Tag Archives: Jobs

Becoming a Medical Coder

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Medical Coders review detailed information about patient injuries, diseases and procedures by digging deep into the medical records and documents provided by the doctors and other healthcare service providers. They use the universal coding system to handle the reimburse claims made by hospitals and their physicians.

If you have a health policy, your medical insurance provider will get a bill from the hospital, which will contain a CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) code. There are over 9,800 CPT codes for various types of healthcare services provided by health care facilities. In addition, there are 14,000 International Classification of Diseases (ICDs). The Medical Coders spend time in reviewing the medical records and assigning these codes to the patients so that the health insurance providers are properly reimbursed. The Medical Coders are required to properly study the notes given by doctors and nurses before assigning the codes.

Education Requirements:

  1. Get a High School Diploma: High school diploma with subjects such as algebra, biology, chemistry and other computer skills is the first step of academic requirements for the aspiring Medical Coders.
  2. Get an Associate’s Degree: A degree in health information technology or similar course will be helpful for the Medical Coders to pursue their career ambitions. The college or university, which will provide the degree education, must be accredited with the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

The coursework must include anatomy, physiology, healthcare reimbursement, classification, coding systems, database security and management.

  1. Certification: Many states in the U.S. require Medical Coders to possess Registered Health Information Technicians (RHIT) credentials. The exam is administered by American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Salary & Job Outlook: The job outlook for Medical Coders remains very good. According to AAPC, Medical Coders with certification earn more than the non-certified ones. The average annual salary of Medical Coders was $46,847 in 2013.

Becoming a Nurse Midwife

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A Nurse Midwife specializes in various women’s issues such as menopause, childbirth, pregnancy, gynecological, breastfeeding etc. It’s true that they are best known for providing assistance to pregnant women during child birth. But, they are also experienced in postpartum care and child care. They are required to work in flexible hours and must have physical and mental strength and stamina to deal with any situation.

Skilled Nurse Midwives are also trained in the latest scientific procedures to assist in normal deliveries. At the same time, they can reduce heavy use of machinery in the delivery process with their expertise and experience. They must have proficiency in midwifery tools, including umbilical cord scissors and handling infant oxygen masks.

Education requirements:

  1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: A Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing is must for aspiring Nurse Midwives. Nursing degree programs, which will help them become Registered Nurses, may typically include two years of coursework in chemistry, biology and other related subjects. The next two years of the program are devoted to nursing courses for all phases of life along with coursework in family and community health.
  2. Obtain a License: The graduate nurses can take up the licensure examination to become a Registered Nurse. The requirements of licensure vary from state to state. There are 42 programs accredited by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) in the United States.
  3. Job Experience: Most midwifery degree programs require the applicants to gain experience in midwifery or women’s health prior to admission. At least one year of registered nursing experience will come in handy.

Salary & Job Outlook: According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook remains good for this profession. The projected job growth for Nurse Midwives is 29% during the period of 2012-2022. According to PayScale.com, the average annual salary for Certified Nurse Midwives is $82,620 as of September 2014.

Becoming a Forensic Chemist

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Forensic Chemists are different from Forensic Technicians. They analyze non-living particles and evidences found at crime scenes to identify alien materials and match the samples to establish a proper link. The Forensic Chemists generally work in a lab and conduct tests on samples collected by the crime scene investigators. They don’t visit the spots. They use a variety of techniques such as microscopy, optical analysis, gas chromatography etc in their tests.

The job responsibilities of Forensic Chemists include:

  • Conducting toxicology tests on fluids and tissues of the body to find traces of drugs or poison
  • Testing devices that measure blood alcohol levels
  • Examining the fingerprints collected from the crime scene
  • Communicating with the cops, investigators, lawyers and other authorities
  • Appearing before the courts or law enforcement agencies if needed

Education Requirements:

  1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: The aspiring Forensic Chemists must earn a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or forensic sciences, which may include coursework in chemistry, physiology, instrumental analysis, toxicology, soil chemistry, material science and biochemistry. They must have a complete understanding of the forensic processing and analysis during the course.
  2. Earn a Master’s Degree: To advance their career further, the aspiring Forensic Chemists may go for higher studies such as a master’s degree. But, this is not mandatory.

Key Challenges:

  • A Forensic Chemist must be flexible to work in odd hours
  • Strong patience is needed to deal with any type of situation
  • Must have strong communication skills and analytical abilities
  • Must have transparency in work and related activities

Salary & Job Outlook: The job outlook for Forensic Chemists remains excellent. The average salary of these professionals stands at $27,683 – $52,471 per year.

Becoming a Cytotechnologist

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Cytotechnologists focus on performing laboratory tasks involving cells and cellular complications. They use a microscope to examine the slides of human cells to figure out the exact nature of problem with the cells if any. They usually detect the cancerous, infectious and inflammatory cells. Cytotechnologists play a key role in identifying the complex diseases and help the patients recover.

These professionals specialize in the extraction and examination of human cells. They obtain cell specimens from various body parts, including lungs, veins and female reproductive tract, place them on slides and examine those microscopically. They are trained to mark the cellular changes.

