Sarahs Blog

I will be graduating from high school soon, and because of the economic times of uncertainty,  it feels that I am being forced to make decisions immediately regarding my future as far as my career is concerned.  You might say that I am one of those students who doesn’t particularly care for sitting in a classroom all the time, and I can hardly wait until I graduate.  However, I do know that my education is not yet finished and I have to decide whether I want to continue on and go to a college or university or would I rather attend a technical  school such as The Art Institute or Devry University where I could just focus on the  training that I would need for my particular job interest which is that of a technician, either a Lab Tech or an Ekg Tech.

Because of the changing times, many people think that going to a university is the best decision because they feel that a university degree has more value than one from a technical college.   In fact, according to one statistic university graduates will earn $1 million more than those lesser educated graduates.  But in fact, through my research I have learned that students are going deeper and deeper into debt while trying to obtain their degrees and many find job prospects scarce, under paid or completely nonexistent upon graduation.

I also found out that many university majors are very unclear as to what the job outcome  for a particular degree will be.  For instance even though a Bachelor of Arts degrees are very common today  they no longer mean what they used to.  In addition to that degree,  you also need a Masters or even a PhD, which means extra years and extra cost associated with education.

On the other hand, technician schools or vocational schools will teach you the skills that you need for your chosen career which can last anywhere from six months to 2 years, depending on your career choice while large universities and colleges can take anywhere from 4 to 8 years!  That’s quite a big difference in more ways then one, especially financially speaking.   There is no need to take additional optional classes to fill out your curriculum.  Also there is a big chance that you can attend a technical college without having to get a student loan, because their prices are so much less than that of a college or university.

Also keep in mind that graduation from a technical college does not prohibit you from career advancements.  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, those who graduate from technical colleges often advance because of the strength of their job performance  rather than because of their educational background.  In fact, it is very common for an employee who has graduated from a technical college to advance into the same position  as someone with a bachelor’s degree in a technical field.

So while working in a technical field, keep in mind that you always need to keep abreast of technical advances,  and so therefore continuing education is a requirement.  This could mean obtaining a technical certification program or the pursuit of a more advanced degree.  In fact, some employers will  offer to pay your tuition for you to go on to complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree at a university.

So my advise would be to take into consideration the cost, the end results  and what you will achieve for the time and effort you put into which ever school you decide upon and most of all be sure and choose wisely.  As for me, I choose a technical school!

Nail technicians are skilled person that takes good care of our nails. Being a nail technician requires you to have a good vision and dexterity. Being creative and artistic can help you in this kind of job especially to those performing nail arts which includes painting designs and applying decor to the nails. Having a steady hand is important and nail technicians must have an eye for color and form. They should be creative enough in order to satisfy their client’s interest.
Nail technicians provide a wide variety of services to different kinds of people that is why the attitude and personality of a nail technician will determine his or her success. They will face different people who are easy to please or on the other hand those who are demanding and unreasonable. A nail technician must be able to satisfy their customers. They should be courteous and respectful in dealing with their clients. Being tactful and having professionalism is a must. Nail technicians should also know how to practice proper sanitizing since hygiene and grooming is important in this profession. Proper hygiene and sanitizing will help prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses from one client to another.
Having confidence and an outgoing personality can be a great factor to a nail technician’s success. Customers may be up to additional services if the nail technician is knowledgeable, persuasive and competent that can show how interested he or she is to the needs of the customers.
Nail technicians work in an indoor environment that is bright, comfortable and well ventilated. Unlike any other careers in the cosmetology industry, nail technicians perform their work seated at a table. A lot of nail technicians work five days a week including weekends. Some work during the evening and some also enjoy the flexibility in their number of working hours and may also enjoy part time careers. Most of these nail technicians are self employed where they only rent spaces in salons. At all times, nail technicians provide their own tools and supplies. They are also at risk to chemicals, dust and strong odors.

If one is aspiring to be a nail technician, what actions are needed to be undertaken? Nail technician training courses are offered in cosmetology schools and technical schools in different areas. A lot of programs require there applicants to be at least 16 years of age. It also requires a high school diploma or a GED. Different states require these nail technicians to complete a number of training hours before taking the licensure exam. The duration of the nail technician training will depend on the law of the state where one is studying.

