Scientific Photographer

Job Duties

Scientific photographers use their knowledge of scientific procedures to illustrate or record scientific or medical data. They do this by capturing images of a variety of different subjects and material. They often have specialized scientific knowledge in such fields as engineering, medicine, biology, or chemistry.

They choose and present a subject in order to achieve a desired look or effect, and select the appropriate equipment, such as artificial light, a particular lens, filters, tripods, and flashes. They operate either a traditional film camera or a digital camera, and some may choose to develop their own film. They may convert the film to a digital image and then edit and electronically transmit images using email. This allows them to manipulate or enhance the digital image to achieve their desired effect.

Job Skills

Scientific photographers need to have knowledge of the particular branch of science in which they work. They also should possess an artistic aptitude, good eyesight, and strong hand-eye coordination. They need to have good interpersonal communication skills and be skilled at working with others. They should be patient, accurate, and have an eye for detail. More and more, they are required to have knowledge of computer software programs and applications relevant to their work.

Income

In 2002, scientific photographers earned a median annual salary of $24,040. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $14,640, and the highest 10%, who earned more than $49,920. Salaried photographers tend to earn more than self-employed photographers. Freelance photographers spend large amounts of money purchasing and maintaining their cameras and other equipment.

Training and Education

Scientific photographers can receive training through universities, community and junior colleges, vocational-technical institutes, or private trade and technical schools. Courses cover basic processes, standard equipment, and techniques. Bachelor's degrees provide a very strong and well-rounded education, especially those that include courses in business.

Regardless of training, employers seek individuals who have a good eye, imagination, and creativity. Many entry-level photographers start out as assistants to more experienced photographers, and gradually move up in level of responsibility. Photographers who operate their own freelance business need to have additional knowledge and skills, including writing, hiring, licensing, pricing, and financial record keeping.

Click here for more information on Photography Schools and the programs that they offer.

Employment

In 2002, photographers held about 130,000 jobs. More than 50% were self-employed, and most worked in major metropolitan areas.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of scientific photographers is expected to increase about as fast as the average. Demand will be tempered by increasing productivity and the reduction in barriers to consumer digital photography technology. As scientific photographers face keen competition for jobs, those who are the most creative, flexible, and business savvy will have the best chances for employment.

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Portrait Photographer

Job Duties

Portrait photographers often work in their own studios, taking pictures of groups or individuals. They often specialize in particular events, such as weddings, religious ceremonies, or school photographs. They also may work on location. Some portrait photographers may own their own business, which requires them to arrange for advertising, schedule appointments, mount and frame pictures, purchase supplies, keep records, bill customers, and possibly hire and train new employees.

They choose and present a subject in order to achieve a desired look or effect, and select the appropriate equipment, such as artificial light, a particular lens, filters, tripods, and flashes. They operate either a traditional film camera or a digital camera, and some may choose to develop their own film. They may convert the film to a digital image and then edit and electronically transmit images using email. This allows them to manipulate or enhance the digital image to achieve their desired effect.

Job Skills

Portrait photographers need to be able to put people at ease and help them relax in front of the camera. They need to possess an artistic aptitude, good eyesight, and strong hand-eye coordination. They need to have good interpersonal communication skills and be skilled at working with others. They should be patient, accurate, and have an eye for detail. More and more, they are required to have knowledge of computer software programs and applications relevant to their work.

Income

In 2002, portrait photographers earned a median annual salary of $24,040. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $14,640, and the highest 10%, who earned more than $49,920. Salaried photographers tend to earn more than self-employed photographers. Freelance photographers spend large amounts of money purchasing and maintaining their cameras and other equipment.

Training and Education

Portrait photographers can receive training through universities, community and junior colleges, vocational-technical institutes, or private trade and technical schools. Courses cover basic processes, standard equipment, and techniques. Bachelor's degrees provide a very strong and well-rounded education, especially those that include courses in business.

