With careers in the medical industry on a rapid increase, pursuing an education in any one of the many medical technical career fields is a may provide job security, excellent pay and an exciting career. As of 2008 medical assistance held over 480,000 jobs, and most of these were employed in doctors or physician offices. There is a large market for medical assistants in public and private hospitals which also include inpatient and outpatient facilities. While doctors offices and hospitals make up a majority of job opportunities for medical assistants, there are still other opportunities in areas of health such as chiropractors, optometrist, outpatient care centers and residential care facilities. Employment for medical assisting technicians is projected to grow faster than average and by an expected 35% by the year 2016.

Medical Assistant Training

Pursuing a health career as a medical assistant offers a wide variety of educational and training options. It is not completely necessary to become certified or earn a degree before becoming a medical assistant. There are still many medical assistants today that are still trained while on the job, all that is required in most cases is a high school diploma or the equivalent. If you are seeking a career as a medical assistant with out a certification or degree, some of the high school courses that employers are looking for are that of mathematics, health, keyboarding, biology, computers, bookkeeping as well as having office skills. On-the-job training for medical assistants usually entails several months of training sessions, as well as working closely with more experienced workers while being supervised by either a physician or nurse. Yes you can find employment with out an extended education, however job placement will be much easier if one is at least certified. Expected salary will be much greater with an accredited education, whether you simply have a certification or degree.

If one is looking to become certified they can enroll in a one-year course that can be found at vocational and technical medical assisting schools as well as community and junior colleges. There are several associations that award certification credentials to medical assistants. These associations include The American Association of Medical Assistance and Association of Medical Technologists. Once certified as a medical assistant, (CMA) one may choose to become certified in a special area of medical assistance such as podiatry, optometry or ophthalmology. Medical assistant courses are available at these following medical assistant training schools and some offer online medical assistant classes:

1. Ashworth College
430 Technology Pkwy.
Norcross, GA 30092
Ph# 1-800-957-5412

2. Herzing University
5700 W. Broadway
Minneapolis, MN 55428
PH# 763-535-3000
Herzing University also offers an online medical assisting program. Herzing University has several locations besides their branch in Minneapolis Minnesota. If you are interested in attending one of their universities, check out their website at www.Herzing.edu to get specifics on their locations in Kenosha Wisconsin, Acheron Ohio, Omaha Nebraska, Atlanta Georgia, Madison Wisconsin, Orlando Florida, New Orleans Louisiana, Toledo Ohio and Brookfield Wisconsin. Herzing University offers a wide variety of courses in technology, business, health care, design and public safety. They are career focused hands on learning school that provides the perfect balance for students to develop and practice the skills that they will need for their career.

3. San Joaquin Valley Junior College
295 E. s Ave.
Fresno, CA 93710
Ph# 559-448-8282
San Joaquin Valley Junior College has several locations to serve you in the California area. Along with their medical courses they also offer technical and business courses as well. Choose from one of their campuses in Bakersfield, Hanford, Hesparia, Modesto, Rancho Cordova, Rancho Cucamonga, Visalia as well as study medical assisting courses they offer online as well.

4. Penn Foster Career School
925 Oak St.
Scranton, PA 18515
Ph# 1-800-275-4410
Pin and Foster Career School is accredited by the accrediting commission of the distance education and training Council and is licensed by the Pennsylvania state board of private license schools.

5. Virginia College
6301 E. Hwy. 290
Austin, TX 78723
Ph# 512-371-3500
Austin Texas is one of the many locations of Virginia colleges. Virginia College provides the education and training that is demanded today by such a competitive job market. If you’re looking for a medical assistant school that offers career placement and job assistance consider Virginia College in one of its many locations in: Augusta Georgia, Baton Rouge Louisiana, Biloxi Mississippi, Birmingham Alabama, Charleston South Carolina, Chattanooga Tennessee, Pensacola Florida as well as medical assisting programs online.