The nail technician’s salary may range from $27,000 to $36,000 a year. The employment opportunities for these nail technicians continue to grow three times as fast as the average occupations. With these, there has been a great demand for personal care services for both men and women. Nail technicians also makes an hourly rate of $15 to $20 plus the tips and benefits.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technicians job needs a thorough understanding of the machines as well as they should have patience and compassion for their patients. During school, the person will learn how to operate machines including the settings on voltage and desired exposure. Almost all MRI technicians job is emphasized in the need for individuals who have higher level of knowledge and understanding on cross-sectional anatomy like the head, abdomen and thorax. The MRI technicians are also responsible for implementing magnetic field safety and ensuring the comfort of their patients. MRI technicians should also know how to keep their patients clam when fear and anxiety strikes. They should know how to make patients at ease before, during and after the procedure. If patients are bothered, try to ask them why and answer the questions to lessen the stress and anxiety that they feel.

MRI technicians prepare the patients for the procedure. During the MRI process, the patient will need to be still inside a narrow opening. Compassion and understanding the claustrophobic patients is a must. Next is they must be able to use the equipment in creating images of specific areas that they physician has ordered. They record the images for viewing by the physician using patient logs and must be familiar with the different coding systems. They are also responsible for enforcing safety precautions at all times. They must also use the knowledge that they have gained on anatomy and physiology to help the physician in diagnosing problems. MRI technicians must be able to work with other members of the team or in the unit and assist with the patient schedules and follow-ups.

Becoming a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technician starts by having a basic education on radiology. A lot of individuals who wanted to become a MRI technician start by having an associate degree as a radiologic technologist. Many schools also offer additional certificate programs for those who wanted to specialize. Most programs in the school’s curriculum include training in real life situations with a licensed and experienced MRI technician. Another path to take when becoming an MRI technician is to start gaining an experience as an x-ray technician then you can think of specializing as an MRI technician.

For those who wanted to acquire a one year MRI Certificate Curriculum, it generally takes nine months to a year depending on the school that you are attending. Some courses that one should expect to take during the program are subjects on Sectional Anatomy, Physics and Instrumentation, MRI Imaging Procedures, MRI Pathology, Introduction to Magnetic Resonance Imaging, MRI Registry Review and Clinical Series in MRI.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technician’s Salary is $61,000 a year. The usual hourly salary for MRI technicians is $10-$12 and the average annual salary is $54180. The salary also depends on where you work and the level of education and experience that you have. When one is working in a high end facility then they are paid more compared to those working in small clinics or imaging centers.

Phlebotomists are required to follow different standard procedures and rules when drawing blood from the patients. Phlebotomists have to make sure that their patients do not suffer from different kinds of infection because of the procedure needed to be done. Prior to drawing blood using a needle, the phlebotomist must first find an accessible vein. After which, they will then place a tourniquet and an antiseptic is used for precautionary purposes. Keeping the site clean is important. The phlebotomist must also make sure that there are sufficient stocks of supplies available.

When drawing blood of the donor, the responsibility of the phlebotomists is to identify and verify the identity of the patient to avoid complications and legal hassles. The phlebotomist must explain the procedure to the patient in order to make him or her more comfortable and relaxed during the whole procedure. They should also maintain the cleanliness of the trays in which blood is drawn. These health care professionals work together with doctors and nurses. They should also prepare the specimens for research. Placing a label on every specimen is important.

In becoming a phlebotomist, one has to have a graduate or post-graduate degree in the field of health care. Having the needed certificates and licenses is important in working as a phlebotomist. Having patience, good communication skill, hard work, best communication skills and the ability to learn new things are the important qualities that one must have in becoming a successful phlebotomist. The training in becoming a phlebotomist varies. The coursework includes subjects on anatomy and physiology regarding the circulatory system, respiratory, urinary, muscular and skeletal system. Phlebotomists study about blood cells and its composition.  Practical hands on phlebotomist training are also an important part. Students will be able to learn how to get blood by venipuncture. There are also techniques that are used for different ages.  Additional hands on courses also includes specimen handling, labeling, sorting and preparation. All of these are intended to keep the process as organized as possible. Phlebotomists should also learn on how to handle the specimens properly you protect the integrity of the samples to have a better outcome.

