Published April 14, 2012 | 
Aircraft mechanics work in either preventative maintenance or repair work. Those who specialize in preventative maintenance perform inspections on landing gear, instruments, valve pumps, air conditioning and the like. Much like an automobile, aircraft also have scheduled maintenance determined by the amount of time the aircraft has flown, time since the last inspection and other determining factors. Aircraft mechanics specializing in repair work focus on specific problems, much like an automobile mechanic does when we take our vehicle to the shop. Airline mechanics can also choose to specialize in a specific type of aircraft such as helicopters, jets and airplanes just as other mechanics can specialize in a particular part, such as an engine or electrical system. Other types of airline mechanics include airframe, power plant and A&P mechanics.
Aircraft mechanics may work under tight schedules in order that flights may remain on schedule. As they usually have to lift upwards of 80 pounds, it’s recommended that mechanics be physically fit so that they may endure continuous lifting, bending, kneeling and working on ladders and scaffolding. They often work overtime, on weekends and under noisy conditions. It’s worth mentioning that aircraft mechanics have a higher rate of on-the-job injury and illness when compared to other occupations.
In order to become an aircraft mechanic, individuals should attend an institution certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Programs usually last anywhere from one to two years, and individuals can also earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in aviation technology, avionics or aviation maintenance management. Bachelor’s of Science in Aviation Maintenance Technology programs may focus coursework on aviation safety, aerodynamics, aircraft engines, psychology, engineering and chemistry. Alternatively, an aspiring aircraft mechanic can learn the trade on the job with an experienced mechanic.
Before they are allowed to work on an aircraft, the FAA must first license mechanics. In order to be eligible for licensure, individuals must be at least 18 years old, have the proper amount of experience with power plants or airframes and pass an oral, written and practical exam. It is expected that between 2008 and 2018 aircraft mechanics will see a 7% growth in employment, which is about average when compared to other occupations.
According to Payscale.com in 2012, aircraft mechanics and service technicians earned an annual salary that ranged from $31,000-$73,000. Those with 1-4 years of experience made between $23,000 and $59,000 while those with 5-9 years of experience earned $25,000-$55,000 a year.
Published April 14, 2012 | Auto technicians service automobiles in a variety of ways. These professionals can specialize in different types of engines such as small engines on motorcycles and power equipment, diesel engines and recreational vehicle engines such as boats. Because of advancing technology in automobiles, automotive technicians obtain vocational training or a two-year degree in automotive technology to prepare for the job. Along with training, many automotive technicians receive ASE certification, which is administered by the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence.
Some students attend the Universal Technical Institute (UTI), which offers a variety of automotive specializations. The UTI auto tech school has about 10 campuses located in different parts of the United States. UTI offers training in automotive, motorcycle, marine, diesel and collision repair. Many vocational schools and community colleges offer training, of which some specialize in different types of automotive servicing. Students can attend a standard auto mechanic school or a motorcycle mechanic school. Some niche educational institutions work with employers to employ new graduates, such as motorcycle racing franchises and teams. A specialized diesel mechanic school offers specific training related to diesel engines, which are typically used in transit buses and large trucks. All types of vehicles require the skills of a qualified automotive technician to keep them running at their peak performance.
ASE certification is a standard in the industry today and many employers prefer those who obtain this credential. ASE offers a variety of tests for new and experienced automotive service technicians. To become certified, automotive technicians must pass at least one of over 40 tests in a variety of automotive service specialty areas. The certification tests require at least two years of education and one year of work experience, but those new to automotive servicing can choose from two standard tests until they gain experience: the maintenance and inspection program or the refrigerant recovery program. After gaining the required experience, automotive technicians can select from the 40 tests to become credentialed as an ASE certified technician. ASE also offers the ASE master technician credential, which requires passing a series of tests in a specific specialty area such as automobile repair, collision repair, medium/heavy truck repair, school bus, transit bus and truck equipment repair.
Attending an auto mechanic school and obtaining one of the many ASE credentials can lead to an exciting career. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that automotive technicians earn average salaries ranging from $32,000 to $42,000 per year, depending on the specialty area.
