Author Archives: Sagar Satapathy

Becoming a Clinical Specialist

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Clinical Specialists perform medical as well as administrative duties in various healthcare settings. They provide direct patient care, which includes administering diagnostic tests, providing treatments and medications, observing recovery process, offering patient consultations etc. They may specialize in care for certain groups of people, such as children, pregnant women, or patients with mental health disorders. Their administrative responsibilities include staff supervision and updating patient records. Some of these professionals may conduct research work in the field of medication and health care.

Clinical Specialist may work independently or in collaboration with physicians in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, physicians’ offices, clinics, nursing homes, community health centers, rehabilitation facilities, research centers etc. They usually work full time. They may be required to work in evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.

Educational Requirements

To become a Clinical Specialist, the aspiring candidates must have to earn Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) program from an accredited institution. The syllabus includes anatomy, biology, epidemiology, physiology, physical assessment and diagnostic reasoning, pharmacology, ethics, patient care etc.

The students may also pursue master’s degree or PhD in nursing for better job prospects at higher level of this profession.

Certification and Licensure

Since a Clinical Specialist needs to be licensed in all states, the candidates must first pass the National Council Licensure Examination, (NCLEX-RN). These professionals can obtain certifications from various organizations, including the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board etc.

Skill Set               

Apart from clinical knowledge, the Clinical Specialists possess wide range of traits such as high level of attention to detail, empathy towards patients, clinical problem solving and decision making abilities, excellent leadership quality, effectively counseling abilities, understanding of regulations, competent in computer skills, pleasant communication and interpersonal skills, etc.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Clinical Specialist 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 31% during 2012-2022. The average annual salary of a Clinical Specialist was $96,460 in May 2012.

Becoming a Clinical Veterinarian

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Clinical Veterinarians play a key role in the healthcare of various animals, including pets, livestock, and zoo, sporting, and laboratory animals, birds etc. Their primary duties include diagnosing injuries, infections, fractures and diseases of animals; dressing wounds; administering vaccinations and medications and performing surgeries. They also interact with animal owners and offer advice on treatments and feeding practices for animals. In addition, they use their knowledge and skills to protect humans against diseases carried by animals. Some of these professionals conduct clinical research on both human and animal health problems.

Clinical Veterinarians are employed in various settings such as animal hospitals, animal care facilities, educational institutions, research facilities etc. They may practice in groups or solo. They often work long hours and take turns being on call for evening, night, or weekend hours according to their responsibilities.

Educational Requirements

To become a Clinical Veterinarian, the aspiring candidates must earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) degree from a 4-year program at an accredited college of veterinary medicine. After earning their DVM, Clinical Veterinarians complete internships to obtain experience.

The syllabus in D.V.M. program includes animal nutrition, anatomy, pathology, parasitology, , embryology, vertebrates etc.

Certification and Licensure

Since a Clinical Veterinarian must be licensed in all 50 states of the USA, the candidates must have to complete a D.V.M and pass the North American Veterinary Board Examination, in order to earn a required license. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners offer certification to these professionals in an area of specialty, such as beef cattle, canines, avian, felines, equine exotic pets, etc.

Skill Set

Apart from the clinical knowledge, the aspiring candidates possess various skills such as ability to observe and make assessments from required demonstration; dexterity; high level of stamina to stand for long periods of time; pleasant communications and interpersonal skills; basic computer knowledge, etc.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Clinical Veterinarian 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 12% during 2012-2022. The average annual salary of a Clinical Veterinarian was $ 86,640 in 2012.

Becoming a Clinical Therapist

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Clinical Therapists help patients who are suffering from mental and emotional problems, such as stress, substance abuse, family or social issues etc. They counsel the patients of all age groups and administer various evaluative techniques such as psychological tests, personality inventories, and intelligence quotient tests in order to detect indications of abnormal physical or mental behavior of the patients.

Accordingly, they develop therapeutic treatment plan such as behavior modification and stress management therapy, in medical settings. If necessary, they consult with medical doctors or other specialists for further treatment. Some of these professionals may conduct research in treatment and develop evaluative studies of therapy and therapy outcome.

Clinical Therapists are employed in varieties of environments such as hospitals, clinics, mental health facilities, social work or outreach agencies, educational institutions, research facilities. They often work either in an individual or group practice.

Educational Requirements

To become a Clinical Therapist, the aspiring candidates need to earn a master’s degree in psychology, social work, professional counseling or in a related discipline, which usually takes two years to complete. However, the candidates with practical experience have an advantage for better job prospects in this field.

