Top 100 Health Care Careers: Your Complete Guidebook To Training And Jobs In Allied Health, Nursing, Medicine, And More 2nd Edition

465 Pages·2005·2.06 MB·English

by  Saul Wischnitzer

110000
Top
Health-Care
C A R E E R S
Your Complete Guidebook to Training and Jobs
in Allied Health, Nursing, Medicine, and More
SECOND EDITION
This extensive, authoritative resource includes
Detailed descriptions of 100 health-care careers Education and training required, plus details on admission tests and
financial aid Thousands of training programs, with complete contact information Salary ranges, career potential, and
advancement opportunities Sample health-care resumes and cover letters Certification and licensure procedures
Advice on choosing and planning a health-care career
Dr. Saul Wischnitzer
and Edith Wischnitzer
frontmatter.qxp 2/4/2005 9:14 AM Page i
1100 00
Top
Health-Care
Careers
Your Complete Guidebook to Training and Jobs
in Allied Health, Nursing, Medicine, and More
SECOND EDITION
Dr. Saul Wischnitzer
and Edith Wischnitzer
frontmatter.qxp 2/4/2005 9:14 AM Page ii
Top 100 Health-Care Careers, Second Edition
© 2005 by Dr. Saul Wischnitzer and Edith Wischnitzer
Published by JIST Works, an imprint of JIST Publishing, Inc.
8902 Otis Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46216-1033
Phone: [phone]-JIST Fax: 1-800-JIST-FAX E-mail: [email protected]
Visit our Web site at www.jist.comfor information on JIST, free job search tips, book chapters,
and ordering instructions for our many products! For free information on 14,000 job titles, visit
www.careeroink.com.
Quantity discounts are available for JIST books. Please call our Sales Department at 1-800-648-
5478 for a free catalog and more information.
Acquisitions and Development Editor: Lori Cates Hand
Copy Editor: Gayle Johnson
Interior Design: Marie Kristine Parial-Leonardo
Page Layout: Carolyn J. Newland
Proofreader: Paula Lowell
Indexer: Kelly D. Henthorne
Printed in the United States of America
09 08 07 06 05 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Wischnitzer, Saul.
Top 100 health-care careers : your complete guidebook to training and jobs
in allied health, nursing, medicine, and more / Saul Wischnitzer and Edith
Wischnitzer.-- 2nd ed.
p. cm.
Previous ed. published in 2000 under title: Health-care careers for the 21st
century.
Includes index.
ISBN 1-59357-178-X (alk. paper)
1. Medicine--Vocational guidance--Forecasting. I. Wischnitzer, Edith. II.
Wischnitzer, Saul. Health-care careers for the twenty-first century. III.
Title.
R690.W565 2005
610.69--dc22
2005001969
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means, or stored
in a database or retrieval system, without prior written permission of the publisher, except in the
case of brief quotations embodied in articles or reviews. Making copies of any part of this book for
any purpose other than your own personal use is a violation of United States copyright laws. For
permission requests, please contact the Copyright Clearance Center at www.copyright.com or (978)
750-8400.
We have been careful to provide accurate information in this book, but it is possible that errors and
omissions have been introduced. Please consider this in making any career plans or other important
decisions. Trust your own judgment above all else and in all things.
Trademarks: All brand names and product names used in this book are trade names, service marks,
trademarks, or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
ISBN 1-59357-178-X
frontmatter.qxp 2/4/2005 9:14 AM Page iii
Dedication and
Acknowledgments
This book is dedicated to the memory of our parents,
Solomon and Ray Wischnitzer
and
Miksa and Gali Lefkovits,
who, through their devotion and by example, provided us with the ethical and spiritual
values that have served as our guiding lights throughout life.
We are grateful to our son, Judah M. Wischnitzer, who, in this edition, as in the last one, applied
his ample computer skills to incorporate the new material into the text.
iii
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Resume and Cover Letter
Contributors
The following people contributed resumes and cover letters to this book. They are all pro-
fessional resume writers. I appreciate their submissions.
Arnold G. Boldt, CPRW, JCTC Wendy Gelberg, CPRW, IJCTC Janice M. Shepherd, CPRW,
Arnold-Smith Associates 21 Hawthorn Ave. JCTC, CEIP
625 Panorama Trail, Building 1, Needham, MA 02492 Write On Career Keys
Ste. 120C Phone: [phone] Bellingham, WA 98226
Rochester, NY 14625 Fax: [phone] Phone: [phone]
Phone: [phone] E-mail: [email protected] Fax: [phone]
Fax: [phone] E-mail: janice@writeoncareer-
E-mail: [email protected] Bill Kinser, MRW, CPRW, JCTC, keys.com
www.ResumeSOS.com CEIP, CCM www.writeoncareerkeys.com
To The Point Resumes
Freddie Cheek, M.S.Ed., CCM, 4117 Kentmere Sq. Edward Turilli, MA
CPRW, CWDP Fairfax, VA 22030 Director, Career Development
Cheek & Associates Phone: [phone] Center
406 Maynard Dr. Fax: [phone] Salve Regina University
Amherst, NY 14226 E-mail: bkinser@tothepoint ARC—Anthem Résumé and Career
Phone: [phone] resumes.com Services
Fax: [phone] www.tothepointresumes.com 918 Lafayette Rd.
