Tag Archives: Training

Becoming a Pharmacy Technician

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Pharmacy Technicians work under the direct supervision of licensed Pharmacists. They perform various kinds of functions related to pharmacy. They handles the queries on prescriptions, drug information and other health matters. Pharmacy Technicians work at community pharmacies, hospitals, military establishments, health care settings, care facilities and other organizations.

The job responsibilities of Pharmacy Technicians are no less than that of Pharmacists. They need to be flexible when it comes to working hours. They work in days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays etc, thanks to the demand of the job. As some hospital and retail pharmacies are open 24/7, the Pharmacy Technicians may work in different shifts too.

Education Requirements: A high school diploma or equivalent is required for aspiring Pharmacy Technicians. The subjects may include biology, physics, chemistry etc. The Pharmacy Technicians generally learn on the job. Whatever education programs they join, that must have classroom and laboratory work. They can also go for Master’s Degree, Certificate, Associate Degree etc.

They can also prefer on-the-job training. Most states regulate pharmacy technicians, which means they may require to pass an exam or complete a formal education or training program. It is very much essential for the Pharmacy Technicians to learn about names of medicines, actions, uses, and doses.

Salary & Job Outlook: Job outlook for Pharmacy Technicians remains excellent in the United States. That is projected to grow 20 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all other occupations. The average annual salary for Pharmacy Technicians was $29,320 in May 2012.

Becoming a Nurse Researcher

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The Nurse Researchers work in hospitals and other medical facilities while operating as members of clinical research teams. They not only evaluate current patient care practices, but also develop new procedures for research evidence purpose. They study various aspects of health and illness. They also work towards implementing scientific studies and improve healthcare services.

Apart from teaching and imparting training, the Nurse Researchers also write articles and research papers for nursing or medical journals. They do work at various positions such as Research Assistants and Clinical Data Coordinators.

Key Challenges:

  • Deliver healthcare services effectively and efficiently
  • Improve quality of life of chronic patients
  • Guide patients on nutrition, fitness and lifestyle
  • Ensure safety of patients
  • Provide proper care and comfort to patients.

Education Requirements:

  1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree: To start with, it is necessary for the students to get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and comprehensive training. While some nursing schools accept applicants with a high school diploma, most of them need college pass outs during enrollment. The four-year-long BSN program covers all aspects of nursing education.
  2. Licensing: After completing the Bachelor’s Degree, the aspiring Nurse Researchers must pass the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) program.

Salary & Job Outlook: The job outlook for Nurse Researchers may remain excellent if they are well trained and have good experience. The average salary for a nurse researcher is $95,000.

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 Health Administrator

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Health Administrators take up the lead role in managing hospitals, nursing homes, health agencies and physician groups. They monitor the operations at health facilities and fix the responsibilities for everything, including services, programs, staffing, budgeting etc. The Health Administrators get employment at public sectors, private agencies, health care facilities etc.

The top level Health Administrator focus on policy making and management of the healthcare facilities, while taking the help of Assistant Administrators who oversee the financial, personnel and other relevant issues. At small settings, the Health Administrators are required to manage everything on their own.

Education Requirements:

  1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: A Bachelor’s Degree in any healthcare related course is advisable for Health Administrators. The coursework may include physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics.
  2. Get a Master’s Degree: Many higher-level Health Administrators possess a Master’s Degree in public health, business, management or nursing administration. The higher degree program may be required at bigger medical facilities.
  3. Certification and Licensing: Health Care Administrators must also pass the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) exam to obtain state license. This is not mandatory, but preferable in many states.

Salary & Job Outlook: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has predicted a faster than average growth for Health Administrators. The job growth could be 23% during the period of 2012-2022. The average annual salary of Health Administrators was $53,940 to $150,560 as of May 2012.

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 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 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.