Online Degree Schools - Online Programs, Degrees, Colleges and Universities

Radiation Therapist

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:08:05 +0000

Job Description

Radiation therapists work in coordination with radiologists to implement therapeutic treatment plans for patients.

Radiation therapists administer radiation therapy to patients under the instruction of oncologists and radiologists. They work intimately with cancer patients, preparing them for therapy and subsequently monitoring their physical and psychological progress.

Radiation therapists locate tumors, measure the amount of radiation, and update treatment reports. Most importantly, they follow regulated standards to protect patients and practitioners from high doses of radiation.

Education & Training

Radiation therapist programs can range from 1-to-2 years. One-year programs result in a certificate or diploma, while 2-year programs provide students with associate’s degrees.

One-year programs emphasize supervised clinical education in training facilities like hospitals. The associate’s degree provides in-depth training that focuses on theoretical knowledge (in the classroom) and hands-on experiences.

An associate’s degree may provide you with greater career opportunities after graduation, but your program advisor should be able to match your interests to the appropriate program.

Licensing & Certification

There are no certification requirements, but employers often prefer Certified Radiation Therapists, who have passed national examinations that verify their professional skills and knowledge.

The most widely recognized certifying body is the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Certified radiation therapists must meet education and clinical competency standards set by the ARRT.

Radiation therapists can sit for their national exam after completing an accredited training program, or after working full-time for two years. Radiation therapists who pass this exam become Certified Radiation Therapists and can renew their certification annually.

Veterinary Technician

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:05:02 +0000

Become a Veterinary Technician

Choosing a career as a veterinary technician means caring for all kinds of creatures, from poodles to platypuses. By combining your love of animals with what you do for a living, you not only have a positive impact on the lives of animals, you enrich the quality of your own life as well.

Veterinary Technician Job Description

Depending upon the work environment you choose, the daily routine when you become a veterinary technician can vary a great deal. Vet techs who work in research laboratories may be responsible for the care and feeding of animals, as well as documenting their behavior.

Others who work in clinics will assist the vet in diagnosing and treating animals. You may find that in the course of a day you will have to give shots, restrain animals for exams and expose x-rays. Continue reading the veterinary technician job description.

Vet Tech Salary Information

Working with animals may be a dream come true, but it takes more than passion to pay the bills. Learn what to expect in your vet tech salary.

Keep in mind, however, that the compensation you get from your vet tech job is more than just your base pay. As you consider which job to take, you should also look at the benefits package. Learn about factors that may increase your earning potential, so that you’ll know what kinds of things you can do to boost your vet tech salary.

Interview with a Veterinary Technician

“We are like registered nurses, but for animals,” explains Mary Mould, a registered veterinary technician with over 17 years of experience. Mould, who has always loved animals and grew up with them around the house, chose to pursue a career as a vet tech after her children were grown. She began by working as a receptionist at a veterinary clinic and grew to love the environment. One thing led to another, and she found herself enrolled in a two year AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) accredited program. Read more about Mary Mould’s experience as a veterinary technician.

Vet Tech Training Information

How should you go about choosing a vet tech school? Get tips for choosing the degree program that best fits your needs.

Find out what kinds of things you should consider when it comes to your education, how to make the most of your school experience, and how to make sure you’ll qualify for vet tech certification. Take the first step toward your career by learning what vet tech training is all about.

Veterinary Technician Career Information

A veterinary technician career can take you in a number of different directions. Learn more about what kind of jobs are available and where you’ll work.

Get insight on what you’ll need to know to succeed as a veterinary technician, from the skills you’ll need to learn in school, to what to expect in the industry. Learn more about a veterinary technician career.

Veterinary Technician Specialties

Getting your veterinary technician training will open the door to a variety of opportunities for working with animals. Whether you want to work with animals who need emergency procedures, work in a zoo, or work specifically with a certain type or size of animal, there are opportunities to specialize your veterinary technician career.

Learn more about the various career paths available, and find the veterinary technician specialty that’s right for you.

