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Becoming a Clinical Dietitian

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Clinical Dietitians provide nutritional care to patients in various disease states and medical conditions. They design and develop a required diet plan for patients in order to speed up the recovery process, prevent diseases and maintain a healthy life. They also consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to coordinate medical and nutritional needs of their clients. In addition, they counsel people about beneficial dietary habits.

Clinical Dietitians work in various settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, long term care facilities, cafeterias, clinics etc. Some of these professionals are self-employed and have their own practices.

Some Clinical Dietitians may specialize in a particular area, such as nutrition for pregnant women, children, diabetic patients or people with high blood pressure to name a few.

Educational Requirements

To become a Clinical Dietitian, the aspiring candidates have to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree program in a relevant area such as dietetics, food and nutrition etc. The students may also complete a Dietetic Internship of few months. The syllabus includes physiology, anatomy, microbiology¸ food and nutrition sciences, food service systems management, metabolism, antioxidants, proteins etc.

The students may pursue a master’s degree in related areas for better job prospects in this field.

Certification and Licensure

Most of the states in USA require Clinical Dietitians to be licensed. To obtain licensing, a bachelor’s degree in food and nutrition or a related area as well as some supervised training and successful completion of an examination are required. The Commission on Dietetic Registration offers exam based certification to these professionals.

Skill Set

Apart from the academic knowledge, Clinical Dietitians have various traits such as detail-oriented, active listening skills, sensitive to their patients’ needs, good decision making and judgment capabilities, critical thinking abilities, motivating skills, ability to work collaboratively with different professionals, strong communication and interpersonal skills; knowledge in computer application etc.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Clinical Dietitian remains excellent across the USA. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the growth rate for job opportunities in this profession may rise 21% during 2012-2022, faster than the average for all occupations. The average annual salary of a Clinical Dietitian was $55,240 in May 2012.

Becoming a Clerical Health Care Worker

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Clerical Health Care Workers are dedicated to provide general administrative and support services in a healthcare setting. They ensure to keep the patient’s medical records, laboratory reports and other necessary documents with accuracy and confidentiality and make them available to service providers and patients when required.

Their other duties include guiding patients for adequate treatment program, acting as a communicating link between patients and doctors, helping patients for insurance reimbursement , counseling people on preventive care and rehabilitation process, answering patients’ queries through email or phone calls, scheduling appointments, maintaining supplies and inventories, and performing other duties as assigned.

Clerical Health Care Workers work at variety of settings such as public or private hospitals, doctor’s offices, group medical practices at clinics, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, etc. these professionals are posted in different positions such as administrative support worker, medical records clerk, medical coder etc. They often work full time. In some cases, they may be required to work in the night shifts and weekend as well.

Educational Requirements

To become a Clerical Health Care Worker, the aspiring candidates have to earn at least a high school diploma or GED equivalent. The students can also complete a two-year associate degree program in health, office administration or related area for better job prospects in this field. The common syllabus includes human anatomy, medical coding and billing, patient care, physiology, medical terminology, etc.

Clerical Health Care Workers can also attain job-on- training from different institutions or through various vocational programs.

Certification

In USA, the Clerical Health Care Workers are required to obtain exam-based certification from different organizations according to their official positions. The Board of Medical Specialty Coding (BMSC), the Professional Association of Health Care Coding Specialists (PAHCS) and the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) offer various types of certification for these professionals.

Skill Set

In addition to the academic knowledge, Clerical Health Care Workers possess various traits such as attention to detail, empathy towards patient, ability to maintain cordial relation with patients and medical staff, decision making and crisis management abilities, competence in accurate data recording, ability to keep privacy of patients, strong communication and interpersonal skills, typing and computer application skills etc.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Clerical Health Care Worker remains outstanding across the USA. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the growth rate for job opportunities in this profession may rise 22 per cent from 2012 to 2022. The average annual salary of a Clerical Health Care Worker was $34,970 in May 2013.

