Occupational Therapist

Job Duties

Occupational therapists (OTs) work with people who have mental, physical, developmental, or emotional disabilities. They strive to help these people live independent, productive, and satisfying lives. They assist them in developing or improving their ability to perform daily living and work skills. They help some patients recover their motor functions or reasoning abilities, and they help others deal with the permanent loss of these functions and abilities. OTs help clients perform a wide range of tasks, from operating a personal computer to basics such as eating, cooking, and dressing. They utilize computer programs to better assist clients in regaining decision-making, abstract-reasoning, problem-solving, and perceptual skills.

Occupational therapists assist people who have permanent disabilities, including spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy. They help them use equipment such as wheelchairs, splints, and aids for eating and dressing. They may also design specialized equipment for work or home. Other occupational therapists specialize in working with people whose ability to work has been impaired. They arrange employment, evaluate work environments, plan work activities, and assess the client's progress. They often work with the employer to make sure that the worker's needs are met.

Job Skills

Occupational therapists need to be imaginative in creating activities to suit the needs of various individuals with disabilities. They should also have a high degree of patience, as well as well-developed interpersonal skills. They must be able to inspire trust in their clients.

Income

In 2002, occupational therapists earned a median annual salary of $51,990. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $35,130, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $74,390. The following shows the median annual salaries for the industries employing the highest numbers of occupational therapists:

• Offices of other health practitioners -- $53,660
• Nursing care facilities -- $53,930
• General medical and surgical hospitals -- $53,210
• Elementary and secondary schools -- $45,740

Training and Education

The minimum educational requirement for entry into the field of occupational therapy is a bachelor's degree. Starting in 2007, a master's degree will become the new minimum requirement. Occupational therapists must obtain the designation "Occupational Therapist Registered" (OTR) by graduating from an accredited program and passing a national examination. 38 schools offered bachelor's degree programs, 3 offered post-baccalaureate certificate programs for students with a degree other than occupational therapy. 48 programs offered a combined bachelor's and master's degree, and 5 offered an entry-level doctoral degree. Coursework in occupational therapy programs includes physical, biological, and behavioral sciences and the application of occupational theory and skills. 6 months of supervised fieldwork is required for graduation.

Employment

In 2002, occupational therapists held about 82,000 jobs. 10% held more than one job, and the highest number of jobs were found in hospitals.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of occupational therapists is expected to increase faster than the average. This will be due to the growing population, a bi-product of which is steady growth of individuals with disabilities. The aging baby-boomer generation will also increase demand for occupational therapists.

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

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Occupational Health And Safety Specialist

Job Duties

Occupational health and safety specialists attempt to prevent workers, property, the environment, and the public from being physically harmed. They work to promote health and safety in various types of organizations by helping those organizations develop policies and methods that will improve health and safety as well as efficiency. Their specific duties vary greatly from industry to industry. In most industries, they begin by identifying hazardous conditions and practices, as well as predicting future hazards with the use of historical data. After identifying hazards, they then evaluate the potential severity of the hazards. Then they create a plan that will reduce or eliminate the hazard and improve the overall health and safety of workers. They often track the progress of the plan as it is implemented by the organization.

Some occupational health and safety specialists test machines and other equipment to make sure it meets safety standards. They ensure the correct storage of dangerous materials, and may monitor the use of protective equipment, such as masks, respirators, protective eyewear, or hardhats. They often use various types of scientific equipment to measure the levels of hazardous substances in the workplace. They collect samples of dust, gases, vapors, and other toxic materials. Occupational health and safety specialists sometimes investigate the causes of accidents after they occur, and some assist injured workers in their rehabilitation.

Job Skills

Occupational health and safety specialists must have excellent communication skills, as they are constantly required to communicate with many different types of people, such as management, engineers, and physicians. They should have good writing skills because they are so often required to produce written reports concerning their findings.

Income

In 2002, occupational health and safety specialists earned a median annual salary of $46,010. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $25,080, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $71,450.

Training and Education

Entry into occupational health and safety specialist positions requires experience, education, and the successful passing of examinations. Many employers prefer to hire applicants who already have experience as an occupational health and safety specialist, and many employers require a 4-year college degree. Training includes an emphasis on the applicable laws or inspection procedures and is usually complemented by on-the-job training. Occupational health and safety specialists can become certified through the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) or the Council on Certification of Health, Environmental, and Safety Technologists (OHST). Certification involves meeting educational requirements, passing examinations, and completing continuing education courses. Certification is voluntary, but many employers give a high degree of weight to certification when making hiring decisions.

Employment

In 2002, occupational health and safety specialists held about 41,000 jobs. Many worked in government agencies - 17% in local governments, 14% in State governments, and 6% in the Federal government.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of occupational health and safety specialists is expected to increase about as fast as the average. While the desire for safety in the workplace continues to grow, growth will be tempered by increasing public demand for smaller government and fewer regulations.