Education Requirements:

  1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: Bachelor’s degree programs in cytotechnology help the aspiring Cytotechnologists understand the cellular system and identify the diseases. The four-year degree programs include coursework in biology, cell biology, chemistry and human physiology as well as laboratory experience.
  2. Accreditation: After completing the bachelor’s degree program, the students must go for accreditation. According to the American Society for Cytotechnology, there are currently 48 programs nationwide that are accredited in cytotechnology. The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) offer accreditation.
  3. Certification: In order to improve your employment prospects, obtain a certification from the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP). The certification exam ask questions in eight different areas, including gynecological, respiratory system, lab operations etc.
  4. Licensure: Several states in the United States require the Cytotechnologists to possess a license. The students can obtain a license in order to boost their profile.

Salary & Job Outlook:

Job outlook for Cytotechnologists remains bright at least for the next two decades. These professionals are high in demand in the United States. The average annual salary for Cytotechnologists was $61,235 in 2012. Those in higher positions, can earn up to $71,261 per year.

Becoming an Allied Dental Educator

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Allied Dental Educators train students to become Dental Assistants, Dental Hygienists or Dental Laboratory Technicians. They remain on the forefront when it comes to oral health practice and dental science. As the dental technology keeps changing fast, they must stay up-to-date with new techniques and research information.

Apart from imparting classroom teaching, the Allied Dental Educators are also required to supervise students in a laboratory and clinical setting and train them on how to provide quality oral health care to patients. Some of them also help publishers develop new textbooks and other training, teaching and evaluation materials. Sometimes, they are entrusted with the task of consulting with the manufacturers about the design of dental equipments.

Education Requirements:

A four-year bachelor’s degree in any science discipline is must as the first step towards becoming an Allied Dental Educator. Coursework in physics, chemistry and biology will help the students get the exposure and skill set they need to do well in this profession. Full-time positions in dental hygiene programs generally require a graduate or doctoral degree. The Allied Dental Educators also need professional certification or licensure to get hired at a good salary.

Working Environments:

Whether it’s full time or part-time, the Allied Dental Educators get employment at community colleges, vocational schools, colleges, universities, health centers, dental schools and any other laboratories. They also work closely with organizations and committees, giving their best shots.

Salary & Job Outlook:

A full-time Allied Dental Educator can earn between $41,000 and $62,000 a year. The job outlook remains very bright for this profession. There are hundreds of vacant jobs in the United States that need to be filled over the next few years.

Becoming an Athletic Trainer

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The Athletic Trainers are qualified and trained to prevent, recognize, manage and rehabilitate injuries related to physical activities. They help the patients avoid expensive and cumbersome medical treatment with various techniques. These professionals generally deal with healthcare, but don’t use typical medical procedures. Apart from taking care of patients’ health, they also develop and prepare workout schedule, exercise routines and awareness programs for the patients. The American Medical Association (AMA) has recognized Athletic Trainers as Allied Health Care Professionals since 1990.

Education Requirements:

  1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: It’s mandatory for the aspiring Athletic Trainers to obtain a four-year Bachelor’s degree in athletic training or sports science. You will learn the first aid procedures in the initial days followed by extensive training in other areas. Coursework in athletic training includes human anatomy, physiology, nutrition, exercise, physiotherapy, kinesiology, biomechanics, rehabilitation, health care administration etc.
  2. Accreditation: It’s important for the students to choose a degree program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Clinical training is an important aspect of the program, as it gives the students enough exposure to hands-on clinical education and experience.
  3. Internship: Although it’s not mandatory, but it’s essential to go for an internship program to boost your job prospects. Getting trained in an athletic training environment under the direct supervision of an experienced Athletic Trainer, may definitely serve the purpose.
  4. Licensing: Since several U.S. states requires Athletic Trainers to be licensed or registered, it is advisable to get the license from the Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC). Once you get the license, you will be ready to work as an Athletic Trainers in all states.

Salary & Job Outlook: There are various segments for the Athletic Trainers. According to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), professionals in Youth Sports and Professional Sports earn more than those Athletic Trainers working at schools, hospitals and government settings. The job outlook for this profession remains faster than average. The Athletic Trainers typically earn a salary of $35,000 to $75,000 per year.

Becoming a Forensic Toxicologist

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Forensic Toxicologists mainly work with law enforcement agencies and monitor the evidences found at crime scene. This profession keeps changing constantly with frequent developments and new technologies. The Forensic Toxicologists keep themselves updated with the changes and use their brain and expertise to determine the exact nature of the crime and present themselves in court cases.

Education Requirements:

  1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: Forensic Toxicologists need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in natural sciences such as Chemistry or Biology. They can also go for a degree in Forensic Science. Coursework in mathematics, medicine and pharmacology will serve as an extra advantage. The Bachelor’s Degree is just an entry level program. The aspiring Forensic Toxicologists are required to go for higher courses to reach the zenith of their career.
  2. Obtain a Master’s Degree: After completing Bachelor’s Degree, the aspiring Forensic Toxicologists can go for a Master’s Degree program in relevant field. Coursework in biochemistry and environmental toxicology, will give a tremendous boost to their career.
  3. Doctorate/Post Doctorate: A postdoctoral training arms the Forensic Toxicologists with hands-on experience in setting up a toxicology laboratory, coordinating with staff, prepare relevant applications and manage various projects. Apart from that, a certification from reputed institutes such as the American Board of Forensic Toxicology or the American Board of Clinical Chemistry or the American Board of Toxicology, is also very much desirable.

