Online Career Advancement Best Health Care Careers
Online Career Advancement academic preparation courses will help you successfully pursue the career of your choice. The Online Career Advancement program offers courses in the following professional health care career categories that are in high demand, very rewarding and challenging, and offer excellent pay. Learn which of these careers is just right for you >> Register For Career Guides > Download Program Brochure (PDF)
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-- Employment Outlook:
-- Employment Outlook:
-- Income Range (2009):
$42,000 - $100,000 -- Brief Description: Medical imaging is the technique and process used to create
images of the human body (or parts and function thereof) for
clinical purposes (medical procedures seeking to reveal, diagnose or
examine disease) or medical science (including the study of normal
anatomy and physiology).
Radiologic technologists take x rays and administer
nonradioactive materials into patients’ bloodstreams for diagnostic
purposes.
Radiologic technologists must follow physicians’ orders
precisely and conform to regulations concerning the use of radiation
to protect themselves, their patients, and their coworkers from
unnecessary exposure.
Employment Outlook: Job opportunities are expected to be good
for pharmacy technicians, especially for those with certification or
previous work experience. Excellent job opportunities are expected
for pharmacists. About 71 percent of jobs were in retail
pharmacies, grocery stores, department stores, or mass retailers.
Income Range (2009):
$18,000 - $127,000 -- Brief Description: Pharmacy technicians help licensed Pharmacists provide
medication and other health care products to patients. Technicians
usually perform routine tasks to help prepare prescribed medication,
such as counting tablets and labeling bottles. They also perform
administrative duties, such as answering phones, stocking shelves,
and operating cash registers. Technicians refer any questions
regarding prescriptions, drug information, or health matters to a
pharmacist. Pharmacy technicians who work in retail or mail-order
pharmacies have varying responsibilities, depending on State rules
and regulations. Technicians receive written prescriptions or
requests for prescription refills from patients. They also may
receive prescriptions sent electronically from the doctor’s office.
They must verify that information on the prescription is complete
and accurate. To prepare the prescription, technicians must
retrieve, count, pour, weigh, measure, and sometimes mix the
medication. Then, they prepare the prescription labels, select the
type of prescription container, and affix the prescription and
auxiliary labels to the container. Once the prescription is filled,
technicians price and file the prescription, which must be checked
by a pharmacist before it is given to the patient. Technicians may
establish and maintain patient profiles, prepare insurance claim
forms, and stock and take inventory of prescription and
over-the-counter medications.
-- Employment Outlook: Physician assistant programs usually last
at least 2 years; admission requirements vary by program, but many
require at least 2 years of college and some health care experience. -- Income Range (2009):
$76,000 - $200,000 -- Brief Description: Physician assistants (PAs) practice
medicine under the supervision of physicians and surgeons. They
should not be confused with Medical assistants, who perform routine
clinical and clerical tasks. PAs are formally trained to provide
diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive health care services, as
delegated by a physician. Working as members of the health care
team, they take medical histories, examine and treat patients, order
and interpret laboratory tests and x rays, and make diagnoses. They
also treat minor injuries, by suturing, splinting, and casting. PAs
record progress notes, instruct and counsel patients, and order or
carry out therapy. In 48 States and the District of Columbia,
physician assistants may prescribe some medications. In some
establishments, a PA is responsible for managerial duties, such as
ordering medical supplies or equipment and supervising technicians
and assistants. Physician assistants work under the
supervision of a physician. However, PAs may be the principal care
providers in rural or inner city clinics where a physician is
present for only one or two days each week. In such cases, the PA
confers with the supervising physician and other medical
professionals as needed and as required by law. PAs also may make
house calls or go to hospitals and nursing care facilities to check
on patients, after which they report back to the physician.
-- Employment Outlook: Employment is projected to increase much
faster than average for PTs and PT assistants. PT assistants should
have very good job prospects. PT assistants generally have an
associate degree; some States require licensing for assistants.