Published April 13, 2012 | Radiologic technologists and technicians use x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, mammography and computed tomography to help diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions. Technicians work in entry-level positions that give them the experience they need to help them advance.
Duties
X-ray technicians follow doctors’ orders exactly as well as rules regarding how to protect themselves, their patients and co-workers from too much X-ray exposure. Technicians also help prepare patients for imaging procedures, maintain patient records and take care of equipment.
Work Environment
Radiologic technicians work in a physically demanding environment. They stand on their feet for much of the day and may help move patients. They may go to patients’ bedsides to do imaging procedures and may even travel in vans with diagnostic equipment to off-site locations.
Technicians usually work about 40 hours per week. They may also work on-call, evening or weekend hours. Some technicians work for more than one employer on a part-time basis.
Education and Advancement
You can earn a certificate, associate degree or bachelor’s degree in radiography. The associate degree is the most common form of education for technicians. Certificate programs take between 21 and 24 months to complete, and associate degrees typically last two years.
Students study physiology, anatomy, radiation physics, protection from radiation, medical terminology, medical ethics, radiobiology, imaging, how to care for patients, pathology and radiobiology.
After completing a course of study, technicians must be licensed by their states to practice as an x ray technician. Certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is also necessary. To keep your certification current, you must take 24 hours of continuing education every two years.
Advancement is possible with additional training and experience. You may specialize in a particular area, such as CT scanning. You may also advance with more education and certification to be a radiologist assistant. You may also be supervisor and department director. You could also work as a sales representative or instructor for equipment manufacturers.
Salary and Outlook
The median salary for a x ray technician is $38,460, or $18.49 per hour, as of May 2008, according to the BLS.
This occupation is projected to grow faster than average through 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As medical technology is used to treat disease in addition to diagnosing it, more technicians are likely to be needed, especially those who are trained in more than one kind of imaging. Hospitals are the main employer of technicians, but new jobs will open up in diagnostic imaging centers and doctors’ offices.
Some regions of the country have too many technicians, and others don’t have enough. You may need to move to find a position although overall demand for technicians is high.
Published April 13, 2012 | Anesthesia technician assistant’s work under the direct supervision of an anesthesiologist. The role of an anesthesia technician is critical on surgical teams and comes with a number of extremely important and highly detailed job responsibilities including:
• Assembling all equipment necessary in administering anesthesia such as intravenous lines and pouches, X-ray and
RAD equipment, and sterile masks and gloves.
• Monitoring, cleaning, and maintaining the equipment for the entire duration of the operation to ensure everything is
running smoothly.
• Helping provide care to patients pre-operatively, intra-operatively, and post-operatively.
• Keeping records of all equipment used during the process.
An anesthesiologist technician assistant ultimately provides assistance to everyone on the surgical team in all stages of patient care. They must be able to perform all duties required by the anesthesiologist including adhering to all safety policies, procedures, and precautions to ensure the safety of patients during surgical procedures.
Due to the complex nature of the business, anesthesiologist schooling is typically required to become an anesthesia technician assistant. Technical schools with accredited anesthesia technician assistant training programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on, clinical experience in the field to fully prepare students for their new careers. Upon successful completion of a training program, candidates can sit for the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT) exam in order to earn their credential as a certified anesthesia technician (Cer.A.T.). This certification allows technicians to play a more active role in assisting with the administration of anesthesia during surgery.
Anesthesia technician assistants can find work in medical settings even outside of hospitals including physicians’ offices and clinics, outpatient centers, ambulatory centers, and obstetrical departments.
An anesthesia technician assistant salary is a respectable one, but it can vary greatly. Certified anesthesiologist assistants can expect to earn anywhere from $25,000 to $40,000 a year. As with many professions, salary is dependent upon a number of factors including years of experience, skills and background, the industry in which you are hired, and the overall economic conditions of the hiring industry. Regardless of the starting salary, there is always room for growth and greater earning potential, particularly for those who choose to continue your education and perhaps pursue a career as an anesthesiologist assistant. This requires a significant amount of additional training, but an anesthesiologist assistant salary often reaches six figures, so it is a career worth considering for those who find fulfillment in the field of anesthesiology.