The phlebotomist’s salary depends on certain factors like the number of years of practical experience, type of employer, location of the work and the skills and educational qualifications of the aspirant. Those who are working in urban areas will get paid more than those working in small hospitals in rural areas. The phlebotomist salary is low compared to other medical jobs. For new entrants in this field with not much experience, one can start off with around $25,000 per year. For those who have four to six years of experience, they can earn between $26,000 and $29,000 a year.  For some who have finished an associate or bachelor degree, they earn more compared to those who have completed a certification. The salary also differs from one state to another. If one works in an urban area, they will definitely earn more than those working in rural areas or small towns.

Becoming a dialysis technician is an attractive option for those who want to enter the healthcare industry without having to work during the odd hours of the night. Most patients have strict dialysis treatment times and these are usually scheduled in the morning or afternoon, giving you time to close the clinic and go home for dinner with you family- unless your boss decides to give you additional paperwork. You can actually go home to your family without worrying if you forgot to sign your signature on the medication sheet or give a certain medication to patient. A dialysis technician’s job also comes with responsibilities- much of which will be taught in the dialysis technician training program you will go to.

A dialysis technician works with a hemodialysis machine. This machine is used to remove wastes from the blood of a patient that has kidney failure. These patients who are suffering from kidney failure are not your average patients. They require a lot of TLC because of the complication that they are suffering from. In a normal person, the kidney functions by removing wastes and excess fluid from the body and it also functions by producing hormones necessary for bone development. When a person’s kidneys starts to fail, these wastes build up in the body and the hormones required for making healthy bones don’t get properly regulated, the imbalance results in a sickly patient requiring dialysis treatments to remove the wastes from the blood. A patient is hooked to a dialysis machine through a hole or shunt in the arm so the blood can be filtered in the machine and returned to the body.

In the dialysis technician training program, you will learn more about the diseases that affect the kidney function in addition to learning how the dialysis machine works. By gaining more insight on how a disease affects a person, you will also learn the possible complications that a mistake on your part might cause. There are a lot of complications that might occur while the patient undergoes hemodialysis and it is your job to spot them before it becomes out of hand.

The responsibilities of a dialysis technician might sound overwhelming, but you will quickly learn how to adapt by going through the training program with great care. In the dialysis technician training program, you will learn all about the basics first. The basics include subjects in anatomy and physiology, and your communication skills will also be honed during the training. Since you will be spending a lot of time interacting with the patient, you will need to learn how to answer delicate questions without scaring the patient. You will also need to learn about establishing rapport with a certain patient in order to make the procedure seem smoother.

Once you pass the training program, be sure to earn your certificate and licensure by taking an exam. The exam is usually administered by the National Nephrology Certification Organization. The licensure you earned will make you a top candidate for any prospective employer.

Massage therapists are extremely lucky these days. Many people who know how to balance work, rest and play properly often seek the help of massage therapists to ease the aches and pains they have in their bodies. With the help of qualified massage therapists, the stresses in their life seem to melt in the comfort of loving hands of these very skilled professionals.

Massage therapist employ touch on the body of their clients to manipulate the muscles in the body by kneading and stroking the muscles resulting in relaxation. Massage therapists work for a variety of customers, not all of them ask for the services of massage therapists because they need to unwind. Massage therapists can also work with patients who need massages for medical benefits.

Massage therapists can specialize in many types of massages. In every culture in the world, there is always one form of massage therapy available to the locals, which explains why there are modalities in the specialties. A massage therapist can have many specialties available to him or her. The more specialties the therapist has, the more clients he will be able to pull. While there is really no strict duration for massages, a session can be as long as an hour and a half to as short as 15 minutes.