 

Becoming a Certified Coding Specialist

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Certified Coding Specialists maintain patients’ medical records through numerical codes in health care settings. They provide appropriate coding on the patient’s medical history, diagnosis and treatment records. They ensure accuracy and confidentiality while coding the records. In addition, they act as a communication link between patients and the service providers including health care officials and the insurance companies.

Certified Coding Specialists work at different types of settings such as hospitals, private practices or other health-related facilities, government organizations, insurance companies, research institutions, independent billing and coding services so on and so forth. They depend heavily on the use of computer software. These professionals may have to work on day or night shifts as well as in the weekends.

Educational Requirements

To qualify for the position of a Certified Coding Specialist, aspiring candidates need to earn a two-year associate’s degree program in medical coding and billing. The students can also go for a 4-year degree program in this field for better job prospects. However, some employers in USA prefer candidates with previous experience for these professionals.

Certified Coding Specialists study the course work of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology ethics etc. Besides, they need to acquire the knowledge of medical billing and coding, health record maintenance and computer science.

Certification and Licensure

Since many states of USA require a Certified Coding Specialist to be licensed, the aspiring candidates need to earn an exam-based License. The candidates can also obtain certification from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Skill set

Certified Coding Specialists possess variety of traits such as a great deal of knowledge in Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and the International Classification of Diseases Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) for proper coding, high medical ethics, maintaining patients’ privacy and confidentiality,   understanding of insurance reimbursement process , ability to work with accuracy in stressed condition, tolerance to spend long hours sitting on computer desk, pleasant communications and interpersonal skills, computer data entry skills etc.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Certified Coding Specialist remains excellent in USA. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the growth rate for job opportunities in this profession may rise 22% from 2012 to 2022. The average annual salary of a Certified Coding Specialist was around $36,000 in 2014.

Becoming an Aromatherapist

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Aromatherapists offer holistic medicinal therapy to patients by using essential oils extracted from plants in blends that are inhaled or applied directly to the skin in order to improve physical, psychological or emotional afflictions like stress and insomnia. Their responsibilities include taking a detailed patient case history before therapy, choosing the correct essential oils for those patients, creating a bespoke blend for the treatment session, administering the oils to the patient’s body either through sprays, massage or inhalation techniques etc. They also consult and refer to other health practitioners if required.

Aromatherapists are usually self-employed. These professionals also work in hospitals, alternative medicine clinics, doctor’s offices, spas, salons, rehabilitation centers etc.

Educational Requirements

To become an Aromatherapist, the aspiring candidates need to earn diplomas and certificates in aromatherapy. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) offers the standard for professional aromatherapy certification.

Aromatherapist practitioners study botany, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, the application of essential oils, therapeutic relationships and business.

Knowledge and Skill Set

Aromatherapists should have a great deal of knowledge to distinguish between different types of essential oils, healing properties of such oils and know how they affect the human body.

In addition, these professionals possess various skills such as dedication to work in challenging situation, empathy towards patient, high medical ethics, clear understanding of confidentiality, ability to remain calm under pressure, work with compassion, pleasant communications and interpersonal skills, decision making and management abilities, physical stamina to work for long hours, computer skills etc.

Salary & Job Outlook

Job outlook for the Aromatherapists remains excellent across the USA. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the growth rate for job opportunities in this profession may rise 28% from 2012 to 2022, higher than the average for all occupations. The average annual salary of an Aromatherapist was $53,210 in 2012.

Becoming a Cardiac Sonography Technologist

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Cardiac Sonography Technologists help doctors in diagnosing and treating cardiac patients. They use high-frequency sound waves to form images of the heart and circulatory systems. They work closely with both physicians and patients to diagnose and assess various cardiac difficulties. They perform ultrasound imaging to evaluate different aspects of the heart, such as chamber size, valve function and blood flow patterns.

Besides, their other responsibilities include scheduling appointments, explaining procedures to patients, reading the images, reporting their findings to a cardiologist, maintaining ultrasound equipment etc. Some of these professionals also assist physicians and surgeons during surgical procedures.

Cardiac Sonography Technologists work in both government and private medical settings. They are employed at hospitals, outpatient clinics, physician’s offices, medical laboratories, cardiac rehabilitation facilities. In some cases, they have to work even in weekends, evenings or overnight shifts.