Regardless of training, employers seek individuals who have a good eye, imagination, and creativity. Many entry-level photographers start out as assistants to more experienced photographers, and gradually move up in level of responsibility. Photographers who operate their own freelance business need to have additional knowledge and skills, including writing, hiring, licensing, pricing, and financial record keeping.

Click here for more information on Photography Schools and the programs that they offer.

Employment

In 2002, photographers held about 130,000 jobs. More than 50% were self-employed, and most worked in major metropolitan areas.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of photographers is expected to increase about as fast as the average. The demand for portrait photographers will be mainly fueled by general population growth. Demand will be tempered by increasing productivity and the reduction in barriers to consumer digital photography technology. As portrait photographers face keen competition for jobs, those who are the most creative, flexible, and business savvy will have the best chances for employment.

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Photographic Machine Operator

Job Duties

Photographic machine operators work with various types of photographic-related machines, including mounting presses and motion picture film printing, photographic printing, and film developing machines. Both amateur and professional photographers depend on these workers to complete their final photographic product.

Photographic machine operators often specialize in various types of work and have specialized job titles. Film process technicians operate machines that develop exposed photographic film or sensitized paper in a series of chemical and water baths to produce negative or positive images. These technicians mix developing and fixing solutions, load film into the machine, immerse the negative in a stop-bath, transfer it to a hyposolution, reimmerse it, and, finally, dry the image. Color printer operators produce color prints from negatives using color printing equipments. They determine settings, set controls, and produce a specified number of prints.

Job Skills

Photographic machine operators need to possess good manual dexterity, due to the high percentage of their jobs spent working with their hands. They must have excellent vision, including normal color perception, because of the visual nature of the work. In addition, they should have highly-developed hand-eye coordination.

Income

In 2002, photographic machine operators earned a median hourly wage of $9.05. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $6.53, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $15.60. The median hourly wage was $10.15 in photofinishing laboratories, and $7.20 in health and personal care stores, the two largest employers of photographic machine operators.

Training and Education

Employers of photographic machine operators usually prefer to hire high school graduates or experienced workers. Photography courses that include instruction in film processing can be advantageous, as can the ability to perform simple mathematical calculations. These types of courses are offered by high schools, vocational-technical institutes, private trade schools, and colleges and universities.

Photographic machine operators typically receive on-the-job training from their companies, manufacturers' representatives, and more experienced workers. New employees gradually learn to use machines and chemicals. On-the-job training usually lasts from a few hours to several months. Some workers update their skills by attending periodic training seminars.

Click here for more information on Photography Schools and the programs that they offer.

Employment

In 2002, photographic machine operators held about 28,000 jobs. 40% worked in retail establishments, mostly general merchandise stores and drug stores. 30% worked in photofinishing laboratories and 1-hour minilabs. A very small percentage were self-employed.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of photographic machine operators is expected to increase more slowly than the average. The main cause of this slow growth is the increased popularity of digital cameras. Consumers who own digital cameras and technology will be able to download and view pictures on their computer, as well as manipulate, correct, and retouch their own photographs.

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Photographic Process Worker

Job Duties

Photographic process workers, sometimes known as digital imaging technicians, work with computer images of conventional negatives and specialized software to alter photographs by removing unwanted background, varying the contrast, or combining features from different photographs.

Today, much of this work is completed using computers and digital software, some workers still use old-fashioned methods, performing many specialized tasks by hand directly on the photo or negative. Airbrush artists use airbrushes to restore damaged or faded photographs, or to color or shade drawings to create photographic likenesses. Photographic retouchers accentuate the subject of a photograph by altering negatives, prints, or images. Colorists improve the lifelike appearance of photographs by adding oil colors. Photographic spotters work with photographic prints and images to remove imperfections.

Job Skills

Photographic process workers need to possess good manual dexterity, due to the high percentage of their jobs spent working with their hands. They must have excellent vision, including normal color perception, because of the visual nature of the work. In addition, they should have highly-developed hand-eye coordination.

