You don’t have to become a doctor or nurse to work one-on-one with patients or become specialized in a health field. There are plenty of professions that work in a medical setting and provide care. There are so many branches of the medical field to work in and that go along with every type of degree. Even music students can work in a medical profession and provide help to patients. What you decide to do with your career will also depend on your education. Earning a bachelor’s degree and getting certified are the key steps to becoming successful in any of these health-related fields.

1. Anesthesiologist

Those who are trained in anesthesia and pre-operative medicine, work as anesthesiologists, assisting doctors and patients with operations. These professionals must complete a degree program in anesthesiology, which only comes after finishing medical school. However, there are also nurse anesthetists who earn graduate degrees and work under the supervision of a physician. To become a traditional anesthesiologist, you have to earn a MD or DO, as well as earn a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field. Since anesthesiologists are board certified, they have to pass a practical examination and go through an observation process that shows they can properly administer anesthetics in the operating room. Anesthesiologists are also one of the top paid health professions, earning about $70,000 a year, but most that specialize in this field and work at top facilities make even greater salaries. Registered nurses who become anesthetists have a greater potential to make a good salary, about $66,000 per year.

2. Reflexologist

This is a unique position for anyone who is interested in health but doesn’t necessarily want the traditional method of becoming a doctor or nurse. Reflexologists work at wellness centers, gyms, private practices and spas. Students usually train to become a massage therapist or holistic healers however they may concentrate in other specialty areas as well, such as hydrotherapy or prenatal care. Only those who are certified and pass a state licensure exam may work as a reflexologist, however. As a private practitioner, reflexologists can make an incredible living at about $30 to $45 an hour, and set their own schedules. By working for a spa, reflexologists can become a part of a wellness team and help more clients.

3. Speech-Language Pathologists

Speech-language pathologists help patients with voice disorders, specifically related to speech, language and fluency. Whether caused by an accident, birth defect or disease, these disorders have a profound impact on a patient’s life and ability to communicate. It is the job of the pathologist to teach and help patients use speech equipment, as well as conducting research on the latest technologies for speech and language problems. A master’s or doctoral degree is essential to getting ahead in this profession. Those who do earn this higher level can make over $70,000 a year. A practicum is also required, where you learn underneath supervision and gain hands-on experience with patients. Once ready, students receive a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

4. Radiation Therapists

It is estimated that over 1.5 million people in today’s world suffer from cancer. It’s not a coincidence that one of the top paying professions in the health care industry is related to cancer. Radiation therapists work with x-rays and equipment, to help with the diagnosis and prescription that is provided by a radiologist. The position offers someone with a more technical mind the opportunity to work in a medical setting and help patients with their illnesses. Therapists also have to have a personable attitude and speak with patients about the process, making them comfortable and explaining the different parts of the radiation process. A bachelor’s degree is a good way to start, but there are also associate degree and certificate programs in radiation therapy that allow one to work in this field. Most of the curriculum with focus on physics, biology and chemistry, as therapists must work directly with the physics aspect of the human body.

5. Audiologist

Audiologists make about $70,000 on average per year. These health professionals work with physicians to evaluate hearing, identify problems and administer a solution, in the form of a prescription, therapy or installation of hearing aid devices. Audiologists mostly work with elderly patients or those who have disorders. There are also other careers that work mainly outside of the health profession, allowing audiologists to assess noise levels in workplaces and schools, and conduct hearing protection programs. If you have a music degree, becoming certified in this profession is a breeze. Audiologists typically earn a master’s or Ph.D. to work in this field. However, you also must be a licensed audiologist to work in any state.

6. Orthotists and Prosthetists

These professionals help patients who have debilitating limb and spine injuries, who have lost part or all the functions of their limbs due to disease, accident or other injury. By creating a fitted orthopedic brace or prosthetic, the orthotist and prosthetist helps patients be able to move fluidly again. With the current technology for prosthetics growing rapidly, jobs are expected to increase in this field. Coaching skills and therapeutic education are also important to an orthotist’s education. Four-year bachelor degree programs are necessary for orthotists as well as an additional two-year master’s degree program, as such would follow a science degree. Students usually begin with a biology degree at the baccalaureate level.

7. Nuclear Medicine Technologists

For those who love physics and working with technology, nuclear medicine technologists work mostly with cancer patients by keeping track of radioactive elements inside the body. While working specific equipment, technologists also have to prepare solutions and calculate doses to help with patient’s care. A bachelor’s degree is essential to getting started with this career. Biology and physics degrees are beneficial to the student, but a master’s program in nuclear medicine and radiology is also necessary. Students must then pass the exam from the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certificate Board, which will license them to work as a nuclear medicine technologist.

