Veterinary Technician

Job Duties

Veterinary technicians are the nurses of the veterinary world, providing many of the same types of assistance to veterinarians that a nurse would to a physician. They usually work for a veterinarian in a private practice, treating and diagnosing pets and other animals. They perform a wide variety of tests, including urinalysis and blood counts. While some duties are performed in a laboratory, many are performed in close contact with animals and their owners, such as exposing x-rays and providing nursing care. They may supervise or train other employees, or they may discuss the condition of an animal with its owner.

In smaller practices, veterinary technicians typically work with dogs and cats, although they sometimes work with smaller animals, such as mice, fish, and birds. Some may work in research facilities where they administer medications to animals, prepare laboratory samples, and monitor animals' physical condition. Some provide support to veterinarians during surgery and post-surgery recovery. Others are required to vaccinate or even euthanize ill animals.

Job Skills

Veterinary technicians need to be skilled communicators, because they are often required to discuss sensitive issues with pet owners who have developed a strong emotional bond with their pets. They should be able to work well in a team setting. They also should be organized and detail-oriented.

Income

In 2002, veterinary technicians earned a median annual salary of $22,950. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $16,170, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $33,750.

Training and Education

For entry-level veterinary technician jobs, a 2-year associate degree in veterinary technology is required. Some positions either require, or favor applicants who have earned, a 4-year bachelor's degree in veterinary technology. There are more than 80 veterinary technology programs in the United States that are accredited by the American Veterinary Medial Association (AVMA). Veterinary technicians are regulated by each State in a different way, but all States require applicants for registration or licensure to pass a written, oral, and practical exam. These exams are regulated by the State Board of Veterinary Examiners or a State agency. Most States use the National Veterinary Technician (NVT) test.

Veterinary technicians seeking work in research laboratories must become certified by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) in one of three areas: animal husbandry and welfare, facility administration and management, and animal health. Certification requires work experience, education, and an examination. Veterinary technicians usually begin work by training under the direction of a veterinarian. Those who have had more hands-on training do not usually have to be trained for as long a period. As experience is gained, veterinary technicians move on to more responsibility and less supervision. They may eventually become supervisors.

Employment

In 2002, veterinary technicians held about 53,000 jobs. Most worked in veterinary services, while the rest worked in boarding kennels, animal shelters, stables, grooming shops, zoos, and local, State, and Federal agencies.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of veterinary technicians is expected to increase much faster than the average due to the growing affluence of pet owners and their increasing willingness to spend more money on their pets. However, job competition is expected to be very fierce because of an expected slow growth in zoo capacity, low turnover in the occupation, the limited number of jobs, and the attractiveness of the occupation.

For more information on becoming a veterinarian, please see our directory of Veterinary Schools

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Veterinarian

Job Duties

Veterinarians provide healthcare to animals, from pets and livestock to zoo and laboratory animals. Some work to protect humans from diseases carried by animals, while others conduct research, broadening the scope of knowledge in the field as well as ways to use that knowledge. Most work in clinical private practices, and more than 50% treat only small animals, usually pets. 25% work in practices where they care for pets along with other animals such as pigs, goats, and sheep. A small number of veterinarians work with large animals, mostly horses and cows, traveling to farms or ranches to provide mostly preventive care. Veterinarians treat and dress wounds, set fractures, and perform surgery.

Veterinarians use a variety of medical equipment, such as stethoscopes; surgical instruments; and diagnostic equipment like radiographic and ultrasound equipment. Veterinarians who work in research use an even wider range of sophisticated equipment. Veterinarians also make significant contributions to human health by working with physicians and scientists. Veterinarians have helped conquer such medical problems as malaria, yellow fever, botulism, and they have developed treatments for heart disease as well as joint replacement techniques.

Job Skills

Veterinarians must have a passion for working with animals, as well as the ability to get along with pet owners. They should have good manual dexterity. Those who start their own private practice need to have good business and communication skills in order to promote their business and manage their employees.

Income

In 2002, veterinarians earned a median annual salary of $63,090. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $38,000, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $123,370. The following shows starting salaries for graduates of veterinary medicine by type of practice:

• Large animals, exclusively -- $48,303
• Small animals, exclusively -- $48,178
• Small animals, predominantly -- $46,582
• Large animals, predominantly -- $45,087
• Mixed animals -- $43,948
• Horses -- $34,273

Training and Education

Veterinarians must obtain a license to practice after graduating from an accredited 4-year program of veterinary medicine and earning their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M. or V.M.D.). Competition for entry into theses programs is very high. Many college programs do not require a bachelor's degree for admission, but do require a significant number of undergraduate credit hours, usually between 45 and 90. Preveterinary courses focus on the sciences, from organic chemistry to genetics to precalculus. Most include courses in English and literature, the social sciences, and the humanities. Applicants need to submit scores from either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT), or the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), depending on the program. Formal work experience in the veterinary field receives heavy weight from some schools.

