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Careers inHealthcareJi Rural CollaborativeMl liii1Learning in Health- ,,-Opportunities for Occupational(R-COOL-Health)Center for Rural HealthUniversity of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences
I’m interested in a career in healthcare now what?If you are interested in growing up to be a pharmacist, nurse, or other healthcare professional, thisbook is a guide to help you along your way!Before you graduate high school and move on to college and taking courses toward a certainprofession, you need to prepare yourself. Healthcareer training programs at both communitycolleges and four-year universities expect you to meet certain academic prerequisites. This means, ifyou are interested in a career in healthcare, make sure you take classes in these subject areas duringhigh school:Math – 2-4 years of math, including geometry and Algebra IIScience – 2-4 years of science, including biology, chemistry, and physicsEnglish – 4 yearsComputer Science – 1-2 yearsHealth Occupations or Medical Professions classes (if your school offers them)Depending on which area of healthcare you want to focus in, you can visit with your guidancecounselor, teachers, or parents to help decide which high school courses are best for you.If your school offers and health occupations or medical professions classes, take them! These aregreat ways to learn more about the many, many healthcareers that exist today.Take the opportunity to job shadow different health professionals. This will give you a better idea ofwhat a certain job is like.Visit the Center for Rural Health’s website: www.ruralhealth.und.eduFind the ‘workforce’ page and check out some of the many resources they have to offer. If you haveany questions, do not hesitate to contact us and ask!Degrees and what they meanAssociate’s degree – This is a two year degreeBachelor’s degree – This is a four year degreeMaster’s degree – This is a two year degree you can receive after youhave a Bachelor’s degree.Doctoral degree – This is a degree you can earn after you have aMaster’s degree. The length of time can vary, but typicallytakes around two years to complete. If a degreesays it requires a Doctoral degree but noMaster’s degree, it means it is probably a fouryear program.Medical school – Medical school is the program takento become a Doctor. This is a four-year program. Learnmore about medical school requirements on page 39.,,. 2Careers In Healthcare
Table of ContentsAthletic Trainer. 5Audiologist. 6Cardiac Sonographer. 7Cardiovascular Technician . 8Child Life Specialist . 9Chiropractor. 10Clinical Laboratory Scientist or Medical Technologist . 11Clinical Laboratory Technician/Medical Laboratory Technician . 12Dentist .13Dental Assistant . 14Dental Hygienist . 15Dietician. 16Dietetic Technician .17Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic . 18Healthcare Administrator . 19Massage Therapist . 20Microbiologist . 21Nurse Practitioner . 22Nurse . 23Nurse Anesthetist . 25Licensed Practical Nurse . 26Occupational Health and Safety Expert . 27Occupational Therapist . 28Occupational Therapy Assistant . 29Optometrist . 30Ophthalmic Technician . 31Optician . 32Pharmaceutical Scientist . 33Pharmacist . 34Pharmacy Technician . 35Phlebotomist . 36Physical Therapist .37Physical Therapist Assistant . 38Physician . 39Physician Assistant. 41Professional Counselor . 42Psychologist . 43Radiologic Technologist . 44Respiratory Therapist . 45Social Worker . 46Speech-Language Pathologist . 47Surgical Technologist . 48Veterinarian . 49Medical Terms and Definitions. 503
What is an Athletic Trainer? Athletic trainers keep athletes rehabilitated, injury free and able to performat their highest potential Certified athletic trainers assess sports injuries, providing appropriate treatment,and educate athletes on injury-prevention programs as well as healthy lifestyles Kinesiology is closely related, focusing on human movement and physical activity Athletic trainers tape ankles and such before an athletic practice or game Trainers are the first responders for any injuryWhat education and training do I need? High school diploma or equivalent Baccalaureate degree programs require four years of study Pass the NATABOC’s (National Athletic Training Association Board of Certification) testYears in School: 4What do Athletic Trainers earn?The average salary in the United States is 48,630Is there a need for Athletic trainers?The need for athletic trainers will occur mainly in hospitals and other healthcare settings.Are there colleges in North Dakota or nearby that offer thisprogram?The University of North Dakota Grand Forks, NDNorth Dakota State University Fargo, NDUniversity of Mary Bismarck, NDMinot State University Minot, ND4Careers In Healthcare