If you enjoy working with children then you may be drawn to the occupation of pediatric nurse. Nurses who work in the pediatric department care for children and offer preventative care as well as acute care to both children as well as adolescents. These nurses can be found working in a variety of health care settings. For instance they may be found working in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with pediatricians and other types of health care professionals. They also seek employment in the offices of doctors, in critical care facilities and in community-based settings.

Responsibilities and Pediatric Nursing Careers Overview

Pediatric nurses perform primary care services for their patients as well as acute care and specialty services. Let us look at those now.

There are certain primary care services that a pediatric nurse is responsible for. Health maintenance care is a very significant aspect of the job. In other words, “well children” examinations are one of their many job duties. Routine developmental screenings are also a part of the pediatric nurse’s job.

These nurses are trained to diagnosis and treat many illnesses common to children. They can immunize their child patients against diseases and they can perform school physicals. They are also capable of providing guidance to the parents of a child who is sick and/or to answer any questions a parent may have in regards to the health of their child.

The acute care/ specialty services that a nurse who works in pediatrics provides to her patients includes caring for those who are acutely ill, as well as those that are critically or chronically sick. These nurses conduct in-depth physical assessments of their young patients and they interpret the results of both the laboratory tests as well as the diagnostic tests. Nurses who work in this capacity are able to order medication and perform therapeutic treatments.

Some pediatric nurses choose to focus on a specialty areas of pediatrics while others do not. Some examples of pediatric specialty areas include cardiology, oncology, dermatology and gastroenterology.

Pediatric Nursing Career Education

A pediatric nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who has in most instances earned a four year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN). After gaining a certain level of experience in caring for children a pediatric nurse can make the decision to take an examination which will lead to a higher level of pediatric nurse which is the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN).

The CPN exam is an experience-based exam.  You then must be recognized by the board of nursing in your state as an advanced practice nurse (APN). From there you must gain certification as a CPN. Pediatric nurses who become certified have the potential to earn more money than those who do not get these credentials. While certification is not required in all 50 states it is required in many and strongly recommended in all of the rest.

Pediatric Nurse Salary

How much money a pediatric nurse earns is connected to her training, certifications and the years of experience she has. According to statistics compiled by the website Salary.com in 2009 pediatric nurses earned a median annual salary of $62,527. The middle percent of pediatric nurses earned in the range of $56,225 to $68,251.

Career Outlook

If you enjoy being around and children and are very energetic, positive and bubbly then being a pediatric nurse may be the right career choice for you. You must be able to think fast on your feet to deal with stressful situations and you must have excellent interpersonal skills. Not only will you be talking with your child patients but with their parents as well.

As with many other nursing careers the demand for nurses trained in pediatrics is expected to grow tremendously in the next decade. The more education, training, experience and certifications a nurse has the more demand there will be in the health care profession for what she has to offer.

Oncology is the area of medicine that is concerned with the study, diagnosis and treatment of tumors that are cancerous. Before 1950 oncology nursing careers were largely unheard of. That is because surgery was the major treatment method for cancer and the role of the nurse was limited. As chemotherapy and radiation therapy became accepted into the medical care system as valid forms of cancer treatment, nurses were presented with greater opportunities to help in the care of cancer patients. It was not until around the 1970s that oncology nursing really came into being.

At that time the survival rate for cancer patients began to climb and a shift in nursing took place. The role of the nurse expanded which brought a whole new level of professionalism to the field of nursing. The result of all this was greater nursing involvement in education that focused on oncology nursing careers and the emergence of oncology nursing as a specialty area.

An oncology nurse must wear many hats at the same time. She must be a direct caregiver to her ill patients but she must also be a consultant and an educator. She must also be an effective administrator and a researcher. Oncology nursing is needed in all care settings where cancer is involved, whether that be patients who presently are experiencing it or those that are at risk for it. Oncology nurses administer health care to all potential and present cancer patients. Education and counseling for cancer prevention is a part of their job description as is screening and detection.

The oncology nurse is a coordinator of care and works closely as part of a team with other cancer care providers. The purpose is to provide the absolute best care possible to the cancer patient. Those who have reached an advanced level of nursing practice in their oncology nursing career are direct caregivers who can guide, provide and also evaluate the nursing practice that is given to those who have been diagnosed with cancer. They also work very closely with family members and with the community at large to teach preventative measures.

The field of oncology nursing is very broad. There are a variety of specialties that an oncology nurse can choose from. Examples of these include chemotherapy, breast oncology, radiation- surgical oncology, GYN oncology, bone marrow transplant and cancer genetic counseling, palliative care and prevention and early detection- symptom management.

