Radiographer

Job Duties

Radiographers work in the field of diagnostic imaging, administering nonradioactive material into the bloodstreams of patients and take x rays of different parts of the human body. They explain the procedures to patients, remove patients' clothing and jewelry, and place patients in the appropriate positions. They then make sure the area surrounding the area to be x rayed is covered with protective lead shields. They position the x ray equipment, set controls on the equipment, and take the x ray. After this process is complete, they remove the film and develop it.

Radiographers who have gained considerable work experience may move on to perform more complex procedures. Some perform fluoroscopies by creating a solution for the patient to drink while a radiologist interprets the resulting images of soft body tissues. Some operate CT scanners that have the ability to produce cross-sectional images of patients. MRI technologists operate diagnostic imaging machines that harness the power of magnets and radio waves.

Job Skills

Radiographers should have the ability to pay close attention to small details. They must be able to follow instructions and work well within a team setting. They need to be sensitive to the physical and psychological needs of the patients they work with. They should also have good mechanical ability and manual dexterity.

Income

In 2002, radiographers earned a median annual salary of $38,970. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $27,190, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $55,430. The following shows the median annual salaries in the industries employing the highest numbers of radiographers:

• Medical and diagnostic laboratories -- $42,470
• General medical and surgical hospitals -- $39,580
• Offices of physicians -- $36,490

Training and Education

There are many different routes by which potential radiographers are trained to enter their occupation, including colleges, universities, hospitals, vocational-technical institutes, and the U.S. Armed Forces. Most radiographers are employed by hospitals, which prefer to hire applicants who have completed some type of formal training program. Training programs can last from 1 to 4 years and result in either a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor's degree. The most common are 2-year associate degree programs. 1-year certificates are usually designed for those already working in the healthcare field. Bachelor's degrees are usually required for supervisory, administrative, or teaching positions.

The public is protected from overexposure to medical radiation by legislation that sets voluntary standards used by States to accredit training programs. About 38 States require radiographers to have licenses, and voluntary registration is offered by the Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Many employers seek out registered radiographers when making hiring decisions.

Employment

In 2002, radiographers held about 174,000 jobs. About 50% worked in hospitals, while most of the rest worked in offices of physicians, diagnostic laboratories, and outpatient care centers. About 1 in 5 worked part time.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of radiographers is expected to increase faster than the average. This will be due to the medical needs of an aging population. Job prospects will be very good because the number of job openings exceeds the number of qualified workers. While hospitals will continue to be the main type of employer, most new jobs will arise in offices of physicians and diagnostic imaging centers.

For more information on becoming a radiographer, please see our directory of Radiography Schools

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/medical_careers/radiographer

Psychiatrist

Job Duties

Psychiatrists are physicians who specialize in mental health. They use psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, hospitalization, and medication, and often a combination of these methods, to treat patients with mental illnesses. In psychotherapy, psychologists discuss a patient's problems with them on a regular basis. Psychiatrists help patients identify solutions to their problems that result in a change of behavior. Psychoanalysis includes long-term psychotherapy and counseling. Psychiatrists sometimes decide to prescribe medications, which are used to correct chemical imbalances in patients.

There are two types of psychiatrists: those who are M.D.s, or Doctors of Medicine, sometimes referred to as allopathic physicians; and those who are O.D.s, or Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine. In their practices, both M.D.s and O.D.s utilize drugs, surgery, and all other treatment options. However, O.D.s focus more on the body's muscoloskeletal system, preventive medicine, and holistic patient care. O.D.s are more likely than M.D.s to be primary care specialists, with over 50% of O.D.s practicing general of family medicine, general internal medicine, or general pediatrics.

Job Skills

Psychiatrists must be emotionally stable and have the ability to make crucial decisions quickly. They should have a good bedside manner, self-motivation, and a strong desire to help others. They need to have good mental and physical stamina to handle the pressure and dedication required in medical education and practice.