Income

In 2002, photographic process workers earned a median hourly wage of $9.72. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $6.79, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $17.43. The median hourly wage was $9.75 in photofinishing laboratories, the largest employers of photographic process workers.

Training and Education

Employers of photographic process workers usually prefer to hire high school graduates or experienced workers. Photography courses that include instruction in film processing can be advantageous, as can the ability to perform simple mathematical calculations. These types of courses are offered by high schools, vocational-technical institutes, private trade schools, and colleges and universities.

Photographic process workers typically receive on-the-job training from their companies, manufacturers' representatives, and more experienced workers. New employees gradually learn to use machines and chemicals. On-the-job training usually lasts from a few hours to several months. Some workers update their skills by attending periodic training seminars.

Click here for more information on Photography Schools and the programs that they offer.

Employment

In 2002, photographic process workers held about 28,000 jobs. 25% were employed in photofinishing laboratories and 1-hour minilabs. 1 in 6 worked in portrait studios or commercial laboratories that specialize in processing the work of professional photographers for advertising and other industries.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of photographic process workers is expected to increase more slowly than the average. The main cause of this slow growth is the increased popularity of digital cameras. Consumers who own digital cameras and technology will be able to download and view pictures on their computer, as well as manipulate, correct, and retouch their own photographs.

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News Photographer

Job Duties

News photographers, sometimes referred to as photojournalists, photograph newsworthy people, places, and sporting, political, and community events for newspapers, journals, magazines, or television. Some work as salaried staff employees, while others own their own businesses and are known as freelance photographers. Freelance news photographers may license the use of their photographs through stock photo agencies or contracts with other types of clients.

They choose and present a subject in order to achieve a desired look or effect, and select the appropriate equipment, such as artificial light, a particular lens, filters, tripods, and flashes. They operate either a traditional film camera or a digital camera, and some may choose to develop their own film. They may convert the film to a digital image and then edit and electronically transmit images using email. This allows them to manipulate or enhance the digital image to achieve their desired effect.

Job Skills

In addition to photography skills, news photographers need to comprehend the story behind the event they are photographing in order to match their pictures with the story. They also should possess an artistic aptitude, good eyesight, and strong hand-eye coordination, and be able to think and act decisively. They need to have good interpersonal communication skills and be skilled at working with others. They should be patient, accurate, and have an eye for detail. More and more, they are required to have knowledge of computer software programs and applications relevant to their work.

Income

In 2002, news photographers earned a median annual salary of $24,040. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $14,640, and the highest 10%, who earned more than $49,920. Salaried photographers tend to earn more than self-employed photographers. Freelance photographers spend large amounts of money purchasing and maintaining their cameras and other equipment.

Training and Education

News photographers can receive training through universities, community and junior colleges, vocational-technical institutes, or private trade and technical schools. Courses cover basic processes, standard equipment, and techniques. Bachelor's degrees provide a very strong and well-rounded education, especially those that include courses in business.

Regardless of training, employers seek individuals who have a good eye, imagination, and creativity. Many entry-level photographers start out as assistants to more experienced photographers, and gradually move up in level of responsibility. Photographers who operate their own freelance business need to have additional knowledge and skills, including writing, hiring, licensing, pricing, and financial record keeping.

Click here for more information on Photography Schools and the programs that they offer.

Employment

In 2002, photographers held about 130,000 jobs. More than 50% were self-employed, and most worked in major metropolitan areas.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of news photographers is expected to increase about as fast as the average. Demand will be tempered by increasing productivity and the reduction in barriers to consumer digital photography technology. As news photographers face keen competition for jobs, those who are the most creative, flexible, and business savvy will have the best chances for employment.

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Photographic Equipment Technician

Job Duties

Photographic equipment technicians are usually employed by independent repair shops, equipment manufacturers, or retailers. They dismantle, repair, adjust, and clean cameras, lenses, projectors, and other types of photographic equipment. In smaller shops, technicians usually work on a variety of types of photographic equipment, while in larger shops, they usually specialize in a particular type of brand. Technicians determine the damage to the equipment, make the necessary repairs, reassemble the equipment, and test whether it meets manufacturer specifications.