Oncology Nursing Education

Oncology nurses must have achieved all of the necessary experience to function as a registered nurse (RN). Those who wish to work in this field must practice at the generalist level and have a cancer-specific knowledge base. They also must demonstrate to their superiors that their clinical expertise in regards to cancer care goes well beyond what is required in the basic program of nursing. Advanced oncology nurses are required to have the minimum of a master’s degree.

On a national basis the starting salary for an oncology nurse is $35,000 yearly. The range for advanced practice oncology nurses can be anywhere from $60,000 to $125,000 annually.

A clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is a registered nurse (RN) who has received advanced education and training in a specialty of the nursing field. Advanced nursing practices means that the individual requires knowledge and a particular skill set that goes beyond the role that a registered nurse plays in the direct care that is provided to her patients. Think of a clinical nurse specialist careers as an advanced practice nurse.

The Role of a CNS

As the name implies, a clinical nurse specialist specializes in working with a specific population of patients. A clinical nurse specialist may opt to specialize in a specific type of disease, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes. She may choose to work in a variety of different medical environments such as an emergency room, critical care or an operating room. She may also choose to concentrate on a selection of medical procedures. Examples of these would include clinical care or surgical care. All in all the career of a CNS can be versatile and can allow for a certain level of flexibility.

There are five general duties that make up the daily routine for a CNS. These include:

• Clinical practice
• Teaching
• Research
• Consulting
• Management

Clinical nurse specialists are trained to be case managers because it is their job to organize as well as coordinate resources and services. CNSs also do their part to control costs. The growth of managed care is a big part of a clinical nurse specialist’s job.

The specialty of a CNS can be based on populations, settings, diseases, types of care and/or types of health problems. For instance a CNS may choose to work with children as a population only. Another one may choose to work with cancer patients. Still another may select the specialty of working in the psychiatric department of a hospital or working with patients who are being rehabilitated. The opportunities are many and varied for the RN who decides to return to school to become a CNS.

The common thread that unites all clinical nurse specialists is that these specialty nurses have the knowledge and skills to not just diagnose health conditions and treat their patients accordingly but to offer leadership to other nurses as well as expert consultations.

Clinical nurse specialists are predominantly found working in hospitals although they can also be found in clinics and in long-term care facilities. Regardless of where they are employed these health care specialists must be equipped to deal with a multi-faceted role. They have their patients as well as the families of the patients, the nursing personnel and the system or network organization to deal with on a regular basis.
A clinical nurse specialist must help her patients in every way possible. She must do what is necessary to help to prevent sicknesses from occurring. She must work to resolve illnesses as quickly as possible through the proper diagnosing of them, as well as through treatment and education.

A CNS also must assist other nurses in terms of coaching and collaborate with other medical care workers to improve the care provided to patients. They also must evaluate outcomes, conduct research, and review other options for doing things as well as to implement changes that need to be made.

It is challenging to decide to go back to school to become a clinical nurse specialist but it can also be extremely rewarding. A CNS must earn a master’s degree or a doctorate degree. Research into the work of CNSs has showed that these specialized nurses have a tremendous impact on their ability to improve the satisfaction of patients. They are also instrumental in reducing complications suffered by patients. Those treated by clinical nurse specialists tend to visit the emergency room less often with health concerns.

The demand for clinical nurse specialists is growing all of the time. These advanced practice nurses are in very high demand. According to the website Salary.com the median salary for a CNS in the U.S. is $80,975.

A nurse educator is a nurse who is found working in practical settings as well as classrooms to teach, prepare and mentor licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs) for their entry into positions in the nursing field. Nurse educators play a very vital role in strengthening the area of the workforce that is comprised of qualified and skilled nurses. They are also role models and are able to provide the leadership to make the nurses they teach as good as they can be at their jobs.

Responsibilities of a Nurse Educator

Nurse educators have big shoes to fill. They plan, design and implement training programs and curriculum for nursing students. They teach at nursing schools and help aspiring nurses to develop the skills and knowledge that is required to work in a medical setting such as a hospital or a clinic. For instance, they teach students the basic tasks required to assist doctors and they teach specialized techniques that nurses are required to know. General competency courses can be offered by nurse educators as can specialized subjects that focus in on specific nursing related practices.

Nurse educators perform research at the clinical level and they assess and evaluate training programs for nurses to see if they are of the highest standards and how they rate in comparison to other colleges and universities.

These health care professionals can often be found speaking at nursing workshops and conferences. They lend their expertise in as many settings as they possibly can.  Nurse educators are responsible for keeping track of the latest developments that are happening in their field and then taking the changes and making them a part of the curricula that they create for students. Nurse educators must update courses as required so as to keep everything current and relevant for nursing students.