E-mail: [email protected] North Kingstown, RI 02852
www.CheekandCristantello.com Deborah Ann Ramos, CPRW Phone: [phone]
Aerobi’s Computerized Typing Fax: [phone]
Beverley Drake, CEIP, IJCTC, Service E-mail: [email protected]
CPRW 446 Pelton Ave. www.salve.edu/office_careerdev
CareerVision Resume & Job Search Staten Island, NY 10310-2132
Systems Phone: [phone]
1816 Baihly Hills Dr. SW Fax: [phone]
Rochester, MN 55902 E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: [phone] www.aerobisresumeservices.com
E-mail: [email protected]
iv
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Contents
Dedication and Acknowledgments....................................................................................iii
Resume and Cover Letter Contributors............................................................................iv
About This Edition................................................................................................................x
Introduction ..........................................................................................................................xi
P 1
ART
C P H -C C 1
HOOSING AND LANNING A EALTH ARE AREER............
1 The Health-Care Field: Where the Jobs Are 3
..............................
Employment Sites..................................................................................................................4
Employment Opportunities..................................................................................................6
2 Choosing the Best Health-Care Career for You 10
....................
Step 1: Choosing to Pursue a Career in Health Care......................................................11
Step 2: Choosing a Health Occupation Group................................................................13
Step 3: Identifying Your Specific Career ..........................................................................19
Confirming Your Career Choice........................................................................................23
3 Planning Your Education 28
............................................................................
Sources of Health-Care Education....................................................................................28
Choosing a Program............................................................................................................29
Getting In ..............................................................................................................................31
Admission/Aptitude Tests..................................................................................................33
Financial Aid ........................................................................................................................34
v
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vi Contents
P 2
ART
H P 41
EALTH ROFESSIONALISM................................................................................
4 The Health-Care Professional 43
................................................................
Your Education ....................................................................................................................43
The Professional as a Helper..............................................................................................46
The Professional’s Personal Life ........................................................................................47
5 Understanding the Patient 49
........................................................................
The Impact of Hospitalization............................................................................................49
Patient Status........................................................................................................................50
Patient Privileges..................................................................................................................50
Post-Hospitalization Anxiety..............................................................................................51
Patient Adjustment..............................................................................................................51
The Outpatient......................................................................................................................52
6 The Professional-Patient Relationship 53
..........................................
Communicating Effectively................................................................................................53
Cultural Influences..............................................................................................................54
The Nature of the Relationship..........................................................................................55
Maintaining Professionalism..............................................................................................55
Caring for the Young ..........................................................................................................56
Caring for Active Adults ....................................................................................................57
Caring for the Elderly..........................................................................................................57
P 3
ART
T J S 59
HE OB EARCH ..........................................................................................................
7 Preparing for Your Job Search 61
..............................................................
Defining Your Goals............................................................................................................61
Identifying Prospective Employers ..................................................................................63
8 Finding a Job 70
..........................................................................................................
Your Resume ........................................................................................................................70
Your Cover Letter ................................................................................................................77
Job Applications ..................................................................................................................82
Job Examinations..................................................................................................................82
The Interview........................................................................................................................83
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Contents vii
P 4
ART
H -C C
EALTH ARE AREER
D E P 87
ESCRIPTIONS AND DUCATION ROGRAMS..................................
9 Diagnosing and Treating Practitioners 89
........................................
Chiropractors........................................................................................................................90
Dentists..................................................................................................................................92
Optometrists..........................................................................................................................97
Physicians............................................................................................................................100
Podiatrists............................................................................................................................110
Veterinarians ......................................................................................................................113
10 Associated Health-Care Careers 117
........................................................
Dental Hygienists ..............................................................................................................118
Dietitians..............................................................................................................................130
Genetic Counselors............................................................................................................137
Licensed Practical Nurses ................................................................................................142
Nurse Anesthetists ............................................................................................................144
Nurse-Midwives ................................................................................................................150
Nurse Practitioners............................................................................................................154
Nutritionists........................................................................................................................155
Pharmacists ........................................................................................................................158
Physician Assistants ..........................................................................................................164
Registered Nurses..............................................................................................................170
Surgeon Assistants ............................................................................................................174
11 Adjunctive Health-Care Careers: Technologists,
Technicians, Assistants, and Aides 177
................................................