Technicians use a variety of small hand tools, such as jewelers' screw drivers, files, wrenches, soldering instruments, microscopes, micrometers, and gauges. They also use precision testing instruments, such as digital voltmeters, optical measuring devices, electronic timers and mechanical testing devices.

Job Skills

Because this work is meticulous and usually indoors, photographic equipment technicians need to be patient and persistent. They usually are required to interact with customers, so they should be able to communicate well and get along with others. In addition, they are often required to have good writing skills.

Income

Photographic equipment technicians who have 3 to 5 years of experience and highly-developed skills may make from $9.00 per hour to $17.00 per hour. Some are paid by the job, rather than hourly. Still others may make a percentage of the shop rate charged to the customer. Employees of manufacturers or larger repair shops may receive vacation and health benefits.

Training and Education

Photographic equipment technicians can receive training through private vocational schools that teach photographic equipment repair, as well as through some community colleges. Employers usually prefer to hire technicians who have 3 to 5 years of experience and are fully qualified. Applicants without this level of experience must have received formal training or have a strong background in high school physical sciences and electronics theory. They must also be able to comprehend technical manuals and blueprints, as well as have an aptitude for mechanical work.

Another route into the occupation is through training in the armed forces. However, some general civilian experience or training may be necessary since military photographic work may specialize in specific types of equipment. Yet another way technicians enter the field is through on-the-job training from their employers.

Click here for more information on Photography Schools and the programs that they offer.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of photographic equipment technicians is expected to increase about as fast as the average. Population growth and the popularity of amateur and family photography will contribute to a continuing need for repair and service of photographic and related equipment.

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About Photography Careers

Photography, like many other professions allied to the communications industries, is going through a revolution. The advent of digital photography has not only revolutionized how photographs are taken, it also affects the transmission, storage and manipulation of the images produced. However there is still a place for the more traditional analog photography technologies, although these are being gradually replaced as the quality of digital photography improves.

Photographers are used in several different areas of industry, including newspapers and magazines, illustrations of books and television. There are portrait photographers and fine art photographers who need artistic talent and creativity, commercial and industrial photographers whose photographs are used as illustrations or archival material, and scientific photographers.

Many photographers are freelance, working on a project or contract basis, and using agencies to gain work. Others are salaried, working with newspapers or large corporations.

Most people enter professional photography after gaining a college degree in photography – often photojournalism. A degree course will give a well-rounded background of photography, the technologies and materials used, computerization, and some of the creativity necessary to compose good photographs.

Earnings averaged at around the $22,300 area in 2000, with the top 10% of photographers earning in excess of $46,000. Competition is fierce to gain a foothold in this industry, so qualifications help to get that important first job.

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School Nurse

Job Duties

School nurses work in various academic settings, providing primary care to children. Their duties range across a wide spectrum and may include emergency care, illness prevention, health counseling, community and public relations, vision and hearing screening, and health education. They may be responsible for the care of students with advanced medical conditions, providing them with tracheostomy care or tube feeding. They work in either school-based clinics or school campuses. School nurses strive to increase the well-being, success, and achievement of the students they care for. They help encourage positive mental and physical development, health safety, and learning.

Job Skills

School nurses need to have well-developed communication skills, and the ability to observe accurately and make decisions accordingly. They must be able to work with patients who are sometimes reluctant to cooperate. They must be willing to work with a team, as well as supervise others. Due to the intense nature of the work, school nurses should be emotionally stable and have a sympathetic disposition.

Income

In 2002, school nurses earned a median annual salary of $48,090. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10 percent, who earned less than $33,970, and the highest 10 percent, who earned more than $69,670.