Veterinarians are licensed through individual States, and must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE). Most States require veterinarians to pass a State jurisprudence examination that covers State laws and regulations. Once licensed, almost all States require continuing education for veterinarians to renew their licenses.

Employment

In 2002, veterinarians held about 58,000 jobs. About 28% were self-employed in solo or group practices. Most of the rest were salaried employees.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of veterinarians is expected to increase faster than the average. Pet owners are expected to spend more on advanced veterinary medical care. Employment opportunities are expected to be very good because the number of graduates from veterinary school is not expected to increase significantly.

For more information on becoming a veterinarian, please see our directory of Veterinary Schools.

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Ultrasound Careers

Ultrasound is a technology that is increasingly used for non-invasive investigation of soft tissue areas of the body. It has some real advantages over other radiologic procedures in that it has relatively few harmful side-effects, even if used fairly frequently. For this reason, there is an increasing demand for good qualified Ultrasound technicians, sometimes known as diagnostic medical Sonographers.

Ultrasound technicians operate the equipment that uses sound waves to generate an image of the area of the patient’s body under examination. They prepare the patient, having looked at the patient’s notes, conduct the examination and then select the images that are shown to the doctor.

Training is usually in the form of courses run at ultrasound schools. These can be one year courses resulting in a certificate, or 2 or 4 year degree programs. Although there is no license required to practice as an ultrasound technician, the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers has a registration program, and many employers prefer to employ registered Sonographers.

This profession is growing, and the US Department of Labor predicts that this will continue throughout the next ten years. Salaries are around the $45,000 area, with top earnings around $60,000.

Directory of Ultrasound Schools

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Surgical Technologist

Job Duties

Surgical technologists, sometimes referred to as scrubs or operating room technicians, assist surgeons, registered nurses, and other surgery-related persons in performing surgery on medical patients. They work in teams that include surgeons, anesthesiologists, and circulating nurses. They have many responsibilities prior to surgery, including preparing the operating room, laying out surgical instruments and other equipment, assembling sterile and non-sterile equipment, and testing equipment.

Surgical technologists also help patients prepare for surgery by washing, shaving, and disinfecting the places on the patient's body where they surgeon will make the incisions. They help patients to the operating room, place them in the correct surgical position, and cover them with sterile sheets, known as "drapes." They check the patient's charts, help the surgeon and the rest of the staff into their gowns and gloves, and keep track of patients' vital signs. The duties of surgical technologists continue into the surgical operation. During surgery, they may perform such tasks as counting sponges or needles, holding retractors, disposing of specimens obtained during surgery, and applying dressings. Some may even operate sterilizers, lights, or diagnostic equipment.

Job Skills

Surgical technologists must have well-developed manual dexterity because they often need to handle surgical instruments with speed and precision. They must be alert and able to respond quickly to the needs of the surgical team. They should keep their knowledge of trends in the field of surgery up-to-date. They also need to be orderly, conscientious, and emotionally stable.

Income

In 2002, surgical technologists earned a median annual salary of $31,210. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $21,920, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $43,470.

Training and Education

Surgical technologists are trained at one of the more than 361 accredited programs found in community and junior colleges, vocational schools, universities, hospitals, and the military. These programs usually require applicants to hold a high school diploma or equivalent. They typically last from 9 to 24 months, and graduates receive either a certificate, diploma, or associate degree. Topics covered include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, professional ethics, and medical terminology. Students also learn about the care and safety of patients, as well as how to work with sterilized instruments, control infection, and administer specialized drugs.

Technologists can become certified by the Liaison Council on Certification of the Surgical Technologist if they have graduated from an accredited program and passed an examination. They are then given the designation Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) which gives them a huge advantage in the job market as employers prefer to hire CSTs. Continuing education is required to maintain certification.

Employment

In 2002, surgical technologists held about 72,000 jobs. 75% worked in hospitals, mostly in operating and delivery rooms. Most of the rest worked in offices of physicians.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of surgical technologists is expected to increase faster than the average. As the population ages (mainly due to aging baby boomers), the number of surgical operations performed will increase. Technological advances, such as fiber optics and laser technology, will also increase the number of surgeries. Job opportunities will be good, with the highest employment growth occurring in offices of physicians.