Become a Medical Transcriptionist

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:02:10 +0000

Is a Medical Transcriptionist Job for You?

Medical transcriptionists play an important role in helping hospitals and physicians provide a high standard of health care to patients. In order to keep patient files up-to-date and complete, a medical transcriptionistcreates reports and other administrative documents from physicians’ dictated recordings.

Transforming verbal recordings into complete documents that accurately report patient conditions and medical procedures is a process that requires in-depth knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, medical procedures and treatments, and pharmacology—as well as a high degree of attention to detail.

In addition to transcribing medical reports and other documents, transcriptionists edit information for grammar errors and proper usage of medical terms in a patient’s records. Medical transcriptionists must also be aware of the legal standards and requirements that apply to health records.

Medical Transcriptionist Workplaces

Medical transcriptionists work in health care settings such as hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, nursing homes, public health agencies and home health care agencies. Some medical transcriptionists work at home as employees of transcription businesses. Others provide services as independent contractors.

Education and Training for Medical Transcriptionists

In addition to having your GED or high school diploma, you’ll need to complete a certified medical transcription training program, usually a 6-month to 2-year certificate, diploma or associate’s degree program. Course work generally includes English grammar and composition, computer applications, medical terminology, pathology, anatomy and physiology, in addition to medical transcription skills. Graduates must understand medical terms, their meanings, spelling and pronunciation, and have hands-on transcription experience.

Medical Transcriptionist Certification

Certification is optional, but highly recommended. Medical transcriptionists who pass the national exam given by the American Association for Medical Transcription (AAMT) will earn the title Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT). Every 3 years, CMTs must earn continuing education credits to be re-certified.

Average Medical Transcriptionist Salaries

Your medical transcriptionist salary will be based on a number of different factors including the following:

Geographic location
Education level
Years of experience
Type of employer
Certification

According to March 2009 data from Salary.com, the national average wage for the middle 50 percent of medical transcriptionists is between $32,892 and $40,325. The top 10 percent earn $43,869 or higher.

Ultrasound Technician Career

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:42:26 +0000

Job Description

Sonographers, also called ultrasound technicians and diagnostic medical sonographers, use ultrasound high frequency sound waves to produce images of internal body tissues to help a physician diagnose and monitor a variety of conditions such as heart disease, pregnancy and cancer.

Working directly with patients, sonographers explain the procedure to patients, operate the machine, gather and record patient histories, process and analyze diagnostic sonographic data, and provide a summary of findings to physicians for diagnosis. Many sonographers also assist in patient scheduling, record keeping and computerized image archiving.

Career Outlook

Opportunities should be favorable because sonography is becoming an increasingly attractive alternative to radiologic procedures, as patients seek safer treatment methods. Unlike most diagnostic imaging methods, sonography does not involve radiation, so harmful side effects and complications from repeated use are rarer for both the patient and the sonographer.

Hospitals will remain the principal employer of diagnostic medical sonographers. However, employment is expected to grow more rapidly in offices of physicians and in medical and diagnostic laboratories, including diagnostic imaging centers.

Specialty Areas

Cardiovascular Sonography

Cardiovascular Technologists perform electrocardiograms (EKGs), ambulatory monitoring, and graded exercise diagnostic examinations, as well as basic x-ray and laboratory procedures. Cardiovascular Technologists are employed in hospitals, cardiologists’ offices, cardiology mobile units, and many other health care facilities.

Abdominal Sonography

Abdominal sonographers inspect a patient’s abdominal cavity to help diagnose and treat conditions primarily involving the gallbladder, bile ducts, kidneys, liver, pancreas, and spleen. Abdominal sonographers also are able to scan parts of the chest, although studies of the heart using sonography usually are done by echocardiographers.

Obstetric-Gynecological Sonography

Obstetric-Gynecological sonographers specialize in the study of the female reproductive system. Included in the discipline is one of the more well-known uses of sonography: examining the fetus of a pregnant woman to track the baby’s growth and health.