Training and Education

School nurses must first become registered nurses (RNs) by earning their nursing license. In order to obtain a nursing license, which is required by all 50 States and the District of Columbia, students must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass a national licensing examination. Candidates have three different options for educational paths leading to certification as a registered nurse. The first option is obtaining a bachelor's of science degree in nursing (BSN). BSN programs are offered through colleges and universities and take 4 years to complete,. The second option is an associate degree in nursing (ADN), offered through junior and community colleges, which takes 2 to 3 years to complete. The third option is a 3-year diploma program administered by hospitals.

All three types of programs qualify students to be hired as a registered nurse, but BSNs provide graduates with the most opportunity for advancement within the nursing profession. In fact many nurses certified through ADN or diploma programs go on to enter bachelor's programs. Public health nurses can become certified by the National Association of School Nurses (NASN), which is affiliated with the National Board for Certification of School Nurses (NBSCN). In order to become certified, school nurses need to pass the NBSCN national school nurse certification examination. Click here to see a list of schools offering School Nursing Certification Programs and to contact their admissions departments for more information.

Employment

In 2002, registered nurses, including school nurses, held approximately 2.3 million jobs, making the occupation the largest in the healthcare field.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of school nurses is expected to increase faster than the average. More new RN jobs are expected to be created than any other occupation, mostly because of the need to replace aging registered nurses as they leave the profession. Factors such as the growing elderly population, general growth of healthcare, rising median age of registered nurses, increased emphasis on preventative treatment, and technological advances will keep registered nurses, including school nurses, in high demand.

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Registered Nurses

Registered nurses assist patients in coping with illness, advocate for patients, families, and communities, and promote awareness of health-related issues. They report their patient observations to physicians, help surgeons perform operations, administer medications, and assist patient with rehabilitation. The range of tasks they may perform is restricted by State law, and determined by the type of facility they work in, including hospitals, physician's offices, surgical centers, clinics, long-term rehabilitation units, private homes, government agencies, schools, and worksites.

Job Skills

Registered nurses need to have well-developed communication skills, and the ability to observe accurately and make decisions accordingly. They must be willing to work with a team, as well as supervise others. Due to the intense nature of the work, registered nurses should be emotionally stable and have a sympathetic disposition.

Income

In 2002, registered nurses earned a median annual salary of $48,090. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10 percent, who earned less than $33,970, and the highest 10 percent, who earned more than $69,670. The highest annual salary was found in employment services, and the lowest was found in nursing care facilities.

Training and Education

In order to obtain a nursing license, which is required by all 50 States and the District of Columbia, students must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass a national licensing examination. Candidates have three different options for educational paths leading to certification as a registered nurse. The first option is obtaining a bachelor's of science degree in nursing (BSN). BSN programs are offered through colleges and universities and take 4 years to complete,. The second option is an associate degree in nursing (ADN), offered through junior and community colleges, which takes 2 to 3 years to complete. The third option is a 3-year diploma program administered by hospitals. All three types of programs qualify students to be hired as a registered nurse, but BSNs provide graduates with the most opportunity for advancement within the nursing profession. In fact many nurses certified through ADN or diploma programs go on to enter bachelor's programs.

Employment

In 2002, registered nurses held approximately 2.3 million jobs, making the occupation the largest in the healthcare field. A majority of jobs were held in hospitals.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of registered nurses is expected to increase faster than the average. More new RN jobs are expected to be created than any other occupation, mostly because of the need to replace aging registered nurses as they leave the profession. Factors such as the growing elderly population, general growth of healthcare, rising median age of registered nurses, increased emphasis on preventative treatment, technological advances will keep registered nurses in high demand.

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Public Health Nurse

Job Duties

Public health nurses focus on populations instead of just individual patients, although they do work with individual patients a great deal of the time. They typically work for government or private agencies, including schools, health departments, ambulatory care clinics, and retirement communities. They work to improve the overall health of the community in which they work. They plan and implement health-related programs. They teach individuals and groups about health issues like preventative care, nutrition, and childcare. They arrange for immunization clinics, blood pressure testing, cholesterol level testing, and other health screening clinics. They often work closely with teachers, parents, physicians, and community leaders. Their main goal is to work with local governments to correct health problems that face particular communities.