For more information on becoming a occupational health and safety specialist, please see our directory of schools offering Medical Training

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Obstetrician And Gynecologist

Job Duties

Obstetricians and gynecologists (ob/gyns) are physicians who specialize in women's health. They focus on pregnancy-related health, the female reproductive system, and women's general medical care. While they are concerned with general health problems, they also specialize in more specific female problems, such as breast and cervical cancer, urinary tract and pelvic disorders, and hormonal disorders. They also specialize in childbirth, offering care to women for the duration of pregnancy. They give prenatal diagnoses and postpartum care. They care for the health of both the mother and fetus during pregnancy.

There are two types of obstetricians and gynecologists: 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

Obstetricians and gynecologists 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, obstetricians and gynecologists earned a median annual salary of $233,061. Self-employed obstetricians and gynecologists 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. Obstetricians and gynecologists who are self-employed are responsible for providing their own health insurance and retirement.

Training and Education

Physicians specializing in obstetricians and gynecologists 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 sup ervision 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, physicians and surgeons, of which obstetricians and gynecologists 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 obstetricians and gynecologists 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 obstetrician or gynecologist, please see our directory of schools offering Medical Training

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Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Job Duties

Nuclear medicine technologists administer radiopharmaceuticals (purified, unstable atoms) to patients to help diagnose and treat diseases. They then monitor the patient's tissues and organs, looking for higher- or lower-than-expected levels of radioactivity. They use cameras to map these radioactive drugs and create a images of the patient's body. They often explain the procedures to patients, then administer drugs orally or intravenously. They produce images by scanning the patient's body with gamma scintillation camera. These images are then interpreted by a physician. Nuclear medicine performs many of the same functions as other diagnostic imaging techniques, such as x rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Nuclear medicine technologists are required to keep the doses of radioactive drugs as low as possible, and they keep very detailed patient records regarding the type and amount of drugs administered. Some nuclear medicine technologists research the effect of radioactive substances on the body. They may add radioactive substances to blood or serum to determine levels of hormones or of therapeutic drugs in the body.

Job Skills

Nuclear medicine technologists must have the ability to pay close attention to detail, follow instructions, and work well in a team setting. They need to be sensitive to the physical and psychological needs of the patients they treat. They should also have a mechanical aptitude and good manual dexterity.

Income

In 2002, nuclear medicine technologists earned a median annual salary of $48,750. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $35,870, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $68,710.

Training and Education

Many States and most employers require nuclear medicine technologists to be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board. Certification involves meeting certain Federal standards relating to the operation of radiation detection equipment and the administration of radioactive drugs. There are 92 programs in nuclear medicine technology that are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology. These programs grant either a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor's degree and last from 1 to 4 years. Colleges and universities offer bachelor's degree programs, community colleges offer associate degrees, and hospitals offer certificates (usually for those already working as a health professional). Courses typically include the physical sciences, biological effects of radiation exposure, radiation protection and procedures, the use of radiopharmaceuticals, imaging techniques, and computer applications.

Employment

In 2002, nuclear medicine technologists held about 17,000 jobs. Two-thirds worked in hospitals, and the rest worked in offices of physicians or in medical and diagnostic laboratories.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of nuclear medicine technologists is expected to increase faster than the average. This will be due mostly to the growth in the number of middle-aged and elderly people, who are more likely to need diagnostic imaging services. However, the occupation is relatively small, and this will mean few job openings annually. Opportunity will be best for nuclear medicine technologists who are also trained in other diagnostic imaging techniques, such as radiologic technology or diagnostic medical sonography.

For more information on becoming a nuclear medicine technologist, please see our directory of schools offering Medical Training

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Mental Health Social Worker

Job Duties

Mental health social workers treat people who have mental illnesses or substance abuse problems, such as abuse of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs. Their services often include individual and group therapy, outreach, crisis intervention, social rehabilitation, and training in everyday living skills. They sometimes create support services in order to assist clients when they are returning to the community. They often work in hospitals, substance abuse treatment centers, individual and family services agencies, or local governments. They are often referred to as clinical social workers.

The goal of the mental health social worker is to help individuals function more effectively in their lives. They often provide their services in a health-related setting that are run by managed care organizations. Most specialize in a particular section of the field. Some mental health social workers are involved in research and planning or policy development.

Job Skills

Those interested in becoming mental health social workers should have a number of desirable traits. They need to be very emotionally stable and mature. They must be able to handle a high degree of responsibility. They should have the ability to work on an independent basis without supervision. They need to be able to work well in a team setting and get along with coworkers. And they need to be able to inspire trust and respect in their clients.

Income

In 2002, mental health social workers earned a median annual salary of $32.850. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $21,050, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $52,240.

