General Practitioner

Job Duties

General practitioners, including family practitioners, serve as the initial contact for people in need of health care. They are the traditional family doctors, assessing and treating many different types of conditions, ailments, and injuries. They may treat sinus and respiratory infections, or they may treat broken bones and scrapes. Most of the visitors general practitioners receive are regular, long-term patients. When general practitioners encounter conditions of a more serious nature, they refer the patient to a specialist or a healthcare facility where they will receive more specialized treatment.

There are two types of general practitioners: 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

General practitioners 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, general practitioners earned a median annual salary of $150,267. Self-employed general practitioners 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. General practitioners who are self-employed are responsible for providing their own health insurance and retirement.

Training and Education

Physicians specializing in general practice 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 phy sicians.

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 general practitioners 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 general practitioners 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 general practitioner, please see our directory of schools offering Medical Training

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

General Pediatrician

Job Duties

General pediatricians are physicians who specialize in providing care and treatment to children from birth through early adulthood. They focus on diagnosing and treating a number of ailments that are specific to this early period of life. They track the growth and development of their patients until their patients become adults. Pediatricians work closely with other healthcare workers, such as nurses and other physicians. They assess and treat children who have ailments like muscular dystrophy. However, pediatricians focus more on the more common, day-to-day conditions of children, from minor injuries to infectious diseases. A smaller number of pediatricians focus on pediatric surgery or more serious chronic ailments.

There are two types of general pediatricians: 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

General pediatricians 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, general pediatricians earned a median annual salary of $152,690. Self-employed general pediatricians 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. General pediatricians who are self-employed are responsible for providing their own health insurance and retirement.

Training and Education

Physicians specializing in general pediatrics 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 p hysicians.

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 general pediatricians 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 general pediatricians 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 general pediatrician, please see our directory of schools offering Medical Training

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

General Internist

Job Duties

General internists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of internal organs. They mostly work with adults who have developed simple or complex problems with the internal organs, which include the stomach, kidneys, liver, and digestive tract. Internists use a wide variety of diagnostic techniques to treat their patients. They may hospitalize their patients or they may rely on medication for treatment. They are usually considered primary care specialists like general practitioners. Other specialists and general practitioners refer patients to them and they may then refer those patients to other specialists.

There are two types of general internists: 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

General internists 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, general internists earned a median annual salary of $155,530. Self-employed general internists 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. General internists who are self-employed are responsible for providing their own health insurance and retirement.

Training and Education

Physicians specializing in general internal medicine 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 supervisi on 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 general internists 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 general internists 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 general internist, please see our directory of schools offering Medical Training

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

Family Social Worker

Job Duties

Family social workers work to improve the social and psychological behavior of children and their families. By providing social services and assistance, they attempt to increase the well-being of children, as well as increase their academic progress. Some work with single parents, while others arrange for adoptions or locate foster homes for children who have been abandoned or neglected. They often work in the school system, helping children deal with such issues as teen pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. They work with teachers, giving advice on how to deal with challengin children in the classroom.

Some family social workers specialize in working with senior citizens, organizing support groups for caregivers or for children of seniors. They may give advice to the elderly concerning housing, transportation, and long-term care. They monitor these services for their clients. Family social workers may also work with employees who are experiencing job-related stress or challenges. They most often work in individual and family service agencies, schools, or Sate or local governments. They are often referred to as child welfare workers, family services social workers, child protective services social workers, occupational social workers, or gerontology social workers.

Job Skills

Those interested in becoming family 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, family social workers earned a median annual salary of $33,150. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $21,270, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $54,250.

Training and Education

The most common minimum educational requirement to obtain a job as a family 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 family social worker careers by clicking on this link for schools offering human services degrees.

Employment

In 2002, family social workers held about 274,000 jobs. About 40% were employed by State and local government agencies.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of family social workers is expected to increase faster than the average. This will be partially due to increasing student enrollment in public schools and partially due to increased emphasis on helping disabled students become integrated into the student population. Competition will be higher in cities, but opportunity should be good in rural areas.

