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Becoming a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

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Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists apply various techniques of recreation measures such as music, drama, dance, arts and crafts, sports, games, field trips etc. in order to improve the physical, mental and emotional well-being of people with illness, injuries or disabilities. Their responsibilities include conducting recreation-based treatment programs, encouraging people’s participation, supervising clients in recreational activities, assessing the needs and abilities of the participants of all ages, offering emotional support to the patients and their family members etc.

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists are employed in various settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, adult day centers, residential living facilities, mental health agencies, rehabilitation centers, prisons, educational institutions etc. These professionals may act as therapists, educators, counselors or facilitators in any different number of settings. They may specialize in certain populations, such as pediatrics, adolescents, or geriatrics. They often work full time.

Educational Requirements

To qualify for the position of a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, the aspiring candidates have to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree program in therapeutic recreation from an accredited institution. The degree program is mostly focused on medical concepts and treatment. The syllabus contains an introduction to therapeutic recreation, physiology, biology, kinesiology, abnormal psychology, sociology, etc.

Students can also earn higher degree such as master’s or doctoral degree in therapeutic recreation to find better job opportunities in this profession.

Certification and Licensure

Since the practice of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist needs to be licensed in many states of USA, the job aspirants have to pass the required examination in order to get a license. The candidates can obtain exam-based certification administered by National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC), which also offers certifications in areas such as behavioral health, developmental disabilities, community inclusion services, rehabilitation and physical medicine etc.

Skill Set

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists possess various skills such as empathy towards people, crisis management and decision making abilities, understanding clients’ emotions, ability to remain calm under pressure, motivating and convincing power, ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others, excellent verbal and written skills, tolerance to awkward behavior of clients, computer operating skills etc.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist 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 13% from 2012 to 2022. The average annual salary of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist was $42,280 in May 2012.

Becoming a Certified Herbalist

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Certified Herbalists use plant and mineral-based remedies for health promotion and disease prevention. They guide the patients how to supplement their health needs with traditional herbs such as plant leaves, flowers, seeds, berries, bark or roots. They participate in all stages of the herbal medicine process from growth to the manufacturing of raw herbs. In addition, they may process one or more herbs into various products, such as pills, capsules, powders, or tinctures.

Certified Herbalists usually focus on one of three kinds of herbal medicines such as Western herbs, Chinese herbs and Indian Ayurvedic herbs.

These professionals can work independently or with naturopathic physicians or other alternative providers to treat patients and assist with the healing process. They may work as consultants, researchers, educators, producers of herbal products or authors of books and articles in herbal areas.

Educational Requirements

In USA, there is no uniform national educational standard to become a Certified Herbalist. It varies according to the certifying body. Some aspirants earn the Doctor of Naturopathy degree while other candidates obtain four-year of bachelor’s degree in botanical medicine. Herbal studies explore the knowledge of the human body as well as the effects of various plant extracts on bodily functions and healing.

Certified Herbalist aspirants can find training within several fields of holistic medicine, including Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine and western scientific botanical applications. Employers may prefer to hire candidates with cross-trained in other alternative therapy, such as acupuncture.

Certification

Certified Herbalists in USA can obtain exam-based certification from various organizations such as the East West School of Planetary Herbology, the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, the American University of Complementary Medicine etc.

Skill Set

Apart from the clinical knowledge, Certified Herbalists possess various traits such as a great deal of knowledge in herbal formulas and supplements, ability to source raw herbal materials, understanding of human dietary needs, motivating and convincing abilities, understanding of patient assessment and diagnoses standards, excellent communication skills, computer skills to name a few.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Certified Herbalist 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 20% during 2010-2020. The average annual salary of a Certified Herbalist was $ 43,920 in 2013.

Becoming A Chiropractic Assistant

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Chiropractic Assistants perform a variety of clinical and administrative tasks under the direct supervision a Chiropractor in a health care setting. Their clinical responsibilities include obtaining patient’s vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature etc., explaining treatment procedures, escorting patients, taking X-rays, maintaining equipments so on an so forth. Administrative duties may include responding to patient’s queries, scheduling appointments, maintaining patients’ check in and checkout, recording medical histories, calculating billing, attending phone calls, assisting in insurance claims etc.

Chiropractic Assistants work under a licensed chiropractor in variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, residential care facilities, rehabilitation facilities etc. They may have to work on day or night shifts as well as in the weekends.

