminology, physiology, professional ethics and pharmacology.

Once you have graduated, you then need to become certified to work as a surgical technologist. A professional certification will greatly increase your chances of finding a good job and of being promoted. A tech can receive voluntary professional certification by way of the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist by making sure that they have graduated from a CAAHEP accredited program and then taking and passing a national certification exam. Once the technologist passes the exam, he or she can then use the Certified Surgical Technologist designation (CST).

Another route you can take for certification is by applying to take an examination from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). To qualify for the exam a surgical technician must take one of these three career routes- attend an accredited program of study; undergo on-the-job training for a period of two years at a hospital; or spend seven years working in their chosen field.

Career Opportunities and Earning Potential

This is an excellent time to study to become a surgical technician. This occupation is one of the fastest growing of all occupations and is predicted to continue to grow through the year 2010 as the number of surgeries performed on an annual basis goes up. This is due in large part to the rise in the population and also to the fact that the average life span is increasing. The expected need for qualified surgical technologists has been anticipated to grow “24 percent between 2006 and 2016” (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Most surgical technicians are employed in hospitals but growth is anticipated in other medical facilities such as outpatient care centers, doctor’s offices and ambulatory surgical centers.

In 2006 the median annual income of a surgical technologist was $44,077. Generally speaking, salaries for this job range from $34,410 to $54,204.

Is This You?

Before deciding on this health care careers path, you must be aware of some of the important qualities that a surgical technologist must possess. A surgical tech needs to be very organized as well as conscientious, and must be mentally stable enough to work well under pressure in an operating room setting. A person employed in this occupation must be able to respond quickly to instructions and must know how to easily handle the many demands set upon them. Stress and operating room responsibilities go hand in hand.

A surgical technologist must possess manual dexterity in order to handle the necessary instruments in a swift fashion and he or she must be as familiar as possible with operating procedures. A surgical technologist must be willing to take courses to learn new training when required and also must be willing to keep on top of new developments in the healthcare and surgical field.

Choosing Radiology Schools

Perhaps one of the more explosive health care careers today is that of a radiologist. Radiology now is a popular career choice because most hospitals have made it clear that the need for more radiology technicians is growing at a rapid pace. Likewise there is no shortage of radiology schools to choose from. When choosing a radiology school, one should determine their career goals and aspirations. Radiology schools are not all the same. Radiology schools were traditionally offered at community colleges and universities. Today many online opportunities exist for attending radiology schools. A clear understanding your own needs and expectations is important when choosing and selecting radiology schools. Many prospective employers will hire those with radiology certificates while other will require more formal 4 years degrees s a prerequisite. Knowing where you want to work after completing school can help you decide.

Radiology is a filed that has many different career choices and one must understand the job market before deciding on what type of radiology training is needed to complete your training. Do you want to be a radiologist or a radiology technician?  Radiology Technicians take the x-rays, develop them, and pass them along to a radiologist , a physician who interprets radiographs for diagnosis. Deciding will help you choose the proper radiology school and program.

Many choose some form of online training, but radiology training requires clinical assignments so it is wise to look for radiology schools that address those issues before enrolling. As with all formal education, financial considerations may affect your radiology school decision.

Radiology school scholarships programs are available. Contact radiology organizations such as the American Healthcare Radiology Administrators for available opportunities. Organizations such as these cane help find radiology schools in your area to help facilitate your individual needs. Choosing radiology technician school ahead of becoming a radiologist is a popular choice among people choosing a radiology school. Many hospitals and clinics will help pay for continuing education for radiology techs to become radiologists. There are many radiology schools and programs to choose from no matter your field of choice. Check with U.S. Radiology School Directories for making the best choice for you and your family.

Becoming a Physician’s Assistant

The position of physician assistant (PA) is among the most rapidly expanding and needed positions in health care careers.  Physician assistants play an integral role in the practice of medicine and the care of patients.  Should you become a physician assistant you will work under the care of a medical doctor and be directly responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of most illnesses, as well as prescribing medication.  You can also study a specialty such as geriatrics, pediatrics, or surgery.  If this sounds good to you, then here is your all-inclusive guide to becoming a physician’s assistant.

