Tag Archives: Career

Becoming a Cardiovascular Technician

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Cardiovascular Technicians assist physicians to diagnose and treat heart disease and other vascular difficulties of the people. They operate variety of equipments to create images or conduct tests while diagnosing the cardiology conditions of the patients. Their responsibilities include scheduling appointments, reviewing patients’ medical records, monitoring patients’ vital signs such as heart rates, oxygen saturation, blood pressure etc, positioning the patient during the procedure, administering drugs, maintaining the equipments, counseling on lifestyle changes so on and so forth.

Cardiovascular Technicians often specialize in different areas of practice such as invasive cardiology, echocardiography, vascular technology, stress testing and electrocardiograms. These professionals work in variety of health care settings under the direct supervision of a physician according to their special areas. They can be employed in public and private hospitals, doctors’ offices, operating rooms, intensive care units, emergency wards, diagnostic laboratories, cardiac rehabilitation centers etc. Sometimes, they work for longer hours and may be on call during the night or weekends.

Educational Requirements

To qualify for the position of a Cardiovascular Technician, the aspiring candidates need to earn at least a 2-year associate’s degree in cardiovascular technology. Students can complete a 4-year degree program in cardiovascular technology or related field to find better job opportunities. However, some of these professionals are trained on the job.

The students cover the syllabus of cardiovascular anatomy, pathology, physiology, pharmacology, physics, electrocardiography, diagnostic testing etc.

Licensure & Certification

Since the practice of Cardiovascular Technician needs to be licensed in many states of USA, the aspiring candidates have to pass the licensing examination. These professionals can seek examination-based certification from American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).

Skill Set

Apart from clinical knowledge, Cardiovascular Technicians possess various skills such as empathy towards patient, high medical ethics, attention to detail, maintaining calm and helpful during stressful situations, dexterity to perform procedures, ability to work for long hours even in irregular times, recording accurate report, 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 Cardiovascular Technician 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 30% from 2012 to 2022. The average annual salary of a Cardiovascular Technician was $52,070 in 2012.

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.

Becoming a Cardiac Telemetry Monitor Technician

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Cardiac Telemetry Monitor Technicians use electrocardiographic (ECG) equipments to monitor cardiac rhythms of patients and report the findings to the nursing staff. Their other duties include preparing and positioning the patients, monitoring cardiovascular data, analyzing physiological changes, documenting medical records, cleaning and maintaining cardiac equipments, playing as a liaison between patients and medical staffs so on and so forth.

Cardiac Telemetry Monitor Technicians work in variety of medical settings such as government and private hospitals, cardiac rehabilitation facilities, physician’s offices, outpatient clinics, intensive care units, medical laboratories etc. These professionals need to work daytime, evening, night and weekend shifts. They also have to perform duties on call.

Educational Requirements

In order to become a Cardiac Telemetry Monitor Technicians, the aspiring candidates must have to earn a high school diploma or a GED. Then, the candidates can join two-year associate’s degree programs to learn ECG and other cardiovascular technologies.

The students cover the course works like cardiac anatomy, physiology, pathology, electrocardiography, medical terminology, medical imaging, cardiovascular pharmacology, ventricular rhythms, echo interpretation etc.

Certification

To qualify for the position of Cardiac Telemetry Monitor Technicians, the aspiring candidates need to earn an examination based certification from American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).

Skill Set

Apart from the clinical knowledge, Cardiac Telemetry Monitor Technicians possess various skills such as attention to detail, dexterity to perform procedures, protecting patients’ confidentiality and sensitive data, understanding the spirit of team work, tolerance for long working hours, empathy towards patient, high medical ethics, ability to perform duties with accuracy, maintaining calm and helpful during stressful situations, 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 Cardiac Telemetry Monitor Technician remains excellent in the 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, higher than the average for all occupations. The average annual salary of a Cardiac Telemetry Monitor Technician was $52,070 in May 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 Cardiac Monitor Technician

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Cardiac Monitor Technicians play a key role in analyzing patients’ heart rhythms and informing physicians or nurses regarding important physiological changes. Their responsibilities include preparing the patient’s records, monitoring physiological parameters of patients, maintaining records for the nursing unit assigned, verifying lead placement on patients, caring and maintaining of cardiac equipments, communicating with nursing staff and physicians regarding patients’ findings and assuming other activities from time to time as directed.

Cardiac Monitor Technicians work in both government and private medical settings. They are employed at hospitals, outpatient clinics, physician’s offices, medical laboratories, intensive care units, cardiac rehabilitation facilities etc. These professionals need to work even in weekends and night shifts, if required. They also have to perform duties on call.

Educational Requirements

To become a Cardiac Monitor Technician, the aspiring candidates must have to earn a high school diploma or a GED. After completing high school diploma, the candidates can join an accredited post-secondary program that combines classroom and training experience. The common course work includes anatomy, physiology, pathology, electrocardiography, diagnostic testing, ventricular rhythms, clinical practicum etc.

Certification

Cardiac Monitor Technicians need to pass a required examination to obtain a certification from American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).