These medical professionals must provide counseling sessions for their students as well as debriefing sessions where applicable. It is imperative that they present fresh material to students and provide a learning environment that encourages students to want to learn and to develop their skills to their fullest potential.
Nurse educators must engage in research and must participate in professional nursing associations. They must engage in peer reviews and write grant proposals. It is also imperative that a nurse educator maintain clinical competence.

Qualifications and Skills

While this specialized area of the nursing field is for some people it is not for everyone. Those who choose this career must have excellent communication skills and must be good at articulating themselves and explaining concepts in a clear and concise manner. They must have a strong and solid clinical background and must be creative as well as flexible. They also must be detail oriented and possess excellent skills when it comes to critical thinking.

Nurse educators need to have an extremely substantive knowledge base for the area they will be teaching in. They also must know how to convey and teach the subject matter to those who have less knowledge and experience in these areas.  Not every nurse is equally as good at educating other nurses.

To be the best nurse educator you can be you must be dedicated to continuous learning. You also must understand the theory behind teaching and want to further the scholarly side of your chosen profession.

Education

A nurse educator is a registered nurse (RN) who has obtained advanced training. She must have advanced clinical training in a health care specialty. Whatever the specialty is will be her area of expertise to teach to nursing students. Nurse educators must have bachelor’s degrees in nursing. To teach other nurses a nurse educator must also hold a master’s degree or a doctoral degree.

Nurse educators can choose from any number of roles that can range from being the dean of a college nursing to working as a part-time clinical faculty member. Other professional titles that are sometimes given to nurse educators include Clinical Nurse Educator, Administrative Nurse Faculty, Continuing Education Specialist and Staff Development Officer.

The US Health Resources and Services Administration projects a shortage of over 200,000 registered nurses in 2010. While the continuing nursing shortage is disturbing, it creates opportunities for those men and women willing to commit to Nursing School programs.

The heath care industry has recognized that nursing school programs need to be tailored to the needs of it potential students and online nursing schools have helped to fill the gap for training nurses. The RN-to-BSN and MSN degrees are the most commonly offered online degrees. Some institutions offer a assortment of advanced degree and certificate programs for students seeking online nursing education.

Determine Your Nursing Career Goals

A decision to enroll in an online nursing school should be accompanied by a decision to what are of area nursing you want to pursue. Do you want to be you want to be? An LPN, RN or BSN? There are online nursing programs for all career paths, but ultimately the individual needs to make that decision.

Licensed Practical Nurses or LPN’s generally enroll in nursing school programs for two years. Studies include anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and practical patient care. A large portion of that training can be accomplished through online nursing schools. Starting median salaries are in the $40,000.00 range

Registered Nurses, or RN’s can pursue a 2 year Associates Degree in Nursing although preference is given to the person with the Bachelors of Nursing or BSN degree. This will vary from employer to employer. Registered nurses can expect median salaries to be in the $60,000.000 area per year.

How To Prepare For Nursing School Programs

Start with a search on your own area for nursing school programs that may be able to accommodate your needs. The needs of a graduating high school senior will be vastly different that the mother of two who has decided to pursue a health care career in nursing. Becoming a nurse is a rewarding profession.

Online nursing school programs are available for practically any area of nursing you may want to pursue. Prerequisites to qualify your entry into a nursing school program can be accomplished at your own pace and financial means.

Choosing Online Nursing Programs

The decision of which online nursing program to choose should be carefully considered. A primary concern for most is the cost of tuition. No doubt that is important, but there are other factors. Class sizes, class times, where and when you will be expected to complete clinical rotations are just a few of questions you need to have answered. Online nursing programs help to complete course studies online, but clinical rotations are required before graduation.

The Cost of Online Nursing School Programs

Higher education is never inexpensive. You can expect to pay between 100 to 400 dollars per credit hour. However most colleges offer tuition assistance programs and can provide you with nursing school grants , scholarship programs and student loan information. The nursing profession wants to provide you with every available opportunity to complete your nursing education. If you have the desire, there are online nursing schools that will help.

You have come to the decision that you want to become 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.

Trying to figure out what type of career is right for you is not easy but it is one of the most important decisions that you will make in your life. If you would like a job in the health care field but do not want to spend many years in college then pharmacy technician careers is a job worth looking into further.

A pharmacy technician is the name given to a staff member who works at a pharmacy and who specifically does his or her work under the close supervision of a licensed pharmacist. The technician does a variety of pharmacy-related duties as required by the pharmacist. Pharmacy techs prepare medications, maintain patient profiles in the pharmacy database and provide customer service. If you enjoy working with the public and are interested in health related topics then this might be the field for you.