Income

In 2002, psychiatrists earned a median annual salary of $163,144. Self-employed psychiatrists usually have higher earnings than those who are salaried. Earnings vary greatly and depend on a number of factors, including experience, geographic region, hours worked, skill, personality, and professional reputation. Psychiatrists who are self-employed are responsible for providing their own health insurance and retirement.

Training and Education

Physicians specializing in psychiatry must spend a substantial number of years completing education and training requirements, including 4 years of undergraduate school, 4 years of medical school, and 3 to 8 years of residency. Certain medical schools offer a program that combines undergraduate and medical study and can be completed in only 6 years. Undergraduate students in premedical study are required to complete courses in physics, biology, mathematics, English, and inorganic and organic chemistry.. They also complete courses in the humanities and social sciences and some volunteer at local hospitals or clinics to gain experience. Most applicants for medical school have a bachelor's degree, and many also have earned more advanced degrees. Competition for admission to medical school is very high. The first 2 years of medical school cover basics from anatomy to microbiology, and the second 2 years are spent working in hospitals and clinics under the supervision of physicia ns.

After graduation from medical school, physicians begin paid, on-the-job training known as a residency. Most residencies are in hospitals and last between 2 and 6 years. All States require physicians to be licensed. Licenses are given to physicians who graduate from an accredited medical school, pass a licensing examination, and complete 1 to 7 years of graduate medical education. M.D.s and D.O.s may spend up to 7 years in residency training to qualify for board certification in a specialty. Board certification is granted after candidates pass a final examination in one of 24 board specialties. More than 80% of medical students borrow money to pay for their costly training.

Employment

In 2002, physicians and surgeons, of which psychiatrists are a subgroup, held about 583,000 jobs. About 50% worked in office-based practice, and almost 25% worked in hospitals.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of psychiatrists is expected to increase about as fast as the average. The health services industries will continue to expand. Demand for this occupation will stem largely from a growing and aging population. Opportunities will be best in rural and low-income areas, due to the lower concentration of physicians practicing in these areas.

For more information on becoming a psychiatrist, please see our directory of schools offering Medical Training.

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Psychiatric Aide

Psychiatric aides assist psychiatrists, psychologist, psychiatric nurses, social workers, and therapists in caring for mentally impaired or emotionally disturbed people. They assist patients with many activities, from eating to dressing to bathing. Beyond this, they also interact socially with the patients, play games with them, and lead groups of patients in recreational activities. They may supervise sports activities and accompany groups of patients on field trips. They report observations of patients to their professional supervisors. Because of the amount of time they spend with patients, they may well have a large influence on treatment.

Job Skills

Besides having a strong desire to help people, psychiatric aides need to be compassionate, tactful, and understanding. They should be willing to perform repetitive tasks, have good interpersonal communication skills, and be able to work in a team. They also need to be in good health, as some States require tests for tuberculosis and other diseases.

Income

In 2002, home health aides earned a median hourly wage of $11.04. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10 percent, who earned less than $7.52, and the highest 10 percent, who earned more than $16.16. The highest hourly wage was found in the State government, and the lowest was found in general medical and surgical hospitals.

Training and Education

Often it is not necessary to have a high school diploma or previous work experience to obtain a job as a psychiatric aide. In some States, psychiatric aides are required to complete a formal training program. Some employers offer formal instruction for recently hired aides, while others may provide on-the-job training from a more experienced aide. Over time, aides may complete inservice training or attend workshops and lectures to advance their knowledge of the field.

Employment

Out of the nearly 2 million nursing, psychiatric, and home health aide jobs in 2002, about 59,000 million people were employed as home health aides, the lowest number in the category.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of home health aides is expected to increase about as fast as the average. Factors such as the growing elderly population, a reduced stigma associated with mental health care, and growing acceptance of substance abuse treatment will keep the number of jobs growing at a steady pace. However, employment in hospitals, where more than half of psychiatric aides work, will grow more slowly than the average as a result of limited inpatient psychiatric treatment.