Common coursework in the required master’s program includes the foundations of mental health, dynamics of marriage and family therapy, theories and techniques of group and individual therapy, developmental psychology, substance abuse therapy etc.

Licensure

Since a Clinical Therapist needs to be licensed in most of the states in the USA, the candidates need two years or 3,000 hours of experience, a master’s degree in related field and to pass the necessary examination to earn a required license.

Skill Set

Clinical Therapists possess various skills such as empathy towards patients, service orientation, actively listening abilities, effectively counseling skills, high level understanding the needs of a client, problem solving and decision making capacities, excellent written and verbal communication skills, competence in computer operations etc.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Clinical Therapist 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 29% during 2012-2022. The average annual salary of a Clinical Therapist was $ 46,670 in 2012.

Becoming a Clinical Technician

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Clinical Technicians play a key role in the process of diagnosing and treating various diseases of human beings. They collect and analyze bodily fluids and cells to search for bacteria, parasites and other harmful organisms that can cause infection or other health problems. Their other duties include cleaning laboratory equipments, performing urinalysis and maintaining accurate records of findings by using computer database software.

These skilled professionals may specialize as phlebotomists or histotechnicians in larger health care settings. However, they work under the direct supervision of clinical laboratory technologists.

Clinical Technicians work at variety of environments such as diagnostic laboratories, hospitals, doctors’ offices, clinics, pharmaceutical industries, forensic laboratories, research facilities, educational institutions etc. They may have to work during nights, weekends and holidays. They may also need to be on call, in case of emergency.

Educational Requirements

To become a Clinical Technician, the aspiring candidates need to earn an associate’s degree program in medical laboratory sciences from an accredited institution, which usually takes two years to complete. The job aspirants can also complete a 4-year bachelor’s degree program in medical technology or related health discipline for better job prospects in this field.

The common syllabus includes anatomy, immunology, hematology, psychology, phlebotomy, microbiology, chemistry, clinical laboratory practices etc.

Certification and Licensure

Since most of the states in the USA require Clinical Technicians to be licensed, the aspiring candidates have to earn a license by passing the required examination. American Medical Technologists and the Board of Registry for the American Society for Clinical Pathology offer exam-based certification to these professionals.

Skill Set               

Besides the clinical knowledge, Clinical Technicians possess varieties of traits such as strong attention to detail, high level of competency in dexterity, empathy towards patient, understanding of medical terminology, medical ethics, ability to monitor modern machineries, a great deal of physical stamina to work for long duration, effective communication and interpersonal skills, computer skills etc.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Clinical Technician 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, faster than the average for all occupations. The average annual salary of a Clinical Technician was $37,240 in 2012.

Becoming a Clinical Research Coordinator

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Clinical Research Coordinators play a critical role in the field of medical and clinical research. They coordinate and facilitate the daily clinical trial activities by collecting data from study participants, interviewing and enrolling eligible participants, monitoring clinical trial procedure, maintaining research logs, choosing the study site, arranging any follow-up visits and ensuring that all the work adheres to legal and safety guidelines. They also provide guidance on the administration of the study including compliance, financial, personnel and other related aspects.

Clinical Research Coordinators work under the direct supervision of the clinical principal investigators (PI). They assist the PI in the execution of research plan by overseeing clinical trials of new medications and treatments. They are employed in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, research labs, educational institutions etc.

Educational Requirements

To become a Clinical Research Coordinator, the aspiring candidates need to complete a 4-year Bachelor of Science degree in a field like medical technology, microbiology, public health, nursing or training as a Registered Nurse. The candidates can also earn a master’s degree in science in related areas for a better job prospect in this field. The common syllabus includes human anatomy, pharmacology, epidemiology, microbiology, healthcare ethics, statistics etc.

However, some employers prefer the job aspirants with experience in the areas of nursing, pharmaceuticals, medical research etc.

Certification and Licensure

Since a Clinical Research Coordinator requires a license in many states of the USA, the aspiring candidates need to obtain an exam-based license. The candidates can also earn certification from the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP).

Skill Set               

Apart from clinical knowledge, the Clinical Research Coordinators possess wide range of skills such as excellent resource management and problem solving abilities, motivating and decision making capacities, ability to establish and maintain cordial relationship with staff members and other stake holders, pleasant oral and writing communication skills, proficiency in basic computer knowledge etc.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Clinical Research Coordinator 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 14% during 2012-2022. The average annual salary of a Clinical Research Coordinator was $55,440 in 2014.

