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Illustrators are fine artists who create pictures for magazines, books or other publications. Illustrators are increasingly working in a digital format, creating more opportunities for illustrators to work in broadcast media and with animators. Medical and scientific illustrators combine their artistic talents with scientific knowledge to create images of such things as surgical procedures, human anatomy, plant life, geological formations and celestial objects.
Without legal project administrators, a lawyer's work life would be much more difficult. Legal project administrators are legal managers who coordinate and oversee various legal projects for law firms. Because of the heavy amount of responsibility that legal project administrators bear, they earn salaries that often rival that of the attorneys who work in the law firms they manage. Factors such as the size of the law firm and geographic location can all affect the salaries of legal project administrators.
Nurse managers spend 75 percent of their time involved in administration and 25 percent on patient care, according to a 1993 survey by the American Organization of Nurse Executives. Their duties include developing staff nurse schedules, problem solving in teams with doctors and other department managers, evaluations, quality assurance, planning and meetings. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 9,640 registered nurses were employed in the Dayton, Ohio area and earned a mean annual salary of $60,840 as of May 2010.
Medical examiners perform autopsies on cadavers to discover the cause of death. Their role is especially important in murder cases, or in situations where a person had died under suspicious circumstances. Medical examiner assistants support medical examiners by preparing bodies for postmortem examinations and assisting during autopsies. They also interface with law enforcement personnel, lawyers, funeral directors and other professionals during investigations. While some medical examiner assistant jobs prepare candidates for careers as forensic pathologists, other positions are more administrative in nature and only require a bachelor's degree.
The director of nursing for a hospice care center plays an important role in the lives of those making their transition from life to death. Their responsibility is to ensure that hospice patients receive the highest-quality care possible. The Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies hospice care directors as medical and health services managers. There were 20,080 individuals working in nursing care facilities as directors or managers in 2010, according to the bureau. Salaries for hospice directors vary based on experience, location and other factors.
E-7 Helicopter Mechanics are also known as Sergeant First Class, Chief Petty Officer, Gunnery Sergeants or Master or First Sergeants, depending on whether they are in the Army, Navy, Marines or Air Force. Regardless of the service, all E-7 helicopter mechanics receive the same basic pay as all other E-7s of the same level of experience.
A systems administrator optimizes the performance of a computer system and ensures the system meets the needs of its users. Workers in this occupation typically specialize in a particular operating system. Linux is a family of operating systems that is most common in servers, since it is compatible with many different types of hardware. Linux administrators who are salaried employees typically work on large networks, and their average pay varies.
The salaries of Mississippi Department of Transportation employees can vary dramatically depending on what position they hold. Career Bliss, the job and salary website, reported that the salary range for jobs in the Mississippi DOT was between about $21,000 and $68,000, with an average of $37,000 per year at the time of publication.
When work on a legal research or litigation project needs to be done, the legal project administrator makes sure it happens. Legal project administrators are legal managers who oversee the activities of lawyers in various types of law firms. Salaries for these legal managers can often be as high, if not higher, than the salaries earned by many lawyers themselves.
Junior clinic administrators, also known as assistant administrators, aid the head administrator in keeping up the planning, coordination and recording of health care. Junior clinic administrators start at the lower end of the health care administrator pay scale but with experience and education can progress to a salary in the six figures.
Biochemists study the chemistry of life, including processes like growth and reproduction. While biochemists with bachelor's degrees may take on roles as food scientists, lab techs or salespeople, those with advanced degrees can earn positions with more responsibility and higher pay. With an advanced degree in biochemistry, you may go on to a career as a research scientist, a pharmacist or even a doctor.
Medical secretaries or receptionists are the first line of contact in any medical setting, from doctor's offices to hospitals or outpatient care centers. With an average hourly income of $13.41, medical receptionists in Dayton, Ohio receive about $2 less per hour than the mean national wage for people doing the same job.
When you turn on the radio and your favorite song just happens to be on the air, you can thank your local radio traffic director. Radio traffic directors handle scheduling of radio airtime programming. They determine when music is played and when commercials, along with any other programming. The salary of radio traffic directors tends to vary by location and is typically less than that of senior-level directors.
A transcriptionist is someone who takes speech, such as from business meetings, dictated medical recording, television programming and class lectures, and turns it into text that can be archived or read by people with hearing impairments. Transcriptionists often perform this work from the comfort of their own homes. That makes this an attractive field for individuals with transcribing skills. If you're considering becoming a home transcriptionist, have an understanding of how much you can expect to earn.
A mobile engineer is a term designated to engineers who work in the telecommunications industry. Most mobile engineers specialize in mobile application development or mobile electronics design. In May 2010, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated salaries for mobile engineers in three specialized occupations within the telecommunications industry.
Medical examiners are licensed physicians with pathologic forensic training. They are generally responsible for investigating suspicious, violent, unexpected and unattended deaths, including suicides, homicides, sudden infant death syndrome and accidental deaths. If you are considering pursuing a career as a medical examiner, your salary will vary depending on your years of experience as well as your work location and employer.
As a medical receptionist, you become the main access point for patients trying to reach the medical staff, and for staff reaching out to patients. Common job duties include answering telephones, taking messages, booking and confirming appointments, and staffing the reception desk at the front of the office. You might also be asked to help file medical charts or take medication refill requests. Depending on the size of the office, you may be overseen by an office manager.
Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations or research, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). They may also explain procedures to patients and help patients who have adverse reactions to the blood draw. As of May 2010, phlebotomists were grouped in the broad category of Healthcare Support Workers, All Other*, of which there were 10,050 earning a mean annual salary of $31,410, according to the BLS.
Medical examiners are physicians with specialized training in examining the bodies of deceased persons. Because medical examiners are often employed by the state in which they work or by the local community, the salary they can expect to make will vary greatly by location and employer. Medical examiners can spend up to seven years in post-medical school residency training.
Medical examiners are doctors who work on deceased individuals to determine the cause of death. Because their patients can no longer speak for themselves, medical examiners must play detective. If combining investigative skills with a career in medicine sounds like your cup of tea, a career as a medical examiner may be for you. Fortunately, this is a well-paying field.
Lab assistants may work in the medical field or in a science laboratory at a university. Many other employers hire lab assistants to look at and inspect raw materials and to perform tests on them. Their salaries typically range from the low $30,000s to about $50,000 per year.
Medical assistants often work in the offices of physicians, podiatrists and chiropractors, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Although physician assistants work with health care providers to examine and treat patients, medical assistants don't necessarily provide care on the physical level. Instead, medical assistants are more involved with clinical and administrative tasks associated with health care. Training may be on-the-job or through formal certification courses, but in either case professionalism in the workplace is an absolute requirement to set patients at ease.
A laboratory scientist performs clinical studies and research to analyze different specimens. These professionals can work in a variety of disciplines such as microbiology, chemistry, materials science, botany or medical specialties such as oncology, immunology or genetics. The salary of a laboratory scientist varies by experience and location, among other factors, according to 2,281 individuals in this occupation reporting their wages to PayScale in May 2011.
Medical radiographers operate equipment that produces images of the internal structures of the human body that doctors use to diagnose and treat medical conditions. Tests performed by medical radiographers include X-rays, mammograms, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. The need for medical radiographers will increase by more than 19 percent from 2008 through 2018, predicts the Arizona Workforce Commission.
Florida is one of five states that employ the highest level of medical records and health information technicians -- the broad occupational title for medical billing coders in the U.S. -- according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These professionals ensure the accuracy of medical and health insurance records by coding patient medical information and treatment for medical billing. In May 2010, the Bureau also estimated average salaries for medical billing coders in Florida.
Medical coders are records technicians who translate medical terminology and diagnoses into codes for medical records and health-care billing information. Under the broader occupational title of medical records and health information technicians, the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center reported 1.63 percent growth between 2009 and 2011. Salaries for medical coders in Missouri vary based on such as the location of the job and experience level of the medical biller.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there is no single national certification for interpreters. There are several organizations and associations that administer competency exams that interpreters can take to demonstrate their proficiency in another language. Earning a certification credential can give an interpreter an advantage when seeking employment.
Medical records coders are responsible for compiling and properly coding patients' medical records. Medical records coders ensure that medical records are accurate so that patients are billed properly and so that physicians obtain reimbursements from insurance companies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical records coders are expected to be in high demand through 2018. The bureau expects the number of jobs for medical coders to increase by 20 percent during that time. Pay for those working in outpatient facilities is competitive with pay across the industry.