Skill Set

Besides the clinical knowledge, Cardiac Monitor Technicians possess wide range of skills such as dexterity to perform procedures, attention to detail, understanding the spirit of team work, tolerance for long working hours, empathy towards patient, high medical ethics, ability to perform duties with accuracy in time limitations, work with compassion, 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 Cardiac Monitor Technician remains excellent in the USA. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), growth rate for job opportunities in this profession may rise 30% from 2012 to 2022, higher than the average for all occupations. The average annual salary of a Cardiac Monitor Technician was $31,207 in 2014.

Becoming an Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioner

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Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioners play a key role in providing oral healthcare services to diverse populations. Their responsibilities include cleaning and examining patients’ teeth and gums, checking for oral diseases, providing other preventative dental care and educating patients on how to maintain and improve oral hygiene. In some cases, they refer patients to consult with general dentists and specialists.

In addition, some of these experienced professionals teach aspiring dental hygienists or conduct research work to promote oral health science.

Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioners work collaboratively with dentists or independently. They are employed in variety of settings such as hospitals, dentists’ offices, long-term care facilities, educational institutions, research centers etc.

Educational Requirements

To become an Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioner, the candidate must have to complete a master’s degree program in dental hygiene. Course work include health, pharmacology, health assessment, and dental emergency administration

Licensure

Since Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioners in USA require a licensure, the aspiring candidates need to pass both the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and any regional or state clinical examination. Following licensure, these professionals need work experience to pursue advanced study of dental hygiene.

Skill Set

Apart from clinical knowledge, Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioners possess wide range of skills such as dexterity, attention to detail, empathy towards patient, high medical ethics, management and clinical decision-making skills, ability to work in team spirit, effective communications and interpersonal skills, basic computer knowledge etc.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Dental Hygiene Practitioner remains excellent in the USA. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this profession may witness a job growth rate of 30% from 2012 to 2022, higher than the average for all occupations. The average annual salary of a Dental Hygiene Practitioner was $70,210 in May 2012.

Becoming a Cardiac Anesthesiologist

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Cardiac Anesthesiologists administer anesthesia and manage its effects on patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery and related invasive procedures of the human chest. They are primarily responsible for dispensing pain relief drugs to the patients before, during and after surgery.

Cardiac Anesthesiologists review the patient’s medical history during surgical procedure. They oversee the vital signs and condition of the surgical patient such as body temperature, pulse, breathing, blood pressure etc. to administer anesthesia properly. They also ensure the patient’s safety throughout the operation and manage postoperative pain.

Cardiac Anesthesiologists are employed in both government and private health care settings such as hospitals, clinics, trauma centers etc. These professionals often work for long and irregular hours in stressful environments. They also have to perform emergency visits on call.

Educational Requirements

To become a Cardiac Anesthesiologist, aspiring candidates must have to 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).

The coursework for Cardiac Anesthesiologists includes anatomy, biology, organic Chemistry, physics etc. with emphasizing on anesthesia, pain relief techniques and information on heart care.

Licensure and Certification

Since the practice of Cardiac Anesthesiologist in USA needs 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 obtain certification from the American Society of Anesthesiologists or the American Board of Anesthesiology, after successfully completing required examination.

Skill Set

Besides the clinical knowledge, Cardiac Anesthesiologists possess various skills such as dedication to work in challenging situation, empathy towards patient, high medical ethics, 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 Cardiac Anesthesiologists 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 24% from 2012 to 2022, higher than the average for all occupations. The average annual salary of a Cardiac Anesthesiologists was $235,070 in May 2013.

Becoming a CAT Scan Technician

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Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) Scan Technicians play a key role in providing accurate diagnostic images of the interior of the human body such as tissues, organs, bones etc through radiology technology for medical issues. They also perform other activities such as recording patient histories, preparing them for scans, protecting them from radiation exposure, maintaining equipments, consulting with physicians, interpreting a physician’s scanning instructions etc.

CAT Scan Technicians work at either government or private settings. They are employed at hospitals, doctor’s offices, home health agencies, radiography department, oncology center, rehabilitation centers, laboratories, accident and emergency wards, operating theaters etc.

Educational Requirements

To become a CAT Scan Technician, the aspiring candidates need to complete at least an associate degree program in radiography, approved by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. However, students can pursue a Bachelor’s degree or any higher degree related to the radiology field in order to get better job opportunities in this profession.

The common courses in radiology field include human anatomy, pathology, radiation physics, patient care etc.

Licensure and Certification

Since most states of the USA require a CAT Scan Technician to be licensed, the aspiring candidates need to pass a licensing exam and complete a state-approved training program. These professionals can obtain a certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Skills Set

Besides knowledge in patient care and radiation safety, CAT Scan Technicians possess wide range of skills such attention to detail, empathy towards patient, high medical ethics, physical stamina to work for long duration, ability to remain calm under pressure, work with compassion, maintain privacy, assisting the patients emotionally and physically, pleasant communications and interpersonal skills, basic computer knowledge etc.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a CAT Scan 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 21% from 2012 to 2022, higher than the average for all occupations. The average annual salary of a CAT Scan Technician was $55,910 in May 2012.