Educational Requirements

To become a Cardiac Sonography Technologist, the aspiring candidates must have to earn at least a 2-year associate’s degree in cardiovascular technology. The course work includes anatomy, physiology, physics, pathology, diagnostic testing, electrocardiography, echocardiography imaging and techniques etc.

Students can also pursue a 4-year degree program in diagnostic medical sonography to find better job opportunities in this field.

Licensure & Certification

Since many states in USA require a Cardiac Sonography Technologist to be licensed, the aspiring candidates need to pass a licensing exam and complete a state-approved training program. These professionals can earn examination-based certification through American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).

Skill Set

Apart from clinical knowledge, Cardiac Sonography Technologists possess variety of skills such as dexterity to perform procedures, attention to detail, empathy towards patient, high medical ethics, ability to work with compassion and accuracy, physical stamina for lifting and positioning the patients and equipments, tolerance for long working hours, pleasant communications and interpersonal skills, basic computer knowledge etc.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Cardiac Sonography Technologist remains excellent in the USA. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the growth rate for this profession may rise 39% from 2012 to 2022, higher than the average for all occupations. The average annual salary of a Cardiac Sonography Technologist was $65,860 in 2012.

Becoming a Dental Laboratory Technician

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Dental Laboratory Technicians work closely with the Dentists to assist them in treating the patients suffering from various dental ailments. They also create crowns, bridges and dentures based on the information received about the patients’ teeth. They play a key role during the restoration process by placing the corrective device in the patients’ mouth after the dental surgery in case of an accident or disease, which force the patients lose teeth.

The restoration process is typically complex and requires more skill and art to bring perfection. Dental Laboratory Technicians capture and recreate that perfection to make the smile look natural.

They use advanced materials such as ceramics, plastics and metal alloys during fixed restorations.  These professionals take instructions from the Dentists and then design dental replacements with care.

Education Requirements: The aspiring Dental Laboratory Technicians may have to go for a two-year high school diploma program at the community college, vocational school, technical college or dental school. They receive an associate degree upon the successful completion of the program.

After completing the degree, the aspiring Dental Laboratory Technicians must take up a certification program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association (CODA). Another certification program is being offered by the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology (NBCDLT).

During the Associate’s Degree and Certification programs, students learn safety principles, laboratory equipment operation, denture and bridge construction, plaster use, anatomy, science and math.

Salary & Job Outlook: Job outlook for Dental Laboratory Technicians is not very good. The projected job growth is estimated at 3% during the period of 2012-22. The annual average salary for Dental Laboratory Technicians was $39,780 per year.

Becoming a Nurse Practitioner

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Nurse Practitioners provide care to patients of all ages and ensure their physical fitness and well being. They perform critical physical examinations and treat illness and injuries apart from providing immunization and care. They also manage the patients’ blood pressure, diabetes, depression and other chronic ailments. It is the responsibility of Nurse Practitioners to handle the reports of X-Rays and EKGs as well as other laboratory tests. They also educate and counsel patients and their families regarding healthy living.

Nurse Practitioners work in clinics, offices, care facilities, hospitals besides providing personal services at home. Their work places also include college campuses, non-profit organizations and government agencies.

Education Requirements:

1. Earn an Undergraduate Degree in Nursing. It’s mandatory for aspiring Nurse Practitioners to go for an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing. The under-graduate degree program usually takes two years to complete.

2. Get a Bachelor’s Degree. A Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing is the next level when it comes to education requirements to become a Nurse Practitioner. The four-year program may consist of various subjects such as pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, pediatric nursing and community health.

3. Licensure: A license from the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is must for Nurse Practitioners to get employment in the United States. They must be proficient in Problem solving, decision making, written and oral communication skills.

Salary & Job Outlook: The career outlook for Nurse Practitioners remains excellent. In 2013, the average salary of Nurse Practitioners was $92,670 per year. Top Nurse Practitioners may earn up to $126,250 per year.