Under Chapter 95 of Title 40 of the Texas Administrative Code, all workers in hospitals and long-term care facilities who will give medication to patients must have a license as a medication aide unless they have credentials as a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse. The law defines eye drops and ear drops as well as oral and topical drugs as medications. The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services issues the medication aide license.
Medical illustrators use their skills in drawing and painting to create images of the human anatomy for use in print, interactive and online media. Additionally, three-dimensional models these professionals create are used in medical schools and patient education. Even as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2009 data reported an average salary of $57,400 for professional illustrators employed at publishing houses, salaries for the specialized field of medical illustration can vary based on whether the illustrator works on staff or as an independent contractor.
Phlebotomists are clinical laboratory technicians specifically trained in a variety of techniques for drawing blood from patients. They also perform basic laboratory tests on blood under the supervision of a medical laboratory scientist. Phlebotomists are employed in a variety of health care facilities, including hospitals, private clinics and the offices of physicians. Those in Dallas earn a salary that is on par with the national median salary for the occupation.
Diagnostic medical sonographers, sometimes known as ultrasound techs, use non-invasive diagnostic tools to display the interior of the human body. Rather than using radiation, radio waves or ionizing waves, these professionals use high-frequency sound waves, which are safe enough to image a developing fetus during pregnancy.
Studying medical terminology as part of an undergraduate degree can prepare you for one of several careers in the medical field. The salaries for workers who are trained in medical terminology vary depending on their job title and their employer, as well as the other types of job duties they are responsible for.
Certified nursing assistants, or CNAs, perform invaluable work in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. They help extend nurses' ability to assist and treat patients by performing non-clinical nursing work and basic nursing interventions. Patients who need help with basic tasks like walking, eating, bathing and dressing often receive the CNA assistance. Although CNAs are not required to have college degrees, they undergo certification training to teach them basic nursing skills essential to their jobs.
After a patient visits his doctor or makes a trip to the emergency room, his insurance company gets the bill, and the person who itemizes, verifies and submits that bill is the medical billing specialist. Billing specialists usually don't need formal training. A high school diploma and basic computer skills are all that are really needed, according to PayScale. How much a medical biller earns in Indiana or any other part of the country depends on various factors such as experience, tenure and what part of the state he works in.
Medical coders assign a code to physician diagnoses and procedures. Billers and health insurance companies use the codes to reimburse the doctor's office or facility. Certification for medical coders ensures the professional has the skills and knowledge to work in an insurance company or health care facility. While certification is not required for all employers, many prefer job applicants who are certified. The Board of Medical Specialty Coding and Compliance, the Professional Association of Healthcare Coding Specialists and the American Academy of Professional Coders offer credentialing programs for medical coders.
Commercial driver's license holders in Maryland must obtain a medical examiner's certificate to legally drive commercial vehicles in the state and across state lines. The medical examiner's certificate ensures the driver is physically healthy enough to operate the vehicle. The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration requires commercial driver's license applicants to obtain and submit a medical certificate when applying for the license.
In April 1988, the United States Congress enacted the Aviation Medical Assistance Act. The act directed the Federal Aviation Administration to re-evaluate regulations regarding the medical equipment carried on passenger aircraft. In particular, the act instructed the FAA to undertake research to assess whether automated external defibrillators should be carried on board airplanes. The Aviation Medical Assistance Act also established that airlines would not be liable for damages if they provided or attempted to provide medical assistance to passengers.
When people enter the United States military, they rarely expect to return home permanently or completely disabled. However, active-duty service members and reservists do return home on medical discharges. People who are medically discharged from the military qualify to receive benefits from federal and state Veterans Affairs (VA) offices. Money to purchase mobility equipment, monthly compensation and educational assistance are a few of the benefits that former military members with a medical discharge receive.
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) may advance through five levels of training and certification, the highest of which is paramedic. Paramedics provide accident victims with extensive pre-hospital care, including administering medicine and vaccines, reading electrocardiograms and performing endotracheal intubations. Wages for EMT paramedics vary based on experience, and may cover irregular and long hours of stressful work.
The American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) is an organizations that awards varying levels of certification to health records technicians specializing in medical coding. The average salary of a medical coder with AAPC certification depends on a variety of factors, including experience, employer, location and cost of living.
Medical examiners conduct medical examinations of bodies following death. The medical examiner is responsible for determining the cause of death and ensuring that no foul play took place. Medical examiners must complete extensive college education that includes both undergraduate and medical school studies. Additional residency training with specialization in forensics is also a part of the college requirements for medical examiners.
A medical examiner assistant works with a state medical examiner to perform autopsies for the medical examiner's office. The duties of a medical examiner assistant vary from state office to state office. One job medical examiner assistants generally have is dealing with victims' families, law enforcement and other medical professionals.
Graduates from a four-year medical school are eligible to enroll in a residency program. Depending on the specialization, residency training for physicians can take between three and eight years to complete. In addition to specializing in primary care, residency training for physicians includes specialty fields such as pediatrics, cardiology, surgery and psychiatry. To be eligible for residency training, medical students must graduate from a program accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education.
Medication aides have the responsibility of dispensing medication to residents in nursing homes. They work under the supervision of registered nurses. In some states, they may also be certified nurse assistants. A medication aide must pass an examination to obtain a license after a training program. A medication aide earns a median salary of $27,270 per year, according to the salary survey site Salary.com, as of April 2011.
In every medical facility, there are doctors, nurses and technicians, but they're not typically the people that communicate with insurance companies. Medical coders and coding specialists are experts in assigning a code for every procedure or service provided to a patient and classifying them. These coding systems are used to report services to Medicaid, Medicare and private insurance firms for the purpose of determining how much to reimburse for a patient's treatment. A registered medical coder's salary can vary widely based on various influential factors.
The health care industry is one of the largest and fastest growing industries in the United States according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). There were 14.3 million jobs in the health care industry as of 2008, and the BLS anticipates the industry will generate an additional 3.2 million new jobs by 2018. Wages for medical professionals range from some of the highest in the nation, to below the national average, depending primarily on the type of profession within the medical field.
People who major in biology may find employment in a variety of fields, including the medical field. Biology graduates have many skills beneficial to employers in the medical field. Such skills include knowledge and understanding of complex biological processes and the ability to use scientific equipment.
Medical laboratory assistants perform laboratory tests under the supervision of a medical laboratory technologist or scientist. Although there are no licensing requirements for this occupation in New Jersey, obtaining credentials such as certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology increases employment opportunities. The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development reported salaries for medical and clinical laboratory technicians in 2009.
Medical assistants are trained to do a variety of tasks in the workplace. Some, however, do primarily clinical or administrative tasks. They may be promoted to supervisory responsibilities and work under the physician or supervisor appointed by the physician or employer. The American Medical Association and the American Association of Medical Assistants have supported medical assisting as a career since 1959, which was the first year credentials, guidelines and standards were set for the profession.
Medical assistants work in physicians' offices and perform both clinical and administrative tasks designed to keep the office running smoothly. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 483,600 individuals were employed in the U.S. as medical assistants in 2008. The number is expected to grow to 647,500 by 2018. Medical assistants typically obtain either a degree or a one-year credential.
Not all jobs in medical facilities require hands-on contact with patients. Medical transcriptionists use machines to transcribe recordings made by physicians and surgeons and turn them into official medical reports, while coders work with patients' health records, assigning reimbursement codes to treatments and diagnoses. The annual salaries of medical transcriptionists and coders vary depending on their level of experience, industry and location.
Medical billers may work in a variety of types of medical facilities keeping track of patients' records, exam results and treatment methods. While certification is not always required, having the appropriate credentials may help medical billers earn a higher income. The salary of a medical biller is also affected by her employer and her location.
A medical secretary plays a pertinent role in a doctor's office because keen precision in listening, spelling and typing is absolutely vital to a patient's treatment. A medical secretary is responsible for transcribing a doctor's verbal or handwritten words into a typewritten medical file. This type of secretary may have numerous tasks in a physician's office, and accuracy is absolutely key because the contents of a patient's medical file will be used to diagnose and treat medical conditions.