Becoming a Clinical Research Analyst

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Clinical Research Analysts play a key role in medical studies as well as clinical trials. They use their expertise, analytical skills and knowledge of scientific research to boost the clinical research process. A Clinical Research Analyst works on medical studies, specially designed to measure the effectiveness of a drug and its side effects if any. They perform their duties in hospitals, medical facilities or laboratories.

The role of Clinical Research Analysts vary, depending on the requirements of employers. They generally work with Physicians or Scientists who oversee clinical research process. They may have to directly interact with patients during the screening/data collection process. Their job responsibilities include identifying patients, overseeing protocols, tracking inventory, interacting with patients etc. They also mediate between the Physicians and other medical staff whenever needed.

Educational Requirements: The aspiring Clinical Research Analysts must have a degree in Health Science or clinical field. An Associate’s Degree is must for the entry-level jobs in this profession with a minimum five-year experience at a clinical research setting. A Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree with additional work experience.

Training: The best way to get training related to Clinical Research is to go for university research work. The training must have exposure to federal regulations set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There are many colleges, professional organizations such as the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) and the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) provide training in this field.

Salary & Job Outlook: According to PayScale.com, the Clinical Research Analysts earn between $45,346 and $88,329 per annum as of March 2015. The job outlook for this profession remains excellent. According to the BLS, it may grow by 22% between 2012 and 2022.

Becoming a Clinical Research Administrator

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Clinical Research Administrators play a key role in planning, development and conduct of scientific research projects for various health care settings. Their responsibilities include determining a project’s goals, supervising the work performance, providing technical assistance, managing budgets, evaluating staff, maintaining administrative and production policies for various clinical trials. Since they are directly involved with testing and quality control, these professionals may also determine protocols and work procedure in collaboration with department heads on research and development, and other critical aspects of a research project.

Clinical Research Administrator work in variety of environments such as public or private hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, medical research institutes, scientific research and development laboratories, government agencies etc. They work full time.

Educational Requirements

To become a Clinical Research Administrator, the aspiring candidates need to earn a 4-year bachelors degree in clinical research or any discipline in science. However, many employers often prefer the job aspirants with a two-year master’s degree in clinical research or related field in science.

The common syllabus includes epidemiology, human anatomy, biology, medicinal chemistry, molecular pharmacology, bio-statistical methods, medical computer information systems etc.

Certification and Licensure

Since the practice of a Clinical Research Administrator requires to be licensed in many states of USA, the candidates have to pass the required Licensure Exam. The candidates can also obtain exam-based certification from the Society of Clinical Research Associates (CRA).

Skill Set

Clinical Research Administrators possess a great deal of knowledge of GCP, ICH guidelines and regulatory requirements for clinical trial management. Besides, they possess various traits such as high level of attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, problem solving and decision making abilities, strong leadership quality, competent in computer operations, effective verbal and written communication skills ability to align with business initiatives etc.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Clinical Research Administrator 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 6% during 2012-2022. The average annual salary of a Clinical Research Administrator was $58,580 in 2014.

Becoming a Clinical Office Assistant

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Clinical Office Assistants play a supporting role in performing administrative and clinical services in various health care settings. Their administrative responsibilities include attending telephone calls, responding to emails, registering patients, scheduling appointments, processing medical bills, recording patients’ medical history, assisting patients for insurance claims and other tasks native to the front office.

These professionals are also engaged in various clinical services. For instance, they take a patient’s weight, blood pressure and other vital signs. They also collect fluid samples and tissue specimens for laboratory testing. In some cases, they may assist health care providers, such as doctors, nurses and other medical staff in providing medical care to patients.

Clinical Office Assistants work in a variety of health care settings such as hospitals, clinics, and offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors as well as other health practitioners. They often work full-time.

Educational Requirements

To become a Clinical Office Assistant, the aspiring candidates need to complete a 2-year associate degree program. However, candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent can join the profession and learn through on-the-job training.

The course works include medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, coding and billing, laboratory procedures, medical office software applications etc. Besides, the students learn administrative tasks, such as typing and record keeping.

