Published August 21, 2012 | 
A dental technician makes specially designed devices like crowns, bridges, and dentures. Also known as dental lab technicians, these professionals study all kinds of modern technology and acquire the right technical skills that teach them how to create molds for custom fits.
Dental technicians make crowns, dentures, and bridges after developing a mold of a person’s teeth. Even though a two-year degree is necessary for this line of work, sometimes dental labs will instruct beginners who have completed elementary dental courses. Students who want to pursue careers as lab technicians should have superior manual dexterity, proficient vision, and a close attention to detail. They should already know that if they pursue an A.A. degree, their income will increase greatly. Also, they can select their field of specialization like crowns and bridges along with partial or complete dentures.
Earning a high school diploma is a basic requirement when deciding to become a technician. People interested in becoming dental technicians who are enrolled in high school should take math and science classes. Dental technicians generally are not required to be educated formally based on reports by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS states that even though formal education is not necessary to work as a dental technician, employers usually choose to employ high school graduates who have been formally trained. The skills and knowledge in dental laboratory technology are provided at many colleges in the course of two years which leads to a certificate or associate degree. Some four-year bachelor degrees are also available in dental technology.
When selecting a program for dental technician training, it is important to check if the school has received accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association (CODA). Not taking an accredited program will prevent these technicians from being qualified to take the certification tests after graduating.
Many dental lab technicians complete an on-the-job training program and start working as helpers. During dental technician training, students may start as helpers and acquire new skills slowly. These technicians may start with basic processes and methods like learning how to pour plaster into an impression. More complicated processes could include learning how to make porcelain bridges and crowns.
To increase the opportunities for employment, technicians should decide to become certified. Certifications are given out by The National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology. Interested people should have a two-year minimum of experience, fulfill educational demands, and complete written and practical exams.
Dentist lab technicians are skilled craftsmen who are trained to create prosthetic devices in order to fix dental defects. These devices include crowns, bridges, dentures, and other orthodontic items. People who are interested in this career should know that formally trained technicians are more likely to be employed than non-certified technicians. They should do the research and obtain the skills necessary to succeed in this field.
Published August 17, 2012 | If you are interested in cosmetology, it is important to make sure that the beauty schools you are looking at will help you in your future. Here are some tips on what to look for in beauty schools.
First, make sure the school is accredited. This will ensure that your education will be well-rounded and valuable after graduation. In order to be accredited, the institution must meat or exceed the Department of Education’s minimal requirements. Also, many states require that your education was from an accredited beauty school in order to receive your license.
Check to see if the curriculum the beauty school offers is flexible. Many students will go through the exact same program at the same level, but not everyone learns the same way. It may be beneficial to find a school that allows the students to study part time, or take classes early in the morning or evening so you can still work. You will also want to check to make sure the school offers classes that specialize in your points of interest so that you can pursue your personal goals in your career.
Next, inquire as to how many real experiences you will receive during the course of your beauty school. The best way to solidify your knowledge is to put it into practice. You want to make sure that you will be getting exposure and experience as you learn to ensure that you will be able to perform and master the necessary functions after graduation.
Many people worry about the cost of beauty school. Some beauty schools offer financial aid that can help to pay for the program and some extra money to live off of. These may be in form of grants or low-interest loans. Ask each school that you are interested in what kind of financial aid packages they offer and how you apply.
Proximity is another important issue. It will be harder emotionally and physically to attend a beauty school that is far from your home or place of work. Do not pick a school based entirely on its location, but make sure that it is close enough that you will be able to attend with ease.
Finally, find out if the beauty school you are interested in offers job placement services. Many schools are so confident in their ability to train their students that they are willing to find them jobs after graduation. This means that the school is respected by salons and that you can rest assured that your education will be leading you to a real career.
Published August 14, 2012 | A pharmacy technician is someone who is supervised by a licensed pharmacist, and assists him or her in a variety of ways. The job normally involves filling prescriptions by counting pills, packaging and labeling them; entering a patients records into a computer and keeping the records current. They may also wait on customers. Pharmacy techs work in pharmacies that may be located in hospitals, clinics and drug stores.