Published April 13, 2012 | A pharmacy technician school prepares candidates to assist licensed pharmacists as they fill patient prescriptions. The prerequisites for admission to the training programs vary. In general, students must have a high school diploma or a GED.
The requirements to work as a pharmacy technician differ across the country. You have a wider range of opportunities and can secure a higher salary if you obtain formal training. You should enroll in an accredited program. There are colleges that offer an associate’s degree. Other potential options are to attend a career college or to take online courses that consist of Internet-based instruction and pharmacy-based externships. Some programs include the cost of the course materials in the tuition. You can complete an online program in a year or less.
The pharmacy technician curriculum includes courses in chemistry, pharmacology and physiology. These courses give you a solid foundation that enables you to understand broader concepts and their application in subsequent courses.
The chemistry courses explore the property of matter and how this determines the way molecules work and interact with other molecules. Pharmacology classes discuss drugs and how they affect and interact with the body. Physiology courses address the normal function of the body’s systems, such as the nervous system and respiratory system.
You will learn how to interpret prescriptions and keep pharmacy records. A prescription contains the physician’s precise order for preparing and administering a medication or device. The prescription includes the name of the medicine, quantity of ingredients and dosing schedule. You will receive instruction on prescription abbreviations and their meaning. The training may include classes on how to decipher prescription information contained in patient charts. This will prepare you for jobs in hospital and nursing home settings.
During classes on compounding and preparing medications, you will receive interactive instruction on how to measure, prepare and package the medication. Compounding enables patients with allergies or other health issues to receive customized medications. The curriculum immerses students in medicine’s specialized language with classes that focus on pharmaceutical and medical terminology.
Many pharmacy technician programs provide opportunities for their students to work in a pharmacy assisting pharmacists. The student receives invaluable training from a licensed pharmacist and the prospect of employment upon successfully completing the program. The best schools also prepare students to take the certification exam. Students receive instruction on how to assess their employment options, prepare resumes and interview with potential employers.
Published April 10, 2012 | Attending an ultrasound technician school is important to consider for individuals who are interested in a technical healthcare profession. Ultrasound equipment is designed to help doctors monitor developing fetuses during a pregnancy. They can also be used to detect tumors and internal organs for the purpose of finding abnormalities. The first step to becoming a successful ultrasound technician is to find a quality school.
If you are interested in ultrasound technology, you should acquire the right training first. Many students will have to acquire some amount of education or experience that involves math, science, or medicine. The next step for enrollees is to choose the type of degree. You have the option to earn an associate’s degree at a two-year college or earn a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college. The necessary coursework could consist of math, physics, medical ethics, patient care, and instrumentation.
Individuals will have to look into which schools are available like technical or vocational schools and hospitals. Some of the best ultrasound technician programs in the U.S. can be found at Newman University or the University of Oklahoma. Another option is to search for online ultrasound technician schools since many people choose to earn degrees over the internet. Top online programs can be found at schools like DeVry University and the University of Phoenix. These schools provide accredited programs and have maintained a good reputation.
Those interested in applying for an ultrasound technician program should find one that suits their needs and schedule. Some programs provide evening and weekend classes for students who are occupied during the week. Students should avoid completing programs that provide mostly online coursework. They will need many hands-on hours so they can become well-trained ultrasound technicians.
When applying for any type of educational program, students may want to look for scholarships. The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Educational Foundation and some schools provide medical scholarships to people who want to become ultrasound technicians. Serious applicants should visit the school campus and talk with an employee in the ultrasound technician program. They should ask a list of questions about the program and get a glimpse of the training facilities. The school should have modern sonography equipment in good condition. They can also talk to current or former students about the time they spent completing the program.
Ultrasound technician programs are designed to train students who need the expertise to work as highly skilled professionals in hospitals or medical centers. Programs in this field can be found at a number of technical and career schools all over the U.S. and require one to four years to complete. The practice of ultrasound is safe, fast, and effective, so the medical industry will always need technicians.