Typically, a master's degree from an accredited physical therapy
program is the minimum level of education for individuals pursuing a
career as a physical therapist. -- Income Range (2009):
$28,000 - $100,000 -- Brief Description: Physical therapy is performed by either a physical therapist (PT) or an assistant (PTA) acting under their direction. Physical therapy (or physiotherapy) is a health care profession which provides services to individuals in order to develop, maintain, and restore maximum movement and function throughout life. This includes providing services in circumstances where movement and function are threatened by aging, injury, disease or environmental factors.
Physical therapy is concerned with identifying and
maximizing quality of life and movement potential within the spheres
of promotion, prevention, treatment/intervention, habilitation and
rehabilitation. This encompasses physical, psychological, emotional,
and social well being. It involves the interaction between physical
therapist (PT), patients/clients, other health professionals,
families, care givers, and communities in a process where movement
potential is assessed and goals are agreed upon, using knowledge and
skills unique to physical therapists. Physical therapy is
performed by either a physical therapist (PT) or an assistant (PTA)
acting under their direction.
Physical therapy has many specialties including
cardiopulmonary, geriatrics, neurologic, orthopaedic and pediatrics
to name some of the more common areas. PTs practice in many
settings, such as outpatient clinics or offices, inpatient
rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, extended care
facilities, private homes, education and research centers, schools,
hospices, industrial workplaces or other occupational environments,
fitness centers and sports training facilities. -- -- -- Employment Outlook: Employment is expected to grow much
faster than average. Job opportunities will be best for
technologists who are certified. Surgical technologist training
programs last 9 to 24 months and lead to a certificate, diploma, or
associate degree. -- Income Range (2009):
$27,000 - $200,000 -- Brief Description: Surgical technologists, also called
scrubs and surgical or operating room technicians, assist in
surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered
nurses, or other surgical personnel. Surgical technologists are
members of operating room teams, which most commonly include
surgeons, anesthesiologists, and circulating nurses. Before an operation, surgical
technologists help prepare the operating room by setting up surgical
instruments and equipment, sterile drapes, and sterile solutions.
They assemble both sterile and non-sterile equipment, as well as
check and adjust it to ensure it is working properly. Technologists
also get patients ready for surgery by washing, shaving, and
disinfecting incision sites. They transport patients to the
operating room, help position them on the operating table, and cover
them with sterile surgical drapes. Technologists also observe
patients’ vital signs, check charts, and help the surgical team put
on sterile gowns and gloves. Surgical assistants earn much more than
surgical technologists or technicians. -- -- -- Employment Outlook: Employment is expected to grow much
faster than average; technologists and technicians trained to
perform certain procedures will be in particular demand. About 3 out
of 4 jobs are in hospitals. The vast majority of workers complete a
2-year junior or community college program. -- Income Range (2009):
$36,000 - $75,000+ -- Brief Description: Cardiovascular technologists and
technicians assist physicians in diagnosing and treating cardiac
(heart) and peripheral vascular (blood vessel) ailments. Cardiovascular technologists and
technicians schedule appointments perform ultrasound or
cardiovascular procedures, review doctors’ interpretations and
patient files, and monitor patients’ heart rates. They also operate
and care for testing equipment, explain test procedures, and compare
findings to a standard to identify problems. Other day-to-day
activities vary significantly between specialties. Cardiovascular technologists may
specialize in any of three areas of practice: invasive cardiology,
echocardiography, or vascular technology.
Learn More
-- Employment Outlook: Most jobs are in hospitals, nursing care
facilities, outpatient care centers, and offices of physicians or
other health practitioners. Dietitians and nutritionists need at
least a bachelor’s degree in dietetics, foods and nutrition, food
service systems management, or a related area; licensure,
certification, or registration requirements vary by State.
