Author Archives: Sagar Satapathy

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 a Medical Librarian

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Medical Librarians play a key role in the healthcare sector, as they help physicians, health professionals and researchers by keeping a tab on the recent happenings. They also work closely with patients and their family members to maintain the health record and conduct a research on those.

Medical Librarians are responsible for maintaining the resources in various formats, including paper and electronic methods. They also design and manage websites, blogs, online education programs and digital libraries to store medical record and information as well as resources. Medical Librarians are also helpful in fundraising, marketing, business and IT systems.

Working Conditions: Medical Librarians get employment at colleges, universities, clinical settings, healthcare organizations, hospitals, academic health centers, health libraries, research centers, biotechnology centers, health insurance companies, pharmaceuticals, government agencies etc.

Education Requirements:

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: It’s mandatory for the aspirants to complete a bachelor’s degree in science, which includes Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, English and computer Technology. The duration of the program will be four years.

2. Get a Master’s Degree: The prospective Medical Librarians must have a Master of Library and Information Science degree with coursework in biology, medical sciences, medical terminology, computer science, education and management.

3. Doctorate: Some Medical Librarians go for Ph.D or Doctorate programs to add more credibility and stature to their profiles. They can also apply for membership in the Academy of Health Information Professionals.

Key Challenges:

1. Doing research
2. Managing information resources
3. Preparing catalog
4. Maintaining consumer health records
5. Providing health science information resources

Salary & Job Outlook:

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of Medical Librarians is $55,690 per year. The projected job growth for this profession is 7% during the 2012-22 period.

Becoming a Chiropractor

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Chiropractic doctors diagnose and treat patients who face problems with muscular, nervous and skeletal systems of the body. They manipulate these parts to identify the issues and reduce pain and lower resistance to disease. They mostly use hands-on technique to adjust imbalances in patients’ skeletal system. They also work in collaboration with other health care professionals that treat the patients.

Chiropractic care primarily focuses on the relationship between the spine and function of the nervous system. The Chiropractors analyze the factors that affect the health. Those include exercise, eating habits, diet, sleep and hereditary issues.

Education Requirements: The aspiring Chiropractors must have a four-year bachelor’s degree program in chiropractic medicine. After completing the degree, they can enroll for a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree.

The D.C. has a vast curriculum and covers various courses such as Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology, Microbiology, Pathology, Public health, Physical, clinical and laboratory diagnosis, Gynecology and obstetrics, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Dermatology, Otolaryngology, Diagnostic imaging procedures, Psychology, Nutrition/dietetics, Biomechanics, Orthopedics, Neurology, Spinal analysis etc.

Salary & Job Outlook: The job outlook for Chiropractors remain good and is projected to grow at 15% during the period of 2012-2022. The average salary for Chiropractors is $66,160 per year. Some highly-paid Chiropractic professionals may earn up to $94,454 in a year.

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.

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 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.