Medical Assistant Job Description

Becoming a medical assistant means that you will need to be a team player on a health care team. Depending on your particular employer will determine what tasks and job duties you may be given. Some of the daily tasks that you will have to perform include asking patients about medical history, recording their vital signs, preparing patients for the physicians exam or x-rays, preparing rooms for medical procedures as well as sterilizing any equipment, you may also be a asked to help doctors or physicians during exams and x-rays, you may have to give medications, remove stitches, fill out insurance forms, handle medical files, and keep track of bookkeeping matters.

In many cases you will be employed at either hospitals, health care clinics, minor emergency clinic’s and outpatient centers. It is important that you all are good with people and are properly groomed as you will be dealing face-to-face with many people on a daily basis. Not only will you be dealing with patients, but you will be dealing with the medical staff who will be working beside you. Medical assisting jobs usually consist of a regular 40 hour work week, however some medical assistants will be required to work shift work, nights or be on call.

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With the stresses in life everyone needs a little relaxation in their lives, a place to get away and be pampered. With this ever growing stress Message therapists are in high demand and have a variety of opportunities in the work force. Massage therapists are employed by multiple venues such as community service associations, retail centers, and the more popular places such as health clubs, resorts, and country clubs. Some message therapists are self-employed and have their own set of clients or may be hired by businesses for the day to give massages as a treat for their overworked employees.  There is a wide variety of techniques that you will need to study and master to become a massage therapist.

Massage therapist use a variety of lubricants on the customers body to create a workable surface then proceed to massage the body by kneading, rubbing, and stroking the flesh. They also use different treatments such as dry heat, ultraviolet and infrared light, and a multitude of water therapy. These treatments can be requested by the customer or perhaps the costumers physician. Therapist may also instruct their clients in weight reduction, exercise programs, and body conditioning regimens.

Massage Therapist Training

A person can train to become a massage therapist through a massage therapy program, offered through a technical school where they will earn formal training. Massage Therapy Schools will accept applicants with at least a high school diploma or its equivalent, and training typically last anywhere from 6 months to a year. During the massage therapist education training students will be taught the theory and practice of massage along with many health courses. Some of those courses will include anatomy, physiology, pathology, hygiene, public health, kinesiology, business management, and professional ethics. These courses will highlight how the structure of the body and how it works and then how they can help it to work better. And along with the anatomy courses students will need to complete professional courses to train them to own their own company and deal with customers.

Most massage therapist schools focus on a comprehensive curriculum that fuses intellectual discipline with technical expertise. Students will learn the value of client care, communication and ethics, real life clinical experience, and the study of the human body with structure, function, and disease. At  masseuse schools you will learn scientific foundations and will get hands-on instruction. Most training programs can also provide post-graduate job placement and massage continuing education services. Massage therapist courses are available at these following massage therapy schools and some even offer online massage therapy classes:

1. Cortiva Institute
103 Morse Street
Watertown, MA 02472
(866) 267-8482

Cortiva Institute is a group of wellness schools that focus on creating a new standard of excellence of massage therapy and wellness education. Their programs prepare people for a successful career in helping others. You will lean how to tap into the compassionate side of your technique to practice at the highest level. There is a Cortiva Institute located in 10 major cities across the united states such as: Scottsdale Arizona, Tucson Arizona, Pinellas Park (Tampa Bay Area) Florida, Chicago Illinois, Crystal Lake Illinois, Watertown (Boston Area) Massachusetts, Piscaaway New Jersery, Wall New Jersey, Oaks (philadelphia Area) Pennsilvania, and Seattle Washington.

2. School Of Massage Therapy
8991  Harlan Street Suite B
Westminster, CO 80031
(303) 426-5621

The School of Massage Therapy offers state-of-the-art training in massage, body work therapies, and highly effective career services. They offer exclusive recruiting and job fairs with the leading massage therapy employers, helping you earn the joy you deserve directly after you are finished with your schooling. Specialized massage therapies offered include: private practice, sports massage, clinical massage, corporate massage, infant massage, rehabilitation, and geriatric massage. These courses are offered in 7 different campus’ across 4 states: Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado.