Becoming a Forensic Odontologist

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Forensic Odontologists use their expertise to help identify the bite marks on individuals and figure out the repercussions while prescribing treatments. They are capable of identifying human remains that cannot be identified through face recognition. They also identify bodies in case of mass casualties, such as plane crash, road mishap and natural disasters. The Forensic Odontologists also determine the source of bite marks to prove any suspected assault or abuse. They further estimate the age of skeletal remains, using their knowledge and expertise.

Apart from these tests, the Forensic Odontologists write detailed reports explaining the the events and suggested actions. They must be prepared to testify in the court and justify their findings. They usually work as regular Dentists at hospitals, medical facilities and law enforcement agencies.

Education Requirements:

A Forensic Odontologist must earn a Doctor of Dental Science (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree followed by extensive training in forensic odontology. Hands-on experience will be an advantage for the professionals.

They must do coursework in various subjects such as Biochemistry, Histology, Human Anatomy, Oral Surgery, Neuroscience, Physiology etc. A certification program from the American Board of Forensic Odontology or the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, may be desired by various states in the U.S.

Salary & Job Outlook:

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for Forensic Odontologist may grow by 16% – greater than the average during the period of 2012-22. Their average annual salary is around $150,000 – $185,000, which is considered high in the field of healthcare.

Becoming an Occupational Therapist

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Occupational Therapists provide a helping hand to elderly people and disabled who are in need by assisting them in performing activities such as daily chores, personal activities and stuffs such as cooking, driving, eating, walking etc. The main goal of Occupational Therapists is to improve one’s ability to perform daily activities.

Working Environment: The Occupational Therapists generally work in hospital, research centers and clinical settings. They need to be flexible and patient, as they may be required to work in odd hours. On many occasions, they need to deal with clients, who are annoyed or frustrated.

Education Requirements: A bachelor’s degree is must for prospective Occupational Therapists. They require education and training during the four-year degree program. The coursework may include Kinesiology, psychology, anthropology, biology and sociology. Apart from the regular education, students can also opt for certification courses to boost their profiles.

Some states in the United States require licensure while hiring Occupational Therapists. It is always better to make yourself prepared with a certification program rather than joining a job with a mere degree program. A Master’s Degree program in similar subjects can further boost the profiles of Occupational Therapists.

Salary & Job Outlook: The job outlook for Occupational Therapists remains excellent. The average annual salary of Occupational Therapists was $54,660.

Becoming an Animal Behaviorist

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Apart from skill set and training, the most important requirement to become an Animal Behaviorist is the love and affection for animals and pets. The Animal Behaviorists study the way animals behave and act and then determine the causes and effects. They also analyze change in their behavior. Their research includes domestic animals, fishes, birds, wild animals etc. Apart from the movement and behavior of the animals, these professionals also focus on hunting, mating, productions etc.

Working Environment: They work in universities, research facilities, zoos, animal training centers, pet product companies, pharmaceutical firms, animal welfare organizations etc. They are usually smart people, who can easily understand the animals and their requirements. There are two types of Animal Behaviorists. Some work as specialists, while others work as teachers at a university or college.

Education Requirements:

  1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: It is mandatory for the aspirants to complete a bachelor’s degree in life science such as zoology, biology or ecology if they want to become Animal Behaviorists. Coursework in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics and psychology are the basic requirements for Animal Behaviorist programs. Animal Behavior topics include behavioral ecology, neuroendocrinology and animal cognition.

Those having a bachelor’s degree might get employment at zoos with various positions such as Zookeepers, Assistant Zoo Directors, Zoo Directors etc.

  1. Advanced Education: After completing a bachelor’s degree, the aspirants may go for a master’s degree in the relevant field and even go further to complete a PhD or Doctorate. During that period, they will learn about evolution, genetics, neurobiology and physiology along with wildlife conservation and attend seminars on animal behavioral pattern.

Salary & Job Outlook: The job outlook for Animal Behaviorists remains good, if not excellent. Animal behaviorists working in private companies typically earn more than researchers or those working for zoos and other non-profit organizations. The average salary of Animal Behaviorists was $35,000 to $90,000 in May 2012.