Neurosonographers

Neurosonographersfocus on the nervous system, including the brain. In neonatal care, neurosonographers study and diagnose neurological and nervous system disorders in premature infants. They also may scan blood vessels to check for abnormalities indicating a stroke in infants diagnosed with sickle-cell anemia. Like other sonographers, neurosonographers operate transducers to perform the sonogram, but use frequencies and beam shapes different from those used by obstetric and abdominal sonographers.

Mammography

Mammographers use sonography to study the disease in breasts. Sonography aids mammography in the detection of breast cancer. Breast sonography can also track tumors, blood supply conditions, and assist in the accurate biopsy of breast tissue. Breast sonographers use high-frequency transducers, made exclusively to study breast tissue.

Radiologic Technology Careers

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:37:37 +0000

Job Description

Radiographers, also known as radiologic technologists, X-ray technologists, or imaging technologists, X-ray various parts of the body, and then pass these images on to radiologists who diagnose and treat health conditions such as cancer, ulcers or broken bones.

Working directly with patients, radiographers explain the procedure to patients, set up and work the machine. Radiographers must follow important safety procedures by using a radiation shield to protect the patient and themselves from dangerous radiation from the equipment.

Experienced radiographers may perform more complex imaging procedures. For fluoroscopies, radiographers prepare a solution of contrast medium for the patient to drink, allowing the radiologist to see soft tissues in the body.

Career Outlook

Radiologic technicians are in high demand, job opportunities are plentiful. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some employers report difficulty hiring sufficient numbers of radiologic technologists and technicians.

Although hospitals will remain the primary employer, a greater number of new jobs will be found in physicians’ offices and diagnostic imaging centers.

Advanced-level radiologic technologists may become certified as a Radiologic Assistant by the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians. Radiologic Assistants enhance patient care by extending the capacity of the radiologist in the diagnostic imaging environment. Their role falls between the traditional roles of the radiologist and the radiographer.

Radiologic Specialties

Some specialize in diagnostic imaging technologies, such as computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

In addition to radiologic technologists and technicians, others who conduct diagnostic imaging procedures include cardiovascular technologists and technicians, diagnostic medical sonographers, and nuclear medicine technologists.

With experience and additional training, staff technologists may become specialists, performing CT scanning, angiography, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Experienced technologists also may be promoted to supervisor, chief radiologic technologist, and, ultimately, department administrator or director. Depending on the institution, courses or a master’s degree in business or health administration may be necessary for the director’s position.

Some technologists progress by leaving the occupation to become instructors or directors in radiologic technology programs; others take jobs as sales representatives or instructors with equipment manufacturers.

Medical Imaging Schools

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:32:08 +0000

The term “medical imaging” covers several specialties that use a wide array of methods and technologies to aid physicians in making diagnoses. While medical imaging professionals may take different career paths, they are all extremely important to the process of providing quality patient care and treatment plans. Here are a few common career paths in the medical imaging field:

Radiography

Radiography is the profession in which diagnostic medical images are made using x-rays and other radiations. The radiographer may work independently or with a physician to create images in the areas of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR), mammography, cardiovascular interventional technology (CIT) and others.

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine is the profession that utilizes radiopharmaceuticals, scintillation cameras and computers to image and quantify various physiologic processes throughout the body. The nuclear medicine technologist administers radiopharmaceuticals to patients, positions them for images and operates the cameras and computers to produce the images and analyze the data.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is the profession in which radiations are directed at diseased tissues in strictly controlled circumstances to cure or palliate the disease. The radiation therapist is in daily contact with the cancer patient, positioning them for treatment, performing mathematical calculations of radiation dosage and operating a variety of equipment that produces ionizing radiation.

Ultrasound / Sonography

Ultrasound sonography careers use equipment that generates high frequency sound waves to produce images of the human body. Using medical imaging procedures and personal initiative, the sonographer gathers data for interpretation and evaluation by the physician. This profession includes abdominal sonography, neurosonography, echocardiography, obstetrical and pelvic sonography, and vascular technology.