Massage therapists must be extremely considerate of the people they are lending their services to. Middle aged men and young men do not have the same preferences on the amount of pressure they want on their bodies. It is the massage therapist’s lookout to make sure that the pressure they are applying on their clients is just enough and not too much that it can cause a bruise.

Massage therapists accept clients at the spas, salons and clubs, but majority of them accept part time jobs or are self-employed. Since their job basically depends on the preference of their clients, they need to have strong interpersonal skills in addition to their therapeutic touch so they can earn a high salary.

Education is important in order to be a massage therapist as they don’t just grab a piece of muscle and kneed it immediately. Correct therapy training can be acquired at one of the many vocational massage therapy schools throughout the states.  Massage therapists perform their own set of physical assessment techniques as well. They need to talk with the client so they know what to massage style is best suited for their body. They also need to be educated about the myths and facts on massage so that they wont be sued for accidentally infuriating an already inflamed joint.

A massage therapy course usually takes 6-12 months to complete. Some states don’t require their massage therapists to be licensed, but there are other states that have strict boards governing massage therapy. Many states require their students to finish 500 study hours to complete a course on massage therapy. The programs usually include subjects such as anatomy and physiology, kinesiology and most importantly, body mechanics. Several training schools can offer a specialty massage course in addition to the standard massage therapy training. There are also schools who provide post graduate job placements for their students.

Dental assistants are considered as a very essential part in dental offices. They do routine tasks and helps the office work properly is helps out in almost all operations and tasks performed by the dentists. Dental assistants needs to be organized in doing their work and must have knowledge on the different tools used by dentists. Many of the dental assistants task are called clerical, these means that they are in charge for making and retrieving medical records. They are the ones who make dental scheduling appointments with both new and old patients. They make sure that all medical records are kept well and organized. After the patient is finished with his or her appointment, the dental assistants then takes the payments. After every week, the dental assistants will make sure that the inventory for all supplies and orders are done. Dental assistants also work as an office assistant. It is also the job of the dental assistant to do the prep work for cleanings and operations. They are also in charge for sterilizing the equipments and setting them up when needed to be used. The dental assistants also position the patient on the dental chair and place a bib on them. The dental assistant also mixes all dental compounds needed by the dentist. Some of the duties of the dental assistants is to perform teeth cleaning but with the assistance of another person. Dental assistants are also responsible for taking the molds of the teeth for braces and caps, process it and note it down on the medical records. Some dental assistants also do x-rays, develop it and file it together with the patient’s medical records.

In becoming a dental assistant, the first thing to do is to get a high school diploma. Subjects like biology, chemistry are one of those important subjects needed to be taken in high school. It is also important for one to have an idea on how to use the computer because dental assistants will be doing scheduling by computer. Second thing is to have training. It is essential to have a dental assistant education. This will prepare a person with all the knowledge and skills needed in becoming a dental assistant. There are a lot of dental assistant schools that can be found in every state. Programs offered by the school will give the person knowledge about the anatomy of the mouth, instruments and how to use equipments. This course lasts for nine month up to a year and a certification of completion is then given after finishing the course. Some dental assistant schools offer two year programs that will give the graduate an associate degree.

Dental assistant’s salary shows that one can earn more than $30,000 a year. Some are paid for more than $40,000.  Lowest salaries being paid is $22,000. This is definitely enough for oneself. See, no need to have a bachelor degree for this job in order to earn much. This job is not only interesting. It can open a lot of opportunities also for a person.

These days, the rapid increase of population of the older people gives a great challenge to the health care industry in looking for ways on how they would care for this part of the population. One of the changes made was to create new members of the health care team which are the certified nursing assistants or the CNA’s. These certified nursing assistants are working in hospitals, nursing homes and other health care institutions. The duties and responsibilities of these certified nursing assistants varies according to the laws made by the state and also by the health institution where they are working. The common duty of the certified nursing assistants is to manage the patients daily. They are the assistants of the registered nurses. They report to the attending nurse on the routines made regarding the care of the patient. Part of their duty is to do bed making, bathing the clients, assisting them in eating and going with them during ambulation. These duties are just some of the potential duties for certified nursing assistants.