Pharmacy Technician Job Responsibilities

A pharmacy technician always works under the watchful eye and the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. His or her job is to handle all of the work that is connected to working in a pharmacy. Pharmacy techs do many routine tasks that are very important such as preparing drugs and medications for their patients and compounding medications. A pharmacy technician can answer general questions posed to them by customers. Pharmacy technicians can be thought of as assistants to pharmacists.

Pharmacy technicians find jobs at pharmacies in stores, clinics, hospitals, internet pharmacy stores, pharmaceutical wholesalers or with the federal government. The duties of a pharmacy technician depend to a large extent on where the individual works. For example, besides preparing prescription medication and labeling bottles pharmacy technicians may be required to do other tasks such as computer data entry, handling money and other administrative tasks.  Some pharmacies hire pharmacy aides to do administrative tasks while the pharmacy technicians work with medication and do the customer service work. However in smaller businesses techs are called upon to multi-task.

Pharmacy Technician Education and Training

On the job training is possible for those wishing to become pharmacy technicians. However like so many fields employers are looking for workers who are well trained, skilled and those who have the proper credentials and the certificates to back up the credentials. This is the way many employers choose the right person for a job. Having formal training in your chosen field and taking the time to become certified can move you to the top of the line of eligible candidates.

Those who decide to become pharmacy technicians must have their high school diplomas. There are a variety of private organizations in the United States that offer certification. Two examples of these include the Pharmacy Technician Certificate Board and the Institute for Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT).

Pharmacy Technician Earnings

The salary of a pharmacy technician can be on par with that of a physical therapist technician or a surgical technician. Formal training and becoming certified can lead to a higher paycheck and better job possibilities. It is worth noting that pharmacy technicians who gain certification earn more than those who do not become certified. The salary for a technician is connected to the formal training the individual receives, the level of expertise and where the individual is employed.

An entry level pharmacy technician earns in the range of $7 to $10 an hour. An intermediate pharmacy tech who has two or more years of experience can earn an hourly wage that ranges from $11 to $14. A technician who has five or more years of experience has the potential to be promoted to a supervisory position if that is what he or she wishes to do. Supervisors can earn anywhere from $15 to $22 per hour.

The experience level of a pharmacy technician plays a role in how much he or she earns. The demand for pharmacy technicians is on the rise and with that salary potential is expected to increase as are the responsibilities afforded to those in this health care position.

A dialysis technologist, also sometimes referred to as a dialysis technician is a person who helps with the dialysis treatments of patients. The technologist’s job is to ready the patient for the treatment and to monitor the procedure while it is taking place. The individual also performs the necessary duties following the procedure and does everything they can to make the patient feel as comfortable as possible. To be a dialysis technologist you must be well trained, have an eye for details and you must have good people’s skills. You must be able to make your patients feel at ease and you must be able to deal with difficult situations. Dialysis technologists work under the direct supervision of a registered nurse.

Dialysis Technologist Job Description

A dialysis technologist must be very accurate and precise in the duties he or she performs. On a regular basis this individual sets up and operates hemodialysis machines that offer dialysis treatments for patients whose kidneys have failed. The technologist attaches the dialyzer and then the tubing to the machine to prepare for the treatment. The tech then mixes the dialysate as required and primes the dialyzer with either heparinized solution or saline to get the machine ready for the patient.

The dialysis technologist is then responsible to bring the patient into the dialysis room and to seat the patient in the chair next to the machine. The tech must then record pertinent information about the patient such as the person’s weight, temperature, blood pressure, respiration rate and pulse rate. It is the dialysis tech’s job to explain the procedure to the patient to help with the anxious feelings that the patient may be having. This is especially common with those who are new to this type of treatment. The tech then begins the procedure and must monitor it as it is taking place. The tech watches the patient to see if there is any adverse reaction and/or to see if the hemodialysis machine is functioning properly. After dialysis is finished the technologist will then record the same information as before the procedure and will do everything they can to help their patient relax and be more at ease.

Dialysis Technologist Careers Education

If you would like to become a dialysis technologist then first you must graduate with a high school diploma as this is a basic requirement for this health care job. Most of the
education and training for this occupation takes place on the job. However there are some places throughout the United States where courses can be taken at community colleges and/or technical institutions. In most cases however dialysis technologists are trained by their employers. At the present time there is no certification for this profession.

Dialysis Technologist Earnings

A dialysis technologist typically earns in the range of $25,682 to $32,413 a year. In the first year of doing this job the tech can expect to earn anywhere from $10 to $14 an hour. After five years of experience the pay will increase to anywhere from $13 to $16 an hour. By the time a dialysis technologist has gained 10 years of experience he or she will be earning an hourly wage of around $14 to $17 per hour. The pay is not the same in every state and tends to vary slight from one health care setting to another. Obtaining a higher level of education can increase the technologist’s potential to earn more.