Technical writers are professional writers who deal with complex or difficult information in highly specialized fields like science, engineering and medicine. Medical technical writers, also called scientific medical writers, are a specific category of technical writers who specialize in the medical field.
Medical coders provide services to physicians, hospitals, insurance companies and patients through coding medical diagnoses and procedures in accordance with strict health-care information guidelines. They work with a variety of health-care providers and insurers to resolve billing and reimbursement issues that result from coding diagnoses and procedures. Requirements for medical coders are coding knowledge, collaboration and certification.
A hospice medical director is a trained professional who supervises, directs and governs a hospice program, which includes home care, inpatient care and bereavement follow-up. The director oversees quality assurance, infection control policies and a healthy environment within the hospice. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing and at least seven years of experience in the hospice field. The most effective directors are well versed in the field’s concepts and procedures and are strong leaders.
Professors in fields such as medicine, law and engineering tend to earn higher salaries than those in other areas, such as education or the arts, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For medical professors, salaries are based on level of experience, location and the type of educational institute employing the professor.
Medical aides or assistants in Texas and throughout the country work with physicians and doctors to maintain medical paperwork. While medical aides might take a patient's vitals and brief medical histories under supervision, they mostly stick to maintaining the paperwork of scheduling, patient medical files and billing forms. In Texas in 2009, the average salary for medical aides was in the high $20,000s, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Medical laboratory technicians perform an array of tests that are designed to detect and diagnose diseases caused by microorganisms, bacteria or parasites. They analyze body fluids and cells using microscopes and other state-of-the-art technology. The minimum education requirement to become a medical laboratory technician is an associate or a bachelor's degree. Medical laboratory technicians mostly work in hospitals. Employment opportunities in this field are expected to grow by 14 percent through 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The 2010-2011 edition of the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook lists medical assistant as one of the fastest growing occupations in America, with job prospects expected to grow much more than average from 2008 through 2018. Medical assistants support physicians and nurses in a variety of settings, and may perform both clerical and clinical procedures. The laws regulating medical assistants vary by state. Medical assistants in California must meet the rules set by the state Medical Board.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs for health services administrators is expected to grow by 16 percent from 2008 to 2018. Medical administrators made a median salary of $81,850, while the highest-paid professionals in the field made more than $140,300 per year, according to the bureau. Medical administrators typically have advanced degrees and specialized training in their vocational field.
Most of us only see the health care providers such as doctors, nurses, and technicians when we encounter medical issues in our lives. However, there are a team of professionals making sure the entire process is running properly, and leading these teams are the medical administrators. These health services managers essentially design, implement, and oversee the logistics and business behind the delivery of medical care, working with the providers, business owners, insurance companies, and patients alike. Salaries for medical administrators vary based on several factors.
A wide variety of career paths exist in the medical field, each with varying salaries. Some professions require just a two-year associate's degree, while others require many years of post-graduate school. People who work in the medical field work for a number of employers, including hospitals, doctor's offices, medical facilities, clinics, at-home care providers, government institutions and research labs.
Medical assistants are clinical and administrative staff workers who work in physicians' offices and other health care facilities performing various tasks necessary to keep the office operating as efficiently as possible. Medical assistants typically need to complete a specialized training program leading to an associate degree or certificate of completion. Coursework for medical assistants includes a combination of courses in clerical and administrative topics, along with hands-on training in clerical tasks often performed in the medical office.
Those who make their careers in the field of medical sonography are called diagnostic medical sonographers or ultrasound techs. They specialize in imaging the inside of the human body through sound waves. Specialties in the field include obstetrics and gynecology for the female reproductive system; abdomen for the liver, kidneys, gallbladder and spleen; and neurosonography for the brain and nervious system. Salaries can vary by experience, employer and location.
Medical engineer technicians are also known as biomedical equipment technicians, or medical equipment repairers. These specialists repair various diagnostic and patient monitoring equipment like CAT scanners and X-ray machines. Hospitals usually employ them for repairing malfunctioning equipment in patients' room. Medical engineer technicians are also responsible for routine maintenance of the biomedical equipment. The education required for the position is usually a degree in biomedical technology or engineering. The technicians' salary varies depending on the employer.
Medical transcriptionists take recordings of doctors and medical professionals and transcribe the information into patient records, reports and documents. Transcriptionists may work in a physician's office, hospital, private transcription firm or as a self-employed professional. Medical transcriptionists may obtain training and education through a degree or certificate program.
A medical director is a physician who serves in a medical and administrative capacity as head of the organized medical staff in a hospital or other organization. The overall responsibilities of a medical director vary by industry, but all of these professionals ensure medical services adhere to local, state and federal regulations. Medical directors may also serve as liaison for the medical staff with the hospital's administration.
Medical assistants keep physicians' offices running smoothly by completing many of the day-to-day clerical and administrative tasks that doctors simply have no time to complete themselves. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants also perform clinical tasks, especially in smaller medical practices. For this reason, some specialized education beyond high school is typically needed to work as a medical assistant.
Military reserve offers service members an opportunity to serve their country while still pursuing a full-time career or education. Reserve service members serve one drill weekend each month and two weeks of training each year. The Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard all offer reserve opportunities. In addition to pay, reserve service members receive several military benefits for their service. If reserves are called to active duty, they will be offered full benefits given to active-duty service members.
Generally, only licensed vocational or registered nurses and physicians can administer medications in a clinical setting. Nursing assistants, certified or otherwise, cannot. But this causes a great strain on LVNs and RNs, as they have many other procedures to perform. Some states allow health care providers to hire medication aides, sometimes called medication technicians, whose main duty is to give the correct medications to patients. Each state that allows it has different requirements for becoming a medication aide, but their basic eligibility criteria are similar.
Medical laboratory scientists work in laboratories analyzing fluids and cells to further research in detecting, diagnosing and treating diseases. The salary for a medical laboratory scientist depends on his level of training, how many years of experience he has in the field, his employer and the geographic location of the laboratory.
The Family Medical Leave Act provides job security for employees who need to take time off work due to a medically related event or call to active military service. Employees must follow the act's guidelines in order to ensure they are fully protected, just as employers must follow the guidelines to ensure they are not in violation of the act.
Medical receptionists work for family doctors, clinics, and other medical professionals. They answer phones, set up appointments and maintain patients' files. These clerical professionals take payments from customers and issue receipts. Medical receptionists also order and maintain the inventory of medical supplies at doctors' requests. Most of these workers serve as a liaison between patients and doctors, communicating important details for medical emergencies. Medical receptionists are usually paid hourly wages.
Medical transcriptionists are specially trained workers who transcribe audio-recorded statements made by doctors and surgeons into written reports and records. This is usually done with equipment that allows them to start and stop the recording with a foot pedal so that they can keep their hands free to type. Many medical transcriptionists do a majority of their work from home. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $32,600 for transcriptionists as of May 2009.
No matter what your medical assisting experience, if your resume does not display your qualifications effectively it will not make a lasting impression on a potential employer. The qualifications on your resume should set you apart from other candidates, and should give employers a solid understanding of your education, administrative and clinical experience, and your overall ability to perform the duties of the job.
Medical pathology is a subspecialty that focuses on diseases. Pathologists study tissues, fluid, secretions and other samples of the body to identify diseases of the body and the extent these diseases have affected the body. They then report on this data to the team of medical professionals handling the case and help decide on the proper course of treatment to address the disease.
Medical transcriptionists work for doctors, hospitals and other institutions in the medical field. They primarily take daily recordings for physicians and convert them into reports, correspondence and other usable documents. Most of the recordings are transferred to these professionals through dictating equipment. However, some of these dictations can be sent via the Internet for medical transcriptionists who work from home. Medical transcriptionists usually work 40 hours per week and get paid by the hour.
There are many different types of jobs to choose from in the medical profession and most of them require extensive training and certification. Before choosing to pursue a particular medical profession, it's important to understand what its certification requirements are.
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development predicted that the need for medical assistants in the state will increase by more than 23 percent from 2006 through 2016. This growth in the demand for assistants will create around than 2,300 new jobs during that time frame. As of March 2011, 14 schools in Massachusetts offered training programs approved by the Commission on the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program.
Therapeutic medical physicists use their knowledge of physics in a clinical setting. They help plan radiation treatments for cancer patients. They use their knowledge to make images of internal organs and determine blood flow and metabolic rates. Medical physicists may also take on non-therapeutic roles such as helping design better diagnostic equipment and procedures that use radiations or teaching in university or teaching hospital.