Employment is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all
occupations; good job opportunities are expected. --- Income Range (2009):
$30,000 - $91,000 -- Brief Description: Dietitians and nutritionists plan food and nutrition
programs, supervise meal preparation, and oversee the serving of
meals. They prevent and treat illnesses by promoting healthy eating
habits and recommending dietary modifications. For example,
dietitians might teach a patient with high blood pressure how to use
less salt when preparing meals, or create a diet reduced in fat and
sugar for an overweight patient. Dietitians manage food service systems for institutions
such as hospitals and schools, promote sound eating habits through
education, and conduct research. Many dietitians specialize,
becoming a clinical dietitian, community dietitian, management
dietitian, or consultant.
-- Employment Outlook: Dental hygienists rank among the fastest
growing occupations. Job prospects are expected to remain
excellent. More than half work part time, and flexible scheduling is
a distinctive feature of this job. Dentists are expected to hire
more assistants to perform routine tasks so that they may devote
their own time to more complex procedures. -- Income Range (2009):
$22,000 - $90,000 -- Brief Description: Dentistry is the known evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the soft and hard tissues of the jaw (mandible), the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent and associated structures and their impact on the human body. Dentistry is that branch of medicine which deals with the study and practice of diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases of the mouth, the maxilla, and the face.
Dentistry is a part of stomatology. Dentistry is widely considered necessary for complete overall health. People working in the practice of dentistry, who are not dentists, include dental assistants, dental hygienists, dental technicians, and dental therapists. Learn More
-- Employment Outlook: Job opportunities should be very good. An
associate degree is the minimum educational requirement, but a
bachelor’s or master’s degree may be important for advancement. All
States, except Alaska and Hawaii, require respiratory therapists to
be licensed. -- Income Range (2009):
$37,000 - $67,000 -- Brief Description: Respiratory therapists and respiratory therapy
technicians—also known as respiratory care practitioners—evaluate,
treat, and care for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary
disorders. Practicing under the direction of a physician,
respiratory therapists assume primary responsibility for all
respiratory care therapeutic treatments and diagnostic procedures,
including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians.
Respiratory therapy technicians follow specific, well-defined
respiratory care procedures under the direction of respiratory
therapists and physicians. In clinical practice, many of the daily duties of therapists and technicians overlap. However, therapists generally have greater responsibility than technicians. For example, respiratory therapists consult with physicians and other health care staff to help develop and modify patient care plans. Respiratory therapists also are more likely to provide complex therapy requiring considerable independent judgment, such as caring for patients on life support in intensive-care units of hospitals. Learn More -- -- -- Employment Outlook: Employment is expected to grow faster
than average. Job prospects should be very good; technicians with a
strong background in medical coding will be in particularly high
demand. -- Income Range (2009):
$30,000 - $85,000 -- Brief Description: The health information management
profession includes managers, technicians, and specialists expert in
systems and processes for health information management, including:
Planning - Formulating strategic, functional, and user requirements
for health information; Engineering - Designing information flow,
data models, and definitions; Administration - Managing data
collection and storage, information retrieval, and release;
Application - Analyzing, interpreting, classifying, and coding data
and facilitating information use by others; Policy - Establishing
and implementing security, confidentiality, retention, integrity,
and access standards. Graduates of associate degree programs
are known as health information technicians and conduct health data
collection, monitoring, maintenance, and reporting activities in
accordance with established data quality principles, legal and
regulatory standards, and professional best practice guidelines.