Dialysis Technologist Careers Outlook

This is a growing field in the health care profession and there is expected to be a greater need for dialysis technicians through the year 2012. With an adequate amount of experience and with more education a dialysis technologist has the opportunity to advance to a chief technician. There is also the potential with further education to become a biomedical equipment technician.

The current economy has created a challenge for many people trying to find work but one sector that continues to need qualified workers is health care.  Whether working in dentistry, surgery, medical, or pharmacology, jobs are in abundance.  Of course, depending on the job salaries would differ, as well as educational requirements.  Keep in mind that even the more entry level positions offer excellent opportunity for moving up to more rewarding positions.

The following are some of the more popular health care professions where jobs are available.  Of course,its geographic location is one factor that determines job available but if you are just entering the workforce, have been laid off, or simply want a new career, we would encourage you to consider these and other health care positions.

Medical Assistants

Although the responsibility of a medical assistant varies based on the type of doctor, many duties are general across the board.  If working as a medical assistant for a smaller office, most often both clinical and administrative duties are covered whereas in larger offices, assistants usually focus on one area.  A few of the areas in which a medical assistant specializes includes optometric, ophthalmic, and podiatric.  This healthcare professional works in a doctor’s office, as well as clinics and hospitals.

To be successful, strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills are needed since this professional works closely with doctors, nurses, and patients.  Some of the standard duties include filing patient records, handling hospital admissions, ordering laboratory services and more.  To work as a qualified medical assistant coursework is required to include laboratory training, medical office procedures, medical terminology, clinical procedures, and more.  Once hired, the annual salary is almost $29,000 with potential to earn upwards of $37,000.

Medical Sonographers

This medical professional operates equipment using ultrasound waves to assist doctors in making firm diagnoses.  This equipment is designed to capture photos or videos whereby findings can be presented to doctors.  In addition, the more highly trained sonographers actually review images and/or data to make decisions which are then passed onto the attending doctor.  These healthcare professionals also manage patient records, maintain and repair equipment, recommend testing, and asses nursing needs.

Interestingly, no accredited training or on-the-job training is required to become a medical sonographer although to be hired doctors look for someone with an Associate or Bachelor’s degree, as well as special training in sonography and ultrasound technology.  On average, a medical sonographer earns close to $60,000 per year working in a private clinic but in more specialized areas, income goes up slightly.

Medical Billing and Coding

While some people look at the medical billing and coding worker as being entry level, the truth is this person plays a key role in the healthcare industry.  Some of the standard job responsibilities for coding include reading and reviewing medical documentation provided by doctors and other healthcare specialists to help provide detailed information specific to injuries, diseases, surgeries, etc.

One of the primary roles of the coder is to ensure correct codes are used to remain in compliance with federal regulations, as well as insurance provider guidelines.  For medical billing, the main job includes billing patients according to the codes that have been applied for medical services rendered.  Since these two job functions go hand-in-hand, it is common for this healthcare professional to perform both functions.

A person interested in medical billing and coding could get ahead by taking certain courses in high school such as computer, English, data processing, algebra, biology, and various healthcare subjects.  To secure a job, only a high school diploma is required although most doctors prefer the individual to have an Associate’s Degree.  Additionally, it is common for on-the-job training to be provided once hired.  Because there is such a wide variance for this job combination, the lower annual salary is around $30,000 while the upper salary is around $50,000.

Dental Hygienist

The dental hygienist provides assistance during normal dental procedures to include plaque removal, flossing, and even providing education to patients pertaining to proper oral hygiene.  However, a dental hygienist also provides certain levels of anesthesia according to the dentist’s orders, may fill teeth, and provides periodontal dressings.  Additionally, this person would maintain and monitor a patient’s medical record and hygiene regimen.

Today, most dentists prefer a dental hygienist to have an Associate’s degree in a Dental Hygiene Program associated with an accredited educational institution at minimum.  With that, salary typically starts around $35,000 although in some geographical locations and with years of experience, annual salary can climb as high as $80,000.

Nursing Careers

Nurses work on a variety of different levels with the three most popular including Licensed Practical Nurse or LPN, Registered Nurse or RN, and Advanced Practice Nurse or APN.  The following are the job responsibilities, educational requirements, and average salaries for each:

•    Certified Nursing Assistant – This level of nursing is entry level but a great stepping stone to a gratifying healthcare career.  Working under the supervision of an LPN, the Certified Nursing Assistant or CAN would provide assistant to patients with dressing, eating, grooming, hygiene, etc.  Depending on the setting, sometimes this professional will take a patient’s vital signs and temperature.  High school courses can help prepare a person for this job but under state law, a person must complete a 75-hour training course from a community or vocational college followed by state licensing.  For salary, the CAN earns anywhere from $17,000 to $29,000 a year.