A physician assistant, while working under a licensed medical doctor, must he highly independent, motivated and able to make decisions alone.  It is not unusual for an attending physician to be present at all times but only consult on the difficult cases.  The American Academy of Physician Assistants states that a student must complete a 26-month accredited course before being able to practice.  Be sure to research your options carefully, there are many physician’s assistant programs out there so make sure the one you want is accredited

Most physician’s assistant programs do offer a bachelor degree, however it is recommended you achieve this beforehand.  The typical applicant already has a bachelor’s degree in a science related field, and some medical field experience.  These two things will make you look very motivated to the admissions committee at the PA program you choose.  Prerequisites do vary by program, so be sure to check with the educational program you want to apply to.

Once you’ve researched a few physician assistant programs, contact a few directly and ask them for an information packet.  Tell them you’re interested in applying and they should be more than happy to send you any and all information you need.  Try and find someone who has graduated from the program to find out their thoughts on their education.  Becoming a physician assistant is a long process, you should be sure that you’ve found the best program available to you.

You should open an account with CAPSA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistants).  A majority of the programs you’ll find will require that you apply through CAPSA.  The application process for CAPSA does take a considerable amount of time, so apply as early as you can.  Please keep in mind that some physician assistant programs will require other application processes, such as applying to their accompanying university, so make sure you are clear on the requirements and what is being asked of you.

Getting statements from people who can recommend you to the program is also a good idea.  For a physician assistant program, three personal recommendations is highly encouraged and at least one of those must be a doctor or physician assistant.  You may also be required to undergo an interview with the admissions staff.  In this interview it is suggested that you demonstrate a decent knowledge of the history of physician assistants.  If you can ask some questions of a doctor or PA, this is also a great way to prepare for an interview.

Physician assisting education will model closely the education provided to other medical students.  You will attend not only classroom education but laboratory studies in basic medical services as well.  In the two-year program you will also complete clinical rotations in internal medicine, family medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, emergency medicine, and geriatric medicine.  But, your education does not stop after your physician assistant program is complete.  To remain certified you must complete ongoing medical education courses and be re-tested on your medical skills regularly.

Once you have graduated from your physician assistant program you will be required to undergo testing in order to be able to practice.  While these requirements vary by state, one thing is constant.  You must successfully complete a state-licensing exam.  Some states will allow you to practice and start to gain some vital clinical experience while waiting for the exam, others will not.  Your physician assistant program instructor should be able to advise you on those guidelines.

Now you may notice that some physician assistants will have the title PA-C, instead of PA.  This is an indication that they are Physician assistant-certified.  This means they have completed the NCCPA (National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants) exam and have consistently maintained 100 hours of ongoing medical education every two years and are re-tested on basic medical skills every six years.  The NCCPA is a separate entity to the American Academy of Physicians Assistant and members of it represent all medical professions.

Physician assistants are found in all areas of medicine both in the general field of practice and all sub specialties.  In your physician assistant program you will receive a very broad education in the field of medicine.  But that knowledge will be increased as you interact with patients and physicians, as well as in your continuing medical education.  Most physicians greatly appreciate having a physician assistant around the office to take on a bit of the workload.  Generally the two will work together to provide the best possible care with mutual respect for the other’s position.

There are a few precautions to keep in mind when starting your physician assistant education.   It is very easy to confuse a medical assisting program with a physician assistant program, but they are nowhere near the same thing.  Also some programs only offer certification without a degree.  This is fine if you already have a degree in a science related field, but if you do not be sure that you’re applying for a degreed program.

There is much to be learned and accomplished in the physician assistant profession.  It is a lot of work, but is a great stepping-stone to a continued and improved education in any field of medicine.  Whether you desire to stay a physician assistant until you retire or if you want to use it as a launching point into a different medical field, the opportunities are there.  This guide should get you on the right path to becoming a physician assistant.

