There are many fascinated with the medical field and the procedures
that take place within it. There are now opportunities in the medical
field that allow you to be a part of these life saving procedures
and be a part of the face of medicine even without attending medical
school. The following are three examples of such careers.
Radiological Technologists/Technicians
Radiological Technicians/Technologists are individuals who take
x-rays and administer non radioactive materials into patient’s
bloodstreams for diagnostic purposes. They position the patient
and equipment to ensure that only the appropriate area is exposed
to the radiation. Advanced Radiological Technologist/Technicians
can learn to perform a fluoroscopy which is an imaging technique
often used in spinal injections.
Training for Radiological Technologists/Technicians involves education
from 1-4 years. This training would award the student either a certificate,
associate’s degree or bachelors degree. Forty states require
licensure for practicing radiological technologist/technicians.
Training for a Radiological Technologist/Technician can take place
at a career college. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
the job prospect are expected to increase about 15% which is faster
than average. The median income is $48,170 as of May 2006.
View a complete list of X-Ray
Schools and get free information from them in order to learn
more.
Surgical Technologists
Surgical Technologists are surgical/operating room technicians and
they assist during and before surgical operations. They work under
the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses and other surgical
personnel. Surgical Technologists help to prepare an operating room,
set up instruments, equipment, and sterile equipment. They make
sure equipment is working properly, get patients ready for surgery,
transport patient to surgery, and help position them on the operating
table. They also observe patients vital signs and help the surgical
team prepare. In addition they also pass surgeons supplies and instruments
and help count sponges, needles and other disposable supplies at
the end of the surgery.
Training for Surgical Technologists is 9-24 months and gives you
a certificate or an associate’s degree. There is a national
certification examination that must be taken every 4 years or continuing
education be taken. This certification is with the National Center
for Competence Testing (NCCT).Training can take place at a career
college. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics this career
is expected to grow 24% over the next few years and the median income
is $36,080 as of May 2006.
View a complete list of Surgical
Technology Schools and get free information from them in order
to learn more.
Medical Assistants
Medical Assistants perform varied tasks. They are not physician’s
assistants. They assist with various tasks typically in a physician’s
office. Some perform clerical and billing work. Some work on coordinating
patient’s care and completing forms for patients. State law
will determine the extent of what a medical assistant is able to
do. In some states they are able to take medical histories, record
vital signs, explain treatment procedures, prepare patients for
examinations, and assist physicians during examinations. Some medical
assistants can collect and prepare lab tests, dispose of contaminated
supplies and sterilize equipment. In some instances medical assistants
may even perform EKGs, remove sutures, and change dressings. If
a medical assistant works for a specialist they may have more specialized
tasks to complete.
Training for medical assistants takes 1-2 years and usually results
in an associate’s degree. Training can take place online or
at a career college. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
this job is among the fastest growing occupations. The median income
as of 2006 was $26,290.
The above careers allow you to be heavily involved in the medical
industry. Look into the local career colleges or online colleges
and get started on an exciting new life.
View a complete list of Medical
Assisting Schools and learn more about Medical Assisting
by requesting more information from them.
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