Although an individual can be hired with nothing more than a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training, it is becoming more necessary to go to school for formal education and training as the field becomes more and more competitive. There are a variety of ways to accomplish training which include options such as getting an associate of arts degree at a two year community college or going to a tech school, which usually does not involve quite as much time.
Courses differ from school to school but the subjects that are commonly taken in pharmacy tech school include pharmacology, anatomy, chemistry, physiology, pharmacy terminology, pharmacy administration, pharmacy law and medical billing. Other courses involve learning how to fill prescriptions such as dosage, pharmacy calculations, drug preparation and compounding medications. Much of the coursework is hands-on and accomplished in labs.
Many schools have programs where you go out into the work force and practice skills learned. Pharmacy technician schooling can take from six months to one year to finish. Once you have completed pharmacy technician schooling, you must take the national test administered by either the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians or the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. Passing either of these two tests gives you certification as a pharmacy technician.
There are many different tech schools all over the country, which offer Pharmacy Technician programs. Online research can help you decide which route you want to pursue. Graduating from a pharmacy technician school and receiving certification does not guarantee a job; however it can definitely help increase your chances of finding a job in this field.
Becoming a pharmacy technician can be a fulfilling job and some technicians enjoy their careers so much they eventually decide to go on with their education and earn a degree as a licensed pharmacist. If you are interested in this line of work, going to tech school is a step in the right direction. With an increasing demand for healthcare services and with the population growing older, the career outlook for pharmacy technicians is a good one. Pharmacy technician schooling can start moving you down the path toward a successful career. Why not get started today?
Published August 11, 2012 | X ray technicians, also known as radiologic technologists or radiographers, are responsible for helping patients through the x ray process and operating the machinery. They may have to help the patient position themselves for an x ray procedure, remove any jewelry that would inhibit the procedure, and work with the patients’ physicians to communicate the results and to ensure that the patients receive the proper x ray examinations.
Most x ray technicians work in medical offices such as private practices, hospitals, nursing homes, or dentist offices. For those who work in private practice facilities, a typical schedule is usually forty hours per week during business hours. However, many other x ray technicians, especially those who work in hospitals or emergency health centers, work irregular hours and may work overnight shifts or on weekends. Some x ray technicians also work part-time and may be responsible for transporting equipment to and from a patient’s home if they are unable to visit a health facility.
Due to the nature of the work, x ray technicians must be comfortable with heavy lifting and operating heavy machinery. Disabled patients may require extra care when receiving an x ray, including manual positioning of their bodies in order to get an effective reading. X ray technicians must also be able to strictly adhere to guidelines for operating the machines, as improper use may result in overexposure to radiation for both the technician and the patient.
Most educational programs for x ray technicians take anywhere from 21-24 months, usually culminating in an associates degree. Acceptable programs must be accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, which has programs available different levels, including bachelors degree programs. These training programs include coursework related to radiobiology, pathology, patient care practices, safety, medical terminology, and medical ethics. This coursework, in addition to hands-on training, is an excellent way to learn about x ray technology and safety practices. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists also offers voluntary certifications for x ray technicians that could be useful in searching for jobs in the future.
Prospective x ray technicians are entering a job market with increasing openings for trained professionals. Those who have several years of job experience or extra technical skills, such as CT, MR, or mammography, will have better luck in the job market. Typical salaries for x ray technicians range anywhere from $48,000 to $55,000 per year, depending on experience, skills, and training. In addition, medical and diagnostic laboratories are more likely to offer higher salaries than are private practice physicians.
Published August 8, 2012 | The need for ultrasound technicians, also known as diagnostic medical sonographers, continues to grow at an impressive rate. Research has shown that by the year 2018, employment in the field is expected to increase by 18 percent. This is a much higher rate of growth than that of most other occupations.