Become a Dental Assistant

A Dental Assistant is an important part of any dental health team. They assist Dentists in many capacities and provide support to the patients. Some of a dental assistant’s duties may include developing oral and maxillofacial x-rays, assisting Dentists with cleanings and other dental procedures, making impressions of teeth and patient teaching. Some even take vital signs before, during and after complicated dental procedures that require sedation. The procedures a dental assistant are allowed to perform vary from state to state based on regulations in a specific state.

A dental assistant also helps out with administrative duties including scheduling patient appointments, handling insurance verification, answering phone calls, maintaining patient information and other needs around the office. What a dental assistant is required to do will vary by office. Some dental assistants work as a personal assistant to a dentist in smaller offices.

Dental assistants are often in charge of infection control procedures, which are regulated by OSHA, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. These regulations lay out strict guidelines for infection control within a dental office. These include making sure staff is using proper hand washing techniques, ensuring that soap and anti-bacterial hand sanitizer are available near all sinks, proper disposal of bio-hazardous waste, proper sanitization of all equipment used in direct patient contact and other infection control measures.

A dental assistant is a very important job within a dental office. Responsible and well-trained individuals are key to the success of any practice. These examples do not entirely encompass the scope of a dental assistant’s duties, which may be more or less depending on the office.

In some states a college degree is not required to become a dental assistant, In these states two years of on the job training fulfill the experience required. Other states require the completion of a vocational program that takes less than two years. However, most states do require a two-year associates degree before a student is eligible to sit for the CDA, Certified Dental Assistant, exam. These states will not allow someone to work as a dental assistant without successful completion of an associates degree from an accredited school and an acceptable score on the CDA exam. It is important to know your state requirements prior to applying to a dental assistant program. It is also very important to know a school’s accreditation status. The American Dental Assistant Association keeps an updated list of accredited programs.

Once you have chosen a college or vocational program to attend it is important to follow their admission procedures. Do not be disappointed if there is a waiting list. Often there are prerequisites to entering the programs. These need to be fulfilled before admission into the program will be granted. Dental assistant programs can take two to three years to complete. A small portion of the programs is devoted to clinical experience where a student will perform duties learned in class in a real world dental setting. Becoming a dental assistant requires just as much hard work and persistence as any another program.

When you have successfully completed the program you are eligible to sit for the CDA exam. Some states allow students who have graduated but not taken their exam to work as a dental assistant on a probationary basis. This expires if they have not taken the exam within three to six months of graduation. Passing the exam will certify with the state that you are eligible to work as a dental assistant. To maintain this certification you must participate in Continuing Education courses. Often these courses are seminars on new procedures and improvements to the old ones. There are also additional certifications available to enhance your skills as a dental assistant. Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees are available for dental assistants. An advanced degree is required to teach in a dental assistant program.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics job opportunities for dental assistants are expected to increase 29% in the next ten years. It is one of the fastest growing professions. This is due to an aging population, which require more dental care, and a high job turn over rate. Like some other professions that have fallen out of popularity dental assistants are retiring faster than new graduates can be hired. This job explosion paves the way for incoming students to choose from a variety of different opportunities and will in turn drive up the average pay for a dental assistant.

In 2006 the median pay for a dental assistant was $14.53 an hour. This is expected to increase as the demand increases. The earning potential for a dental assistant is near $20 per hour. Benefits can vary in the different employment settings but most offices offer benefits and reimbursement for continuing education. For those dental assistants that choose to further their education with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree teaching positions are also expected to increase on the coming years.

Working in a dental office is not the only place a dental assistant can find work. Anywhere there are people there is a demand for dental assistants. States often hire them to perform routine dental care for prisoners incarcerated in state facilities. The government recruits them to serve in the military and provide service to the men and women of the military. Some private facilities like nursing homes will employ a dental assistant to help maintain the daily dental health of patients.

Top Health Care Careers

There are hundreds and perhaps thousands of different medical careers available.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics there will be an estimated three million more jobs added to the medical field by the year 2016.  The following five careers are considered the “hottest” or top jobs in the field right now, based on job growth, number of jobs, compensation, and the quality of the work.