•    Licensed Practical Nurse – In this role, the nurse would work under supervision of a registered nurse and doctor.  Considered an entry level nursing position, the primary job responsibilities include taking a patient’s vital signs, giving injections, dressing wounds, monitoring catheters, assisting patients with bathing, collecting samples for testing, etc, all under a doctor’s supervision.  For education, programs typically consist of one year training through a junior or community college.  Additionally, once completing the educational program, state licensing exams are mandatory.  For salary, an LPN earns between $35,000 and $55,000.

•    Registered Nurse – This level of nurse oversees work performed by LPNs, as well as performs tasks such as recording patient’s medical history, assist in surgery, and handling all levels of nursing responsibilities.  Because of the direct interaction with doctors and patients, this individual needs to be compassionate and empathetic.  Then, being in a supervisory role, the RN must be professional, provide good leadership, and work with integrity.  While an RN can work with an Associate’s degree, since most are in hospital settings a Bachelor’s degree is preferred.  Again, after education, state licensing is required.  Salary for the RN ranges between $55,000 and $68,000.

•    Advanced Practice Nurse – The duties performed by the APN are on an advanced level.  In this case, the person could choose from four specialty areas such as Nurse Practitioner or NP, Certified Nurse Midwife CNM, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist CRNA, and a Clinical Nurse Specialist or CNS.  Due to the advance state of the APN, a Master’s degree is needed and once again, state licensing is mandated.  With so many variances, salary is unique but on average, the APN earns around $82,000.

Dental Assistants

A dental assistant is a valuable member of the team, handling responsibilities to include assisting the dentist during a patient’s exam, completing laboratory work, and handling administrative duties.  For this job, the dental assistant would prepare patients to be seen by the dentist, organize instruments needed, take x-rays, prepare impression materials, and more.  With interaction with patients, a good personality and professionalism are necessary.

Typically, a dentist assistant is considered an entry level position so formal training or education is not required.  However, if someone knows this career is one they want to start out of high school, certain courses such as biology, chemistry, health, science, and even business would be beneficial.  Of course, on-the-job training is provided and some assistants will go on to earn an Associate’s degree from an accredited educational institution specific to dentistry.  In addition, certification from the Dental Assisting National Board is recommended but not mandated for employment.  Currently, the dental assistant earns approximately $29,000 although the job can pay as much as $40,000.

Surgical Technologist and Assistants

This health care professional is specially trained to provide assistant to surgeons before, during, and after surgery.  Pre-surgery, the surgical technologist and assistant would help get the operating room organized with proper equipment and prepare the patient for surgery.  During surgery, responsibilities would include handing instruments, tools, and sponges to the surgeon as needed and monitoring the patient’s vital signs.  Then once surgery has been completed, this professional would monitor the patient, provide information, and pass on post-surgical instructions.

To work as a surgical technologist and assistant, an Associate or Bachelor’s degree in a healthcare field is mandated, an accredited surgical program must be completed and certification earned, and three years on-the-job training done.  Although sometimes this professional is paid an annual salary, most are paid by the hour which ranges from $17 to $24.

MRI Technicians

The MRI technician is responsible for using an MRI machine, also known as Magnetic Resonance Imaging.  With this precise images are captured to assist the doctor in making an accurate diagnosis.  In addition, this person is required to maintain, prepare, and operate the equipment, as well as work closely with patients while explaining the procedure.  While sometimes this person works in a clinic, most work in a hospital setting.

For education, a Bachelor’s degree in radiology is required, as well as on-the-job training.  In some instances, the doctor may ask for certification as well.  Salary for an MRI technician varies depending on experience, certification, geographic location, and education but on average salary is anywhere from $50,000 to $55,000 annually.

Radiologist

A radiologist is responsible for taking radiology exams and completing patient procedures.  In addition, this person often evaluates images and their quality, makes initial observations, and discusses the findings with the doctor or supervising radiologist.  For education, a Bachelor’s degree in radiological science, or some other health related field is needed.  This person must also complete and pass a radiology assistant educational program from an accredited educational institution with studies in radiological biology, radiological procedures, patient assessment, pharmacology, physics, safety, and statistics.

The radiologist is also required to complete a certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist and after passing the exam, state licensing is mandatory.  Due to the high demands for this particular healthcare profession, salary generally starts around $95,000 but can go upwards to $115,000.