Educational Requirements

To become a Chiropractic Assistant, the aspiring candidates need to earn at least a high school diploma or GED equivalent. The students can hold a two-year associate’s degree program in chiropractic technology for better job prospects in this field. Most of the employers in USA, however, prefer candidates with previous experience in a medical or chiropractic environment for these professionals.

Chiropractic Assistants study the coursework of medical terminology human anatomy, biology, physiology, billing, office management, insurance processing etc.

Certification and Licensure

Since many states of USA require a Chiropractic Assistant to be licensed, the aspiring candidates need to earn an exam-based License. The candidates can also obtain certification from the state’s Chiropractic Examiners Board.

Skill Set

Chiropractic Assistants possess various traits such as empathy towards patient, detail oriented, high medical ethics, a great deal of physical stamina to stand for long duration, ability to assist the patients emotionally and physically, familiarity with patient care and customer service, ability to perform multitask job simultaneously, effective verbal and written communication skills, computer skills etc.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Chiropractic Assistant 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% from 2012 to 2022. The average annual salary of a Chiropractic Assistant was $29,370 in May 2012.

Becoming a Certified Phlebotomy Technician

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Certified Phlebotomy Technicians collect blood safely from people for various purposes such as diagnosing health problems, transfusions, research, or blood donations. They use different techniques while drawing blood like finger-stick method to collect specimens, puncturing a vein with the needle etc. Their other duties include preparing the equipments used for blood- collection, keeping and transporting the blood samples safely, following different procedures within the lab, putting blood samples in accurately marked containers, adding required stains to the blood samples for specific tests, assisting patients during their adverse reaction etc. In some cases, they may be assigned clerical tasks, such as data entry or record keeping.

Certified Phlebotomy Technicians work in a variety of settings such as government and private hospitals, clinics, outpatient facilities, physician’s offices, pathology labs, blood banks, educational institutions, research centers etc.

Educational Requirements

To become a Certified Phlebotomy Technician, the aspiring candidates must be a high school graduate and required to complete a training program from an accredited college. The training program normally takes 10-12 months to complete.

Certified Phlebotomy Technicians study phlebotomy procedures, venipuncture, arterial puncture, mathematics, medical terminology, safety rules, computer operating, lab procedures etc. Classroom studies as well as clinical practice are crucial parts of a Certified Phlebotomy Technician’s education.

Certification and Licensure

Since most states of USA require a Certified Phlebotomy Technician to be licensed, the aspiring candidates need to earn an exam-based License. The American Medical Technologists, the American Society for Phlebotomy Technicians and the American Society for Clinical Pathology offer certification for these professionals.

Skill set

Apart from acquiring a formal training, a Certified Phlebotomy Technician possesses a wide range of traits such as tremendous attention to detail, high level of patience and compassion, ability to work with small needles and other devices precisely, understanding of detailed procedures for specimen collecting or medical testing, ability to perform duties with accuracy, maintaining privacy and confidentiality, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, computer operating skills etc.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Certified Phlebotomy Technician 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 30% from 2012 to 2022, higher than the average for all occupations. The average annual salary of a Certified Phlebotomy Technician was $30,910 in May 2012.

Becoming a Certified Personal Trainer

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Certified Personal Trainers work with individuals to develop healthy workout regimens and diet plans. They listen to the clients to find out personal fitness goals, and then provide instruction and supervision to strengthen different muscles of body part. They may demonstrate various exercises to improve their client’s technique, physical strength and often combine weight training with cardiovascular activities. These professionals also measure their client’s strengths and weaknesses with periodical fitness assessments.

In addition, Certified Personal Trainers educate their clients in many other aspects of wellness, including life style changes and nutrition guidelines to lead a healthy life. They also motivate clients by setting some goals and providing required feedback.

Certified Personal Trainers mostly work in a gym, fitness center or rehabilitation facilities. These professionals also work on a freelance basis. Some trainers also specialize in specific forms of fitness, such as yoga, and provide personalized instruction to clients who wish to learn those forms of exercise.

Educational Requirements

To become a Certified Personal Trainer, the aspiring candidates have to earn at least a high school diploma. However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) noted that employers now prefer the Certified Personal Trainers with a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field like exercise science, physical education or kinesiology.

