Tag Archives: career

Becoming a Body Therapist

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Body Therapists use natural healing techniques to recover from muscle and joint pain, stiffness, reduce stress and promote wellness by improving immunity of human beings. They help the patients with different techniques including acupressure, reflexology, massage therapy, cosmetic skin treatments etc. In addition, they also get involved in other duties such as billing, networking, marketing, and scheduling of treatment.

Body Therapists work in various government or private settings and NGOs. They are employed at doctors’ offices, chiropractors’ offices, cruise ships, spas, fitness centers, rehabilitation centers etc.

Educational Requirements

To become a Body Therapist, aspiring candidates need to obtain at least a diploma certificate in Massage therapy or related health fields. The students can go for Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees in Massage Therapy, Physical Therapy or related alternative health fields for better job opportunities.

These professionals learn the theory and practice of therapeutic massage and related body work topics, anatomy, kinesiology, physiology, pathology, ethics, business, law etc in their academic pursuance.

Certification and Licensure

Since most states in the USA require a Body Therapist to be licensed, the aspiring candidates need to pass a licensing exam and complete a state-approved training program. The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) offer certification for these professionals.

Skill set

Besides the clinical knowledge, a Body Therapists possess various skills such as dexterity, motivating and convincing power, empathy towards patient, high medical ethics, pleasant communications and interpersonal skills, basic computer knowledge, high level of stamina to stand for long periods of time, ability to remain calm under pressure, etc.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Body 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 23% from 2012 to 2022, higher than the average for all occupations. The average annual salary of a Body Therapists was $40,350 in May 2012.

Becoming a Neurodiagnostic Technologist

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Neurodiagnostic Technologists review and analyze the patients’ nervous system to treat neurological ailments. Their experience and knowledge in neurophysiology help them identify normal and abnormal activities in the nervous systems of the body. They collect the data using electrical patterns and provide those to the physicians who treat ailments such as headaches, brain disorder, heart strokes and dizziness.

Key Responsibilities of Neurodiagnostic Technologists:

* Electroencephalograms (EEGs) being used to assess brain activity
* Intraoperative neuromonitoring, which tracks brain and nerve function
* Monitoring the disorders
* Perform Polysomnograms to diagnose sleep disorders and identify the real issues
* Find the electrical signals in nervous system.

Neurodiagnostic Technologists usually work in hospitals, clinical settings, physician’s office, epilepsy monitoring units, sleep disorder centers and research labs.

Education Requirements: The aspiring Neurodiagnostic Technologists must go for a high school diploma, which includes courses such as mathematics, science, biology, computer and language

courses. After completing high school diploma, they need to undergo a two-year degree program with coursework in physics or biology.

The aspiring Neurodiagnostic Technologists can opt for EEG Credentialing exam from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists (ABRET).

Salary & Job Outlook: The career outlook for Neurodiagnostic Technologists remains very good. They earn around $44,200 per annum during the initial phase of their career. Experienced professionals may earn around $112,333 per year. The average annual salary for Neurodiagnostic Technologists was $65,226.

Becoming a Forensic Biologist

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Forensic Biologists visit the crime scenes, inspect the spots to garner evidences, which include blood, saliva and hair samples. They examine all evidences collected from the crime scenes to identify victims. That is the most important part of any criminal investigation process. They conduct the examination in a laboratory or any research facility. They are required to testify in courts as part of the investigation process.

The Forensic Biologists mostly work for the government agencies. They are also known as Forensic Science Technicians. They need to be flexible when it comes to working hours.

Education Requirements:

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree in a forensic or natural science is must for aspiring Forensic Biologists. Coursework in mathematics, biology and chemistry helps them understand the techniques used in forensic labs. In addition, they are needed to learn forensic pathology, genetics, molecular biology and DNA analysis.

2. Obtain a Master’s Degree: A Master’s Degree in forensic biology boosts the profiles of aspiring Forensic Biologists. The coursework generally includes biotechnology, molecular biology and ethical issues in criminal investigations.

3. Certification: The American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) offers certification in molecular biology at two levels, Diplomate (D-ABC) and Fellow (F-ABC). Details are available on the website. Certification is necessary, as many states in the United States require that while hiring Forensic Biologists.

4. Work Experience: On-the-job training in forensic science may serve as an added advantage for aspiring Forensic Biologists. They are also advised to attend workshops on professional development, biochemistry and lab analysis methods. They can also opt for 6-12 months of DNA analysis training.

Salary & Career Outlook: The job outlook for a Forensic Biologist is not very good, as it remains below average. The projected job growth is 6% during the period of 2012-22. The average annual salary of a Forensic Biologist is $52,840 per year.

Becoming an Audiology Doctor (Audiologist)

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The Audiology Doctors are specialized in treating and balancing hearing related disorders. They focus on identifying and assessing hearing and balancing problems. They also help in rehabilitating persons with hearing and balance disorders. In addition, the Audiology Doctors work towards preventing hearing loss. They are trained to make use of technology in a better way.

The Audiology Doctors, commonly referred as Audiologists provide the following services at various clinical settings:

* Evaluate the hearing process
* Counsel patients and their family members
* Evaluate and treat balance disorders
* Help individuals with devices
* Assist the patients in bridging the communication gap and speech reading

Education Requirements:

1. High School Diploma: It’s better to opt for subjects such as Biology, Anatomy or Chemistry at the High School to gain first-hand knowledge about use of technology and human behavior.

2. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: A four-year bachelor’s degree program with coursework in Biology, Biochemistry, Communication Sciences or any related field, will be an added advantage.

3. Doctoral Degree: The Audiology Doctors or Audiologists must earn a doctoral degree (an AuD) accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA). The American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) provides a listing of accredited schools offering an AuD program.

4. Licensure: Some states in the United States require a license while hiring the Audiologists. A current license in audiology or speech-language pathology will be very helpful for aspiring Audiology Doctors.

Working Conditions: Audiology Doctors or Audiologists work in health care settings, educational facilities, government agencies etc. They generally work for 40 to 50 hours in a week. They work with medical specialists, speech language pathologists, educators, engineers, scientists and other professionals.

Salary & Job Outlook: Job outlook for Audiology Doctors or Audiologists remains excellent at 34% for the period of 2012-22, which is much faster than average. The average annual salary for Audiologists was $69,720 per annum in 2012.

Becoming a Palliative Care Physician

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Palliative Care Physicians work hard to improve the functioning of body parts and improve the living conditions. They mainly focus on relieving the pain and other symptoms of serious and chronic illness. The Palliative Care Physicians work with patients and their family members to identify and alleviate physical and emotional pain and trauma associated with serious health conditions.

These professionals also spend time on family meetings and counseling process. They play as a strong link between the patients and family members and coordinate with the support groups and other service providers to ensure best services for them. The team where Palliative Care Physicians work, included nurses and social workers, pharmacists, massage therapists and nutritionists.

Key Challenges:

* Controlling pain, removing stress, addressing spiritual needs.
* Help the family members understand the patients’ conditions and treatment process.
* Improve communication between patients and care providers.

Education Requirements:

1. Earn a Medical Degree: The aspiring Palliative Care Physicians must earn a medical degree in any of the specialties: family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, physical medicine and rehabilitation, anesthesiology, psychiatry and neurology, radiology or surgery.

2. Residency Program: After completing the medical degree, they may opt for residency programs to gain hands-on experience. They can also go for a one-year palliative medicine fellowship program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

Working Conditions: The Palliative Care Physicians mostly work in hospitals, clinics, private nursing homes, government agencies, shelter homes etc. In some cases, they also offer services at patient’s home.

Salary & Job Outlook: Job outlook for the Palliative Care Physicians remain excellent. They earn in the range of $150,000 – $170,000 per year depending on experience and expertise.

Becoming an Anesthesiologist Assistant

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Anesthesiologist Assistants work under the direct supervision of licensed Anesthesiologists. Certified by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), they adhere to all guidelines and provide flawless service to the patients. The Anesthesiologist Assistants handle the equipments and monitor patients’ health conditions while providing adequate anesthesia care. They deal with the patients before and after anesthesia.

The Anesthesiologist Assistants are trained to help the surgeons and other physicians in life-saving operations. It’s impossible to conduct the surgeries without their support. They are high in demand in the United States. They review health history of the patients and consult their family members apart from conducting physical tests to identify the effects of anesthesia drug administration.

Education Requirement:

Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree in general science such as Chemistry and Biology is must for aspiring Anesthesiologist Assistants. Duration of the program will be four years and it may include other subjects such as Physics, Statistics, English etc.

Master’s Degree: A Master of Health Science Degree will boost the profile of Anesthesiologist Assistants. Certification through National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants (NCCAA) is also helpful for them.

The Anesthesiologist Assistants need job experience by working under the licensed Anesthesiologists. They get trained in surgery related process, drug administration, reviewing patients’ medical history, trauma care, transplant surgery, neurosurgery etc.

Salary & Job Outlook: The projected job growth for Anesthesiologist Assistants is 38% during the period of 2012-2022, as per the data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The average annual salary for Anesthesiologist Assistant is $110,000 – $120,000. They work at medical centers, trauma centers, clinical laboratories and research labs.

Becoming a Surgical Technologist

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Surgical Technologists play an important role in the operating room by teaming up with Surgeons, Anesthesiologist and Circulating Nurse. They work under the direct supervision of the Surgeon, but fulfill the primary requirements before a surgery. They prepare the operating room by setting up sterile surgical instruments, equipment and supplies, such as drapes, gowns, gloves, suction tubing etc. The Surgical Technologists also assemble the sterile equipment to ensure its smooth functioning.

The Surgical Technologists are shadows of the Surgeons who conduct surgery inside the operating room. They anticipate the needs of the surgeon by passing instruments and relevant assistance, including the supplies. While the Surgical Technologists generally work in operating rooms, they also work in clean and cool environment when they are not assisting in surgeries. Sometimes, they are exposed to communicable diseases and unpleasant odors, which they counter with utmost care.

Education Requirements:

A career in Surgical Technology, remains very challenging. A two-year degree is the most preferable degree for the aspirant Surgical Technicians. The program is known as

In addition, a certification program with courses in medical terminology, anatomy, physiology and pharmacology, also comes in handy for the students. The certification program must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Job Experience: Working as a Medical Assistant or Nursing Assistant, will help the aspirants to show their job experience while applying for the posts of Surgical Technologist. Although it’s not a mandatory requirement, some employers do prefer professionals with some job experience.

Salary & Job Outlook: Job outlook of Surgical Technologists is projected to grow by 30% from 2012 to 2022. The average annual wage for Surgical Technologists was $41,790 in May 2012.

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.