A Rewarding Health Care Career , Become An MRI Technician
October 5, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Careers in medical fields are full of responsibilities and opportunities . Medical careers are perfect for people who enjoy helping others. Health care careers are not affected by economic downturns that affect any other industry. Health care and medical careers are very popular right now. Medical careers are some of the most personally rewarding, and stable, in the job market today. One of those careers in a MRI Technician.
The demand for MRI Technicians is at an all-time high. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technicians are trained to administer MRI procedures to patients. MRI technicians use imaging equipment with patients to acquire images of body tissue. The MRI images are examined by doctors to assess, diagnose and determine a course of action for their patients. Technicians need to be trained first in a Magnetic resonance imaging school before working in hospitals and clinics as MRI specialist.
Depending on what life stage you are presently the baseline for becoming an MRI technician is first obtaining an Associate Degree in radiology. High school students should prepare by taking courses in anatomy, biology and physiology. This will provide the foundation necessary for completing the training required for becoming an MRI technician. However, if you are past your high school days, most associate programs will provide this course work in your first year.
Upon completion and graduation from a radiology technology degree program you then must also complete certification programs that provide one to two years of specific training in MRI technology. Most states require licensing and at the end of your training you will earn your license by successfully passing an exam, similar to what the nurses do and your career as a MRI Technician will be underway. Those presently working the health care field may find employers eager to help with continuing education for becoming a MRI Technician
Not only will you be enjoying your work, but also financially MRI Techs and X-ray Techs can expect to earn a very respectable wage. The American Society of Radiologic Technologists completed a salary survey. A MRI Technician salary varies, depending on your experience, training and geographical location. For example, ‘the annual income of a RT in Arkansas is $46.000. With additional training, and licensing in MRI scanning, the salary is $57.424. In New York the average RT salary is $58,063. With MRI licensing, it is $64.136.As a bonus you will do what you love and love what you are doing.
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
December 4, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
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.
Options And Steps To Become A Nurse
You have come to the decision that you want to beome a nurse; that is a very noble profession to pursue. But it is also one that requires some consideration as to what type of nurse you want to be as well as what it takes to achieve that. Being a nurse can range from being an LPN (Licensed Nursed Practitioner) in a hospital setting to an Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner.
An LPN can obtain their education from a vocational school or a community college and is therefore perfect for someone just entering the field of medicine. This is a great way to get into the office and working with patients before you decide if pursuing more of an education is something of interest to you. In many states the LPN course completion is determined by classroom hours as well as clinical experience. After you pass the course, you merely have to take the state exam and pass that to be fully certified. This is the place to start if you are not completely sure about being a nurse, the tuition cost is lower, the amount of time is significantly less and there is less responsibility because most often you will work under a Registered Nurse (RN).
If you desire is to be an RN this requires a degree known as an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. It is a minimum of two years for completion and can be obtained at a community college or university. After you have finished the course you will work under supervision by a Graduated Nurse until you pass your state exam. The state exam is necessary to being able to work unsupervised.
Once you become an RN, if you wish, you can return to school for a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. This is occasionally available at a community college, but more commonly at a university. This degree will not only provide you with a higher income and more job opportunity, it allows you to work in a variety of specialty areas like Neo-Natal, Pediatrics, and Cosmetic Surgery among others.
A Master’s degree is the highest qualification offered in Nursing and provides the highest income and most job possibilities. It is normally only available through a major university. There are no restrictions on the facilities you can work in or the specialty fields you can pursue. Your options within the medical field are truly unlimited. With a master’s degree, you can teach, work in supervisory positions, administrative positions, nurse midwife, or nurse anesthesiologist. Also this is the first step into a Physician’s Assistant (PA) position.
With all of these degrees you can work in a hospital, doctor’s office, school, prison facility, nursing home, or anywhere else there is a need for nurses. There is always a need for qualified individuals and with so many diverse areas to work in; there is nothing to wait for.
Health Care Careers Always In Demand
December 1, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
Medical jobs and health care careers are always in demand. Unemployment figures are reaching new highs and are expected to continue tracking upwards for the next few months. The tops ten hottest jobs were recently released and seven of the top ten jobs are health care careers.
Essentially the health care industry is recession proof. Medical jobs are always available for the right person. Many people will soon be looking for new jobs and medical jobs are a good place to start. Which medical careers are in demand? A person who is interested in working in health care is only limited by his or her own desire, and dedication, opportunities are plentiful.
Medical jobs and health care careers are available from entry level to health care administration and management. Some of the more popular choices include nursing, MRI technicians, Medical Sonagrahers, Medical Billing and Coding specialists, Dental Hygienists, Radiologists, Medical Assistants and Physical therapists. However there are many more and for the person seeking to enter the health care careers industry it may be a challenge to focus in on just one career choice.
Health Care is the fastest growing industry for jobseekers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Medical jobs are one of the most lucrative jobs today. You will be paid well in salary and will be rewarded for your dedication for helping people. Your medical job will have value and add a measure of security and stability to your career.
Educational requirements will vary form job to job. Many people possess the necessary skill sets to advance quickly to the health care industry. Online programs have greatly improved the opportunity for those wishing to pursue medical careers. Medical jobs are available in any state in the country. Medical jobs in Colorado, New York and Florida far outnumber potential candidates.
Many health care facilities will often assist in relocation for the right person. Investigate the various opportunites and you will agree the health care careers industry is wide open with opportunity, challenges and rewards.
How to Become A Physical Therapist
October 26, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
At the heart of a person desiring to become a physical therapist is a passion for helping people. Finding physical therapists jobs will not be difficult. On the other hand preparation to become a physical therapist will require additional education and determination to complete training. As a physical therapist you will help to rehabilitate patients injured in auto accidents, recovering from various surgeries, strokes and other medical traumas.
