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Published January 1, 2012 | 
A Medical Technician can work in many different areas of the healthcare field. Some of these include surgery, dental office, x-ray, pharmacy, veterinarian, EMT (Emergency Medical Technician), dialysis, pediatrician, MRI and lab technician. The type of work-place one is placed in depends on classes, certificates or degrees.
There are different ways of getting a certificate or degree as a Medical Technician. If you know early on that this is the field you wish to work in then you can start by taking appropriate classes in high school. High school classes that prepare you include higher mathematics, anatomy, biology, chemistry and physics. Computer classes are beneficial as well since they will be required further on.
After high school you need to decide whether you would like to take a medical technician course in a community college or whether you will choose a vocational school. This is a good time to decide what area of expertise you would like to focus on because while some technician jobs accept a certificate or degree from any reputable school, some have certain requirements that only certain schools can meet. Also, while some Medical Technicians can complete a 2-year program, others are required to complete a 4-year program in addition to clinical training.
It is always a good idea to talk with a school counselor. They are available in high schools, community colleges, universities and vocational schools. A counselor can discuss the different types of Medical Technicians there are, tell you about the classes you will need, discuss how long your studies will be and talk to you about whether there will be additional certificates or clinical training that you might need to complete. A Medical Lab Technician, for example, performs tests on blood and other body fluids and checks skin samples for disease so they will need classes in laboratory science. An Ultrasound Technician, on the other hand, does not handle blood, fluids and skin at all. They need to take classes on X-ray Technology and learn to handle various computers and imaging machines. Those who chose the dental field need to concentrate on the mouth while those in the dialysis field need to know about equipment that removes waste material in blood. Medical Technicians have such a diverse field from which to choose that a counselor can really help in the decision making.
The career outlook for a Medical Technician is very good because so many healthcare facilities need them. From doctors offices to hospitals to emergency respond units; there will always be a need for this particular field.
Published January 1, 2012 | Aspiring x-ray technicians have several options when it comes to obtaining an education. They can earn either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Deciding on which path to take will mostly likely be determined by career goals and how much money the individual seeks to make. No matter which option they choose, it’s a good idea for future x-ray technicians to take biology, chemistry and mathematics courses in high school in order to prepare themselves for higher education programs.
Associate’s degree programs usually take two years to complete and serve as a foundation for later career opportunities and will most likely be a requirement to sit for certification. Aspiring technicians can either earn an Associate of Science or an Associate of Applied Science degree. With either option, students learn to become entry-level x-ray technicians, how to administer safe doses of radiation to patients during imaging and how to operate diagnostic imaging units. Coursework may include anatomy, algebra, physics, radiologic technology and composition.
With an associate’s degree, an x ray technician can take their certification examinations. Many employers prefer to hire technicians who are certified as it shows that they have been properly trained at an accredited school. X-ray technicians must renew their certification every two years by completing 24 hour’s worth of continuing education.
Other options for x-ray technician programs include bachelor’s degrees. A bachelor’s degree is meant to mold students into professionals and to offer them more opportunities. Students with associate’s degrees entering a bachelor’s degree program may be able to complete programs faster or transfer credits to their new school. Students may be instructed on psychology, clinicals, pathology, biology of radiation or statistics. X-ray technicians who wish to go into education, management or sales are advised to earn a higher degree.
Both associate’s and bachelor’s degree x-ray technician programs should prepare students to work in a number of settings, including medical centers, hospitals, public health and physician’s offices. All x ray technician programs should also prepare students for licensure. Licensure protects patients from unnecessary exposure to radiation. X-ray technicians with licenses let both patients and employers know that technicians have been properly trained in the use of imaging equipment. Each state has its own requirements for licensure, so x ray technicians should be sure to contact their state’s health board for specifics.
With the proper amount of training and education, x-ray technicians can advance to become specialists and perform CT and/or MR scans, mammography and other specialist certifications. Technicians who wish to become directors may need to obtain a master’s degree in either health administration or business.
Published December 30, 2011 | Working in the dental field is an exciting, rewarding and viable career choice. Of the many paths available in the field, that of the dental technician is very promising in terms of career satisfaction and steady employment. Dental technicians work in dental labs creating bridges, crowns, dentures, veneers and other prosthetic devices. Dental technicians work with molds taken from patients by dentists to create a customized fit for each device. A person interested in learning how to become a dental technician should have good hand to eye coordination and manual dexterity, as the job requires steady hands and strong attention to detail to create the perfect fitting prosthetic.
Some dental technicians typically train on the job, however a formal training with certification is available and is strongly recommended for those who enter this field. Dental technicians are different from dental hygienists, although the two are sometimes confused. A dental technician does not come into contact with a patient’s mouth like a dental hygienist does unless there are extraordinary circumstances with the specialized dental prosthetic that he or she created that must be addressed.
The primary path for how to become a dental technician typically involves two to three years of learning on the job, either in a dental office or in a medical facility that produces orthodontic devices. Additionally, there are dental schools across the United States that offer dental technician courses accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA). While there is a broad education in general dental laboratory work at these schools, most dental technician students choose an area of study to focus on, such as crowns and bridges, veneers and porcelains, or dentures.
The length of the educational training of a dental technician is usually two years, where the student receives a certificate or Associate’s Degree upon completion. There are some schools that offer four-year degrees (Bachelor’s) in Dental Technology, although these are not required to become a dental technician. Prospective dental technicians may also receive certification from the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology (NBC).
As of 2011, the beginning salary of a dental technician was $35,000 a year. After some years on the job, with promotions and demonstrated expertise, dental technicians can make up to $75,000 per year.
Dental technicians play an important role in the health and well being of people. They offer a valuable service that nearly every human being requires in order to live a comfortable and healthy life. Learning how to become a dental technician and earning a good living by helping others makes this decision an attractive career choice for many.
