Tag Archives: salary

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 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.

Becoming a Forensic Toxicologist

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Forensic Toxicologists mainly work with law enforcement agencies and monitor the evidences found at crime scene. This profession keeps changing constantly with frequent developments and new technologies. The Forensic Toxicologists keep themselves updated with the changes and use their brain and expertise to determine the exact nature of the crime and present themselves in court cases.

Education Requirements:

  1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: Forensic Toxicologists need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in natural sciences such as Chemistry or Biology. They can also go for a degree in Forensic Science. Coursework in mathematics, medicine and pharmacology will serve as an extra advantage. The Bachelor’s Degree is just an entry level program. The aspiring Forensic Toxicologists are required to go for higher courses to reach the zenith of their career.
  2. Obtain a Master’s Degree: After completing Bachelor’s Degree, the aspiring Forensic Toxicologists can go for a Master’s Degree program in relevant field. Coursework in biochemistry and environmental toxicology, will give a tremendous boost to their career.
  3. Doctorate/Post Doctorate: A postdoctoral training arms the Forensic Toxicologists with hands-on experience in setting up a toxicology laboratory, coordinating with staff, prepare relevant applications and manage various projects. Apart from that, a certification from reputed institutes such as the American Board of Forensic Toxicology or the American Board of Clinical Chemistry or the American Board of Toxicology, is also very much desirable.

Salary & Job Outlook: The average salary for a Forensic Toxicologist is around $75,000 per year. Some experienced Toxicologists may earn up to $100,000 or more while newly hired professionals get $60,000 or so. The job outlook for this profession remains bright.

Becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist

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Clinical Nurse Specialists are licensed registered nurses (RNs) who hold a master’s or doctor’s degree in a specialized area of nursing practice such as pediatrics, geriatrics, women’s health, critical care, diabetes, oncology, psychiatric, rehabilitation etc. They not only perform the conventional nursing responsibilities, but also help patients prevent or treat illness. The Clinical Nurse Specialists provide direct patient care as well as serve as expert consultants for nursing staffs.

Educational Requirements:

  1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing: All aspiring Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) must attend the nursing school to obtain a bachelor’s degree. The duration of the course will be of four years. Courses in nursing degree programs will typically include pharmacology, anatomy, physiology and nursing.
  2. Obtain License as Registered Nurse: Licensing is must for all Clinical Nurse Specialists before they start practicing. Most states in the US require the aspirants to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) conducted by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
  3. Experience: It is almost mandatory to gain one to two years of direct patient experience at a clinical set up before applying for a Master’s program in Nursing.
  4. Earn a Master’s Degree: Master’s Degree programs for Clinical Nurse Specialists take 2-3 years to complete. These programs help in developing the nursing skills, nursing practices and assessment capabilities among the students.
  5. Certification: Several certification programs are available for the Clinical Nurse Specialists, which are generally 4-5 year long. The key certification programs include:
  • Certifications for Advanced Practice in Orthopedics by the Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board)
  • Critical Care by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses
  • Oncology by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
  • Adult Health, Gerontology, Psychiatric, Home Health and Community Health by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Salary & Job Outlook: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for Clinical Nursing Specialists will grow at 26% during the period of 2012-2022. Highest salary in this profession remains $126,000, while the average salary is $86,500.