Certification

Though certification is not required to become a Clinical Office Assistant, many employers in the USA prefer certified job aspirants. The candidates can obtain certification from one of many professional associations, including the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

Skill Set                               

Clinical Office Assistants possess a wide range of knowledge in medical terminology, information technology, and other skills such as high attention to detail, empathy towards patient and their family members, ability to work under pressure and emergency situation, pleasant communication and interpersonal skills, proficiency in computer operations etc.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Clinical Office Assistant 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 by 29% during 2012-2022, faster than the average for all occupations. The annual average salary of a Clinical Office Assistant was $29,370 in May 2012.

Becoming a Clinical Laboratory Manager

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Clinical Laboratory Managers play a key role in managing both administrative and technical operating procedures in a medical laboratory. Their responsibilities include supervising various tests, results, quality control, and pricing for the laboratory, as well as scheduling procedures and trials, making reports to various entities within the organization, ordering supplies and managing staff, primarily medical technicians. In addition, they oversee laboratory inventory, establish preventative maintenance schedule for equipments and oversee computerized records system.

Clinical Laboratory Managers work in variety of environments such as private and government labs, hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical companies, research firms, educational institutions etc. They may have to work in the night shifts and even during weekend.

Educational Requirements

To become a Clinical Laboratory Manager, the aspiring candidates need to earn a 4-year Bachelor’s degree in medical technology or any related discipline. The students can also pursue master’s degree in a field like medical technology, microbiology or public health administration for better job prospects in this profession.

Common coursework includes human anatomy, biochemistry, epidemiology, biostatistics, mathematics, public health and health care management.

Licensure and Certification

Since Clinical Laboratory Managers are required to be licensed in most of the states in USA, the aspiring candidates have to earn a license by passing the required examination. These professionals also need to obtain exam-based certification from professional organizations, like the Clinical Laboratory Management Association (CLMA), American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) etc.

Skill Set               

Apart from clinical knowledge, Clinical Laboratory Managers possess various traits such as high level of attention to detail, ability to maintain a proactive approach to work activities, motivating abilities, good work ethics, excellent organizational and leadership skills, ability to work under pressure, effective written and verbal communication skills, ability to establish and maintain cordial relationship with staff members, high level of team spirit, competent in technology including computer programs and laboratory equipments to name a few.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Clinical Laboratory Manager remains excellent in USA. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the growth rate for job opportunities in this profession may rise 14% between 2012 and 2022. The average annual salary of a Clinical Laboratory Manager was $57, 580 in 2012.

Becoming a Clinical Lab Technician

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Clinical Lab Technicians play a key role in diagnoses and treatment procedure in health care services. They collect human bodily fluids, tissue samples etc. and perform laboratory test in order to determine the function of a patient’s immune system and identify diseases like HIV/AIDS, Cancer, Diabetics or other different types of health abnormalities. They perform diagnostic test with microscopes and other automated laboratory machines. All the test-results of patients are safely recoded and sent to the physicians in order to administer a proper treatment program.

These skilled professionals work under the supervision of a physician, lab manager or medical technologist. Some of them pursue a specialty in areas such as immunology, microbiology, blood bank, clinical chemistry etc. They are employed at variety of settings such as public or private hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, forensic laboratories, pharmaceutical or chemical industries, research facilities, educational institutions etc. They may have to work in day or night shifts and sometimes at the weekend. They may also need to be alert to respond in case of emergency.

Educational Requirements

To become a Clinical Lab Technician, the aspiring candidates are required to complete a post-secondary certificate or an associate’s degree program in medical laboratory sciences from an accredited institution. Students can also pursue a 4-year bachelor’s degree program in medical technology or related health discipline for better job prospects. The job aspirants can also earn on-the-job training.

The common syllabus includes anatomy, immunology, phlebotomy, microbiology, hematology, psychology, chemistry, clinical laboratory practices etc.

Certification and Licensure

Since many states of USA require Clinical Lab Technicians to be licensed, the aspiring candidates have to earn a license by passing the required examination. The Board of Registry for the American Society for Clinical Pathology offers exam-based certification to these professionals.

Skill Set

Apart from clinical and technological knowledge, Clinical Lab Technicians possess varieties of skills such as attention to detail, competent in dexterity, an understanding of medical terminology, high medical ethics, empathy towards patient, ability to manage complex machinery, a great deal of physical stamina to work for long duration, effective written and verbal communication skills, computer skills etc.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Clinical Lab Technician remains excellent in USA. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the growth rate for job opportunities in this profession may rise 30% from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations. The average annual salary of a Clinical Lab Technician was $38,370 in 2014.