Published December 30, 2011 | For most people, medical insurance conjures thoughts of submitting claims and reams of paperwork involved. But for those with medical billing careers, the need insurance companies have for detailed paperwork and careful attention to detail represents a growing and lucrative career.
As the health care industry has taken a larger place in the nation’s economy, the need for accurate and timely claims and payments for insurance providers has opened a job niche for those seeking a medical billing career. Medical billing experts take raw information and put it into the proper medical code that will be used to pay medical providers. Each code stands for a specific procedure or treatment, and after being placed through a secure database, these codes generate a statement to be sent to the insurance provider. Accuracy is pivotal in this process, as insurance providers need to root out the abuses and over-billing that drives the overall cost of the healthcare industry upward and causes premiums to increase.
To enter the medical billing field, a person must become an expert in the extensive and often complicated language that makes up these billing claims. Entering this field also means being well-versed in the kind of medical terminology used by doctors and insurance providers, as well as a general knowledge of anatomy. Most medical billing companies require some form of certification to work in this field, and this can be earned through vocational courses. Those interested in careers in medical billing must be wary, however. There is a range of different certifications available, so the right one must be selected. This field is also rife with scams; especially companies online that claim to offer training and certification for a fee. Careful research must be taken before any training program is chosen.
Once in the field, medical billing experts must be able to process claims and bills from multiple sources, like private insurance providers, Medicare and Medicaid. And because medical billing experts represent one of the important lines of defense against fraud, they must be able to spot claims that have already been submitted and clear up uncertainties by contacting doctors, patients or insurance claims agents.
Because medical billing is a data-intensive process that requires only a computer, the proper software and keen attention to detail, many people in this field are able to work from home. The range of pay can also be a reward in itself. Though starting wages usually range between $8 and $10 per hour, the highest end of the wage scale can reach up to $40 an hour.
Published December 28, 2011 | While in some places they are called dental technicians, they are also referred to as dental laboratory technicians. Their main duties include manufacturing the various dental products that dentists use in treating a patient such as dental prosthetics, bridges, and crowns. They also make dentures according to the various specifications that the dentists provide. They also handle special fields such as orthodontic appliances and ceramics.
Dental technician careers are expected to grow at a faster than average rate through 2018, which is a great sign for those interested in this type of position. When you have gained experience in this field, those who work in large dental factories can be promoted to supervisory positions or management while still others choose to teach or even work with suppliers of the dental products. This type of career makes a great stepping stone for those who are entrepreneurial types and want to eventually open their own similar typed business.
So, you know you want to become a dental technician, but you don’t know where to start? Vocational tech schools and community colleges are a great place to begin and often offer training courses that will give you a head start on other applicants. While much of the job is learned on an “as you go” basis or “on the job” training, most employers prefer to hire someone with basic knowledge of the industry and education in the field. In America, there are approximately 25 dental laboratory programs that are accredited by the American Dental Association. Some lead to 2-year college degrees while still others go with a 4-year bachelors program. In addition to the classroom instruction you will receive, there will also be hands on laboratory experience. At some point a dental technician may choose to become certified by the National Association of Dental Laboratories, which improves your odds of gaining employment.
Not everyone is suited for this type of position, so it’s good to know what skill sets work best in this career. If you want to become a good dental technician, you should be able to work with small tools and be good with your hands. Manual dexterity is a must. You should also be good at recognizing even minute color shadings or variations in the shape of items. Being artistic is also important, as this is very detailed and precise work.
A person employed in the dental technician field can expect to earn on average about $37,000/year or about $17/hour. It’s a great position for someone who enjoys detailed work and likes set hours of operation.
Published December 27, 2011 | Cosmetology is a general term that encompasses several professions within the beauty industry. Hairstyling is perhaps the most commonly known branch of cosmetology. Other careers, such as nail and skin technology are also important parts of the field. What is a Cosmetologist?
A cosmetologist is someone who specializes in any field of cosmetology. Some cosmetologists choose to focus on one specific area, while others may learn several skills. For example, some cosmetologists only learn about hair styling, while others may learn about applying makeup, performing manicures and pedicures, applying skin treatments and styling hair.
Depending on state laws, training requirements may vary. Generally a training course is required to become licensed as a cosmetologist, including several hours of hands on practice. Once a cosmetologist obtains his state license, he can legally render cosmetology services in any salon in the state.
Branches of Cosmetology
Hair stylists have the role of helping clients figure out what color and style would look best for them. This includes observation of the clients’ face shape and coloring to know what styles will enhance their appearance. Cosmetologists may perform a simple trimming of the hair or change the style entirely. Shampooing the client’s head before and after color treatments and haircuts is also a necessary part of the job, as well as blow drying and styling the clients’ hair afterward. Hair stylists may also specialize in applying extensions and hair weaves. Some hair stylists perform all of the services mentioned above, while others specialize in just one or more aspects of the profession.
Cosmetologists who specialize in skin care help the client to select and apply treatment masks and anti-age creams. They may also use treatments for skin exfoliation and apply moisturizers to the client’s skin. Cosmetologists may also pluck or wax eyebrows, as well as perform hair removal on any part of the body, including bikini waxes.
Nail technicians are responsible for beautifying their clients’ nails. This may include cleaning the nails and treating the cuticles. Nails are filed and buffed. The nail technician applies the nail polish color that the client selects. She may also be responsible for painting any special designs onto the nails. A nail technician also commonly applies artificial or acrylic nails to the finger or toenails.
Some cosmetologists focus specifically on makeup application. Makeup artists apply creams and makeup products to the clients to get them ready for a special event, such as a wedding or party. Successful makeup artists may find work with television and movie industries.