Students study the courses in these areas include nutrition, exercise physiology, human psychology, kinesiology etc. The aspiring candidates may also complete fitness assessments and learn rehabilitation techniques for better job prospects.

Certification

Certified Personal Trainers aspirants can obtain certification from various professional associations devoted to fitness and related areas, such as the American College of Sports medicine, the International Sport Sciences Association, or the American Council on Exercise.

Skill set

Apart from knowledge in physical fitness, Certified Personal Trainers possess wide range of skills such as effective communications and interpersonal skills, tolerating clients’ poor response, understanding clients’ interest, motivating capacity, patiently listening abilities etc.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Certified Orthodontic Assistant remains excellent in USA. According to BLS, the growth rate for job opportunities in this profession may rise 13% from 2012 to 2022. The average annual salary of a Certified Orthodontic Assistant was $33,020 in 2013.

Becoming a Clerical Health Care Worker

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Clerical Health Care Workers perform administrative tasks in a medical setting. Their responsibilities include responding phone calls and other queries, scheduling appointments, acting as a liaison between patients, doctors, and other staff, maintaining privacy and confidential medical report, keeping medical record with accuracy, guiding patients for proper treatment or preventive cure, helping for insurance reimbursement, assisting patients on rehabilitative exercises and diet control etc. In addition, these professionals oversee the overall organization of their unit and ensure it runs smoothly.

Clerical Health Care Workers can work at variety of healthcare facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, home care centers, rehabilitation centers, doctor’s offices, group medical practices at clinics etc. They are employed in different types of positions such as administrative support worker, medical coder, medical records clerk, medical transcriptionist so on and so forth.

Educational Requirements

In order to become a Clerical Health Care Worker, the aspiring candidates need to hold at least a high school diploma. However, the students can pursue associate degree program in health, office administration or related field to find out better job opportunities. These professionals can get training either on-the-job or through vocational programs.

Clerical Health Care Workers study the coursework in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, medical billing and coding etc.

Certification

While working as a Medical Coder, Clerical Health Care Workers need to obtain a certification from American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), the Board of Medical Specialty Coding (BMSC) or the Professional Association of Health Care Coding Specialists (PAHCS).

Skill Set

Apart from holding an academic qualification, Clerical Health Care Workers possess variety skills such as empathy towards patient, ability to be detail-oriented and work with compassion, high medical ethics, crisis management and problem solving abilities, highly-organized and efficient to record the data accurately, maintaining privacy and confidential report of the patient, managing multiple task at a time, effective communications and interpersonal skills, knowledge of basic computer operations etc.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Clerical Health Care Worker remains excellent in USA. According to the 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 Cardiothoracic Anesthesiologist

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Cardiothoracic Anesthesiologists manage the anesthesia aspects of patients undergoing surgery in chest including heart, lungs, mediastinum and related invasive procedures ranging from minimally invasive surgery, robotic surgery, and complex multi-stage aortic surgery.

Their key responsibility is to anesthetize patients for painless surgical procedure and perform a preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative care of patients. Their other duties include analyzing patient’s medical history, evaluating vital signs of patients such as blood pressure, breathing, heart function, pulse rate, body temperature etc. to provide anesthesia accurately and managing postoperative pain.

In addition, Cardiothoracic Anesthesiologists supervise the bypass heart-lung machine. These professionals also work with non-cardiac procedures like esophageal resection and all types of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

Cardiac Anesthesiologists work at a variety of health care settings such as government and private hospitals, clinics, trauma centers etc. These professionals have to work even in evening, night and weekend shifts. They also have to perform emergency visits on call.

Educational Requirements

To qualify for the position of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiologist, the aspiring candidates must earn a medical degree from an accredited medical school. In addition, they need to complete a four-year residency program in anesthesiology, and a one-year cardiothoracic anesthesiology fellowship, accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

Prospective of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiologists cover the course work of human anatomy, biology, physics, organic chemistry, etc. with emphasizing on anesthesia, pain relief techniques and information on heart care.

Licensure and Certification

Since all the states of USA require a Cardiothoracic Anesthesiologist to be licensed, the aspiring candidates must have to pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination after completing the medical degree program. These professionals can receive exam-based certification from the American Society of Anesthesiologists or the American Board of Anesthesiology.