What is an Audiologist?An Audiologist is an ear doctor. Audiologists help people who have problemswith hearing, including problems with balance. Audiologists treat most hearingproblems through modern hearing technology like hearing aids. Audiologistsalso check people for hearing loss, tell them how to prevent hearing loss, andtry to catch any problems in people before they have a lot of hearing loss.Audiology is closely connected to the field of speech-language pathology(SLP). Speech-language pathologists help people with speech, language,and swallowing disorders. Some audiologists also become certified speechlanguage pathologists, but each profession is different.What education and training do I need? A Bachelor’s Degree A Doctoral Degree in Audiology Pass the licensing exam for the state(s) you want to work inYears in School: 8There aremore than22 millionhearingimpairedpersons inthe U.S.What do Audiologist’s earn?The average salary in the United States is 80,040 per year.Is there a need for Audiologists?Yes, there is a demand for this profession. If you are an Audiologist, yourchance of finding a job in the United States is excellent.Are there colleges in North Dakota or nearbythat offer this program?Minot State University Minot, NDEvery day inthe US about1 in 1,000babies areborn deaf and2 out of 1,000are born withpartial hearingloss, makinghearing lossthe numberone birthdefect inAmerica5
What is a Cardiac Sonographer? Cardiac Sonographers (AKA echocardiologist) use sound waves (ultrasound) to createimages that show the shape and composition of body tissues, organs, and pathologies. The Cardiac Sonographer will first record patient history, position the patientfor ultrasound testing, and then will explain the procedure in detail. Cardiac Sonographers work under the direct supervision of a physicianWhat education and training do I need? High school diploma or equivalent Associate degree in applied science Apply for certification and registration with the American Registry ofDiagnostic Medical Sonographers Baccalaureate degree programs in radiologic science are becoming more commonand may have “specialization” tracks in diagnostic medical sonographyYears in School: 2What do Cardiac Sonographer’s earn?Cardiac Sonographers earn an average of 64,579 per year.Is there a need for Cardiac Sonographers?Employment of Cardiac Sonographers is expected to increase by about 22% throughout the 20142024 decade. As the population continues to age, there will be an increasing demand for diagnosticimaging.6Careers In Healthcare
What is a Cardiovascular Technician? Cardiovascular Technologists perform examinations and therapeutic interventions ofthe heart and/or the blood vessels at the request and direction of the physician. There are three different paths to specialize in:o invasive cardiology - Invasive cardiovascular is a practice that involves the technologisthelping a doctor insert probes into arteries to look for blockages and clots that inhibitthe blood flow to the hearto noninvasive cardiology - Cardiac ultrasound is a practice that involves the use ofultrasound instrumentation to get images of the heart to find diseased and healthy areaso noninvasive peripheral vascular- Vascular ultrasound uses the same equipment, butattempts to find diseased and healthy areas on the blood vessels that provide circulation Other duties of a cardiovascular technologist may include reviewing and recordingmedical historyWhat education and training do I need? High school diploma or equivalent Programs may be from 2 to 4 years, depending on student qualifications and numberof areas of diagnostic evaluation selected: invasive cardiology, noninvasive cardiology,or noninvasive peripheral vascular study.Years in School: 2-4What do Cardiovascular Technician’s earn?Cardiovascular Technologists earn an average of 55,570 per year.Is there a need for Cardiovascular Technicians?Job growth is projected to be faster than average for cardiovascular technicians and technologists.Due to the increase of heart disease among older people, much growth will come from thepopulation aging. A decreased demand for invasive techniques due to technological improvementswill increase opportunity for echo-cardiographers and vascular technologists.Are there colleges in North Dakota or nearby that offer this program?Northland Community & Technical College East Grand Forks, MNRochester Community and Technical College Rochester, MNUniversity of Iowa Iowa City, IA7