For more information on becoming a surgical technologist, please see our directory of schools offering Surgical Technologist Schools

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Surgeon

Job Duties

Surgeons are physicians who specialize in performing operations that treat disease, injury, or deformity. After patients are administered general and local anesthesia, surgeons use many different types of instruments and equipment to correct physical deformities, repair bone and tissue after injuries, or perform preventative surgeries. Many surgeons perform general surgery, although some specialize in a particular area. The most common specialty is orthopedic surgery, which involves the skeletal system. Other specialties include neurological surgery, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, and plastic or reconstructive surgery.

There are two types of surgeons: 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

Surgeons 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, surgeons earned a median annual salary of $255,438. Self-employed surgeons 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. Surgeons who are self-employed are responsible for providing their own health insurance and retirement.

Training and Education

Physicians specializing in surgery 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 physicians.

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, surgeons, including physicians, 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 surgeons 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 surgeon, please see our directory of schools offering Medical Training.

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Speech Language Pathologist

Job Duties

Speech-language pathologists, also known as speech therapists, work with clients who have speech, language, cognitive, communication, voice, swallowing, fluency, and other related disorders. These types of problems may range from speech rhythm an fluency or voice quality problems, to cognitive impairment or hearing loss. They also work with people who have difficulty swallowing. These problems result from many different causes, such as stroke, brain injury, developmental delays, cerebral palsy, cleft palate, voice pathology, mental retardation, hearing impairment, or emotional problems. Speech-language pathologists work to prevent, diagnose, and treat these types of problems.

Speech-language pathologists usually work in schools, speech and language clinics, or medical facilities. In speech and language clinics, they design and implement treatment programs on an independent basis. In medical facilities, they often work closely with physicians, social workers, psychologists, and other therapists to develop treatments. In schools, they create group or individual programs, consult with parents, and help teachers with daily activities. Speech-language pathologists maintain detailed records of the client's progress, which helps them identify progress and justify reimbursement. They often work with families of clients, counseling them concerning ways they can support the client in daily life.

Job Skills

Speech-language pathologists should have the ability to solve problems in an objective manner and provide appropriate levels of support to clients and their families. They need to be able to effectively communicate test results, diagnoses, and proposed treatments in a way their clients can fully comprehend. Patience, compassion, and good listening skills are also very important.

Income

In 2002, speech-language pathologists earned a median annual salary of $49,450. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $32,580, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $74,010. The following shows earnings for the industries employing the highest numbers of speech-language pathologists:

• Offices of other health practitioners -- $53,090
• General medical and surgical hospitals -- $52,940
• Elementary and secondary schools -- $46,060

Training and Education

46 States require speech-language pathologists to be licensed, and most of those require a master's degree and a passing score on the Praxis Series speech-language pathology examination to obtain a license. Other requirements include 300 to 375 hours of supervised clinical experience and 9 months of postgraduate professional clinical experience. 38 States require continuing education in order to renew licenses. Graduate programs in speech-language pathology are offered at about 233 colleges and universities. A typical program covers anatomy and physiology of the areas of the body involved in speech, language, swallowing, and hearing; the development of normal speech, language, swallowing, and hearing; the nature of disorders; acoustics; and psychological aspects of communication; and evaluation and treatment of disorders. Speech-language pathologists can earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) through the American Speech-Language-Hea ring Association.

Employment

In 2002, speech-language pathologists held about 94,000 jobs. More than 50% worked in educational services.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of speech-language pathologists is expected to increase faster than the average because the baby boom generation will be entering middle-age, a time when the chances of developing speech-language disorders go up. More trauma and stroke victims, as well as premature infants, are surviving, and many will need the services of speech-language pathologists.

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

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Social Service Assistant

Job Duties

Social service assistants provide clients with direct and indirect services that help them attain a higher level of everyday functioning in society. They are typically supervised by different professionals, such as those in nursing, psychiatry, psychology, rehabilitative or physical therapy, or social work. Their responsibilities and level of supervision varies greatly from job to job. Some work under close supervision, while others work independently. They determine their clients' eligibility for government benefits, such as food stamps, Medicaid, or welfare. They arrange for transportation and give their clients emotional support. They keep detailed records of each client's case and report progress to their supervisors.