Medical assisting is a career field for individuals who enjoy helping people. Medical assistants can enter the field without obtaining a traditional four-year degree. Many entry-level positions require only an associate's degree. If you already have a degree in another field, entry might require only a certification. Community colleges and technical schools make available many flexible medical certificate and degree options.
Diagnostic medical sonographers operate ultrasound equipment in clinical environments. Ultrasound uses high-frequency pulses of sound bounced off a part of the human body to form a detailed image of the body's internal structures. These images, produced onto acetate film or video screen, are used by physicians to make diagnoses. A sonographer explains the process to the patient and guides them through it. He also produces the images, maintains the equipment and updates medical records. Salaries vary depending on elements of an individual's employment, such as location and employer type.
Emergency medical dispatchers, often referred to as 911 operators, are professionals who take calls from individuals requiring emergency assistance. Emergency medical dispatchers assess callers' needs, then dispatch police, fire or ambulatory services. In May 2009, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported salaries for dispatchers in Illinois.
Medical technicians conduct laboratory tests necessary for the detection and treatment of disease. They may also perform clinical laboratory analysis with the aid of sophisticated technological equipment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that employers prefer technicians who have been certified by a certification organization. The bureau also reports that the top paid professionals in this field made more than $55,000, as of May 2009.
Medical coders use classification systems to assign codes to various medical procedures and patient diagnoses. The classification system is used for insurance reimbursement purposes. Medical coders enter information that helps determine how much physicians will be reimbursed by a patient's insurance company or other third-party payers such as Medicare or Medicaid. Medical coders are not required to be certified, though many employers pay more for credentialed coding specialists. Certified medical coders earn more on average than coders without certification.
Medical billers usually must to pass a test regarding medical terminology and procedures to become certified. However, medical billers can earn certification in coding, billing or both. Medical billers work in hospitals, clinics and various types of doctors' offices. They are usually responsible for maintaining the billing files of all the doctors' patients. Medical billers also take payments from patients and send the balance to their patients' insurance companies. Certified medical billers usually earn an hourly rate.
Medical administrative specialists, or medical secretaries, mostly work in private doctors' offices and hospitals. They record patient histories, perform light billing, help doctors and medical assistants with paperwork. They also order office supplies and can help patients with urgent hospitalizations. The mean annual wage for these specialists in 2009 was $31,450, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Medical transcriptionists convert dictated recordings made by doctors and health-care professionals into documents such reports, letters and administrative papers. Most employers prefer those with post-secondary training from vocational schools, community colleges and distance-learning programs. Voluntary accreditation is available from national organizations. This can increase salaries and job prospects.
There are no federal or state laws requiring medical assistants to be licensed or certified. However, competition is keen for medical assistant positions, and most potential employers require certification. Hospitals, outpatient centers, clinics, physician's offices and other health care providers prefer medical assistants who have been formally trained, and there are several national accreditation organizations that both accredit facilities for training and administer certification exams. There also are many accredited colleges and other education institutes that provide training to prepare aspiring medical assistants for certification exams and careers in the field.
A medical biller, also referred to as a medical records technician, processes medical records and creates medical bills for patients who receive health services from a hospital or other healthcare providers. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development estimated median wages of medical records and health information technicians in December 2010.
Medical toxicologists study how toxic substances create the effect that they have on biological organisms. Becoming a toxicologist requires an extensive education, and starting salaries for entry-level toxicologists may seem low for the education that is required. Medical toxicologists primarily teach, research how and why chemicals are toxic, or evaluate the safety of products on the market.
Medical technologists help perform basic tasks like taking x-rays and performing sonograms. The majority of medical technologists complete a two-year training program to receive an associate's degree from a community college and then obtain optional certifications.
Medical laboratory assistance often comes in the form of a fully trained professional. A medical assistant often works in a clinical or hospital setting. However, medical assistants can also be found in the laboratory environment. They perform administrative tasks and paperwork and provide assistants to senior laboratory professionals. More responsibilities and tasks may be required depending on the laboratory assistant position in question.
Medical professionals who work with medical terminology and information include medical transcriptionists and medical records technicians. Medical transcriptionists write medical documents based on information provided through dictated recordings made by doctors or physicians. Medical records technicians examine patients' medical folders and manage the information within to ensure it is accurate. They also speak with practitioners to ensure the medical information is correct.
Medical collectors or medical billing specialists determine what patients owe based on the diagnosis or medical procedure. They then send medical forms to insurance companies for reimbursement. Medical collectors also work closely with medical coders because all billing is based on a coding system. Medical collectors call patients or customers who are late paying bills.
Getting a job as a medical biller allows you to take advantage of the rapidly expanding medical field without actually having to go to school to become a doctor or nurse. When you work as a medical biller, you help sort out patient records and create medical bills. Before you can work in this industry, you have to complete the necessary education.
Medical assistants support leading practitioners in clinics and hospitals. Although the main role of a medical assistant is to assist the doctors, she has her own set of responsibilities in the workplace; responsibilities that come with a set of rights, which allows her to interact with patients and receive confidential information from them. The medical assistant's responsibilities can differ greatly depending on workplace procedures.
Physician assistants, commonly known as medical assistants, deliver medical services to patients while under the supervision a licensed doctor. Virginia law requires any person practicing as a physician assistant to hold a license from the board of medicine. To obtain a physician assistant license, you must complete an appropriately accredited physician assistant educational program and acquire certification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). After a license is issued, you and your supervising physician must obtain board approval before you are allowed to begin treating patients.
A medical assistant completes administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors and other health care practitioners. The state of Arizona does not license medical assistants or require that they have certification. Arizona does require (with a few exceptions) that a medical assistant has completed an approved training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
After often seven or more years of education, doctors must then work for several years as a medical resident before being able to practice on their own. Since medical residents are working as doctors though under direct supervision, they do earn a respectable annual salary. Though the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not list medical resident salaries, several well-respected medical programs list their salaries, which are typical of the industry.
Medical specialists are doctors who focus their practice on a particular group, area of the body or medical condition, so they can treat more complex issues. For example, pediatricians specialize in health for children and teens, podiatrists take care of the feet, while psychiatrists treat mental disorders. Specialists require advance education beyond the already lengthy training to become a general physician.
Health care organizations bring in medical consultants to address problems in a particular area or to offer suggestions for increasing productivity and efficiency in the entire organization. A medical consultant may work full time for an organization or as an independent consultant.
Medical assistants -- known as physician assistants in Ohio -- are trained to provide medical services to patients while under the supervision, control and direction of at least one physician in a health care facility. Under Ohio law, a physician assistant must obtain appropriate certification from the state medical board before finding employment. To obtain certification, you must complete a qualifying master's degree, hold a current certification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and submit a completed application. Additionally, a formal supervising agreement must be submitted to the state medical board for approval before beginning work under…
Medical assistants help doctors by performing basic secretarial tasks and handling paperwork. They typically work in doctor's offices, hospitals and medical clinics. The American Association of Medical Assistants administers the Medical Assistant Certification exam to graduates of medical assistant programs.
The American Medical Technologists began in 1939 as a professional organization for workers in allied health and healthcare support occupations. As a part of its programs, the American Medical Technologists offers professional certification for workers in healthcare-related fields. These certifications are recognized across the healthcare industry and can lead to higher rates of pay and increased employment opportunities for recipients.
Medical assistants provide more services than mere administrative matters. Medical assistants also provide services for doctors or practitioners, who work in a busy clinic or hospital environment. These individuals have extensive education and training, which includes high school, postsecondary education programs and medical assistant certification testing. Although the set of classes required for medical assistants can differ for each institution, some of the classes are common for most high school diplomas and postsecondary degree programs.
Medical transcriptionists work in hospitals and physicians' offices, turning doctors' dictation into written records. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development predicts that the need for medical transcriptionists in Indiana will increase by more than 12 percent from 2008 through 2018. This growth in the demand for transcriptionists will create more than 300 jobs during that time frame.
A medical assistant provides administrative and clinical assistance within medical environments. In addition to administrative tasks such as schedule management, greeting patients and providing them with information, documenting insurance claims and maintaining patient records, a medical assistant may also take blood samples, check a patient's vital signs, change dressings, remove sutures and fill repeat prescriptions. Her salary will vary according to elements of her employment such as location and industry sector.