Training and Education

The most common minimum educational requirement to obtain a job as a mental health social worker is a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW). Those who have bachelor's degrees with majors in psychology, sociology, and other related fields may be able to qualify for entry-level positions. Many positions also require a master's degree in social work (MSW), particularly positions in health settings and clinical work. Jobs in public and private agencies may also require an advanced degree. There are about 436 BSW programs and 149 MSW programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. (CSWE).

BSW programs require a minimum of 400 hours of supervised field experience in addition to academic classes. MSW programs last 2 years and include a minimum of 900 hours of supervised field instruction. Part-time programs are available, usually lasting about 4 years. Social workers are required to be licensed in all States and the District of Columbia. They can advance to supervisor, program manager, assistant director, or executive director of a social service agency or department. You can explore more about training for mental health social worker careers by clicking on this link for schools offering human services degrees.

Employment

In 2002, mental health social workers held about 95,000 jobs. About 40% were employed by State and local government agencies.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of mental health social workers is expected to increase faster than the average. The most rapid growth will occur in the area of substance abuse social work. This is due to new legislation requiring convicted substance abusers to attend treatment programs instead of going to jail or prison. This will create enormous demand for these social workers, as government agencies dealing with substance abuse expand at a high rate.

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Mental Health Counselor

Job Duties

Mental health counselors treat mental and emotional disorders. They assist individuals, groups, and families in seeking optimal mental health. They use many different types of therapeutic techniques and help people with all sorts of issues and disorders, including depression, addiction and substance abuse, suicidal impulses, stress management, problems with self-esteem, issues associated with aging, job and career concerns, educational decisions, issues related to mental and emotional health, and family, parenting, and marital or other relationship problems. They usually work alongside other specialists in the mental health field, including psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, psychiatric nurses, and school counselors.

Job Skills

Those interested in becoming mental health counselors should have a number of desirable traits. They should be interested in counseling and helping people who are experiencing challenging situations. They need to be able to inspire trust and respect in their clients. They should have the ability to work independently without supervision. They also need to be able to adhere to the code of ethics for their counseling certifications and licenses.

Income

In 2002, mental health counselors earned a median annual salary of $29,940. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $19,760, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $50,170.

Training and Education

A master's degree is the most common minimum requirement for mental health counselors. This is usually a requirement to be licensed or certified. In some States, counselors who are employed by public agencies are required to have a master's degree, while some States only require a bachelor's degree. College courses include study in college student affairs, education, gerontological counseling, marriage and family counseling, substance abuse counseling, rehabilitation counseling, agency or community counseling, clinical mental health counseling, counseling psychology, and career counseling. There are about 176 institutions in the U.S. that have counseling programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Many counselors become voluntarily certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc., earning the credential of "National Certified Counselor." Voluntary certification is also offered by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. Counselors can advance to become supervisors or administrators, or they may move into research, consulting, or college teaching. You can explore more about training for mental health counselor careers by clicking on this link for schools offering human services degrees.

Employment

In 2002, mental health counselors held about 122,00 jobs. A growing number are self-employed.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of mental health counselors is expected to increase faster than the average. There are usually fewer graduates of counseling programs each year than there are job openings, resulting in very favorable opportunities. Demand for mental health counselors will grow mainly because of a growing societal acceptance of people who seek professional help with their personal and family problems. More employers are offering programs in which employees can receive help with mental health and alcohol and drug abuse problems. More and more people will turn to mental health counselors for help with these problems, as well as for assistance with improving their everyday well-being and stress management.

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Medical Transcription Career

Medical transcriptionists take aural reports from doctors and other health care professionals and turn them into written records, reports or other administrative documents. These documents are then returned to the medical professionals for verification, and then become part of the patient’s records or the administration information systems. This process used to be carried out by means of a Dictaphone or some other similar apparatus, but increasingly it is done by computer networks and often the internet.

Medical transcriptionists must understand enough of the medical processes and terminology to be sure that they are transcribing accurately. They often have to refer to standard medical reference materials, and they have to comply with specific standards for medical records and similar documents. They also have an ethical and legal obligation to treat all their information as confidential.

Many medical transcriptionists work in doctor’s offices or clinics, hospitals or laboratories. However, there is an increasing move for them to work from home, as many use the internet to receive reports and to research materials, and to deliver them back again. As intranets become more widespread, and security issues are solved, this move is likely to get more popular. This also means that medical transcriptionists often get paid by the word or piece, or by the hour rather than on a fixed weekly or monthly basis.

Medical transcription training usually takes the form of a one year certificate program or a two year associate degree, concentrating on anatomy, physiology, medical terminology and the use of the English language.

Pay is usually at an hourly rate, around $12.15 in 2000. Prospects are good, as jobs are growing at a faster than usual rate, according to the US Department of Labor.

Directory of Schools Offering Medical Transcription Training

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