Physical Therapist

Within the healthcare sector, the physical therapist plays a very important role.  This medical professional is responsible for assessing and treating patients dealing with a variety of physical limitations, injuries, and conditions associated with a birth defect, injury, stroke, or some other disability.  Treatments provided are varied but all are designed to decrease or eliminate pain, improve mobility and functionality, and improve the patient’s overall position of health.

To become a physical therapist, a graduate program from an accredited educational institution must be completed.  Often, a person interested in a career as a physical therapist will earn an undergraduate degree in science, and from there complete volunteer work or complete an internship to gain on-the-job training.  The primary courses of study for undergraduate work would include chemistry, biology, physics, anatomy, and physiology.  Typically, clinical experience coupled with formal education provides the level of teaching needed for success.  According to the latest studies, the average salary for this healthcare position is between $58,000 and $73,000.

Physician Assistants

In this role, the physician assistant works closely with the doctor but also patients.  Some of the responsibilities include physical examinations, providing a diagnosis, and even prescribing the appropriate treatment.  Additionally, the physician assistant commonly orders and reads x-rays and orders, as well as prescribes medication.

Education to become a physician assistant includes the completion of a 148-hour program to earn a PA degree through an accredited educational institution.  Course covered include anatomy, pathology, clinical medicine, family medicine, radiology, and surgery.  After the course has been completed, certification must be obtained from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.  Salary varies depending on private or public practice but on the low scale, the annual income is from $70,000 to $90,000 and on the high end from $70,000 to $100,000 plus.

Medical Transcriptionist

The medical transcriptionist takes dictation from doctors and other healthcare professionals to create reports and produce permanent patient records.  To perform job function, this professional listens through a headset to information recorded and then with knowledge of medical terminology creates the necessary documentation.  Just a few of the reports prepared for doctors include exam reports, consultations, autopsy reports, and operative notes.

For the medical transcriptionist, jobs are available with a certification or Associate’s degree.  In both cases, courses include not just medical terminology but also legal studies, grammar, and anatomy.  Typically, the starting annual salary for this type of health care professional starts around $25,000 although potential exists for making $36,000.

Respiratory Therapist

With this type of health care career, the respiratory therapist could work in a doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital.  Under the supervision of the doctor, this person would be responsible for treating patients with respiratory problems such as individuals with asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, etc.  As a part of this role, a patient would be diagnosed, evaluations would be performed, testing would be conducted, and appropriate treatment programs designed.

To work as a respiratory therapist, an Associate’s degree is needed at minimum although many doctors prefer this person have a Bachelor’s degree.  Regardless, to work in this career, licensing, and/or certification in respiratory therapy is mandatory.  Although on-the-job training is provided, having analytical, mathematical, computer, and people skills would be a plus.  Today, a respiratory therapist makes on average $47,000 a year.

Optometrist

This healthcare professional is actually a type of doctor specializing in eye care.  Responsibilities include routine eye exams, diagnosing conditions and diseases of the eye, and providing appropriate treatments.  For instance, treatment may be in the form of contacts or glasses or something more drastic.  Along with this, the optometrist is qualified to check for diabetes, high blood pressure, cataracts, glaucoma, and a variety of other medical conditions.

To work as an optometrist, a medical degree in optometry is required, as well as certification and licensing.  Additionally, this person must have at minimum three years working directly under a seasoned optometrist and have knowledge of all eye conditions and treatments.  On average, the optometrist earns from $90,000 to $105,000.

Chiropractors

Although a lot of controversy surrounded chiropractic care for many years, it has been deemed a legitimate and necessary form of health care.  A chiropractor diagnoses and treats patients dealing with skeletal and muscular issues.  Working with the spine, this health care professional uses a variety of massage therapies, subluxation adjustments, and medical devices rather than prescribe medication or perform surgery.

To become a chiropractor, 90 hours minimum is required of undergraduate study.  For this, courses would include physics, psychology, biology, chemistry, and English.  From there, a four-year degree from an accredited chiropractic college is required.  At the conclusion of education, a four-part exam must be taken and passed from the National Board of Chiropractors, as well as continuing education to maintain state licensing.  Today, the chiropractor earns around $90,000 annually.

Pharmacy Techs

Working directly under a licensed pharmacist, the pharmacy tech fills prescriptions, counts pills, handles customer phone calls, and provides general customer support.  Clerical duties are also a part of this job, as well as providing assistant to the pharmacist in whatever capacity is deemed necessary.  The pharmacy tech also refills mail orders and maintains patient charts.

To work as a pharmacy tech, only a high school diploma is needed although training in pharmacy practice is also required.  From there, this person must become certified as a pharmacy tech and in some cases the seasoned pharmacist may require the completion of an internship.  As an entry level position, the average pay is hourly between $11.00 and $14.00.