Medical assistants are medical professionals who work alongside physicians providing both administrative and clinical services. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs for medical assistants is expected to grow by 34 percent from 2008 to 2018. Increased competition in the field from those scrambling to obtain one of these positions makes it necessary for medical assistant applicants to create resumes that can get them recognized over and above the competition.
Medical patients are often required to sign a confidentiality agreement when they enter a medical clinic or hospital. The confidentiality agreement or contract is designed to protect the patient's health status and personal information and the medical clinic that treats the patient. Both parties have a right to have personal health and treatment information kept confidential to other clinic employees, patient families and the general public.
Medical assistants are employed in hospitals, clinics, doctor's offices and health care facilities, working under the supervision of physicians. They are trained to perform various clinical and administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, sterilizing medical equipment, taking vital signs, and filing patient records and insurance forms. Although certification is not mandatory, medical assistants who hold a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential enhance their professional status. The courses they must take are accredited by several national bodies.
Nuclear medical technology is an area of medicine that specializes in the application of radiopharmaceuticals--volatile atoms that release radiation--to diagnose and treat disease in patients. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) "Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition," approximately 66 percent of nuclear medical technologists work in hospitals. The remainder of nuclear medical technologists are employed by universities, outpatient imaging facilities, public health organizations, research institutes and government agencies.
Diagnostic medical sonography involves using sound waves to produce images of the tissues, organs and other structures within the human body. As of May 2009, diagnostic medical sonographers in California made an average of $74,030 per year, which was approximately 16 percent above the nationwide average of $63,640. Salaries of sonographers in California varied greatly throughout the state, with some cities in the state being among the highest-paying metropolitan areas for sonography in the country.
Doctors carry the responsibility of caring for patients and recommending or administering treatment that can mean the difference between life and death. Because of the significance of their work, doctors spend a great deal of time studying and training for their jobs. Medical internships are one step in the process before a new doctor can make decisions alone.
A diagnostic medical sonographer is healthcare professional who produces ultrasounds of internal organs to assist physicians in diagnosing and treating patients. These professionals use equipment that creates sound waves to produce images of internal organs that can be recorded or photographed. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated average salaries for diagnostic medical sonographers in the Detroit area in May 2009.
A medical coder is a medical records and health information technician who enters and ensures accuracy of medical billing codes for health care services received by patients. Most employers require a high school diploma or GED for this occupation and some vocational training in health information technology. In May 2009, the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration reported average salaries in Mississippi based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The training for medical specialists such as doctors and surgeons is some of the longest of any profession, requiring four years in pursuit of an undergraduate degree, four years of medical school and three to eight years of internship and residency. However, this training leads to positions that pay high salaries, often in the six figures. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the medical specialists with the highest salaries as of May 2009 are surgeons, anesthesiologists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons and orthodontists.
Medical assistants work in physician's offices performing administrative and clinical duties. The assistant helps to keep the medical office running smoothly along with assisting physicians with patients. The medical assistant helps to prepare patients for an appointment, collects specimens, prepares equipment and maintains examination rooms. A medical examiner must have a minimum of a high-school education to work in the position.
EMTs, or emergency medical technicians, are often first on the scene after a call to 911. While it is a good way to start in the medical field, it does not offer a high average salary despite the dangerous and traumatic events EMTs encounter. La Porte, Ind., emergency medical technicians make what some might view as a livable but comparatively low average salary.
Medical assistants are educated and registered health care workers that perform administrative and clinical work for doctors in the medical office or clinic. The medical assistants may work closely with the doctors or simply perform tasks that the doctor does not have time to complete on a daily basis. Medical assistant works closely with patients, and the skills required are similar to those of a nurse.
Medical assistants work under the supervision of physicians. They perform various clinical and administrative duties including filing and updating medical records, assisting doctors during exams, recording medical histories and taking patients' vital signs. The American Association of Medical Assistants certifies candidates who successfully complete their training at accredited institutions. Candidates who wish to become medical assistants can earn their certificate, diploma or associate degree.
Medical residents serve in hospital rotations for three years after they have completed medical school. During this period, they do not earn high salaries because they are either funded by grants, government programs or universities. They are not often funded through patient care bills and therefore must rely on lower potential sources of income.
Medical malpractice attorneys are required to have a Juris Doctor, which is the same degree as other attorneys. With the exception of patent law attorneys, all attorneys in the United States are required to complete four years of undergraduate study, three years of law school and to pass a bar exam. Typically, law students who wish to focus on a specific type of law will do coursework related to their chosen focus area and seek internships that will give them hands-on experience in a specific field of law.
A nuclear medicine technologist is a medical professional who uses radiation techniques to create images of the internal structures of the human body as an aid to diagnosis. In nuclear medicine, radionuclides --- unstable atoms that emit radiation spontaneously --- are administered to patients via ingestion, inhalation or injection, then imaging machines, such as X-Rays are used to monitor the characteristics and functions of tissues and organs in response to the radionuclide drugs. Nuclear medicine differs from other diagnostic imaging techniques because it determines the presence of disease by registering metabolic changes, not alterations in organ structure.
Because of the complexities of the medical field, the insurance industry introduced a specific coding system to help streamline billing procedures and claims. Medical coders are technicians trained in translating procedures into the codes required to receive compensation from insurance companies. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates 5,260 medical coding technicians worked in the Chicago area as of May 2009.
Long before technology turned criminal forensics into a white-hot field, medical examiners were using the basics of medical science and investigation to put science to work solving crimes and getting to the bottom of mysterious deaths. With job duties that include performing postmortem examinations and autopsies, as well as questioning witnesses and suspects, medical examiners combine criminal investigations with medical evidence.
Have you ever had a bad experience during a blood test with a technician or assistant who had trouble locating a vein or using a needle painlessly and efficiently? The study of phlebotomy focuses on reducing or eliminating those situations. These trained technicians are experts in finding a vein without undue discomfort or difficulty.
Medical writing is a challenging, exciting and well-paying career. New developments happen constantly in the medical field, meaning writers have no shortage of material to explore. Medical writers report on medical research for scientific journals, or work for medical organizations to produce in-house content. Some work with doctors to write articles, others produce educational materials, and still others prepare reports to help companies gain FDA approval.
Medical assistants have a wide range of responsibilities. They may bill insurance companies, maintain patient records, assist with some procedures and lab work, and schedule appointments. Medical assistants must demonstrate their interest in working in the medical field and their ability to perform a wide range of related tasks.
Employers each have their own policies regarding family and medical leaves for employees. However, public sector employers and businesses with 50 or more employees must follow the procedures of the Family and Medical Leave Act. The FMLA also covers teachers in public and private schools. The FMLA requires employers to grant up to 12 weeks per year of unpaid leave and protects an employee's job status and health benefits while on leave.
Medical transcriptionists transcribe patient information verbally provided by doctors into a written document. Transcriptionists listen to recordings and key text into word processors or computers. They edit for grammar and correct mistakes or inconsistencies in medical reports. They transcribe information such as discharge summaries, autopsy reports, consultation reports and progress notes. The requirements to become a medical transcriptionist include typing and computer skills and some postsecondary training.
Diagnostic medical sonographers work daily with patients to assist in their internal diagnosis and treatment. The numbers given by the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that there are few diagnostic medical sonographers in West Virginia. Their salary, while still good, is much lower than the national average despite the smaller number of these specialists.
Chiropractors work with the musculoskeletal system to help the body function at its best. They generally enjoy a strong level of job stability, and 44 percent are self-employed, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In 2008, they earned an average salary of $66,490, and job prospects are expected to grow much faster than most occupations. Chiropractors must become licensed in the state in which they wish to practice.
The medical field encompasses several different specialties, some of which include research, technology, manufacturing and the practice of medicine. Within these areas, new product and technology developments greatly contribute to advances in health care and treatment. Medical science liaison jobs provide the needed links that move new technology and product developments into the health care field.
Title 10 U.S. Code 2111a recognizes six government-endorsed military colleges in the U.S. Of those six, North Georgia College & State University, Norwich University and Texas A&M are the only U.S. Army-endorsed medical colleges. North Georgia and Norwich offer nursing and pre-medical programs, while Texas A&M provides education in nursing, pre-medical disciplines and veterinary medicine. Although each school is considered a military university, students incur no service obligation unless they receive a military scholarship.