Health information technicians have, and will continue to assume,
roles that support efforts toward the development of computer-based
patient record systems and a national health information
infrastructure. Graduates of baccalaureate degree educational programs in health information management are known as health information administrators and apply their training and expertise in both science and management to develop, implement, and/or provide oversight to health care data collection and reporting systems to assure the integrity and availability of the information resources needed to support authorized users and decision-makers. Learn More -- -- -- Employment Outlook: Job opportunities for Anesthesia
Technicians and Anesthesiologist Assistants are expected to grow as
the population ages and more people undergo surgery and require
anesthesia. -- Income Range (2009):
$27,000 - $180,000 -- Brief Description: Anesthesia technicians and technologists
are integral members of the anesthesia patient care team. Their role
is to assist anesthesiologist and anesthetists in acquiring,
preparing, and using the equipment and supplies required to
administer anesthesia. In this role, they contribute to safe,
efficient, and cost-effective anesthesia care. Depending on individual knowledge,
expertise and training, the tasks of the anesthesia technician and
technologist may include equipment maintenance and servicing such as
cleaning and sterilizing, assembling, calibrating and testing,
troubleshooting, requisitioning and recording of inspections and
maintenance, and operating a variety of mechanical, pneumatic, and
electronic equipment used to monitor the patient undergoing
anesthesia. The anesthesiologist assistant (AA) is a
skilled person qualified by advanced academic and clinical education
to provide anesthetic care under the direction of a qualified
anesthesiologist. The anesthesiologist who is responsible for the AA
is available to prescribe and direct particular therapeutic
interventions in the operating room and the intensive care setting.
By virtue of the basic science education and clinical practice
experience, the AA is skilled in the use of contemporary
state-of-the-art patient monitoring techniques in anesthesia care
environments. The AA performs complementary and supplementary
anesthetic care and monitoring tasks that allow the directing
anesthesiologist to use his or her own skills more efficiently and
effectively. --
-- Employment Outlook: Employment is expected to grow as fast as
average in response to the vision care needs of a growing and aging
population. -- Income Range (2009):
$15,000 - $73,000 -- Brief Description: The ophthalmic assistant, ophthalmic
technician, and ophthalmic medical technologist are skilled
professionals, qualified by didactic and clinical ophthalmic
training, who perform ophthalmic procedures under the direction or
supervision of a licensed ophthalmologist who is responsible for the
performance of the ophthalmic assistant, ophthalmic technician, and
ophthalmic medical technologist. The functions of the ophthalmic
assistant, ophthalmic technician, and ophthalmic medical
technologist are to assist the ophthalmologist by performing
delegable tasks, collecting data, administering treatment ordered by
an ophthalmologist, and supervising patients. --
Employment Outlook: Due to the expanding healthcare industry,
the job outlook is very good. -- Income Range (2009): $75,000 -
$100,000+ -- Brief Description: Anatomic pathologists are physicians who
examine tissue specimens from patients and perform autopsies to
diagnose the disease processes involved. Pathologists’ assistants
participate in autopsies and in the examination, dissection, and
processing of tissue specimens. They function as physician
extenders. The following services are provided under the direct
supervision of a licensed and board-certified pathologist and should
include, but not be limited to, the following: Surgical Pathology; Assisting
in the preparation and performance of surgical specimen dissection
by ensuring appropriate specimen accessioning, obtaining pertinent
clinical information and studies, describing gross anatomic
features, dissecting surgical specimens, preparing and submitting
issue for histologic processing, obtaining and submitting specimens
for additional analytic procedures (immunostaining, flow cytometry,
image analysis, bacterial and viral cultures, toxicology, etc), and
assisting in photographing gross and microscopic specimens. Autopsy Pathology;
Assisting in the performance of postmortem examination by
ascertaining proper legal authorization; obtaining and reviewing the
patient’s chart and other pertinent clinical data and studies;
notifying involved personnel of all special procedures and
techniques required; coordinating special requests for specimens;
notifying involved clinicians and appropriate authorities and
individuals; assisting in the postmortem examination; selecting and
preparing tissue for histologic processing and special studies;
obtaining specimens for biological and toxicologic analysis;
assisting in photographing gross and microscopic specimens and
photomicrography; and participating in the completion of the autopsy
report.
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Online Career Advancement covers other health care career courses.
Download Program Brochure (PDF)
Information sources and references include American Medical
Association (AMA), Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and Wikipedia.org.