3.  Everest University
8226 Phillips Hwy.
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 731-4949

At Everest University you will be introduced to over 20 different modalities including Spa and Wellness, Sports, Deep Tissue, and Shiatsu. Students attending Everest University will also lean anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology to become great massage therapists. The courses are divided between classroom and a hands-on lab. There are Everest universities scattered across North America in such places as California, Canada, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon,  Virginia, and Washington.

4. UEI College
1323 6th Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
(858) 492-4200

The objective of the program offered at UEI College is to prepare students for a long lasting career in massage therapy. Focusing on those who wish to be self-employed but providing opportunities to be employed in health and wellness center, resorts and hotels, and rehabilitation and physical therapy offices. They offer hands-on training, small class sizes, and Career readiness.

5. National Massage Therapy Institute (NMTI)
10050 Roosevelt Blvd.  Suite 8
Philadelphia, PA 19116
(215) 969-0320

At National Massage Therapy institute you will receive hands-on, real world training in a professional setting that will give you personalized guidance from their experienced instructors. You will also have access to NMTI’s active job education and placement assistance during and after your instruction. They offer Financial Aid options as well as convenient day, evening, and weekend classes offered in four states: Philadelphia Pennsylvania, Falls Church Virgina, Wilmington Delaware, and Atlantic City New Jersey.

After completing the courses required at a trade school students will obtain a license after graduating prior to practicing massage. They will need to pass an examination that will consist of a state exam or one of two nationally recognized test. The national recognized tests are the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB) and the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). A Massage therapy licensure board will decide which certification and test to accept on a State-by-State basis. Some states require that therapists continue their education and technique through a continuing education program.

Massage Therapist Job Description

As was mentioned before, there are a variety of techniques used to relieve stress in the muscles of your clients. The most traditional way is to apply oil or a lubricant to the skin to create a workable surface of the skin. The therapist will use their hands, fingers, for arms, elbows, and mechanical vibrating equipment to massage the body focusing on specific points of your client. Massage stimulates the blood circulation, relaxes tight muscles, and more beneficial effects.

A massage therapist will need to confer with their client about their medical histories, and if they are having any problems with stress and pain in order to determine the correct therapy or technique to use. After the initial consult the therapist will need to develop a treatment plan that specify’s which types of massage is needed. They will need to massage and knead the muscles and tissue of the body in order to treat injuries. Prepare oil blends and apply the specialized oils to the customers skin. Massage therapist are also required to maintain accurate treatment records as well as consult with other health care professionals in order to develop the correct course of treatment for their clients. They will also be asked to treat clients in a variety of places such as their own massage office, travel to clients’ homes or offices.

Massage Therapist Salary

There are lots of opportunities in this growing field of therapy. For those massage therapists that work in a health club, resort, or country club they typically earn an hourly wage plus tips. Gratuities can account for 15-20 percent of a massage therapist’s income and can greatly effect the average massage therapy salary. Wages for massage therapist can range from a minimum of $20 to $50 or more per hour depending on their experience. Many massage therapist add to their income by giving massages to their clients in the comfort of the clients homes. Employers generally provide paid vacations, holidays and offer health insurance. If the therapist decides to be self employed their salary and benefits will be determined for themselves.

There are things to consider if you decide to own your own massage therapy business. You will be responsible or your own facilities and building your client base. There is money to be earned if you decide to be your own boss though. A massage therapist in the city may charge $60-$70 an hour, and in the rural communities may only earn $35-$50 an hour. Therapist that work at an hourly rate may not earn as much income; however, they do not have as much overhead expenses.

Most massage therapists work less than 35 hours a week, this is due to the emotional and physical demands this career has on you. A large percent of therapist practice part-time, even working less them 10 hours a week. This type of work schedule will open up a lot of time to devote to family or even hobbies.  Your income and work week can vary on your desire, they can increase by the number of clients you see on a day-to-day basis. This, however, is limited by the intensive one-on-one nature of massage therapy.