Computed Tomography (CT)

Computed tomography (CT), sometimes called CAT scan, uses special x-ray equipment to obtain many images from different angles and then join them together to show a cross-section of body tissues and organs. CT scanning provides more detailed information on head injuries, stroke, brain tumors and other brain diseases than do regular radiographs (plain x-ray films). It also can show bone, soft tissues and blood vessels in the same images. CT of the head and brain is a patient-friendly exam that involves radiation exposure.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radiofrequency waves and a strong magnetic field rather than x-rays to provide remarkably clear and detailed pictures of internal organs and tissues. The technique has proven very valuable for the diagnosis of a broad range of pathologic conditions in all parts of the body including cancer, heart and vascular disease, stroke, and joint and musculoskeletal disorders. MRI requires specialized equipment and expertise and allows evaluation of some body structures that may not be as visible with other medical imaging methods.

Radiology Technician: Salary, Training, Courses, Certification

admin — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 02:53:18 +0000

Nature of the Work

Radiology technicians are a vital part of health care teams across the U.S., and their services are in demand in a variety of medical settings. Radiology technicians also specialize in a number of areas under the umbrella of diagnostic imaging.

Radiologic technicians, sometimes referred to as radiographers, produce x-ray films (radiographs) of parts of the human body for use in diagnosing medical problems. They prepare patients for radiologic examinations by explaining the procedure, removing jewelry and other articles through which x rays cannot pass, and positioning patients so that the parts of the body can be appropriately radiographed. To prevent unnecessary exposure to radiation, these workers surround the exposed area with radiation protection devices, such as lead shields, or limit the size of the x-ray beam. Radiographers position radiographic equipment at the correct angle and height over the appropriate area of a patient’s body. Using instruments similar to a measuring tape they may measure the thickness of the section to be radiographed and set controls on the x-ray machine to produce radiographs of the appropriate density, detail, and contrast.

In addition to preparing patients and operating equipment, radiologic technologists and technicians keep patient records and adjust and maintain equipment. They also may prepare work schedules, evaluate purchases of equipment, or manage a radiology department.

Work Environment

Most full-time radiologic technologists and technicians work about 40 hours a week. They may, however, have evening, weekend, or on-call hours. Some radiologic technologists and technicians work part time for more than one employer; for those, travel to and from facilities must be considered.

Radiologic technologists prepare patients for radiologic examinations by explaining the procedures, removing jewelry, and positioning patients.

Education and Training

Formal training programs in radiography lead to a certificate, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree. An associate degree is the most prevalent form of educational attainment among radiologic technologists and technicians. Some may receive a certificate. Certificate programs typically last around 21-24 months.

Licensure

Federal legislation protects the public from the hazards of unnecessary exposure to medical and dental radiation by ensuring that operators of radiologic equipment are properly trained. However, it is up to each State to require licensure of radiologic technologists. Most States require licensure for practicing radiologic technologists. Licensing requirements vary by State; for specific requirements contact your State’s health board.

Advancement

With experience and additional training, staff technologists may become specialists, performing CT scanning, MR, mammography, or bone densitometry. Technologists also may advance, with additional education and certification, to become a radiologist assistant. The ARRT offers specialty certification in many radiologic specialties as well as a credentialing for radiologist assistants.

Some technologists progress by specializing in the occupation to become instructors or directors in radiologic technology educational programs; others take jobs as sales representatives or instructors with equipment manufacturers.

Employment

Radiologic technologists held about 214,700 jobs in 2008. About 61 percent of all jobs were in hospitals. Most other jobs were in offices of physicians; medical and diagnostic laboratories, including diagnostic imaging centers; and outpatient care centers.

Job Outlook

There is projected to be a 17 percent increase between 2008 and 2018 in the employment of radiology technologists, or those radiographers who are qualified to perform the more advanced diagnostic radiology procedures, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This projected growth is faster than the average of all other careers from which the government gathers statistics. Those radiographers who are trained in performing several procedures—such as CT (CAT) scans, MRIs and mammograms—will experience the most career options, the BLS points out.