Job Skills

Public health nurses need to have well-developed communication skills, and the ability to observe accurately and make decisions accordingly. They must be able to work with patients who are sometimes reluctant to cooperate. They need to be able to honor the wishes of their patients. They must be willing to work with a team, as well as supervise others. Due to the intense nature of the work, public health nurses should be emotionally stable and have a sympathetic disposition.

Income

In 2002, public health nurses earned a median annual salary of $48,090. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10 percent, who earned less than $33,970, to the highest 10 percent, who earned more than $69,670.

Training and Education

Public health nurses can become certified by the American Public Health Association (APHA). They must also become registered nurses (RNs) by earning their nursing license. In order to obtain a nursing license, which is required by all 50 States and the District of Columbia, students must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass a national licensing examination. Candidates have three different options for educational paths leading to certification as a registered nurse. The first option is obtaining a bachelor's of science degree in nursing (BSN). BSN programs are offered through colleges and universities and take 4 years to complete,. The second option is an associate degree in nursing (ADN), offered through junior and community colleges, which takes 2 to 3 years to complete. The third option is a 3-year diploma program administered by hospitals. All three types of programs qualify students to be hired as a registered nurse, but BSNs provide graduates with the most opportunity for advancement within the nursing profession. In fact many nurses certified through ADN or diploma programs go on to enter bachelor's programs. Click here to see a list of Nursing Schools, and/or to contact their admissions departments for more information.

Employment

In 2002, registered nurses, including public health nurses, held approximately 2.3 million jobs, making the occupation the largest in the healthcare field.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of public health nurses is expected to increase faster than the average. More new RN jobs are expected to be created than any other occupation, mostly because of the need to replace aging registered nurses as they leave the profession. Factors such as the growing elderly population, general growth of healthcare, rising median age of registered nurses, increased emphasis on preventative treatment, and technological advances will keep registered nurses, including home health nurses, in high demand.

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Personal Care Aide

Job Duties

Personal care aides, who are also referred to as homemakers, caregivers, companions, and personal attendants, provide help to people who are elderly, disabled, or sick. Their clients usually require a greater amount of care than their family and friends can provide to them. Aides usually travel to the client's home. They work with small children whose parents are incapacitated or discharged hospital patients with short-term needs. They differ from home health aides because they do not provide health-related services, but rather housekeeping and routine personal care. They may clean the house or apartment, do laundry, or change bed sheets. They often cook and plan meals for their clients. They may dress them, and sometimes bath and groom them. Some work with clients outside the home.

Personal care aides give their clients a certain amount of psychological support. They counsel families regarding nutrition, cleanliness, and household tasks. They sometimes toilet train children who are severely mentally handicapped. Sometimes they may sit and listen to clients discuss their everyday challenges and problems. Personal care aides are supervised by registered nurses, physical therapists, or social workers if they work in home healthcare agencies.

Job Skills

Those types of people who tend to succeed in personal care aide 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, personal care aides earned a median hourly wage of $7.81. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $5.90, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $10.67. The following shows the median hourly wages in the industries employing the largest numbers of personal care aides:

• Residential retardation, mental health, and substance abuse facilities: $8.63
• Vocational rehabilitation services: $8.40
• Community care facilities for the elderly: $8.14
• Individual and family services: $8.12
• Home health care services: $6.72

Training and Education

Training for personal care aides varies by State. In some States, no formal training requirements exist and on-the-job training is the standard. In other States, aides are required to have formal training, such as certification by the National Association for Home Care. Certification through this organization is a demonstration that the applicant has met industry standards. Some States also require applicants to have had a physical examination that includes tests for tuberculosis and other communicable diseases. Personal care aides advance by moving from cleaning to personal care duties, but advancement is very limited in this occupation. You can explore more about training for patient care careers by clicking on this link for patient care technician training.