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Due to the high demand of medical technicians, the career outlook of an EKG Technician is expected to grow much faster than originally thought.  Choosing the career field of an EKG Tech can be one of great benefit as it offers excellent pay, great benefits and an exciting work environment.  Technicians and technologist trained in this field with multiple professional credentials that are also able to perform a wide range of procedures, have the best prospects for a long successful career as an EKG technician.

EKG Technician Training

Amazingly, unlike many other medical positions, an Ekg Tech does not require a bachelor’s degree.  If you desire, you can take courses at a community college or a career training school or technical school which are offered around the country.  This is generally a 2-year community college program which generates an associate degree.

The first year the student will learn core medical courses which is followed by a year of specialized training in either invasive cardiovascular, noninvasive cardiovascular or noninvasive vascular technology.   Some clinics only require job candidates to have a high school diploma or GED and a training certificate, which you can obtain by completing a year of schooling and additional training.   Plus you must display an interest and expected potential in health sciences.

You can also receive on the job training from a cardiologist or EKG tech supervisor.  This training can take anywhere from 4 to 6  weeks  Some individuals choose to enroll in an academic program to receive their basic training and increase their chances of joining a health care team.    However, certificate, associate’s and bachelor’s programs are available, lasting from one to four years on average, teaching students to use equipment, communicate by using medical terminology and understand the importance of patient safety and medical ethics.

In able to maintain your certification and to keep your job,  a continuing education is usually required.  EKG Technicians and cardiovascular technologist must be reliable, have mechanical aptitude and be able to follow orders and most importantly – work in a team.  They must also be able to keep the patients mind at ease while explaining complicated procedures and be able to articulate technically with physicians.

Some popular EKG technician training schools are as follows:

1. University of Arizona
1401 E. University
Tucson, Az.  85721
Ph. # 520-621-2211

2. San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Dr.
San Diego, CA.  92182
Ph.# 619-594-5200

3. University Of Georgia
Athens, GA.  30603 Ph.# 706-542-3000

4. University Of North Texas
Chestnut Avenue
Denton, Tx.  76203
P. # 940-565-2000

5.  Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa  50011
Ph. # 515-294-5836

EKG Job Description

There are different areas that as an EKG technician you can specialize in such as vascular technology, non-invasive including echocardiography, or invasive cardiology.

EKG technicians assist doctors with tasks that involve caring for injuries and illnesses related to the cardiovascular system.  They are primarily responsible for preparing the patient for surgery, monitoring the patient with EKG equipment and reporting the patient’s condition to the doctor.  When a patient is undergoing heart surgery, the cardiovascular technician is responsible for cleaning and numbing the area and inserting a catheter as well as being responsible for using EKG equipment to monitor the patient’s heart rate and breathing rate and reporting he patient’s condition to the doctor before, during and after surgery.

When administering noninvasive tests, a cardiovascular technician may need to use ultrasound equipment to record images of the patient’s heart and cardiovascular system and create a reel for the doctor to review and also they may be responsible for observing the images and reporting any problematic areas to the doctor.

The principal job of an EKG Tech is to operate an EKG machine to detect and record the electronic impulses transmitted by the heart during and between heartbeats.The technician begins the testing procedure by relaxing the patient and attaching 3 to 12 electrodes to the patients chest, arms and legs.

The technician operates the EKG machine which records wave tracings on a roll of paper.  After the test is done, then the tech may mark sections of the report for the physician to review.  EKG technicians generally work in hospitals and clinics.  They may be involved with scheduling appointments, taking notes after performing a diagnosis, updating patient’s medical files and cleaning equipment.

EKG Tech Job Salary

There are several variables to consider as to what you can expect to earn as an EKG Technician.  For instance, your schooling, location, job demand and experience will all be a determning factor.  With one year of ekg technician schools and completing your training and earning your basic EKG certificate you can expect to earn between $22,000 and $30,000.  If you opted for the 2-4 year program resulting in an associate degree, you can expect to earn between $32,800 and $62,000.