Social service assistants perform many different types of duties, depending on their specific job. Some organize group activities or trips. Others run food banks or emergency fuel programs. Others work in halfway houses, group homes, and government-supported housing programs. Those who work in hospitals, rehabilitation programs, and outpatient clinics work closely with professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers, helping clients communicate more effectively and live more fully.
Job Skills

Those types of people who tend to succeed in social service assistant jobs generally enjoy helping other people and working hard. They tend to be emotionally stable and responsible. They are passionate about their work and their clients, and they usually have a pleasant and optimistic personality. They also need to be honest, tactful, and discreet.
Income

In 2002, social service assistants earned a median annual salary of $23,370. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $15,420, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $37,550. The following shows the median hourly wages in the industries employing the largest numbers of social service assistants:

* State government: $31,280
* Local government: $26,570
* Individual and family services: $22,210
* Community food and housing services: $21,840
* Residential retardation, mental health, and substance abuse facilities: $20,010

Training and Education

Most employers of social service assistants look for applicants who have education beyond the high school level as well as work experience in the field. A bachelor's degree is usually not required, and certificates or associate degrees in social work, human services, gerontology, or behavioral science will usually be enough to qualify applicants. A few jobs, such as those involving counseling, rehabilitation, and social work, may require a bachelor's or a master's degree. In human serve degree programs, students learn to observe patients and record information, conduct patient interviews, implement treatment plans, employ problem-solving techniques, handle crisis intervention matters, and use proper case management and referral procedures. In order to advance in the occupation, employees are almost always required to have formal education, such as a bachelor's or master's degree. You can explore more about training for social service assistant careers by clicking on this link for schools offering human services degrees.
Employment

In 2002, social service assistants held about 305,000 jobs.
Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of social service assistants is expected to increase faster than the average. In fact, it is one of the most rapidly growing occupations in the country. Jobs in urban areas will be more competitive than in rural areas. However, even in the cities, applicants with the proper qualifications should have little trouble finding employment. Opportunities will be best for those who have related postsecondary education.


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Respiratory Therapy Technician

Job Duties

Respiratory therapists practice under the supervision of physicians, caring for patients with cardiopulmonary problems. They evaluate and treat these patients and also supervise the work of respiratory therapy technicians. The nature of the work of respiratory therapists overlaps somewhat with the work of respiratory therapy technicians. However, respiratory therapists usually have a much higher level of responsibility. Respiratory therapists consult directly with physicians and other healthcare staff to create and improve the treatment plans of individual patients. They are responsible for administering complex therapy, such as treating patients in intensive care units who rely on life support systems.

Respiratory therapists interview patients, examine them physically, and order diagnostic tests. By comparing this information with that of the average for a person of the same height, weight, age, and gender, they can determine whether the patient has deficiencies in their respiratory system. Respiratory therapists treat patients with many different types of disorders, from premature infants with underdeveloped lungs, to elderly patients with diseased lungs. They also provide care to patients who have been traumatized by a heart attack, drowning, stroke, or shock. In hospitals, respiratory therapists are responsible for an even wider range of duties, including performing chest physiotherapy to clear the lungs of mucus and enable patients to breathe more easily.

Job Skills

Respiratory therapists need to be able to follow instructions accurately and pay close attention to detail. They must be good at working in teams. They should be sensitive to the emotional and physical needs of patients. Proficiency with computer systems is also very valuable.

Income

In 2002, respiratory therapists earned a median annual salary of $40,220. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $30,270, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $54,030.

Training and Education

An associate degree is the general requirement for entry-level respiratory therapist positions. Formal training is a definite requirement and is offered by colleges and universities, medical schools, vocational-technical institutes, and the Armed Forces. While some provide an associate degree or certification that prepares graduates for entry-level jobs, most programs award either an associate or bachelor's degree and are designed to enable graduates to eventually secure advanced positions within the field. There are about 59 entry-level and 319 advanced programs in the United States. Programs include study in human anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, chemistry, physics, microbiology, pharmacology, and mathematics. Many also include courses in therapeutic and diagnostic procedures and tests, equipment, patient assessment, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and medical recordkeeping.

Individuals wishing to become respiratory therapists should check on State licensure requirements because over 40 States require licenses. Respiratory therapists can voluntarily earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or the Certified respiratory Therapist (CRT) designations from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) after graduating from an accredited program. Most entry-level positions require the CRT designation, and most supervisory positions require the RRT designation.

Employment

In 2002, respiratory therapists held about 112,000 jobs. More than 4 out of 5 worked in hospital departments of respiratory care, anesthesiology, or pulmonary medicine.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of respiratory therapists is expected to increase faster than the average due to a rapidly aging population who are more at risk for cardiopulmonary diseases. Job opportunities will be best for those who have cardiopulmonary skills or experience working with premature infants.

For more information on becoming a respiratory therapy technician, please see our directory of Respiratory Therapy Schools.

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