A medical scientist conducts biomedical research and development to advance knowledge concerning human diseases and their treatment. She investigates how other organisms, such as bacteria and viruses, behave and how they interact with the human biological system. Her findings may be applied to the development of medical treatments, methods of diagnosis, pharmaceutical manufacture and the implementation of vaccination. Her salary reflects the skills and knowledge required to perform the functions of the profession, although it may vary depending on her employment situation.
A medical laboratory scientist is a research scientist who studies disease processes. She attempts to determine the structure of diseases, viruses and infectious bacteria, their causes, how they affect the biology of human beings, and work towards devising treatments and preventative measures to combat them. She conducts her research in a laboratory or other clinical environment and devises and executes the experiments. She also writes up her results and maintains accurate records of the experimental process. Her salary reflects the skill required of the role but can vary depending upon her employment situation.
If you want a career in medicine but aren't interested in the near-decade's worth of education and residency, consider becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer. The job offers a healthy average annual income in Georgia and requires some education in addition to on-the-job training. You'll get to work with patients, assist in diagnosing internal injuries and illnesses while working in a high-demand field.
Medical transcriptionists write up recorded reports that doctors and other health care professionals dictate into recorders. Because of the medical terms, procedures, medications, anatomy and physiology and abbreviations used in those reports, medical transcription cannot be done by a general transcriptionist. Medical transcriptionists are trained to know these terms and how they are used. With experience, transcriptionists need to look up fewer terms, which allows them to work faster, more accurately and more efficiently. Many transcriptionists can work at home and use the Internet to receive recordings and transmit final documents.
Opthalmic laboratory technicians work in retail eye care centers where they cut, grind and polish eyeglasses and contact lenses according to a prescription. They assemble and mount lenses into suitable eyeglass frames for presentation to the customer. Opthalmic laboratory technicians are classified by the Bureau of Labor Statistics under occupational code 51--9083 and exclude dispensing opticians.
Medical technologists perform most of the laboratory tests conducted in hospitals and clinical labs. Their work is done in the areas of chemistry, biology, hematology, immunology, microbiology and bacteriology. Medical technologists examine and analyze bodily fluids and cells using high-tech equipment. Their findings allow doctors to properly diagnose and treat patients.
A medical biochemist investigates the chemical composition of cells and the cellular makeup of living organisms within a medical environment. She performs research on the cellular level, analyzing chemical reactions within them and applies her findings in either a diagnostic or remedial context. She will be primarily laboratory-based but will liaise with physicians and other health practitioners. Her salary will vary depending upon her individual employment situation.
Diagnostic medical sonographers use sound waves to create images used to analyze and diagnose medical conditions. They work in the broader field of diagnostic imaging, which includes x-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). As the medical community begins to view ultrasound imaging as a cheaper and more effective radiological tool, it will be used more and more to diagnose and assess patients' needs.
The health care industry employs a variety of professionals, not just doctors, surgeons and nurses. People work behind the scenes without ever meeting the patients to ensure proper care is provided, services are billed correctly and health care providers are paid for their time. One title of such professionals are certified medical billers who work in Michigan and across the United States for a respectable average salary.
Drawing blood has a bright career prospect. Jobs for phlebotomists in Texas, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics on O*Net Online, are opening faster than overall job growth. Sophisticated blood serum-based diagnostic tests and better education for medical and laboratory technicians is reflected with Dallas, Texas, medical facilities paying phlebotomists more than techs are earning across the rest of the state.
Medical secretaries perform administrative tasks in doctor's offices and health care facilities, such as scheduling meetings, organizing paperwork and distributing information. Though a high school diploma is the minimum requirement, many employers prefer those with postsecondary training from business schools and community colleges. Voluntary certification from national organizations can increase employment prospects and salaries.
Medical records file clerks organize patient records, store them in accordance with HIPAA policies and enter patient record information into computer databases. This position requires clerical skills as well as an understanding of medical terminology and client confidentiality procedures. Medical records file clerks can make up to $57,000 per year depending on their experience level and where they live and work.
Medical writers write about technical or scientific subjects for audiences ranging from medical professionals to government officials to the general public. Medical writers may specialize in either scientific writing or marketing writing. The most recent salary survey by the American Medical Writers Association was in 2007 and showed the annual mean for medical writer salaries varied, in part, by academic degree, gender, employer type and job category.
A person working in medical radiography is commonly known as an x-ray or radiologic technician. Someone working in this field will work in a medical environment using various digital imaging methods to help doctors identify and diagnose patient illness. Training as a medical radiographer can take as little as 21 to 24 months, or can take up to four years. Each state has specific licensing requirements to work in the medical radiography field.
As of 2009, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that over 85,000 individuals work as medical transcriptionists across America. These personnel expand and record the notes of medical professionals to be stored as permanent records. If you're wondering about working as a transcriptionist, starting salaries are a good place to start assessing the career.
Health care is primarily a business. Doctors, nurses, hospitals and pharmacies cannot operate if they are not paid for their products and services. Professional medical coders have become an indispensable part of the administration of modern health care because they are vital in ensuring that health care providers receive prompt and accurate payment.
Behind the scenes, physicians work with medical technologists to find out the symptoms, causes and treatments for different diseases. Medical technologists, also referred to as clinical laboratory technologists, search for bacteria, microorganisms and other abnormalities found in fluid and blood samples. They also conduct intricate laboratory tests and analyze results to measure and determine chemical levels and reactions. PayScale revealed that medical technologists in the U.S. averaged between $41,930 and $56,598 a year as of January 2011.
Medical data analysts, also known as clinical data analysts, use their statistical and computer skills to help physicians, hospitals and other health care organizations ensure patients receive appropriate care and treatments. In addition, they measure the effects of new medicines and therapies, and help organizations monitor the effectiveness of patient care. Medical data analysts' salaries are comparable to those received by analysts in other industries.
If you find fulfillment in caring for the sick and injured, but are not interested in attending years of college to become a physician, a career as a medical assistant may be a rewarding job for you. Medical assistants work in hospitals, clinics and doctor's offices assisting doctors and patients with a number of medical and clerical procedures. Though many medical assistants carry a bachelor's or associate's degree, a formal education is not always required in the field. If you have earned a high school diploma -- or greater -- you may find several jobs available for medical assistants.
Medical transcriptionists are responsible for taking spoken word and making it a matter of record. Transcriptionists listen to doctors' dictation recordings -- or occasionally take dictation directly -- and key the information into computers, providing a readable collection of information on surgical procedures, medication recommendations, patient illness history and insurance information. Medical transcriptionists keep themselves up to date on terminology, office-specific acronyms and notation, and new medical information to ensure the accuracy of their recordings.
The need for interpreters in the United States should increase by 22 percent from 2008 through 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Interpreters who specialize in translating for the medical and health care industries can attain voluntary certification through the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters. Certification can increase employment opportunities and rates of pay for medical interpreters.
A medical radiographer, also known as a radiologic technologist or technician, produces x-ray films of patients for use in the diagnosis of medical conditions. Radiographers prepare patients, operate and maintain equipment, and keep patient records. Some medical radiographers choose to specialize in computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or mammography. There are three factors which affect a medical radiographer's earning potential: experience, employer type and company size.
A medical administrator is a health care professional who oversees and directs the administrative and financial services for a health care or medical organization. These professionals ensure health and medical services are provided in accordance with organizational policies and federal regulations. Often referred to as medical and health services managers, salaries can vary for this occupation depending on the type of health or medical services being managed.
A medical claims examiner is a professional who analyzes, approves or denies medical claims submitted from customers and medical service providers to health care insurance providers. Responsibilities include using a variety of resources and interviewing medical specialists to ensure medical claims are complete and accurate to approve payments for medical services to customers or medical service providers. Some of these professionals specialize in different types of medical claims services such as hospital, prescription plans and benefits such as dental and vision care. In January 2011, PayScale reported most medical claims examiners earn hourly wages and other forms of compensation.
With a population that exceeds 11 million, Ohio has a large demand for medical services simply because of the number of people who live there. Medical careers in Ohio pay higher wages than many careers, and the salaries are larger than the national average for the profession in many cases.