What is a Child Life Specialist? A Child Life Specialist generally works in healthcare focusing on the emotionaland developmental needs of children and families A Child Life Specialist must assess the psychosocial needs of children and familiesand provide appropriate therapeutic relationships and activities Using play and other forms of communication, they seek to reduce the stress associatedwith a healthcare experience and enable children and families to cope in a positive mannerWhat education and training do I need? High School Diploma or equivalent Bachelor’s degree in Child Life or in any related field Pass certification exam of Child Life Council (CLC)Years in School: 4-5What do Child Life Specialists earn?Child Life Specialists earn on average of 50,952 per year.Is there a need for Child Life Specialists?The number of child life jobs continues to rise. Virtually every child’s hospital across North Americahas child life staff.8Careers In Healthcare
What is a Chiropractor? Chiropractors use natural, nonsurgical health treatments such as heat, ultrasound, massage,light, diet, water, exercise, and rest to treat patient’s overall health and well-being. Postural and spinal analysis, involving correct alignment of the vertebrae,is unique to chiropractors. Chiropractors may choose to work with specific age groups, such as children, the elderlyor specific areas of interest: sports injuries, orthopedics, neurology, nutrition,and diagnostic x-raysWhat education and training do I need? Depending on the state, Two years of undergraduate study a number of statesrequire chiropractors to have a four-year bachelor’s degree Complete a 4-year chiropractic college course Pass a test by National Board of Chiropractic Examiners To maintain their license, chiropractors must complete continuing education each yearYears in School: 6-8What do Chiropractors earn?Chiropractors earn an average of 144,902 per year.Is there a need for Chiropractors?Employment of chiropractors is expected to grow faster than average as the demand for alternativehealthcare grows.Are there colleges in North Dakota or nearby that offer this program?Northwestern Health Sciences University Bloomington, MN Pre-chiropractic schools:o The University of North Dakota Grand Forks, NDo Bismarck State College Bismarck, NDo Dickinson State University Dickinson, NDo Jamestown College Jamestown, NDo North Dakota State College of Science Wahpeton, NDo Williston State College Williston, ND9
What is a Clinical Laboratory Scientist or Medical Technologist? Clinical Laboratory Scientists, also known as Medical Technologists, analyze human blood,tissues, and body fluids. They use thousands of types of medical laboratory tests that use a variety of toolsand instruments. Doctors depend on Clinical Laboratory Scientists to produce reliableresults to see if a patient has anything wrong with them. Clinical Laboratory Scientists can work in many different areas including:o Clinical chemistry – analyzing chemical substances present in bloodo Blood banking – Preparing blood for transfusionso Immunohematology – Determining if blood from a blood donor can be used for a patiento Hematology – Looking at cells that are not normal and diseases that are in the bloodo Microbiology – Finding and identifying bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasitesthat can cause diseaseo Immunology – Seeing how immune or resistant to disease something iso Urinalysis – Analyzing different chemicals and cells in urineo Toxicology – Finding and identifying toxic substances and drugs in body fluidsWhat education and training do I need? A four year (bachelor’s) degree They usually take three or four years of college classes, plus one year of clinical laboratoryeducation in a health facility like a hospital or clinic.Years in School: 4-5What do Clinical Laboratory Scientists/Medical Technologists earn?The average salary in the United States is 66,995 per year.Is there a need for Clinical Laboratory Scientists/Medical Technologists?Yes, there is a demand for this profession. Odds are if you are a Clinical Laboratory Scientist orMedical Technologist, your chance of finding a job in the United States is excellent.Are there colleges in North Dakota or nearby that offer this program?The University of North Dakota Grand Forks, NDBismarck State College Bismarck, NDNorth Dakota State University Fargo, NDRasmussen College Bismarck, ND and Fargo, NDTurtle Mountain Community College Belcourt, ND10Careers In Healthcare
What is a Clinical Laboratory Technician/Medical Laboratory Technician? Clinical Laboratory Technicians discover the presenceor absence of disease and provide information thathelps physicians determine what the best treatmentfor a patient is They do not see the patients they help in person,but they play a very important role in providing careto patients CLTs use very sophisticated instruments and technologyto examine different body fluids, tissues, and cells to findbacteria and other things that can make people sick CLTs also look at test results and help doctorsunderstand what they meanWhat education and training do I need? A two year associate’s degree Pass a certification examYears in School: 2-4What do Clinical Laboratory Technicians earn?The average salary in the United States is 51,770 per year.Is there a need for Clinical Laboratory Technicians?Yes, there is a demand for this profession. Odds are if you are a Clinical Laboratory Technician, yourchance of finding a job in the United States is excellent.Are there colleges in North Dakota or nearby that offer this program?The University of North Dakota Grand Forks, NDNorth Dakota State College of Science Wahpeton, NDWilliston State College Williston, ND11