Employment

In 2002, personal care aides held about 608,000 jobs.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of personal care aides is expected to increase faster than the average. A growing population of elderly people - the population group that most needs personal care aides - will account for much of the rising demand for these workers. More patients in other age groups will also rely more on personal care aides because hospitals are increasingly moving patients out of their facilities and back into homes in order to reduce costs. The occupation also has a high rate of turnover due to the low training requirements, low wages, and high emotional demands of the job.

Office Nurse

Job Duties

Office nurses provide care to patients in outpatient facilities like physicians' offices, clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, community clinics, workplaces, dialysis centers, pain management centers, and emergency medical centers. They help patients prepare for examinations, and they assist patients during examinations. They administer injections and medications under the direction of physicians. They may assist with minor surgeries. Some office nurses are also responsible for clerical duties, such as record keeping and office management. They work with patients of all ages who have all types of illnesses and injuries. They provide patients with education, pain and case management, and discharge planning.
Job Skills

Office nurses need to have well-developed communication skills, and the ability to observe accurately and make decisions accordingly. They must be willing to work with a team, as well as supervise others. Due to the intense nature of the work, office nurses should be emotionally stable and have a sympathetic disposition.
Income

In 2002, office nurses earned a median annual salary of $48,090. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10 percent, who earned less than $33,970, to the highest 10 percent, who earned more than $69,670.

Training and Education

Office nurses can become certified by the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing (AAACN). They must also become registered nurses (RNs) by earning their nursing license. In order to obtain a nursing license, which is required by all 50 States and the District of Columbia, students must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass a national licensing examination. Candidates have three different options for educational paths leading to certification as a registered nurse. The first option is obtaining a bachelor's of science degree in nursing (BSN). BSN programs are offered through colleges and universities and take 4 years to complete,. The second option is an associate degree in nursing (ADN), offered through junior and community colleges, which takes 2 to 3 years to complete. The third option is a 3-year diploma program administered by hospitals. All three types of programs qualify students to be hired as a registered nurse, but BSNs provide graduates with the most opportunity for advancement within the nursing profession. In fact many nurses certified through ADN or diploma programs go on to enter bachelor's programs. Click here to see a list of Nursing Schools, and/or to contact their admissions departments for more information.
Employment

In 2002, registered nurses, including office nurses, held approximately 2.3 million jobs, making the occupation the largest in the healthcare field.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of office nurses is expected to increase faster than the average. Office nurses will grow at a particularly fast rate because physicians are being pressured into treating more patients in less time, increasing the need for office nurses to handle more responsibility. More new RN jobs are expected to be created than any other occupation, mostly because of the need to replace aging registered nurses as they leave the profession. Factors such as the growing elderly population, general growth of healthcare, rising median age of registered nurses, increased emphasis on preventative treatment, technological advances will keep registered nurses, including office nurses, in high demand.


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Occupational Health Nurse

Job Duties

Occupational health nurses offer health services in the workplace to employees, customers, and anyone else at the worksite who may have an injury or illness. They may prepare accident reports and provide emergency care. If further medical assistance is needed, they arrange for that to take place. They work to identify potential or acute health problems. They provide counseling and conduct health examinations and inoculations. They also tackle challenges of accessibility for disabled workers, productivity, and workers' compensation issues. They work in many different types of facilities, from hospitals to manufacturing plants. Occupational health nurses combine knowledge of public health and nursing theory to attempt to create healthier workers. Because low employee health costs businesses upwards of $1 trillion per year, business leaders depend on occupational health nurses to maintain a health workforce.

Job Skills

Occupational health nurses need to have well-developed communication skills, and the ability to observe accurately and make decisions accordingly. They need to be able to honor the wishes of their patients. They must be willing to work with a team, as well as supervise others. Due to the intense nature of the work, occupational health nurses should be emotionally stable and have a sympathetic disposition.

Income

In 2002, occupational health nurses earned a median annual salary of $48,090. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10 percent, who earned less than $33,970, and the highest 10 percent, who earned more than $69,670.