Directory of Schools Offering Psychology Degrees
Directory of Schools Offering Medical Training

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Podiatrist

Job Duties

Podiatrists, sometimes referred to as doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs), diagnose and treat disorders, diseases, and injuries of the foot and lower leg. The 52 bones in human feet make up about 25% of all the bones in the human body, and they are surrounded by numerous muscles, nerves, ligaments, and blood vessels. Feet and lower legs are susceptible to many different disorders, such as corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, bunions, heel spurs, and arch problems; ankle and foot injuries,, deformities, and infections; and foot complaints associated with diseases such as diabetes. Podiatrists treat these disorders by prescribing medicine, ordering physical therapy, setting fractures, and performing surgery.

In order to properly diagnose foot problems podiatrists often order x rays and laboratory tests. More serious conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease may first demonstrate their presence through foot symptoms. When podiatrists encounter symptoms for these types of conditions, they refer patients to other health practitioners. A majority of podiatrists operate a solo practice, although more and more are partnering up with other podiatrists or health practitioners. Some podiatrists specialize in areas such as surgery, orthopedics, primary care, or public health.

Job Skills

Podiatrists need to have highly developed manual dexterity. They should possess an aptitude for science and have good interpersonal and communication skills. For those who operate their own practice, a good sense of business is essential.

Income

In 2002, podiatrists earned a median annual salary of $94,870. The middle 50% earned between $62,500 and $139,230 per year.

Training and Education

All States in the U.S. require podiatrists to obtain a license in order to practice. Each State has separate requirements, although many States honor licenses from other States. Usually applicants must have graduated from an accredited college of podiatric medicine and pass written and oral exams. Most States require the completion of a postdoctoral residency program of at least 1 year and continuing education for license renewal. In order to qualify for admission to a college of podiatric medicine, applicants must have completed at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate study, have a minimum grade point average, and have acceptable scores on the Medical College Admission Test. Over 90% of podiatry students have at least a bachelor's degree.

Colleges of podiatric medicine have programs that are similar to other schools of medicine and last 4 years. The first 2 years cover basic sciences, including anatomy, chemistry, pathology, and pharmacology. The third and fourth years move on to clinical rotations in private practices, hospitals, and clinics. Almost all graduates complete a residency program lasting 1 to 3 years. Podiatrists may advance to become professors at colleges of podiatric medicine, department chiefs in hospitals, or general health administrators.

Employment

In 2002, podiatrists held about 13,000 jobs. Most podiatrists were self-employed, while some worked in hospitals and for the Federal government.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of physician assistants is expected to increase about as fast as the average because the population is becoming at the same time older and more physically active. Opportunities will be best for board-certified podiatrists because many managed care organizations require board certification.

For more information on becoming a podiatrist, please see our directory of schools offering Medical Training.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/medical_careers/podiatrist

Physician Assistant

Job Duties

Physician assistants (PAs) provide healthcare to patients under the direction of physicians. They are delegated work by a physician, including diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive healthcare services. They perform a wide range of duties, such as taking medical histories, examining and treating patients, ordering and interpreting laboratory tests and x rays, making diagnoses, and prescribing medications. They keep track of patients' progress and counsel them regarding treatment options. They are allowed to prescribe medications in 47 States and the District of Columbia. Some PAs have duties such as managing other workers or ordering supplies and equipment.

In rural areas or inner city clinics where physicians are not always present, PAs may serve as the principal care providers. In these situations, PAs consult with a supervising physician as well as with other medical professionals. Some PAs make house calls; others travel to hospitals and nursing care facilities to check on patients and report their progress to physicians. Supervising physicians, as well as State law, determine the specific duties of physician assistants. Many PAs work in primary care specialties, such as general internal medicine, pediatrics, and family medicine. Or they may specialize in general and thoracic surgery, emergency medicine, orthopedics, and geriatrics.

Job Skills

Physician assistants need to be natural leaders and have high self-confidence and emotional stability. In order to stay current on advances in medical technology, they must be willing to continue their studies throughout their entire career.

Income

In 2002, physician assistants earned a median annual salary of $64,670. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $35,410, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $90,350.