What is a Dentist? Dentists help people maintain their overall oral (mouth) health Dentists are trained to treat patients from young to old,and examine patients head and neck to identify anddiagnose oral problems They can fix or replace teeth that are damaged, perform surgeryon teeth and gums, take teeth out of a patient if needed,and tell people how to keep their oral health in good condition Dentists can also help teach how to correctly brush and floss,and how to use special products so patients can maintaina healthy mouth.What education and training do I need? Four year bachelor’s degree Dental school for an additional four years(Some dental schools will consider accepting students who do not have a four year degree, but theyprefer those who have a college degree.)Years in School: 8What do Dentists earn?The average salary in the United States is 180,010 per year.Is there a need for Dentists?Yes, there is a demand for this profession. Odds are if you are a Dentist, your chance of finding a jobin the United States is excellent.Are there colleges in North Dakota or nearby that offer this program?There are no Dentistry programs in North Dakota, but these schools offer pre-dentistry programs.The University of North Dakota Grand Forks, NDBismarck State College Bismarck, NDDickinson State University Dickinson, NDJamestown College Jamestown, NDNorth Dakota State College of Science Wahpeton, NDTurtle Mountain Community College Belcourt, ND12Careers In Healthcare
What is a Dental Assistant? A Dental Assistant does a variety of tasks to help out a Dentist. They can scheduleappointments for patients, keep patient records, send bills, get dental records fromother facilities, and order supplies Dentists may need Dental Assistants can also work alongside a Dentist as the Dentist is working on a patient.They can hand tools to the Dentist and help keep the patient comfortable and makethe Dentists’ working space (your mouth) clear for the Dentist Some Dental Assistants can even process dental x-rays, among other tasks.What education and training do I need? Most Dental Assistants learn their skills on the job. Some are trained in dental assisting programs that are offered by two year colleges. It is recommended for someone interested in becoming a Dental Assistant to take theCertified Dental Assistant Exam after they have had either on the job or school training.Years in School: 1-2What do Dental Assistants earn?The average salary in the United States is 38,690 per year.Is there a need for Dental Assistants?Yes, there is a demand for this profession. Odds are if you are a Dental Assistant, your chance offinding a job in the United States is excellent.Are there colleges in North Dakota or nearby that offer this program?North Dakota State College of Science Wahpeton, NDWilliston State College Williston, ND13
What is a Dental Hygienist? Dental Hygienists look at a patient’s oral tissues to see if there is anydisease, risk of disease, or things that are not typical in a person’s mouth Hygienists remove plaque on patient’s teeth, expose and processdental X-rays, and apply cavity-preventing agents like fluoride Since Dental Hygienists must follow state laws, it varies from state tostate what they are able to do. In some states, they can give patientsshots to numb the mouth, place and carve the materials for a filling,and take out stitches.What education and training do I need? High school diploma or equivalent Graduate from a commission-accredited dental hygieneeducation program (2 year community college associate degreeor 4 year university based dental hygiene program) Pass the Dental Hygiene National Board ExaminationYears in School: 4-5What do Dental Hygienists earn?The average salary in the United States is 74,680 per year.Is there a need for Dental Hygienists?Yes, due to people keeping their natural teeth longer, advances in dental care,and expanding job responsibilities, Dental Hygienist positions are expected tobe one of the 30 fastest growing occupations.Are there colleges in North Dakota or nearbythat offer this program?North Dakota State College of Science Wahpeton, NDUniversity of Minnesota Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN14Careers In HealthcareClose tothreemillionmiles ofdentalfloss ispurchased inthe USevery year.Moderntoothpaste wasintroduced inthe 1850’s butfluoride wasn’tintroduceduntil 1956.Approximately 2 billion a yearis spenton dentalproducts liketoothpastes,mouthwashes,and dental floss.