1. Nurses currently make up the largest percentage of the medical workforce.  There are currently over 2.5 million registered nurses with more being added all the time.  There are nursing jobs for anyone from high school graduates to advanced college graduates.  Registered nurses can work in any field and any specialty from pediatrics, general practice, psychiatry, neo-natal, surgery, even hospice care.  The hours can be long when you are first starting out but overall compensation is adequate.

2. MRI Technicians could easily be the hottest health care career. MRI techs earn good salaries and are in high demand. While training is necessary, online radiology schools can help with this process. The person who becomes and MRI Technician will be happy with their career choice. Hospitals and clinics are extremely flexible with scheduling and provide excellent benefits.   There is also a high level of stability with this career, people will always  need your expertise.

3.  Medical technologists are the ones who work in labs analyzing blood samples, drug levels, and tissue samples.  They are similarly responsible for providing documentation of their findings to the primary physician.  Most technologists are required to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology and can work in a variety of medical facilities or labs.

4. Dental hygienists are certified to clean, x-ray, and care for a patient’s teeth.  They are essential to the medical community and are therefore in high demand.  Hygienists are licensed in the state they practice.  An associate’s degree is the minimum education required although some colleges and universities offer a bachelor’s degree as well.

5. Dietitians and nutritionists are among one of the fastest growing positions in the medical world.  With an ever-increasing desire to maintain a level of health, it is the dietitian’s job to work with public and private institutions to improve their diet and create meal plans to meet this goal.  They can work in nursing homes, schools, hospitals, or for private individuals.  Both dietitians and nutritionists can receive a bachelor’s or master’s degree but actual certification procedures and requirements vary by state.

These are just a few careers that are available to those wanting to pursue a medical future.  Careers in medicine are always growing in demand and the pay scales are rising to reflect that every year.

Health Care Careers In The Armed Forces

The military is a fantastic place to start a career in the medical field.  They will pay for your schooling and all of your training.  Not to mention the countless medical jobs available which directly reflect back to civilian life.  There are many levels of certification and training, all of which will be useful and usable upon a military discharge.

First, you can receive a certification called the Expert Medical Field Badge.  This is basically the first aid certificate of the military. In addition to this badge, that is available in all branches of service, each branch of the military has their own career opportunities.  While many may be similar they are worth mentioning individually.

In the Army Medical Corps you will not only will you find careers in general medicine, nursing, or specialty medicine but you can also begin a career in veterinary medicine.  Three areas of veterinary medicine are currently available: animal medicine, veterinary public health, and research and development.  These projects can take you far abroad, treating the service animals of the US Army. The Army’s nursing program is unique in that they teach a more holistic approach to medicine and let the nurses’ judgment be the driving force of the medical team.   There are a few specialties only available to outside contracted nurses, but for the most part it is an open field.  Other specialties that can be pursued in the Army are Occupational Therapy or Physical Therapist among others.

The Navy Medical Services Corps currently places a high value on training Nurses.  So they are offer specialties like ambulatory care, critical care, neurosurgery, and nursing psychiatry.  Careers in specialties not directly related to treatment of patients can also be pursued in health care administration, which allows you to run and manage health care projects all over the world.  Health care sciences will allow you to be on the forefront of emerging technology and research.  Dental hygienists and dental assistants are also an ever-growing area of Navy medicine.

In addition to the physicians and dentists, the Air Force has a unique Biomedical unit.  This can cover any career from Physiologist, Social Worker, Speech Pathology or even Public Health Officer.  Any type of nursing position you can possibly imagine would be available as well.  Perhaps you are a nurse midwife or a mental health nurse; there is a place for you with the Air Force.  Administrative positions are always important to making sure a medical facility runs smoothly, and this is no exception.  A position in health care administration could give you the opportunity to help a good medical team excel even more.

The options for health care careers in the armed services are as varied as they would be as a civilian.  Many of these branches of service are in need of more medical support.  Specialists, nurses and administrators are especially in high demand.  If you are looking for a way to serve your country, gain an education, and be in the medical field then the military may be the right path for you.