To become a certified nursing assistant, states require them to undergo trainings and CNA education. The classes in different CNA schools differ, depending on what school is the person enrolled in. Requirements for these CNA schools vary on the institution. Some may require previous experiences and a high school diploma but some schools do not. Some facilities also offer trainings for certified nursing assistant and these trainings are done in the school and lasts for two weeks.  These classes are being taught by registered nurses. They cover different topics from how to fix the bed, how to do bed baths, proper positioning and a lot more. They are also taught on dressing and feeding the patient and also the proper body mechanics needed in lifting and turning the patients to prevent any injury. Some are even taught on how to deal with patients with Alzheimer’s or dementia and how to deal with infection control. Certified nursing assistant schools offer both theoretical or textbook learning and hands on trainings. After the trainings, test is given to find out the person’s proficiency. The test are divided into two parts which is clinical and written. Written test is about the different topics covered during the classes. The other part which is clinical is done by performing clinical procedures in front of the administrators. They will ask a person to perform procedures like turning, bed baths and etc. They will determine whether you are explaining the procedures properly, doing the procedures correctly, doing proper hand washing and providing privacy. After passing the exam, a certification is given and it is now the start of a person’s CNA career. Some CNA’s also take an NCLEX-PN exam to attain a license.

Certified nursing assistant salaries depend on a lot of factors. First is the level of nursing education, years of experience, geographical location of the workplace and the type of work one is doing. These factors greatly influence ones salary. Certified nursing assistants may earn $22,000 to $30,000 annually.

Looking for a secure and well-compensated job in the field of health care is never difficult. There
are multitudes of careers to choose from in the industry of medicine. The only tricky part is choosing
the right career that would suit you. A thorough research on career opportunity, capability, schools,
education, and salary should be conducted on a certain field before pursuing it. One good and exciting
vocation to pursue is a medical assistant. This job plays a vital role in any health care establishment
because it covers a wide range of task from administrative to clinical.

The task for a medical assistant may vary from the scope and location of practice. It is also dependable
on the physician’s area of expertise. Medical assistant’s works in clinics and hospitals. The most vital
task for this job is to ensure efficient and optimum operation of the clinic or medical establishment.
Enumerated below are the most common tasks that a medical assistant usually performs:

• Handling calls and redirecting it to a specific department.

• Patients and doctor’s appointment scheduling.

• Inventory of equipment and medical supplies.

• Purchasing of supplies and equipments.

• Data entry, document handling and ensuring that all information from patient’s registration form are error free.

• Basic accounting and financial records handling.

• Organizing and maintaining patience medical records.

• Basic clinical tasks such as drawing blood sample apply injections, X-rays and collecting urine samples.

This job is not that complex as long as you acquire the necessary education and training. This could
be achieved through vocational medical assistant schools or colleges that offer medical assistant courses. A high school
diploma or equivalent is needed to enroll in this field of study. This course only require one year for a
diploma and 2 years for an associate degree. Classes in different fields on medicine are covered in its
curriculum. Most medical assistant schools offer on the job training. Some schools require internship on
offices, hospitals, laboratories or other medical establishment to acquire expertise on this field.

The pay for this job is quite rewarding, the average medical assistant salary ranges from $20,000 to $30,000 per annum. This may
vary from the level of skill and various factors that could affect salary. The demand for this job is
expected to grow faster. This vocation would never cease to exist, so eliminate the worries of long-
term job security. This presents you a lot of opportunity if you considered being a medical assistant.

Ultrasound technicians use specialized equipment uses sound waves that generate images for the assessment and diagnosis of medical conditions. Sonography is a subdivision of diagnostic imaging and is used for many different medical conditions other then the most widely thought use: viewing the fetus in the womb, it has many other applications for sonography. These images captured can be photographed, videotaped, or even transmitted for review by a physician.

There are many job duties that an ultrasound technician has including: operating the special equipment, explaining procedures to the patient, selecting the best images for the physician to use for their diagnosis, and adjusting and maintaining the specialized equipment. Technicians are also responsible for preparing work schedules, evaluating equipment purchases, and also may be responsible for the diagnostic imaging department.