Salary Prospects

In May 2009, radiology technologists took home an average salary of $54,210, according to the BLS, which means the average wage for the middle 50 percent was somewhere between $44,710 and $65,010. However, the highest-paid 10 percent took home more than $77,970. In 2009, the five industries employing the largest numbers of radiology technologists were medical and diagnostic labs; the federal executive branch; general and medical surgical hospitals; outpatient care centers; and doctor’s offices. Of those five industries, those employed by medical and diagnostic labs received the highest salaries on average.

Top Online Radiology Technician Schools

admin — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 02:35:24 +0000

Before radiology tech students can take clinical courses or take their state’s radiology tech certification exam, becoming an radiology tech requires you to first complete your radiology tech general education requirements which can be completed online through a number of associates and bachelors health care degree programs.

Below you will find reviews of the best online health care schools and links to the programs that they offer. Request free information packets from these top online radiology technician schools to help you make the right decision.

Florida Hospital College

The BS in Radiological Science program is among the top fully online radiology technician degrees for students who want to become a radiology technician affordably, on their own schedule, and without having to step into a classroom.

South University

An Associates Degree in Allied Health Science is the fastest online degree for students who want to get their healthcare prerequisites completed in under 12 months, and get their radiology technician career started fast.

Virginia College

The Bachelors in Health Services Management degree is among the best bachelors programs online because of Virginia’s top national reputation among employers. The program contains the prerequisites necessary to enter a radiology tech clinical program upon graduation, and also prepares students for management positions.

Keiser University

The Associates in Medical Assisting program is an affordable and flexible online degree which teaches students the essential laboratory radiology skills and information they need to begin their radiology technician career fast.

Baker College Online

The Bachelors in Health Science Admin program is among the best online degrees for students who want to get their radiology tech pre-requisite courses completed while also learning management skills so they can become a leader in their x ray technician career.

American Intercontinental University

The AABA in Healthcare Admin is an accredited degree that contains the pre-requisite courses needed to allow radiology tech students to enter a clinical program upon graduation, and covers business and ethical issues that arise in a radiology tech career.

Rasmussen College

The Associates in Medical Administration degree is among the top fully online degrees for students that want to complete their rad tech clinical pre-requisites affordably and on their own schedule, while also teaching students important management skills.

Ashford University

The BA in Healthcare Admin degree is for students who not only want to get their radiology tech pre-requisites met, but also be prepared to manage other radiology technicians during their career.

Penn Foster College

The Associate in Health Info Tech program is among the top online degrees for students who want to get their radiology tech pre-requisite courses completed fast so that they can enter a clinical program quickly and without needing to take on many student loans.

DeVry University

The Bachelors of Business in Health Services Management program is an online bachelors degree with courses that provides radiology tech students with the pre-requisites they need to enter a radiology clinical program upon graduation, and also prepares students for a management level career.

Pharmacy Technician Schools

admin — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 22:14:29 +0000

Kaplan Continuing Education

Kaplan Continuing Education, a part of Kaplan University, offers focused support for a wide range of certificate programs in several of today’s leading global industries, including Pharmacy Technician, and is probably considered the best in the nation for that particular program.

LA College Online

Since 1981, LA College has been providing a quality education that is career-focused. During the first years, the school focused on courses that prepared students for data processing and computer skills. In 2006, however, the American Way Education, LLC acquired the facility and added several courses and online degree programs for students worldwide.

Penn Foster

Penn Foster is one of the oldest and largest distance learning institutions in the world. Programs of study lead to specialized associate degrees and career-specific diplomas.

American InterContinental University

Founded in 1970, American InterContinental University (AIU) offers curricula that provide students with career preparation in business, design and media arts, engineering, education, and information technology. AIU is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Associate, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

RETS College Online

RETS College Online offers a range of courses in business, medical and technology related fields. Programs include Criminal Justice, Billing & Coding and Entrepreneurship. The focus is on practical education and preparing students to being working directly upon graduation. Courses can be taken entirely online.