Ultrasound technicians use sound compression technology to create noninvasive images of targeted organs or other internal workings of the human body. Ultrasound imaging is generally considered safer for a human than X-ray technology, which uses ionizing radiation. Ultrasounds also do a better job of imaging soft tissue than X-rays.
Many people wonder how they, too, can become an ultrasound technician. The answer is that there are several ways to enter this fast-growing field of the medical and healthcare profession. Though not common, a few employers will hire individuals who have not attended an accredited ultrasound technician program if they have worked and trained in an accredited practice. However, the majority of employers prefer prospective diagnostic medical sonographers to have some type of certificate or degree from a recognized, accredited school.
A 2011 study from O*Net revealed that 42 percent of ultrasound technicians had an associate’s degree, 25 percent had a bachelor’s degree, and 25 percent had taken some college classes, but had no degree. A Bureau of Labor Statistics study also showed that ultrasound technicians typically obtained a two-year degree. Some employers will also accept a one-year certificate, if a person already has experience in the medical field.
Ultrasound technician degrees or certificates can be obtained at four- and two-year colleges, as well as vocational or technical colleges. Employers show a preference for hiring ultrasound technicians who obtained their degree or certificate from a school that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Students who attend a four-year college program can decide to specialize in a certain area, such as breast or cardiac sonography. In addition to accredited schools, the Armed Forces of the United States also offer ultrasound technician training. Students in accredited programs will learn by participating in both classroom and clinical training. In addition, some schools, especially four-year colleges, require students to complete an internship before graduating.
Currently, states do not require ultrasound technicians to be licensed. However, most employers prefer hiring registered ultrasound technicians. This registration can be obtained by successfully passing an exam conducted by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (RDMS). Specialty sonographers can also obtain additional credentials from several other organizations, if they so desire.
Published August 5, 2012 | What Does a Surgical Technician Do? Surgical technicians serve as an integral part of the operating room team. They work under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, and other surgical personnel.
Before an operation even begins, the surgical technician is working to prepare the operating room. After setting up and testing the function of the surgical equipment, the surgical technician is ready to prepare the patient. Duties at this point include transporting the patient, preparing the skin for an incision, and monitoring the patient’s vital signs. During the operation, the surgical technician assists the surgeon by passing the requested tools, holding retractors in place, and by collecting specimens for the lab. After the operation, the surgical technician is responsible for transporting the patient back to the recovery area, cleaning up the operating room, and restocking supplies as necessary.
Surgical technicians enjoy the possibility of working in a broad area of surgical areas, although many choose to specialize. Opportunities exist in all settings and nearly all types of surgeries, including oral and maxillofacial.
Becoming a Surgical Technician
Although it is technically possible to be hired without being certified, most employers prefer to hire certified surgical technicians. Programs leading to certification can last anywhere from 10 to 24 months.
Successful surgical technicians typically have a high level of manual dexterity, calm demeanor, and are capable of working in a high stress environment.
Advancement
Advancing in this field requires solid experience. Advanced opportunities include working in neurosurgery, heart surgery, or even working as a first assistant to the surgeon (if qualified). These positions require a high level of technical expertise along with some advanced training.
Employment and Job Outlook
The majority of surgical technicians work in hospital operating rooms, although many work in private surgical practices that offer outpatient surgeries. Jobs for surgical technicians is expected to rapidly grow, possibly by 25% over the next 10 years. Opportunities will be especially good for mobile and certified surgical technicians. These increased opportunities are predicted due to the expected high volume of surgeries needed as the population continues to age. Furthermore, surgical technicians are very economical for hospitals as they can do the job of certain operating room staff for less money.
Salary
The salary that a surgical technician can expect varies with the field in which the technician is working. The following figures serve as rough guide:
- Dental Office: $36,000
- Physician’s Office: $38,500
- General Hospitals: $38,500
- Outpatient Care Centers: $39,500
- Specialty Hospitals: $41,000
These are basic salary estimates and do not include possible benefits such as vacation, insurance, or retirement benefits.