Training and Education

Occupational health nurses can become certified by the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN). Certification involves 4,000 hours of work experience and 50 contact hours of continuing education. They must also become registered nurses (RNs) by earning their nursing license. In order to obtain a nursing license, which is required by all 50 States and the District of Columbia, students must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass a national licensing examination.

Candidates have three different options for educational paths leading to certification as a registered nurse. The first option is obtaining a bachelor's of science degree in nursing (BSN). BSN programs are offered through colleges and universities and take 4 years to complete,. The second option is an associate degree in nursing (ADN), offered through junior and community colleges, which takes 2 to 3 years to complete. The third option is a 3-year diploma program administered by hospitals. All three types of programs qualify students to be hired as a registered nurse, but BSNs provide graduates with the most opportunity for advancement within the nursing profession. In fact many nurses certified through ADN or diploma programs go on to enter bachelor's programs. Click here to see a list of Nursing Schools, and/or to contact their admissions departments for more information.

Employment

In 2002, registered nurses, including occupational health nurses, held approximately 2.3 million jobs, making the occupation the largest in the healthcare field.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of occupational health nurses is expected to increase faster than the average. More new RN jobs are expected to be created than any other occupation, mostly because of the need to replace aging registered nurses as they leave the profession. Factors such as the growing elderly population, general growth of healthcare, rising median age of registered nurses, increased emphasis on preventative treatment, and technological advances will keep registered nurses, including home health nurses, in high demand.

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Nursing Informatics Specialist

Job Duties

Nursing informatics are specialists within the nursing profession that combine their nursing skills with their knowledge of computer science. They serve a variety of functions within healthcare organizations, from automating nursing care to building new computer systems. They work with data, collecting, organizing, and interpreting it in order to make patient care more efficient and higher quality. They work in a range of settings, such as insurance companies, hospitals, and consulting firms. They may write programs that will be used by nurses. They may train nurses and other healthcare workers in the proper use of computer systems. They may interview workers and identify their technological needs. Or they may work for specific vendors, demonstrating products to targeted consumers.

Job Skills

Nursing informatics need to be technologically inclined. They need to have well-developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They should have well-developed communication skills, and the ability to observe accurately and make decisions accordingly. They must be willing to work with a team, as well as supervise others. Due to the intense nature of the work, nursing informatics should be emotionally stable and have a sympathetic disposition.

Income

In 2002, nursing informatics earned a median annual salary of $48,090. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10 percent, who earned less than $33,970, and the highest 10 percent, who earned more than $69,670.

Training and Education

Nursing informatics must first become registered nurses (RNs) by earning their nursing license. In order to obtain a nursing license, which is required by all 50 States and the District of Columbia, students must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass a national licensing examination. Candidates have three different options for educational paths leading to certification as a registered nurse. The first option is obtaining a bachelor's of science degree in nursing (BSN). BSN programs are offered through colleges and universities and take 4 years to complete,. The second option is an associate degree in nursing (ADN), offered through junior and community colleges, which takes 2 to 3 years to complete. The third option is a 3-year diploma program administered by hospitals.

All three types of programs qualify students to be hired as a registered nurse, but BSNs are becoming more of a requirement for nursing informatics. Many nursing informatics receive additional graduate-level training in computer science, either within a nursing program or through strictly computer-based programs. Nursing informatics can become certified by the American Nursing Informatics Association. Requirements for certification include specific coursework, experience in the field, and continuing education. Click here for schools offering Nursing Informations Certification Programs and to contact their admissions departments for more information.

Employment

In 2002, registered nurses, including nursing informatics, held approximately 2.3 million jobs, making the occupation the largest in the healthcare field.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of nursing informatics is expected to increase faster than the average. Demand will stem from the increased reliance on technology in medical facilities. More new RN jobs are expected to be created than any other occupation, mostly because of the need to replace aging registered nurses as they leave the profession. Factors such as the growing elderly population, general growth of healthcare, rising median age of registered nurses, increased emphasis on preventative treatment, and technological advances will keep registered nurses, including nursing informatics, in high demand.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/nursing_careers/nursing_informatics_specialist