When attending school to become an ultrasound technician you will learn a set of job skills you will need on the job. The unique set of job skills needed to complete your tasks include: being able to understand and operate complex medical equipment, communication skills with physicians as well as patient interaction skills, and an ability to put patients at ease. As an ultrasound technician you may also be required to have the ability to lift, turn, and assist patients before the exam can be preformed. Your attention to detail will be vital to accurately record and asses patient information. Keeping up your visual acuity will be an ongoing learning skill to correctly understand and select images for the physician to accurately diagnose the patient.

In addition to your training at a vocational-technical institution you will also receive on the job training in the hospital or clinic you choose to work at. The need for ultrasound technicians is expanding and is growing at a much faster rate than the average for most occupations in the medical field. The growth is due to the aging population, the increase of demand for specialized diagnostic imaging, and the desire of patients to use alternatives to invasive procedures such as radiology. Hospitals will continue to be the primary employer of technicians in this field but employment will grow with the rapid demand of physician offices and diagnostic centers.

With this growth in demand for ultrasound technicians you will find that the projected salary earnings will increase as there is more demand. Beginning salaries for ultrasound technicians earn around $48,660 to $66,680. Earnings can vary due to location, education and certification, and experience. Ultrasound technicians that work in physician offices or diagnostic imaging centers tend to earn between $3,000 and $10,000 more a year then those who choose to work in a hospital. Another factor for the average ultrasound technician salary is the number of specialties you have, the more specialties or skills you have the higher your pay.

There is a nice job market for Respiratory Therapists (RTs) at this time.  In addition, there is expected to be a 26% rise in demand for Respiratory Therapists within the next 10 years.  That is an impressive increase in comparison to the 15% increase expected for general employment!

The average Respiratory Therapist Salary can range from approximately $25,000. per year to approximately $64,000. per year.  The variation in salary will depend on the therapist’s education level, experience, and locality.  That having been said, median income per year is still in the relatively higher range at about $56,000.  This salary range is exclusive to the United States.  In other countries a Respiratory Therapist’s salary is quite a bit less.  This may be because of a lack of requirements in accreditation.  Also note that salary increases for RTs would be likely as the demand for such therapists rises.

Specifications for this job involve assisting people with respiratory problems by diagnosing their individual needs and administering the appropriate therapy for that patient.   A Respiratory Therapist can be especially helpful in the treatment of chronic lung problems by teaching patients how to cope with the condition. Registered Respiratory Therapists will assist patients who are in more critical conditions.

While most RTs are employed at hospitals, there are many avenues for advancement in the field.  Jobs are available in doctor’s offices, nursing homes, respiratory clinics and sleep clinics.  Some therapists have moved into supervisory positions, management, or even administration levels at hospitals.  Others have established their own business ventures by going into home care or diagnostic services.  Possibilities are also available with manufacturers for equipment production or distribution and in education at Respiratory Therapy Schools.  It should be understood that Registered Respiratory Therapists will have the most opportunities for advancement.

CRTs or Certified Respiratory Therapists require an Associates of Applied Science Degree.  RRTs or Registered Respiratory Therapists will also need a Bachelors Degree and additional exams which are conducted by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).  Masters Degrees (MPH) and even Doctorates Degrees (PhD and EdD) are also obtainable.

Accredited Respiratory Therapy Schools are available at many colleges and universities in every state of the U.S. except Alaska.  A number of these schools also offer online courses.  Since it is important to find an accredited school, the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) provides a list of accredited programs in the United States.

Some of the courses offered at Respiratory Therapy Schools include Anatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology, Chemistry, Physics, Microbiology, Diagnostics, Pharmacology, Healthcare Law, and Medical Ethics.

In summary, there is possibility for much growth in the field of Respiratory Therapy.  There are also many opportunities for advancement as a Respiratory Therapist.  Degrees are available from a wide choice of accredited Respiratory Therapy Schools. Median income is within the overall normal range in the United States and may rise as demand for therapists increases.  Therefore this profession offers job stability, personal satisfaction, and a variety of choices in direction.