Tag Archives: career

Becoming an Animal Behaviorist

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Apart from skill set and training, the most important requirement to become an Animal Behaviorist is the love and affection for animals and pets. The Animal Behaviorists study the way animals behave and act and then determine the causes and effects. They also analyze change in their behavior. Their research includes domestic animals, fishes, birds, wild animals etc. Apart from the movement and behavior of the animals, these professionals also focus on hunting, mating, productions etc.

Working Environment: They work in universities, research facilities, zoos, animal training centers, pet product companies, pharmaceutical firms, animal welfare organizations etc. They are usually smart people, who can easily understand the animals and their requirements. There are two types of Animal Behaviorists. Some work as specialists, while others work as teachers at a university or college.

Education Requirements:

  1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: It is mandatory for the aspirants to complete a bachelor’s degree in life science such as zoology, biology or ecology if they want to become Animal Behaviorists. Coursework in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics and psychology are the basic requirements for Animal Behaviorist programs. Animal Behavior topics include behavioral ecology, neuroendocrinology and animal cognition.

Those having a bachelor’s degree might get employment at zoos with various positions such as Zookeepers, Assistant Zoo Directors, Zoo Directors etc.

  1. Advanced Education: After completing a bachelor’s degree, the aspirants may go for a master’s degree in the relevant field and even go further to complete a PhD or Doctorate. During that period, they will learn about evolution, genetics, neurobiology and physiology along with wildlife conservation and attend seminars on animal behavioral pattern.

Salary & Job Outlook: The job outlook for Animal Behaviorists remains good, if not excellent. Animal behaviorists working in private companies typically earn more than researchers or those working for zoos and other non-profit organizations. The average salary of Animal Behaviorists was $35,000 to $90,000 in May 2012.

Becoming a Pharmacy Technician

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Pharmacy Technicians work under the direct supervision of licensed Pharmacists. They perform various kinds of functions related to pharmacy. They handles the queries on prescriptions, drug information and other health matters. Pharmacy Technicians work at community pharmacies, hospitals, military establishments, health care settings, care facilities and other organizations.

The job responsibilities of Pharmacy Technicians are no less than that of Pharmacists. They need to be flexible when it comes to working hours. They work in days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays etc, thanks to the demand of the job. As some hospital and retail pharmacies are open 24/7, the Pharmacy Technicians may work in different shifts too.

Education Requirements: A high school diploma or equivalent is required for aspiring Pharmacy Technicians. The subjects may include biology, physics, chemistry etc. The Pharmacy Technicians generally learn on the job. Whatever education programs they join, that must have classroom and laboratory work. They can also go for Master’s Degree, Certificate, Associate Degree etc.

They can also prefer on-the-job training. Most states regulate pharmacy technicians, which means they may require to pass an exam or complete a formal education or training program. It is very much essential for the Pharmacy Technicians to learn about names of medicines, actions, uses, and doses.

Salary & Job Outlook: Job outlook for Pharmacy Technicians remains excellent in the United States. That is projected to grow 20 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all other occupations. The average annual salary for Pharmacy Technicians was $29,320 in May 2012.

Becoming a Medical Coder

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Medical Coders review detailed information about patient injuries, diseases and procedures by digging deep into the medical records and documents provided by the doctors and other healthcare service providers. They use the universal coding system to handle the reimburse claims made by hospitals and their physicians.

If you have a health policy, your medical insurance provider will get a bill from the hospital, which will contain a CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) code. There are over 9,800 CPT codes for various types of healthcare services provided by health care facilities. In addition, there are 14,000 International Classification of Diseases (ICDs). The Medical Coders spend time in reviewing the medical records and assigning these codes to the patients so that the health insurance providers are properly reimbursed. The Medical Coders are required to properly study the notes given by doctors and nurses before assigning the codes.

Education Requirements:

  1. Get a High School Diploma: High school diploma with subjects such as algebra, biology, chemistry and other computer skills is the first step of academic requirements for the aspiring Medical Coders.
  2. Get an Associate’s Degree: A degree in health information technology or similar course will be helpful for the Medical Coders to pursue their career ambitions. The college or university, which will provide the degree education, must be accredited with the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

The coursework must include anatomy, physiology, healthcare reimbursement, classification, coding systems, database security and management.

  1. Certification: Many states in the U.S. require Medical Coders to possess Registered Health Information Technicians (RHIT) credentials. The exam is administered by American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Salary & Job Outlook: The job outlook for Medical Coders remains very good. According to AAPC, Medical Coders with certification earn more than the non-certified ones. The average annual salary of Medical Coders was $46,847 in 2013.

Becoming a Nurse Midwife

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A Nurse Midwife specializes in various women’s issues such as menopause, childbirth, pregnancy, gynecological, breastfeeding etc. It’s true that they are best known for providing assistance to pregnant women during child birth. But, they are also experienced in postpartum care and child care. They are required to work in flexible hours and must have physical and mental strength and stamina to deal with any situation.