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While it’s troubling that kidney failure is a growing national health problem, approximately 217,000 Americans receive ongoing dialysis.  So needless to say, kidney disease continues to drive the growing demand for dialysis technicians.  If you have an interest in science and technology and also like working with people, then consider a career as a dialysis technician. It only takes six weeks to complete your training as a Dialysis Technician.

If you think this is something in the medical field that is of interest to you just keep in mind that you must have good customer service skills.  Dialysis treatments can add years to the lives of people suffering from kidney disease.  Most patients come in for 4-hour treatments, three times a week. So no doubt you would be having a lot of one on one with such patients and can build some lasting friendships.

Dialysis Technician Training

What’s good about becoming a dialysis tech is that there is no technical or vocational schooling required.  However, there are many community and technical training schools that offer classes in order to earn your dialysis technician certification.  Ranging from six to 12 weeks in length or up to 12 months, these programs include both coursework and supervised clinical experience.  If you choose to further your education, that is always a good thing as it ultimately leads to promotions and raises.  So the more you know, the more you can make financially.

Your training in completely up to you.  Most hospitals offer on-the-job training under the supervision and training of a registered nurse.  You will need to have a high school diploma or GED and a valid certification.  The classes you take in high school in health and science will also play an important role in your training.

Here are few dialysis technician schools that will get you the training and education needed to become certified as a dialysis technician.
1.  Southern Careers Institute – Austin
2301 S. Congress Avenue, Suite 27
Austin, Tx.  78704

2.  Independence University
Salt Lake City Campus
5295 S. Commerce Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT.  84107

3.  Kaplan University – Online Dialysis Technical School

4.  Concordia University
Portland Campus
2811 NE Holman Street
Portland, OR.  97211

5.  University of Phoenix – Offers  Online Dialysis Technician Training

Dialysis Technician Job Description

Dialysis technicians work in a specialized part of the health care industry closely with individuals whose kidneys are failing.  They are vital to he field as they are the only people trained specifically for kidney dialysis care.  They have to specialize in maintaining and monitoring hemodialysis machines that perform the duties of a kidney which is that of removing wastes from the patients blood safely.   A dialysis tech prepares the patients and performs any necessaary treatment after the dialysis has been completed.

Other important tasks of dialysis technicians include cleaning the area where the blood will be extracted, explaining the procedure and calculating blood flow and fluid removal. They also record the patient’s condition before and after the procedure by noting temperature, blood pressure, weight and respiratory rate.

Dialysis technicians must be patient and pay attention to detail because they have to look after patients before, during and after the dialysis procedure. These technicians must make sure that the patient’s vital signs continue to be normal and that they remain in stable condition.
Most dialysis technicians are employed by hospitals and work directly under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician.  Dialysis techs also work in doctor’s offices or in a dialysis unit that is run through private companies.

For those patients who come in on an outpatient basis, they may have little contact with the dialysis nurse, so the dialysis technician is their only source of contact and information concerning their health. That doesn’t mean the dialysis technician has enough education to provide a prognosis for the future, but the technician can pass the patients’ concerns along to the doctor who can discuss the patient’s concerns with him.
As a dialysis technician, you can expect to work an average work-week of at least 40 hours depending on the needs of whatever hospital or doctor’s office you may be employed at.  As with any job, schedules are known to fluctuate.

Dialysis Technician Job Salary Range

The health care industry is booming, and this career is no different. Jobs for dialysis technicians are expected to grow faster than average over the next decade. This job growth stems from advancements in dialysis technology and the increase in the number of dialysis patients.

In 2009 dialysis technicians made an average salary of $29,000. Those with more training and experience in their specialized industry can expect to earn an average of salary of $34,300 a year.

Some variables that will effect your annual income include your geographic and job location, your previous job experience, and training. As your experience grows, so will your salary and benefits as these usually go hand in hand in a career field where you must take regular training courses to learn new equipment and procedures.  So the more you train, the more you can expect to earn as a dialysis technician.

The benefits for dialysis techs usually include health insurance, sick leave, paid holidays and paid vacations.