The Physical Therapist candidate should prepare for their formal education with a full load of science and anatomy classes. Becoming a physical therapist requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree with many prospective employers demanding a Master Degree as a prerequisite for employment. Once enrolled in college, you will require a Bachelor of Science degree with a focus on anatomy, biology and physiology. Additionally, be prepared to take advanced math courses, and take psychology and social science courses as well. Physical therapy offers a multitude of specialized areas. You can choose to work in pediatrics, geriatrics and sports related injuries. The options are virtually endless. Upon graduation from your physical therapy program you will be requires to take licensing exams. As with all health care careers, the more education one possesses the better the opportunity for employment.
A physical therapist needs to be physically fit. As a physical therapist you will find yourself help people walk, and exercising who cannot do it for themselves. Essentially you become am exercise coach so being physically fit yourself will lend itself to making your work easier. You will have to communicate with patients and their families on a day-to-day, case by case basis, having people skills will be to your advantage.
Once licensed and trained expect physical therapist salaries to begin in the mid $50,000.00 a year range for persons entering the job market for physical therapy. Physical therapist jobs are available in hospitals and clinics. You may choose to work independently, however most graduates begin in the secure environment of a clinic or hospital. Once you gain experience, your salary will rise and so will your opportunities inside the field.
Chosen for the right reasons, a health care career, as a physical therapist will be very rewarding. You will have an eyewitness account of the progress of your patients and that will be very satisfying. Your work will have value and is important.
A Career As A Respiratory Therapist
August 15, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
Another booming field in health care careers is respiratory therapy. Respiratory therapists treat, and care for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders. . Respiratory therapists, practicing under physician direction, assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care therapeutic treatments A few years ago I was introduced to a respiratory therapist. It was a hospital setting and I was recovering form heart bypass surgery. In extreme pain the respiratory therapist structured breathing exercises, several times a day to increase oxygen supply in the bloodstream and to prevent pneumonia. He quickly discovered he was not liked. Now that time has passed I am grateful for his efforts in restoring my health back to normal. That is the way most patients will feel after being treated by a respiratory therapists and respiratory therapy technicians.
Prospective respiratory therapists and respiratory therapy technicians will not have to look for work long as this health career field is full of opportunities. Although hospitals will employ the majority of therapists, a growing number can expect to work outside of hospitals in home healthcare services, offices of physicians or other health practitioners.
As is the case with most health care related careers, high school student should include a curriculum loaded with anatomy, biology, mathematics, chemistry, and physics. An associate degree has become the general requirement and formal training is necessary for entry into this field. Training is offered at the post secondary level by colleges and universities, medical schools, vocational-technical institutes, and the Armed Forces.
Job opportunities are expected to continue to be very good, especially for respiratory therapists with cardiopulmonary care skills working with the elderly and with infants.
As with all health careers hours are extremely flexible and compensation proportionate to experience and education. Hospital are a round the clock operation and so is the need for respiratory therapists. We have most are more than willing to talk to anyone with a career goal of becoming a respiratory therapist and can offer insight and guidance into a rewarding health care career of working as a respiratory therapist
Radiology Technologists and Technicians In High Demand
August 5, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
Radiology Technologists and Technicians
A popular, rewarding and fast growing career in the Health Care field is in Radiology or specifically Radiologic Technologists and Technicians. According to the Department of Labor, employment opportunities in Radiologic Technology are highly favorable and projected to be in large demand and grow at a greater than average pace. Although hospitals remain the primary employers for Radiologic Technicians and Technologists, a number of new jobs will be found in emerging diagnostic imaging offices and physicians’ offices.
The primary responsibility of a Radiologic technologist is to take x-rays and administer non-radioactive materials into patients’ bloodstreams for diagnostic purposes. They produce x-ray films or radiographs for physicians to use in diagnosing medical problems. They fully prepare the patient for their radiologic examination by explaining the procedure step-by-step and ensuring all preparations are completed prior to administering the radiologic tests.
Technicians must adhere to physicians’ orders precisely and conform to regulations regarding the use of radiation to protect themselves, their patients, and their fellow coworkers from unnecessary exposure to x-rays. Not only do Radiologic technologists perform x-rays, they also are responsible to keep patient records and adjust and maintain the equipment. They may also prepare work schedules, evaluate equipment purchases or even manage a radiology department.
Some radiographers specialize in (CT) or Computed Tomography, x-rays that produce multiple cross-sectional x-rays of an area of the body. Radiographers can also specialize in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) which produces a three dimensional image of the x-rayed area in multiple cross-sectional x-rays similar to CT. Mammography is another popular specialization, which utilizes low dose x-rays systems to produce images of the breast. Physical stamina is important too as radiology technicians may be on their feet for extended periods and may also be required to move and turn patients who are disabled or incapacitated.
Certification
Formal training programs in radiography are offered in hospitals, colleges and universities, and less frequently at vocational-technical institutes and can range in length from 1 to 4 years. These programs lead to a certificate, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree, depending on the program you choose.
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) offers voluntary certification for Radiologic Technologists. Additionally, thirty-five states currently use ARRT administered exams for State licensing purposes. To be eligible for certification the technologist must graduate from an accredited program and pass the State examination. Also, to be re-certified, radiographers must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years.
Advancement
As with any career, experience and additional training will open doors which will allow the technologist to advance and become specialists performing CT, MRI, Angiographies, and other related procedures. They may also promoted to supervisory positions within their specific department; chief Radiologic technologist and ultimately a department director or administrator. Some technologists specialize in a specific occupation and become instructors or directors in radiologic technology programs, or may even work as sales representatives with radiologic equipment manufacturers.