Skilled Nurse Midwives are also trained in the latest scientific procedures to assist in normal deliveries. At the same time, they can reduce heavy use of machinery in the delivery process with their expertise and experience. They must have proficiency in midwifery tools, including umbilical cord scissors and handling infant oxygen masks.

Education requirements:

  1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: A Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing is must for aspiring Nurse Midwives. Nursing degree programs, which will help them become Registered Nurses, may typically include two years of coursework in chemistry, biology and other related subjects. The next two years of the program are devoted to nursing courses for all phases of life along with coursework in family and community health.
  2. Obtain a License: The graduate nurses can take up the licensure examination to become a Registered Nurse. The requirements of licensure vary from state to state. There are 42 programs accredited by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) in the United States.
  3. Job Experience: Most midwifery degree programs require the applicants to gain experience in midwifery or women’s health prior to admission. At least one year of registered nursing experience will come in handy.

Salary & Job Outlook: According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook remains good for this profession. The projected job growth for Nurse Midwives is 29% during the period of 2012-2022. According to PayScale.com, the average annual salary for Certified Nurse Midwives is $82,620 as of September 2014.

Becoming a Forensic Chemist

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Forensic Chemists are different from Forensic Technicians. They analyze non-living particles and evidences found at crime scenes to identify alien materials and match the samples to establish a proper link. The Forensic Chemists generally work in a lab and conduct tests on samples collected by the crime scene investigators. They don’t visit the spots. They use a variety of techniques such as microscopy, optical analysis, gas chromatography etc in their tests.

The job responsibilities of Forensic Chemists include:

  • Conducting toxicology tests on fluids and tissues of the body to find traces of drugs or poison
  • Testing devices that measure blood alcohol levels
  • Examining the fingerprints collected from the crime scene
  • Communicating with the cops, investigators, lawyers and other authorities
  • Appearing before the courts or law enforcement agencies if needed

Education Requirements:

  1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: The aspiring Forensic Chemists must earn a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or forensic sciences, which may include coursework in chemistry, physiology, instrumental analysis, toxicology, soil chemistry, material science and biochemistry. They must have a complete understanding of the forensic processing and analysis during the course.
  2. Earn a Master’s Degree: To advance their career further, the aspiring Forensic Chemists may go for higher studies such as a master’s degree. But, this is not mandatory.

Key Challenges:

  • A Forensic Chemist must be flexible to work in odd hours
  • Strong patience is needed to deal with any type of situation
  • Must have strong communication skills and analytical abilities
  • Must have transparency in work and related activities

Salary & Job Outlook: The job outlook for Forensic Chemists remains excellent. The average salary of these professionals stands at $27,683 – $52,471 per year.

Becoming a Cytotechnologist

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Cytotechnologists focus on performing laboratory tasks involving cells and cellular complications. They use a microscope to examine the slides of human cells to figure out the exact nature of problem with the cells if any. They usually detect the cancerous, infectious and inflammatory cells. Cytotechnologists play a key role in identifying the complex diseases and help the patients recover.

These professionals specialize in the extraction and examination of human cells. They obtain cell specimens from various body parts, including lungs, veins and female reproductive tract, place them on slides and examine those microscopically. They are trained to mark the cellular changes.

Education Requirements:

  1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: Bachelor’s degree programs in cytotechnology help the aspiring Cytotechnologists understand the cellular system and identify the diseases. The four-year degree programs include coursework in biology, cell biology, chemistry and human physiology as well as laboratory experience.
  2. Accreditation: After completing the bachelor’s degree program, the students must go for accreditation. According to the American Society for Cytotechnology, there are currently 48 programs nationwide that are accredited in cytotechnology. The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) offer accreditation.
  3. Certification: In order to improve your employment prospects, obtain a certification from the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP). The certification exam ask questions in eight different areas, including gynecological, respiratory system, lab operations etc.
  4. Licensure: Several states in the United States require the Cytotechnologists to possess a license. The students can obtain a license in order to boost their profile.

Salary & Job Outlook:

Job outlook for Cytotechnologists remains bright at least for the next two decades. These professionals are high in demand in the United States. The average annual salary for Cytotechnologists was $61,235 in 2012. Those in higher positions, can earn up to $71,261 per year.

Becoming a Biogerontologist

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The Biogerontologists exclusively work towards the well being of elderly people. They review the patients’ history and improve their standards of living by supporting their physical as well as emotional health. Many of them work directly with the senior citizens as caregivers or advocates. Others work in the field of medical research, academics and administration.

The role Biogerontologists play in the entire process, remains very crucial for the physical and emotional growth of the elderly people, as they explore ways to slow down or reverse the aging process and its negative consequences. They even dig deeper to understand the cells, organs and physical system of the body to find answers to the problems.

Education Requirements:

Biogerontologists typically hold bachelor’s degree in any scientific subjects that include genetics, microbiology, biology etc. They are also required to do maximum laboratory research during the four-year degree program.

After completing bachelor’s degree, they can go for a master’s degree followed by a Ph.D. to boost their career. Internship or work experience in a biogerontology research laboratory might serve as a big advantage for such professionals.