Skill Set

Apart from the clinical knowledge, Cardiothoracic Anesthesiologists possess variety of skills such as attention to detail, empathy towards patients, protecting patients’ confidentiality, tolerance for long and irregular working hours, maintaining calm during stressful situations, maintaining high medical ethics, understanding the spirit of team work, showing ability to perform duties with accuracy, possessing physical stamina for lifting and positioning the patients and equipments, displaying pleasant communications and interpersonal skills, having basic computer knowledge etc.

Salary & Job Outlook

Job outlook for the Cardiothoracic Anesthesiologists 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 24% from 2012 to 2022, higher than the average for all occupations. The average annual salary of a Cardiothoracic Anesthesiologists was $235,070 in May 2013.

Becoming a Cardiopulmonary Therapist

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Cardiopulmonary Therapists help patients to get relieve or heal from a cardiac disorder and respiratory problems. They work with patients who have been diagnosed with asthma, angina, emphysema, heart attack, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other heart or lung diseases. Their responsibilities include developing treatment program, designing and monitoring an appropriate exercise program, educating the patients to lead a healthy lifestyle and reduce health risks etc.

Cardiopulmonary Therapists work in variety of settings such as government and private hospitals, outpatient clinics, cardiac rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, medical laboratories etc. These professionals have to work even in night and weekend shifts. They also need to perform duties on call.

Educational Requirements

To become a Cardiopulmonary Therapist, aspiring candidates need to earn a doctoral degree from an accredited physical therapy program. The undergraduate syllabus covers the courses like anatomy, biology, chemistry, physics, social science, mathematics, etc.

Licensure and Certification

Since the practice of a Cardiopulmonary Therapist in USA requires to be licensed, the aspiring candidates must have to pass a licensing examination. These professionals can obtain a certification from Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).

Skill Set

Apart from the clinical knowledge, the Cardiopulmonary Therapist possess various skills such as empathy towards patient, high medical ethics, protecting patients’ confidentiality, attention to detail, dexterity to perform procedures, tolerance for long working hours, maintaining calm and helpful during stressful situations, understanding the spirit of team work, physical stamina for lifting and positioning the patients and equipments, pleasant communications and interpersonal skills, basic computer knowledge etc.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Cardiopulmonary Therapist remains excellent in USA. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the growth rate for job opportunities in this profession may rise 36% from 2012 to 2022, higher than the average for all occupations. The average annual salary of a Cardiopulmonary Therapist was $79,860 in 2012.

Becoming a Cardiology Engineer

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Cardiology Engineers play a key role in improving the quality and effective patient care as well as the technological mechanisms in the field of cardiovascular treatment and procedures. Their responsibilities include creating and modifying the diagnostic and surgical devices, testing necessary machinery, maintaining the records of biomedical equipments, designing rehabilitation aids, educating people to use biomedical machines etc. Some of these professionals also conduct research work with other scientists or analyze new medical procedures.

Cardiology Engineers work in collaboration with cardiac physicians, surgeons, medical scientists, engineers from other disciplines, such as mechanical engineering and electrical engineering etc. They are employed in hospitals and other clinical settings, manufacturing units, educational institutions, research centers, government regulatory agencies so on and so forth.

Educational Requirements

To become a Cardiology Engineer, the aspiring candidates have to earn a graduate degree in biomedical engineering from an accredited program. However, a degree in a different field of engineering or biology might qualify applicants to get on-the-job training in biomedical engineering.

Students can pursue advanced degrees such a Master of Science (M.S.), Master of Engineering (M.Eng) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in this field for better job opportunities.

Cardiology Engineers study biology, anatomy, mechanics, and pharmacology, cardiovascular system, cardiovascular ailments etc.

Licensure

Since the practice of Cardiology Engineer requires to be licensed, the aspiring candidates must have to pass a licensing examination. These professionals also need to obtain a certification.

Skill Set

Apart from the clinical knowledge, the Cardiology Engineer possess various skills such as attention to detail, dexterity to perform procedures, ability to think creatively in order to develop new tools and procedures, maintaining calm and helpful during stressful situations, tolerance for long working hours, high medical ethics, empathy towards patient, understanding the spirit of team work, physical stamina for lifting and positioning the patients and equipments, pleasant communications and interpersonal skills, basic computer knowledge etc.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Cardiology Engineer remains excellent in USA. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the growth rate for job opportunities in this profession may rise 27% from 2012 to 2022, higher than the average for all occupations. The average annual salary of a Cardiology Engineer was $86,960 in May 2012.