Virginia College

Virginia College offers the benefits of small class sizes and flexible schedules, allowing you to get the health care education you want at a time that’s most convenient for you.

Colorado Technical University

Associate’s | Bachelor’s – Business Admin, Health Care Mgmt, Health Services Admin, Medical Billing & Coding

Rasmussen College - Online

Diploma | Associate’s | Bachelor’s – Health Care, Health Info Mgmt, Medical Asst, Medical Billing & Insurance Coding, Medical Office Admin

University of Cincinnati

Bachelor’s – Health Information Management / Medical Billing and Coding

Heald College

Diploma | Associate’s – Dental Asst, Medical Asst, Medical Insurance Billing & Coding, Medical Office Admin, Pharmacy Technology, Health Info Tech

Find the Top Online Nursing and Health Care Degree Schools

Pharmacy Technician: Job, Salary, Training, Certification

admin — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 22:01:03 +0000

Pharmacy technicians assist licensed pharmacists in providing prescription drugs to patients by preparing, measuring, and labeling medications. Further, they deal with patient inquiries, and perform important clerical tasks at the pharmacy. Pharmacy technicians may work in retail pharmacies, or in hospitals and assisted living facilities. Educational and training requirements vary by employer. Some companies provide on-the-job training for technicians, while others require an associate’s degree or a certificate in a pharmacy technician program. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for pharmacy technicians are expected to increase by 32 percent between the years 2006 and 2016. This is well above the average job growth rate.

Job Description

Simply put, pharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists fill prescriptions. A qualified pharmacy tech needs to know much more than how to count medication. As their role expands, pharmacy technician career opportunities increase, and the outlook for employment in the field is very strong. This means that now is an excellent time to become a pharmacy technician.

Pharmacy Technician Career Outlook

The need for pharmacy techs is increasing. Retailers are expanding their pharmaceutical services, and scientific advancements continue.

Job opportunities for pharmacy technicians are expected to be good, especially for those with previous experience, formal training, or certification. Job openings will result from employment growth, as well as the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.

Pharmacy Technician Salary

Median hourly wages of wage and salary pharmacy technicians in May 2008 were $15.32. The middle 50 percent earned between $12.95 and $17.88. This translates to about $27,000 to $37,000 per year. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $10.27, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $20.98 ($42,000/year).

Median hourly wages of wage and salary pharmacy aides were $9.66 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $8.47 and $11.62. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $7.69, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $14.26.

Certified technicians may earn more than non-certified technicians. Some technicians and aides belong to unions representing hospital or grocery store workers.

Pharmacy Technician Training

There are currently no state or federal regulations governing training programs, but employers favor pharmacy technicians who have received certificates or associate’s degrees from community or technical colleges. Choose a program that provides in-depth training that can increase your salary and pharmacy tech career options. Most programs take less than a year to complete. Shorter programs may not give you enough training to pass the certification exam.

Pharmacy Technician Certification

Graduates from formal training programs are prepared to take the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam, which verifies that the pharmacy technician has met an acceptable standard of pharmaceutical knowledge. A certified technician needs to be re-certified every two years and must complete a certain number of training hours to be eligible. Read more about pharmacy technician certification.

Steps to Become a Pharmacy Technician

If you want to become a pharmacy technician, here is a simple outline of what it takes:

Find a top pharmacy tech program. Right here is the best place to start. Nowadays you can study online or in a classroom. Review our list of pharmacy technician schools and choose the best pharmacy technician school for you.
Take the pharmacy technician certification exam. Exams are given in virtually every state. All you need to do is sign up. You can take the pharmacy technician test as often as needed until you pass.
Interview for pharmacy tech jobs. With so many opportunities, it’s easy to find the best pharmacy technician job for you. Decide what is most important to you: salary, benefits, hours, location. There are plenty of online resources for pharmacy technician jobs, or you can simply apply at the pharmacies near you.
Keep your certification current. After becoming a certified pharmacy tech, you must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years. Employers will usually cover the cost of your continuing education.