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

Emergency Medical Technician

Job Duties

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) provide medical care to patients at the scene of an emergency. This may include many types of emergencies, such as automobile accidents, heart attacks, drownings, childbirth, and gunshot wounds. They are usually dispatched to an accident scene by a 911 operator, and usually work closely with police officers and firefighters. Once on the scene, they assess the patient's condition and the extent of injury, as well as the patient's medical history. The patient is then treated at the scene or, in the case of more serious conditions, is transported to a hospital for treatment.

EMTs often use equipment such as backboards to immobilize patients before transport to a hospital. One EMT drives the ambulance while another administers care to the patient. Some EMTs work on the crew of medical helicopters that transport critically ill or injured patients to trauma centers. Once the ambulance or helicopter has reached the medical facility, EMTs assist with the transfer of the patient to the emergency department, report their observations, and sometimes provide additional support or treatment.

Job Skills

Emergency medical technicians need to possess a high degree of emotional stability in order to handle the stress of the job. They need to be able to lift heavy loads. They must have good manual dexterity, agility, and physical coordination. In addition, they should have color vision and good eyesight, although corrective lenses are acceptable.

Income

In 2002, emergency medical technicians earned a median annual salary of $24,030. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $15,530, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $41,980. The following shows the median annual earnings in the industries employing the highest numbers of emergency medical technicians:

• Local government -- $27,440
• General medical and surgical hospitals -- $24,760
• Other ambulatory health care services -- $22,180

Training and Education

In order to become an EMT, applicants must have completed formal training and certification. Most States require registration with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). Training is offered at 4 progressive levels: EMT-Basic (EMT-1); EMT-Intermediate (EMT-2 and EMT-3); and EMT-Paramedic (EMT-4). Training at the EMT-Basic level includes coursework in emergency skills and patient assessment, along with training time in an emergency room or ambulance. In order to graduate, students must pass a written and a practical test. EMT-Intermediate training includes the option of being trained in EMT-Shock Trauma or EMT-Cardiac. Training at this level requires 35 to 55 hours of additional instruction beyond EMT-Basic and a specified amount of clinical experience. EMT-Paramedic is the most advanced level of EMT training, in which trainees learn advanced skills. The program lasts 2 years, includes extensive coursework and field experience, and results in an assoc iate degree in applied science. EMT-Paramedics can advance to become supervisor, operations manager, administrative director, or executive director of emergency services.

Employment

In 2002, emergency medical technicians held about 179,000 jobs. Most worked in metropolitan areas.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of emergency medical technicians is expected to increase faster than the average. This will result from population growth and urbanization, as well as from an aging baby boom generation that will be much more likely to require the services of EMTs. Opportunities will be best in private ambulance services, as well as for those who have advanced certifications, such as EMT-Intermediate and EMT-Paramedic.

For more information on becoming a emergency medical technician, please see our directory of schools offering EMT Training

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

EKG Technician

Job Duties

Electrocardiograph (EKG) technicians perform EKGs on patients under the supervision of a physician. EKGs trace electrical impulses transmitted by the heart and is performed by placing electrodes on a patient's chest, arms, and legs, and then operating an EKG machine which produces a reading. EKG technicians then create a printout which is given to a physician for analysis. The EKG test is normally completed before most types of surgery and sometimes as part of a routine physical examination, particularly with people who have a history of cardiovascular problems or who are middle-aged.

Some EKG technicians have advanced training and are able to perform Holter monitor and stress testing. Holter monitoring involves attaching electrodes to a patient's chest and attaching a portable EKG monitor to the patient's belt. 24 hours later, the tape form the monitor is removed and placed in a scanner. The technician then checks the quality of the tape and prints out the information for a physician. The physician uses these results to determine heart rhythm abnormalities, pacemaker problems, and other heart problems. EKG technicians also administer a treadmill test in which a patient is connected to an EKG monitor and the results are recorded as they walk on the treadmill.