Training and Education

In all States, PAs must graduate from an accredited, formal education program, of which there are about 133 offering master's and bachelor's degrees. Almost all PAs have at least a bachelor's degree. Admissions requirements for these programs usually include 2 years of college and some work experience in the healthcare field. Most applicants have either a bachelor's or a master's degree. Many have worked as registered nurses. PA programs usually last about 2 years. Programs are full time and are located in schools of allied health, academic health centers, medical schools, or 4-year colleges. A few are found in community colleges, the military, or hospitals.

Physician assistants are required to pass the Physician Assistants National Certifying Examination, which is administered by the Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and only open to graduates of accredited PA education programs. Those who pass the exam are granted the credential "Physician Assistant-Certified." PAs must complete 100 hours of continuing education every 2 years in order to renew their certification. And every 6 years, they are required to pass a recertification exam.

Employment

In 2002, physician assistants held about 63,000 jobs. More than 50% worked in offices of physicians or other health practitioners. About 25% worked in hospitals.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of physician assistants is expected to increase faster than the average. This will be due to an expected expansion of the health services industry. Another factor will be a new focus on cost containment within the industry, which will result in physicians and healthcare institutions relying more on physician assistants due to their cost-effective and productive nature. Opportunities will be best for physician assistants in States that allow them a wider range of practice options.

For more information on becoming a physician assistant, please see our directory of schools offering Medical Training.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/medical_careers/physician_assistant

Physican Assistant

Job Duties

Physician assistants (PAs) provide healthcare to patients under the direction of physicians. They are delegated work by a physician, including diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive healthcare services. They perform a wide range of duties, such as taking medical histories, examining and treating patients, ordering and interpreting laboratory tests and x rays, making diagnoses, and prescribing medications. They keep track of patients' progress and counsel them regarding treatment options. They are allowed to prescribe medications in 47 States and the District of Columbia. Some PAs have duties such as managing other workers or ordering supplies and equipment.

In rural areas or inner city clinics where physicians are not always present, PAs may serve as the principal care providers. In these situations, PAs consult with a supervising physician as well as with other medical professionals. Some PAs make house calls; others travel to hospitals and nursing care facilities to check on patients and report their progress to physicians. Supervising physicians, as well as State law, determine the specific duties of physician assistants. Many PAs work in primary care specialties, such as general internal medicine, pediatrics, and family medicine. Or they may specialize in general and thoracic surgery, emergency medicine, orthopedics, and geriatrics.

Job Skills

Physician assistants need to be natural leaders and have high self-confidence and emotional stability. In order to stay current on advances in medical technology, they must be willing to continue their studies throughout their entire career.

Income

In 2002, physician assistants earned a median annual salary of $64,670. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $35,410, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $90,350.

Training and Education

In all States, PAs must graduate from an accredited, formal education program, of which there are about 133 offering master's and bachelor's degrees. Almost all PAs have at least a bachelor's degree. Admissions requirements for these programs usually include 2 years of college and some work experience in the healthcare field. Most applicants have either a bachelor's or a master's degree. Many have worked as registered nurses. PA programs usually last about 2 years. Programs are full time and are located in schools of allied health, academic health centers, medical schools, or 4-year colleges. A few are found in community colleges, the military, or hospitals.

Physician assistants are required to pass the Physician Assistants National Certifying Examination, which is administered by the Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and only open to graduates of accredited PA education programs. Those who pass the exam are granted the credential "Physician Assistant-Certified." PAs must complete 100 hours of continuing education every 2 years in order to renew their certification. And every 6 years, they are required to pass a recertification exam.

Employment

In 2002, physician assistants held about 63,000 jobs. More than 50% worked in offices of physicians or other health practitioners. About 25% worked in hospitals.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of physician assistants is expected to increase faster than the average. This will be due to an expected expansion of the health services industry. Another factor will be a new focus on cost containment within the industry, which will result in physicians and healthcare institutions relying more on physician assistants due to their cost-effective and productive nature. Opportunities will be best for physician assistants in States that allow them a wider range of practice options.

For more information on becoming a physician assistant, please see our directory of schools offering Medical Training.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/medical_careers/physican_assistant