Medical administration offers ample opportunities for professionals with both a talent for business and an interest in the health care profession. Potential jobs in the field include managing a medical practice, overseeing business operations at a nursing home, even working in top-level management at a hospital. With so many different possibilities, most medical administrators can look forward to higher salaries as they advance into positions that entail more responsibility or to larger facilities.
As of 2008, approximately 3,390 people worked as medical laboratory technicians and technologists in Utah, according to the Utah Department of Workforce Services. At that time, the demand for technicians and technologists was expected to increase by 36 and 40 percent, respectively, through 2018. The average annual salary for medical laboratory workers in Utah varies based upon their level of skills and responsibilities as well as by location.
Medical transcriptionists take recorded dictation from a physician or other health care professional and transcribe it to various types of correspondence and paperwork. Certification is voluntary but helps a transcriptionist to stand out among her peers. A thorough knowledge of medical terminology is vital in this profession, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as is staying current with new procedures, conditions and medicine.
To be a firefighter, candidates need advanced first aid training and have to pass a medical certification to ensure they are physically fit enough to carry out their duties. In some communities, firefighters also offer very basic public health services, such as performing diabetic blood sugar testing for people who have lost their kit and checking heart rate and blood pressure.
Medical laboratory technicians are generally employed in hospitals or private testing facilities to examine patient samples for abnormalities as well as to check cell counts or blood types. Those looking to pursue this career path should find accredited certificate or associate degree programs; once completed, student can take a national exam to become certified.
The demand for medical technologists or medical laboratory technicians in California should increase by more than 20 percent from 2008 through 2018, according to the California Employment Development Department. To work in a licensed clinical laboratory in California rather than a physician's private practice, medical technologists must gain professional certification. The California Department of Public Health oversees the certification of medical technologists in the state.
Medical billers and coders--classified as medical records technicians by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)--are responsible for assigning codes to various tests and procedures. That information is then forwarded to insurance companies for reimbursement purposes. The BLS notes that postsecondary training is generally a prerequisite for employment in the field.
Medical assistants are responsible for a myriad of tasks in a doctor's office, including checking in patients, entering their information -- including any health complaints -- into the computer, starting IVs, drawing blood and sending it to the lab for further testing and much more. Education is an important starting point on the road to this career choice, with some required courses sprinkled in along the way.
A variety of ways exist to become employed as a receptionist, including on-the-job training and obtaining an associate's degree in a major related to receptionist and office administration work. Depending on the type of work involved in the setting of a receptionist position, employers may require the candidate to possess formal education such as an associate's degree. Obtaining an associate's degree for medical receptionist requires two years to complete the program for full-time students.
Medical examiners, also known as coroners, are doctors who examine bodies of the deceased to determine cause of death. Medical examiners are trained in forensic pathology. They hold a special license to conduct examinations on corpses. They perform autopsies; examine tissues, organs and bodily fluids to determine how a person died. Medical examiners also assist law enforcement agencies with solving crimes by analyzing DNA evidence. Because medical examiners are doctors, many earn comfortable wages. Overall earnings of medical examiners vary by geographic location and years of experience.
Developing medical devices for use as diagnostic tools or treatment procedures is a highly specialized field and requires engineers to have foundations in mechanical and electrical engineering as well as biology and the medical field. Because of this, biomedical engineering is a highly specialized field of engineering, although average salaries are typical for other types of less-specific engineering positions.
An X-ray technician is a qualified operator of X-ray machinery within a medical environment. Her professional title is "radiologic technician" or "radiology technologist." She works alongside a radiologist, usually in a hospital or private practice, and the images she creates are often central to diagnoses. Her salary reflects her level of skill.
Most medical pathologists work in labs analyzing specimens and samples taken from patients to diagnose disease. Some pathologists perform autopsies. According to the Medical Group Compensation and Financial Survey by the American Medical Group Association (AMGA), the 2009 median national salary for a medical pathologist was $344,195.
For the person who has technical aptitude, likes to work with patients and enjoys being part of a team that solves diagnostic puzzles, a career as a diagnostic medical sonographer could be just the right fit. Diagnostic medical sonographers use special sound wave equipment to image areas of a patient's body to help diagnose various medical conditions.
Medical data analysts serve a vital role in the provision of health care by organizing and analyzing patients' medical information to ensure that physicians and other care providers receive the most accurate, up-to-date information on their patients. The growing reliance of health care systems on electronic medical records ensures that medical data analysts will remain an important link in modern medical care. For their analytical skill and expertise, these analysts receive competitive salaries.
With the advent of digital photography and the development of sophisticated photo-imaging software, photography has exploded as a viable career for people with a wide array of interests. No longer confined to fashion, portraits and photojournalism, photographers today may become integral players in many different industries. A growing niche for experienced photographers is the field of medical photography.
Emergency medical services (EMS) helicopter pilots are highly trained individuals, responsible for the solidity of the aircraft they are piloting and for the safety of everyone on-board. Helicopter pilots earn a yearly salary that is increased by bonuses and profit sharing. Most aircraft support two pilots: the captain and the co-pilot, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The co-pilot is also known as the first officer, says AVJobs, and initially makes much less money than the lead pilot.
Because of the massive amounts of records and files associated with modern medicine, medical offices require trained medical clerks, also known as medical transcriptionists, to keep accurate records. In Texas, where 4,650 medical clerks were employed as of May 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, wages are slightly higher than the national average for the profession.
The National Guard is a reserve force and the oldest part of the U.S. military. The National Guard is a domestic defense force that includes both ground and air capabilities. Ground forces are obtained through the Army National Guard and the Air Force provides aviation capacity through the Air National Guard. Members of the National Guard are paid during regular training periods and have access to benefits such as medical care, which is managed through Tricare, the military's health insurance system.
Medical sonographers are responsible for using a variety of sound-wave-producing devices to aid in medical diagnosis and assessment. These workers are often found in hospitals and doctor's offices, though they can also work in health clinics and even nursing homes or other care facilities. These workers sometimes specialize in a field, such as gynecology or neurosonographhy, and they have widely varying salaries.
In hospitals, assisted-living facilities, community health agencies, and more, medical receptionists handle the administrative duties that keep these organizations up and running. Whether by answering phones or greeting incoming patients, receptionists are often the first smiling face welcoming people to the agency. According to PayScale, medical receptionists earn between $22,038 and $30,265 per year.
Medical physicists help plan and manage the use of radiographic and nuclear treatments to ensure the safety and well-being of patients and medical professionals. The expertise required to perform the job well is coupled with high compensation levels. According to PayScale, as of 2010 average salaries for the position range from $80,852 to $136,355.
A medical examiner is a licensed physician who specializes in forensic pathology and is authorized to investigate the death of individuals to determine the cause of death. Medical examiners are often appointed by state or federal governments and are responsible for specific jurisdictions or districts. These professionals perform autopsies on the deceased, analyzing medical records and performing tests of bodily fluids. Salary for this unique medical profession can vary based on several factors.
Medical coders and transcriptionists are health care professionals who are well-versed in medical terminology to accurately transcribe and code medical documents and health insurance information. Many of these professionals focus their skill in coding or transcribing, which can vary salaries. PayScale reported average salaries based on 3,843 individuals working in related occupations in December 2010.
Physicians' and hospitals' increasing reliance on electronic patient records has fueled the need for professionals who specialize in the collection and analysis of medical data. Also known as health information technicians, medical data analysts organize and manage health information data, ensuring that physicians and other care providers receive accurate information on patients' medical histories, test results and other data. These analysts serve an important role in the delivery of health care services and receive generous compensation for their work.
While aestheticians are licensed skincare professionals who perform facials and other skin enhancement techniques, medical aestheticians work primarily with individuals whose skin has been damaged or altered by injuries or medical procedures. Medical aestheticians are usually employed by healthcare providers and instruct patients on makeup techniques and skin care regimens that camouflage hair loss, scars and other facial flaws. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook, the average salary for skin care specialists, which include medical aestheticians, was $31,990 as of May 2009.
Medical scientists research health disorders to improve human health and prevent disease and disabling conditions. Medical research results in advances in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of many diseases. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says job growth for medical researchers should increase much faster than the average for all occupations through at least 2018. Salaries for these scientists span a very wide range.