Job Skills

EKG technicians should have an aptitude for mechanical work. They need to be able to follow detailed instructions and be reliable. The must have the ability to ease patients' minds with their relaxed and calm personality.

Income

In 2002, EKG technicians, including cardiovascular technologists, earned a median annual salary of $36,430. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $20,920, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $56,080.

Training and Education

EKG technicians, including those who perform Holter monitoring and stress testing, can receive training from 1-year certification programs. There are 29 programs in the U.S. that are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology. However, most EKG technicians receive between 8 and 16 weeks of on-the-job training in place of formal certification programs. Most employers prefer individuals who have already worked in the healthcare field, such as nursing aides. Some students working to become cardiovascular technologists work as EKG technicians during their studies. This can be a very effective way to gain experience and network with future employers.

Employment

In 2002, EKG technicians, including cardiovascular technologists, held about 43,000 jobs. 75% worked in hospitals, usually in cardiology departments. The rest worked in offices of physicians, including cardiologists; or in medical and diagnostic laboratories, including diagnostic imaging centers.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of EKG technicians is expected to increase faster than the average. The aging population will have higher incidences of cardiovascular problems, creating more demand for the services of EKG technicians. However, growth will be tempered by the fact that hospitals will train nursing aides and other s to perform basic EKG procedures. Job prospects will be better for individuals trained in Holter monitoring and stress testing.

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

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Dispensing Optician

Job Duties

Dispensing opticians are responsible for fitting people with eyeglasses and contact lenses. They receive prescriptions from optometrists and ophthalmologists which they use to determine the lens specifications. They usually ask the customer about lifestyle, habits, occupation, and facial features, information they use to recommend frames, lenses, and lens coating. They also measure the distance between the patient's eyes and may use a lensometer to determine eyeglass measurements if the patient does not have a prescription.

Dispensing opticians create work orders that convey needed information to ophthalmic laboratory technicians so that those technicians can grind lenses and insert them into a frame. Dispensing opticians verify the work after it is completed and may reconfigure the eyeglasses slightly to fit the customer's needs. Some repair, adjust, and refit damaged frames. Some specialize in contact lenses, artificial eyes, or cosmetic shells. Those who specialize in contact lenses measure the size and shape of the eye, a technique that demands a high degree of skill and patience. Dispensing opticians keep detailed records of customers' prescriptions, work orders, and payments.

Job Skills

Dispensing opticians need to be tactful and pleasant because they deal directly with the public as part of their work. They should be skilled communicators. They also must have good manual dexterity and the ability to pay attention to tiny details.

Income

In 2002, dispensing opticians earned a median annual salary of $25,600. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $16,310, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $43,490. The following shows the median annual salaries in the industries employing the highest numbers of dispensing opticians:

• Offices of physicians -- $28,250
• Health and personal care stores -- $25,860
• Offices of other health practitioners -- $24,900

Training and Education

Most dispensing opticians are trained on the job. Some employers hire applicants with experience working as an ophthalmic laboratory technician, but most hire applicants who have no experience in the field. On-the-job training programs usually last 2 years or more. Apprentices receive training in technical skills, office management, and sales under the supervision of an experienced optician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist. Those with knowledge of physics, basic anatomy, algebra, geometry, and mechanical drawing have an advantage over those without this knowledge. A few employers seek applicants with postsecondary training, which is offered by community colleges and a small number of colleges and universities. About 22 associate degree programs are accredited by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation. Dispensing opticians can become certified by the American Board of Opticinary (ABO) or the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE). Certification must be renewed every 3 y ears and requires continuing education.

Employment

In 2002, dispensing opticians held about 63,000 jobs. 2 in 5 worked in health and personal care stores, including optical goods stores. Another 2 in 5 worked in offices of physicians and other health practitioners.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of dispensing opticians is expected to increase about as fast as the average. Demand will grow because the population will age rapidly, new lens fashions will encourage more consumer spending, and new technologies will provide additional incentive to replace old lenses with new models. The number of job openings will be limited, however, because of the small size of the occupation.

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

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