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If you like searching for the reasons people are sick and love doing hands on work, then selecting a career as a clinical or medical laboratory technologist or technician may be just the job for you.  According to the Bureau of  Labor Statistics, employment is expected to rise by 14 percent between 2006 and 2016.  So if the idea of working on the scientific side of the medical profession, perhaps a degree in laboratory technology would be an excellent move for you.

Lab Technician Career Training and Education

Regulations vary from state-to-state, but certification is highly recommended because many employers may require it. Training for a Lab Tech will not only include your high school diploma or GED, but you will need to  complete an accredited medical lab tech program, usually a 1-2 year associate degree or certificate program from a community college.  Students receive a combination of classroom and laboratory instruction with courses in immunology, hematology, biochemistry, microbiology and mathematics. Gradutes may then earn their certiification as a CLT through the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) online which offers continuing education courses on specimen collection, laboratory quality control and error prevention. They may recieve training before finding a full-time position and generally recieve some on-the-job training at the start of any new position’

The most common degree for laboratory technicians is an associate of applied science degree. Some students may pursue a certificate program in a career-specific field or bachelor’s degree in a related scientific field. Technicians will gerally work under the supervision of a technologist who has more education, experience and training than a technician. Medical and clinical laboratory technicians have less responsibilty and perform less complex tests and laboratory procedures than technologists.

Some students may pursue a certificate program in a career-specific field or bachelor’s degree in a related scientific field such as an Associate of Applied Science in Laboratory Technician which is a 2-year undergraduate degree program designed to prepare students for immediae entry in the workforce.  Courses students may complete at lab technician schools are topics like clinical chemistry, bacteriology and medical technology as well as some general education courses in English composition and college math. Below you will find a list of reputable lab technician schools. Some lab tech schools are located in multiple locations. For more information on each school, please visit their direct web sites.

Lab Technician Schools

1.  DeVry University -Phoenix (Undergrad)
2149 Dunlap Avenue
Phoenix, AZ.  85021-2995

2.  Institute for Business & Technology
2400 Walsh Avenue
Santa Clara, Ca.  95051

3.  Rasmussen College
9160 Forum Corporate Pky.
Suite 100
Fort Myers, FL.  33905

4   Angly College – Online

5.  MedVance Institute
Houston South Campus
6220 Westpark Dr., Ste. 180
Houston, Texas  77057

Lab Technician Job Description

Many lab technicians gain experience in the field before applying for jobs. Some degree programs offer students the chance to engage in clinical internships with local laboratories. Others may take part in an apprenticeship or extended training program with the understanding that they will be hired after a particular period of time.  Most laboratory technicians work in hospitals, though many are also found in physicians offices and in medical and diagnostic laboratories.

As a medical laboratory technician you will work under the supervision of a medical technologis or physician to perform tests on tissue blood and body fluids to help physicians diagnose and treat diseases.  Your typical duties as a lab tech will also include using sophisticaated laboratory equipment to look for bacteria, parasites and other microorganisms,monitoring tests aand procedures, analyzing the chemical conten of  fluids, matcing blood for transfusions and testing for drug levels in the blood toshow how a atient is responding to treatment.

Lab Technician Salary

Job prospects for credentialed candidates are excellent according to the Bureau of  Labor Statistics, with employment expected to rise by 14 percent between 2006 and 2016.  According to the American Medical Association, the median salary for medical lab technicians is $34,270 per year, but more experienced lab techs earned up to $52,000 in 2007.

Of course as with any other job, your salary will depend much on several different aspects.  One of such is your location, which not only includes your physical location, but also your geographical location.  Alllso the economic situation of each state will play a big part as to the amount of salary you can expect.  Also, will you be working in a small physician’s office or a large hospital, etc…

Keep in mind that the more schooling you have, the better your chances are of getting hired on at a higher rate of income.  Also your previous job experience, the more years you have spent on the job will naturally land you a better pay annually.  So with knowledge and experience comes promotions and raises.

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