Anesthesiologist Assistants..............................................................................................178
Blood Bank Technologists and Specialists......................................................................179
Cardiovascular Technology Personnel............................................................................182
Clinical Laboratory Technicians......................................................................................186
Clinical Laboratory Technologists ..................................................................................188
Cytotechnologists ..............................................................................................................189
Dental Assistants................................................................................................................196
Dental Laboratory Technicians........................................................................................205
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers ..................................................................................208
Dietetic Technicians ..........................................................................................................212
Electroencephalograph Technicians................................................................................215
Electroencephalograph Technologists............................................................................216
Emergency Medical Technicians......................................................................................219
Food Technologists............................................................................................................224
Histology Technicians........................................................................................................227
Medical Assistants..............................................................................................................229
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viii Contents
Mental Health Assistants..................................................................................................236
Nuclear Medicine Technologists......................................................................................238
Nurse’s Aides......................................................................................................................244
Ophthalmic Assistants ......................................................................................................245
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians ..............................................................................247
Ophthalmic Technicians....................................................................................................249
Ophthalmic Technologists................................................................................................251
Opticians..............................................................................................................................253
Optometric Assistants........................................................................................................256
Optometric Technicians ....................................................................................................258
Orthoptists ..........................................................................................................................259
Orthotists and Prosthetists................................................................................................261
Perfusionists........................................................................................................................264
Pharmacy Technicians ......................................................................................................266
Phlebotomists......................................................................................................................272
Pulmonary Function Technologists ................................................................................274
Radiation Therapy Technologists....................................................................................275
Radiological Technologists ..............................................................................................277
Surgical Technologists ......................................................................................................280
Veterinary Assistants ........................................................................................................282
12 Rehabilitation Careers: Therapists,
Therapy Assistants, and Aides 284
..........................................................
Art Therapists ....................................................................................................................284
Dance/Movement Therapists............................................................................................289
Home Health Aides ..........................................................................................................291
Horticultural Therapists....................................................................................................293
Music Therapists................................................................................................................295
Occupational Therapists ..................................................................................................299
Occupational Therapy Assistants....................................................................................307
Patient Representatives ....................................................................................................314
Physical Therapists............................................................................................................315
Physical Therapy Assistants ............................................................................................323
Psychiatric Aides................................................................................................................324
Recreational Therapists ....................................................................................................326
Rehabilitation Counselors ................................................................................................328
Respiratory Therapists......................................................................................................333
Respiratory Therapy Aides ..............................................................................................335
Respiratory Therapy Technicians....................................................................................336
Social Service Aides ..........................................................................................................337
Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists ........................................................339
Substance Abuse Counselors............................................................................................347
13 Administrative Health-Care Careers 353
............................................
Admitting Officers ............................................................................................................353
Coordinators of Health Wellness ....................................................................................355
Directors of Hospital Public Relations............................................................................357
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Contents ix
Directors of Nursing Home Activities............................................................................359
Directors of Quality Assurance........................................................................................361
Directors of Volunteer Services........................................................................................363
Geriatric Care Managers ..................................................................................................365
14 Affiliated Health-Care Careers: Medical Scientists,
Educators, and Information Workers 367
..........................................
Biomedical Engineers........................................................................................................367
Biomedical Equipment Technicians................................................................................372
Biomedical Photographers................................................................................................376
Biomedical Writers ............................................................................................................377
Certified Athletic Trainers................................................................................................379
Child Life Specialists ........................................................................................................389
Dietary Managers ..............................................................................................................390
Environmental Health Scientists......................................................................................394
Food Service Workers........................................................................................................397
Geriatric Social Workers....................................................................................................399
Health Educators................................................................................................................401
Health Information Technicians......................................................................................403
Health Sciences Librarians................................................................................................407
Health Services Administrators ......................................................................................410
Health Sociologists ............................................................................................................411
Instructors for the Blind....................................................................................................413
Medical and Psychiatric Social Workers........................................................................414
Medical Illustrators............................................................................................................416
Medical Secretaries............................................................................................................418
Mental Health Workers ....................................................................................................420
A 425
PPENDICES ....................................................................................................................
A Health-Care Education Admissions Tests 427
..............................
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)......................................................................427
Dental Admission Test (DAT)..........................................................................................428
Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT)....................................................................428
Optometry Admission Test (OAT)..................................................................................429
Graduate Record Examination ........................................................................................429
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) ........................................................430
Miller Analogies Test ........................................................................................................431
B Health-Care Professional Organizations 433
..................................
C Job Search Resources 439
..................................................................................
GeneralSources..................................................................................................................439
Web Sources........................................................................................................................440
Journals................................................................................................................................442
Index ....................................................................................................................................443