What is a Dietician? Dietitians assess the nutritional needs of patients afterconsulting with physicians and other healthcare professionals Dieticians are experts in designing nutrition programs toprotect health, prevent allergic reactions, and help peopleavoid symptoms of disease. Dieticians find out what their patient’s nutritional needs are,create plans to meet those needs, and report and evaluatetheir results. They work with doctors and other healthcare professionalsto coordinate patients’ medical and dietary needs.What education and training do I need?To become a registered Dietician, you must receive a bachelor’s (four year) degree and pass anational exam.Years in School: 4-5What do Dieticians earn?The average salary in the United States is 60,150 per year.Is there a need for Dieticians?Yes, there is a demand for this profession. Odds are if you are a Dietician, your chance of finding ajob in the United States is excellent.Are there colleges in North Dakota or nearby that offer this program?The University of North Dakota Grand Forks, NDNorth Dakota State University Fargo, ND15
What is a Dietetic Technician? Dietetic Technicians work with Dieticians to plan menus andprepare food for people with special nutritional needs Dietetic Technicians know a great deal about nutrition andhow what we eat and drink influences our health For people who have food allergies or other special dietary needs,Dietetic Technicians develop and prepare tasty, nutritious recipesthat satisfy dietary restrictions.What education and training do I need? To become a Dietetic Technician, you must complete a two-year degree atan appropriate community college You can then enroll in a specialized training program that includes 450 hours(about ten school or work weeks) of supervised practice working in actualfood preparation environments Then to become certified, you must pass a national examinationYears in School: 3-4What do Dietetic Technicians earn?The average salary in the United States is 29,610 per year.Is there a need for Dietetic Technicians?Yes, there is a demand for this profession. Odds are if you are an Occupational Therapy Assistant,your chance of finding a job in the United States is excellent.What Schools in North Dakota (or nearby) offer this program?Yes, there is a demand for this profession. Odds are if you are a Dietetic Technician,your chance of finding a job in the United States is excellent.16Careers In Healthcare
What is an Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic? An Emergency Medical Technician, or EMT, is someone who comes to help whena person calls 911 and is in need of assistance EMT’s often work with police and firefighters, and once they arrive to the sceneof an emergency, they see what condition the patient is in They provide emergency care and take the patient to a medical facility like a hospital,clinic, or emergency room In some situations EMT’s and paramedics work as part of a helicopter crew thatrushes patients to hospitals when extreme medical attention is required more quickly.What education and training do I need? Generally, a high school diploma is required to start a training program to becomean EMT or paramedic EMTs and Paramedics must complete a formal training and certification process.You must also be licensed in the state you work in to be an EMT or Paramedic.Years in School: Up to 2What do Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics earn?The average salary in the United States is 36,700 per year.Is there a need for Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics?Yes, there is a demand for this profession. Odds are if you are an Emergency Medical Technician orParamedic, your chance of finding a job in the United States is excellent.Are there colleges in North Dakota or nearby that offer this program?Bismarck State College Bismarck, NDDakota College at Bottineau Bottineau, NDNorth Dakota State College of Science Wahpeton, ND17
What is a Healthcare Administrator? Healthcare Administrators are in charge of hospitals, physiciangroup practices, nursing homes and home health agencies Healthcare Administrators have the responsibility to managean entire facility or systemWhat education and training do I need? High school diploma or equivalent Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree or Doctoral degree inhealth services administration, long-term care administration,health sciences, public health, public administration,or business administrationYears in School: 4-6What do Healthcare Administrators earn?Healthcare Administrators earn anywhere from 60,000- 110,000 per year.Is there a need for Healthcare Administrators?Applications with work experience in the healthcare field and strong businessand management skills should have the best opportunities.Are there colleges in North Dakota or nearbythat offer this program?The University of North Dakota Grand Forks, NDUniversity of Mary Bismarck, ND18Careers In HealthcareHealthadministrationprograms inNorth Dakotacan be foundin a couple differentschools.If you areinterested in thebusiness side,you can obtaina master ofbusinessadministrationwith a focus inhealthcare.For a moregeneral degree,you can pursuea certificatein healthadministration.
What is a Massage Therapist? Massage Therapists manipulate soft tissue – the skin,
Ml Ji liii1 Rural Collaborative Opportunities for Occupational Learning in Health (R-COOL-Health) - _,,- Center for Rural Health University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences Healthcare Careers in