Working Conditions:

Most Biogerontologists get employment at laboratories in universities, colleges, pharmaceutical companies and research centers. In addition, they also work at social sectors, non-profit organizations, trusts etc.

Salary & Job Outlook:

As the number of senior citizens is on the rise in the United States, the job outlook for Biogerontologist remains good. They can earn between $60,000 to $100,000 in a year, depending on their nature of job and experience.

Becoming an Allied Dental Educator

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Allied Dental Educators train students to become Dental Assistants, Dental Hygienists or Dental Laboratory Technicians. They remain on the forefront when it comes to oral health practice and dental science. As the dental technology keeps changing fast, they must stay up-to-date with new techniques and research information.

Apart from imparting classroom teaching, the Allied Dental Educators are also required to supervise students in a laboratory and clinical setting and train them on how to provide quality oral health care to patients. Some of them also help publishers develop new textbooks and other training, teaching and evaluation materials. Sometimes, they are entrusted with the task of consulting with the manufacturers about the design of dental equipments.

Education Requirements:

A four-year bachelor’s degree in any science discipline is must as the first step towards becoming an Allied Dental Educator. Coursework in physics, chemistry and biology will help the students get the exposure and skill set they need to do well in this profession. Full-time positions in dental hygiene programs generally require a graduate or doctoral degree. The Allied Dental Educators also need professional certification or licensure to get hired at a good salary.

Working Environments:

Whether it’s full time or part-time, the Allied Dental Educators get employment at community colleges, vocational schools, colleges, universities, health centers, dental schools and any other laboratories. They also work closely with organizations and committees, giving their best shots.

Salary & Job Outlook:

A full-time Allied Dental Educator can earn between $41,000 and $62,000 a year. The job outlook remains very bright for this profession. There are hundreds of vacant jobs in the United States that need to be filled over the next few years.

Becoming an Athletic Trainer

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The Athletic Trainers are qualified and trained to prevent, recognize, manage and rehabilitate injuries related to physical activities. They help the patients avoid expensive and cumbersome medical treatment with various techniques. These professionals generally deal with healthcare, but don’t use typical medical procedures. Apart from taking care of patients’ health, they also develop and prepare workout schedule, exercise routines and awareness programs for the patients. The American Medical Association (AMA) has recognized Athletic Trainers as Allied Health Care Professionals since 1990.

Education Requirements:

  1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: It’s mandatory for the aspiring Athletic Trainers to obtain a four-year Bachelor’s degree in athletic training or sports science. You will learn the first aid procedures in the initial days followed by extensive training in other areas. Coursework in athletic training includes human anatomy, physiology, nutrition, exercise, physiotherapy, kinesiology, biomechanics, rehabilitation, health care administration etc.
  2. Accreditation: It’s important for the students to choose a degree program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Clinical training is an important aspect of the program, as it gives the students enough exposure to hands-on clinical education and experience.
  3. Internship: Although it’s not mandatory, but it’s essential to go for an internship program to boost your job prospects. Getting trained in an athletic training environment under the direct supervision of an experienced Athletic Trainer, may definitely serve the purpose.
  4. Licensing: Since several U.S. states requires Athletic Trainers to be licensed or registered, it is advisable to get the license from the Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC). Once you get the license, you will be ready to work as an Athletic Trainers in all states.

Salary & Job Outlook: There are various segments for the Athletic Trainers. According to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), professionals in Youth Sports and Professional Sports earn more than those Athletic Trainers working at schools, hospitals and government settings. The job outlook for this profession remains faster than average. The Athletic Trainers typically earn a salary of $35,000 to $75,000 per year.

Becoming a Medical Illustrator

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Medical Illustrators get extensive training in medicine, science, communication and technology to create visual materials, which help in keeping record and tracking the progress in medical and scientific operations. Their task is complex and risky, as they are responsible to provide accurate and useful visual message always. They belong to a small group of highly specialized professionals. According to the Association of Medical Illustrators (AMI), only 1,200 Medical Illustrators are present in all of North America.

The Medical Illustrators translate complex medical and biological information into captivating images by using their skills, knowledge and competencies. People having genuine interest in illustration, biology, science and medicine, may choose this career as an option.

Education Requirements:

  1. Obtain Bachelor’s Degree in Pre-Medical Illustration: The pre-medical illustration programs may include biological, scientific and biomedical visualization. They help students prepare for graduate coursework. They are mostly related to human and animal anatomy, medical terminology and artistic techniques. These programs typically last for four years. The key subjects may include basic art design, digital drawing, human and animal biology, human physiology and developmental biology principles.
  2. Earn Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Illustration: After completing pre-medical program, the aspiring Medical Illustrators must go for a four-year bachelor’s degree program in medical illustration that combines traditional artistic methods with computer technology and biology. Students learn drawing, painting and digital creation of images of human and animal anatomy apart from 2D and 3D designs. Computer animation remains an integral part of the degree program.

Salary & Job Outlook: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for Medical Illustrators remain good, as that is expected to grow at 8% during the period of 2010-2020. The average annual salary of Medical Illustrators was $54,000 in May 2012.