Salary & Job Outlook: The average salary for a Forensic Toxicologist is around $75,000 per year. Some experienced Toxicologists may earn up to $100,000 or more while newly hired professionals get $60,000 or so. The job outlook for this profession remains bright.

Becoming a Dietetic Technician

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The Dietetic Technicians work with people to improve their health and fitness through nutritional planning and guidance. They also consult with the Dietitians to prepare diet schedule and food chart for the people suffering from obesity and other ailments. The Dietetic Technicians usually get employment at schools, day care centers, gyms, private clinics, government agencies and prisons.

These professionals are well trained to identify the problems people face in their day-to-day life when it comes to eating habits. They understand how the nutrition factors influence our health and what we should eat or drink to keep the body in balance mode. They prepare nutritious recipes that help people to overcome the resentment and accept the foods that are good for their health. Proper guidance and healthy eating habits help people reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other ailments. The Dietetic Technician plays a key role in making that happen.

Education Requirements:

An Associate’s Degree in health studies from an accredited institution is must to become a Dietetic Technician. The coursework generally includes general science, nutrition science and food service systems management. After that, you can enroll in a training program offered by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The program includes 450 hours of practical work in real environment.

The training will help the aspiring Dietetic Technicians learn the communication tricks while dealing with the patients and preparation of food chart to satisfy their needs as well as dietary requirements.

After the training, a certification is necessary to start working as the Dietetic Technician. You must pass a national examination conducted by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) to get the certification.

Salary & Job Outlook:

The job outlook for Dietetic Technicians remains bright in the United States. Demand for this profession is expected to grow by 18% during the 2012-22 period. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of Dietetic Technicians was $26,260 in May 2012.

Becoming a Dental Hygienist

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Dental Hygienists provide educational, clinical, medical, research, administrative and therapeutic services on oral healthcare. They diagnose the patients’ oral tissues and overall health to determine the disease or other issues such as risk factors and offer preventive services. They also educate the patients on oral hygiene and preventive oral care. They generally work under the supervision of licensed Dentists. The Dental Hygienists get employment at dental clinics, hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities.

Education Requirements:

  1. Earn an Undergraduate Degree: Dental Hygienists usually hold an Associate’s Degree. The two-year Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene programs can be availed at community colleges, vocational institutes or dental schools. The major courses in this degree program include oral pathology, dental science, radiology, pain management, periodontics, community dental health and pharmacology.
  2. Licensing: All states in the United States require Dental Hygienists to hold licenses. The Associate’s Degree, school transcripts and/or letters of recommendation are needed to qualify to sit in the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, conducted by the American Dental Association (ADA), which has the final authority to grant the license.
  3. Career Advancement: A higher degree in Bachelor’s or Master’s will help the Dental Hygienists get further growth in their career. That might assist them go beyond the dental office and get a job in research and teaching.

Salary & Job Outlook: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary of a Dental Hygienist was $71,110 per year in 2013. The job outlook remains bright for this profession, as it is projected to grow at 33% during the period 2012-22.

Becoming a Medical Interpreter

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A Medical Interpreter plays key role in mediating between patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) and the doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers. The need for Medical Interpreters or Healthcare Interpreters is growing fast, as a huge number of patients from non-English speaking countries are coming to the United States in quest of better treatment over the past few years. When a patient is not good in speaking English, it is even too difficult and sometimes becomes impossible for the doctors and technicians to provide top-notch healthcare facilities to him. In such cases, Medical Interpreters step in to fill up the gap.

Education Requirements:

  1. High School Education: The aspiring Medical Interpreters can get the entry-level training at high school level. They can opt for English, any foreign language and biology classes. They can also study cultural affairs and history to learn more about other countries.
  2. Certification: After completing high school, they can go for a one-year medical interpreter certification program at any community college. During the program, they should study medical terminology, medical ethics, interpreting techniques and communication programs. The certification can be availed from the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters.
  3. Bachelor’s Degree: The Medical Interpreters may choose a foreign language course during a four-year Bachelor’s Degree program. They can also go for a program that covers more than one foreign language. Apart from that, they will need training and experience in business administration, computer application, inter-personal skills, marketing etc.

Key Job Responsibilities:

  • Use proper medical terminology to translate the patient’s response back to Doctors
  • Get details of the patient’s medical history, family background and requirements
  • Reduce the cultural gap between the patients and doctors
  • Be flexible and comfortable to discuss sensitive or personal issues
  • Talk to the patient’s family members when required in the presence of senior professionals.

Salary & Job Outlook: The job outlook for Medical Interpreters remains bright. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is expected to grow at 46% during the period of 2012-2022. The annual average salary for Medical Interpreters was $42,420 as of May 2013.