Translating rushed doctors' orders and notes into a universally readable format is the job of a medical transcriptionist. With the aid of a foot pedal, headset and specialty software, transcriptionists sort through recorded information about patients' health, medications, diagnosis, surgeries and progress. Medical transcriptionists in Illinois earned average yearly salaries higher than their colleagues in the profession across the country.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the demand for medical assistants will increase by 34 percent from 2008 through 2018. Although states do not require them to obtain professional licenses, medical assistants have the option to pursue voluntary certifications after graduating from a medical assisting program. These professional credentials can increase employment opportunities and the earning potential for medical assistants.
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) have the important job of caring for people in dangerous situations. These professionals are responsible for providing immediate medical care on site and on the way to the hospital to injured or sick individuals. EMTs are needed throughout the country, though the majority are employed in large metropolitan areas.
Medical lab technicians perform tests to assist doctors in diagnosing conditions and illnesses. The technician works with body fluids analyzing the content, such as medication levels, to determine how well the patient responds to treatments. According to PayScale, the average yearly salary for a medical laboratory technician or clinical laboratory technician is between $30,138 and $42,202, as of December 2010.
Training to be a medical transcriptionist can be done from the comfort of your home. The overall costs will vary. There are many at-home programs that are all priced differently. Also, if you decide to purchase additional materials to enhance your learning experience, you will pay more than someone who decides to just stick with the basics.
Medical technologists work in hospitals and laboratories and analyze biological specimens used in medical procedures. Medical technologists generally hold a bachelor's degree in biology or biochemistry, but experienced medical technologists may have master's degrees as well. Medical technologists are certified on a state basis and can also obtain specialized licenses in their field.
Medical billers work in health care facilities computing fees and charges to create invoices for patients and insurance companies. The medical biller may work for an independent billing and coding business which contracts with physicians' offices and hospitals. According to PayScale, the average salary for a medical biller is between $24,992 and $35,029 as of December 2010.
Medical engineers, also called biomedical engineers, combine the worlds of science and health care to make developments that help humans live better lives. Biomedical engineers are responsible for discoveries in prostheses, healthcare delivery systems, magnetic resonance imaging, artificial organs and medical injections. These scientists study for their careers through advanced education programs. Their salaries depend on how they concoct the best laboratory mixture of education, experience and location.
Medical billers update the financial accounts of patients at a hospital or a physicians' practice. Medical billers also often function as medical coders, often submitting claims to insurance companies for services provided to patients. A professional certification in medical billing and coding can lead to increased job opportunities and rates of pay for billers. Multiple organizations offer medical biller and coder certification, each with its own eligibility requirements.
Medical assistants are responsible for a variety of administrative and clinical tasks including pulling and filing medical charts, taking medical histories, recording vital signs, explaining medical procedures and administering medications. Many applicants who are searching for their first medical assistant job are new to the medical field and are unsure about what information to include on their resumes. Resumes for medical assistants vary based on the background and qualifications of the applicants, but a few key elements should always be included.
Medical technologists analyze and examine body fluids and tissues to assist physicians in the diagnosis of conditions and diseases. The technologists prepare specimens for analysis and examination, count cells and test for drug levels in blood. As of December 2010, the average salary for a medical technologist is between $41,930 and $56,643, according to the PayScale website.
Medical transcriptionists transcribe medical reports from audio dictation created by physicians. Transcriptionists must have knowledge of medical terminology, grammar and be skilled with computers and software programs used in medical transcription. The average salary for a medical transcriptionist is between $24,644 and $36,078 as of December 2010, according to PayScale.
Medical technicians analyze body fluids such as blood to assist physicians in the diagnosis of disease and medical conditions. The technician works under the direction of a medical technologist or lab supervisor. The average salary for a medical technician is between $30,109 and $42,169 per year, as of December 2010, according to PayScale.
Medication aides work in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities as well as in some hospitals. Aides provide assistance to nurses by administering medications that physicians' have previously prescribed. Because of the risk of potential injury to patients if errors are made by professionals in the field, the state of Ohio requires all medication aides to receive state certification prior to working with patients.
A medical transcriptionist's job is to listen to notes dictated by a physician and transcribe them into reports or correspondence. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS, notes that most employers prefer to hire medical transcriptionists who have completed a post-secondary training program, as well as those who pursue certification.
As of 2008, approximately 328,100 Americans worked in clinical or medical laboratories, where human tissue samples undergo testing to diagnose medical conditions, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. At the time, the demand for workers in medical laboratories was predicted to increase by 14 percent through 2018. Driven by advances in medical testing and population growth, this increased demand for laboratory workers should create approximately 45,600 new jobs.
During the 20th and 21st centuries, the advances in medical science have been enormous and fast-developing. Conversely, medical care was very primitive and advances in the medical field were relatively few and far between for centuries, with breakthroughs coming only sporadically until major discoveries in biology during the 18th century.
Emergency medical technicians, or EMTs, respond to accidents and other emergency situations. While EMTs manage patient injuries and provide care during transport to a medical facility, these professionals do not have the advanced training of paramedics, who administer medications, perform certain procedures and use a variety of diagnostic equipment. EMTs earn between $26,394 and $41,974 as of 2010, according to data from PayScale, and compensation is determined by experience, certification and geographic location of employer.
The job of medical lab technician involves taking samples from patients and then testing them. Working as a lab technician can provide you with some benefits such as helping others and making a fair salary. At the same time, the work can be hard and the opportunities for advancement are limited.
Diagnostic ultrasound technicians, also called diagnostic medical sonographers, work with specialized equipment to collect images that doctors use to diagnose conditions. As the technician presses a device called a transducer against the skin, a sonography machine uses high-frequency sound waves to map internal organs, and create an image from the data. These technicians typically earn more than the U.S. median household income of $52,029, reported by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2008.
If you're looking for a career that involves applying the sciences to the medical field, you may want to consider the field of medical laboratory technology. As a medical lab technician, you'll be responsible for analyzing samples that help health care professionals diagnose illnesses or other health problems in patients. If you are interested in working in this field, you'll be pursuing a career that's in high demand.
A medical technologist performs diagnostic testing to help physicians in the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases. Following standardized procedures, she prepares samples for testing and analyze results for accuracy and acceptability. Candidates for jobs in this field require certification and are expected to have a bachelor of science degree. A number of factors affect a medical technologist's earning potential, including certification, degree, experience and industry
Medical directors are health care professionals who oversee the workings of a department or an entire medical office. Because of this, they must be trained in medicine as well as management techniques, and nearly all are physicians themselves. Medical directors must manage purchasing decisions and personnel while developing and testing standards to help ensure the highest quality of care is provided under their charge. Most serve in upper-level management positions and must work relatively independent of direct supervision.
Medical technicians, also referred to as clinical laboratory technicians, perform tests that detect, diagnose and treat diseases. Medical techs work under the supervision of medical technologists. Technicians work in several areas of a laboratory or specialize in more specific areas such as phlebotomy or immunology. Techs work varied hours across several industries. Depending on their education level and skill set, medical techs earn reasonable salaries.
Taking care of a disabled or elderly family member can be a drain on a family, even if there are no immediate medical issues. After weighing various options for home care, families are learning that one of the best options is hiring someone to live with their elderly or impaired family member or to visit them from time to time. Duties can be vast and opportunities abundant. Although many seniors feel like they still have their independence, they may need home care assistants to handle their laundry, clean their homes, prepare their meals and read the newspaper to them if…
All medical doctors must bill patients and insurance companies for their services in order to get paid. Often doctors outsource this administrative task to someone outside of their staff. Starting a home-based medical claims business that assists these doctors in filing and billing claims for their services can be successful and profitable. Following a few start-up steps such as obtaining proper equipment and marketing your business to physicians can lead to a fruitful home-based endeavor.
Starting an at-home medical recruiting company can be somewhat challenging, however, with proper research and commitment to detail, the recruitment business is a rapidly growing and profitable investment business. Although the business requires little capital, it can take time to get off its feet and several steps need to be taken to get started. A medical recruiter can expect to make approximately 40,000 to 53,000 per year depending on where they reside.
Starting a home-based medical billing office can be a very profitable business venture. However, the person must have the determination and time to line up the clients that will need the billing services and the entrepreneur must be willing to invest money into getting the proper equipment for the business.
Most people are familiar with insurance through their auto, home, or medical insurance. If something goes wrong, you file a claim, and if you had coverage when it happened, your claim will be paid. Malpractice insurance, however, operates a bit differently, and there are four different types of medical malpractice insurance.
