Five Flourishing Health Science Careers

Five Flourishing Health Science Careers

Health sciences describe a large branch of the scientific field that deals with human health and well-being. Careers, including being a physician, nurse, medical assistant, medical laboratory technician, and radiology technician fall under this category. Such jobs are usually always in demand and can pay well. Therefore, students with a strong interest in science and who like to help people may want to consider a health sciences career.

A Master of Health Science Program can prepare one for a research career. However, other health science careers may be more appealing for those interested in working in a clinical setting.

Becoming a Physician

A physician, or doctor, practices medicine. Typically, in the US a doctor goes to school for four years to get their undergraduate degree. Often this is in a science-related field like biology, chemistry or physics, but the degree can be in any field. That being said, there are many science courses that are required to enter medical school. Therefore, even undergraduate philosophy majors must take biology, chemistry and physics lecture and lab courses to be eligible for medical school. These courses are also essential for taking the MCAT, the medical college admissions test.

After entering medical school, students can specialize based on the type of medicine they want to practice. For those wanting to become family doctors, an additional three years of training is required after the four years of medical school. This additional three years is called a residency. It takes place at a healthcare setting, often a hospital, where the resident sees and treats patients under the supervision of an experienced doctor. For other types of medical practices, the residencies may be longer. For instance, for those wanting to become surgeons, they must complete an extended residency program. For example, for brain surgeons, it is seven years. An exam is then taken to complete their education, allowing them to practice medicine. Additional exams may be necessary for certain certifications.

Becoming a Nurse

Nurses do more than just assist doctors in treating patients. Because they are around the patients more than the doctor, nurses can become very knowledgeable about a patient’s condition, and help with the specific regiment for the patient.

Unlike doctors, however, nurses must obtain a 4-year degree in nursing, not a degree of their choosing. They continue their education with a two-year training program called clinicals. Here nurses get hands-on experience in a healthcare setting. Like doctors, the nurses complete their education by taking an exam. The type of exam taken depends on the type of nursing a student wants to practice. Registered nurses, RN’s, take the NCLEX-RN test. In contrast, licensed practical nurses LPNs, who work under an RN and have fewer responsibilities, take the NCLEX-PN test.

Medical Assistants (MAs) are similar to nurses in that they help to check in patients and administer medication and vaccinations. However, to become an MA, students only need to complete a 9-12 month program. Students can also opt for an associates degree, which can take 18-24 months to complete. On-the-job training to be an MA is also available but much harder to find since many doctors may not have the time to train someone.

A Medical Laboratory Technician works in a clinic or hospital laboratory performing tests on patient specimens in order to help doctors properly diagnose patients. The technician collects samples and analyzes them using sophisticated equipment. Their job duties are similar to medical technologists, but the latter often act as supervisors to lab technicians and can perform more complex testing.

Radiology technicians also help in disease diagnosis. They do this using imaging machines like X-rays and MRIs. A related occupation is a radiology technologist who performs more complex imaging. A radiology technician prepares patients for their imaging, takes the images, keeps patient records, helps prevent unnecessary patient exposure to radiation through the use of protective equipment, among other tasks. An associate degree in radiology is required for this field. There is high potential for growth as technicians can move up to ultimately to run a radiology department.

These jobs are just a small sampling of the many opportunities for those interested in a health sciences career. An aging population, emerging diseases, and general illnesses present in any population ensure these fields will be needed now and in the future.

How to: A Career in the NHS

How to: A Career in the NHS

For those of you that are particularly interested in a career in either social or public health, it is important to establish what area you would like to apply to, and ways in which you can help achieve this. Today we discuss some routes into the NHS, as well as different opportunities you can take to both research job positions and front line roles like physiotherapy jobs.

A perfect chance to discover the multitude of careers available within the NHS is to attend one of their ‘career fairs’. Before you attend, it is advisable to research different roles and where they are within the fair to make your experience more worthwhile- you can maximise your time talking to people instead of trying to find the different locations and possible jobs.

Similarly, the NHS suggests it is a great opportunity to practise marketing yourself in front of NHS representatives, whilst also making useful contacts. The importance of networking within the NHS is really high and brings about many advantages. Having a network of contacts allows for the sharing of information easily with others, whilst also gaining you access to current knowledge. It is essential for a successful career in the NHS!

Your connections within the health care system are especially crucial in getting work experience before you apply. Unlike many other jobs, a career in the NHS can be very stressful and so it is required to have experienced the environment in which you will be working, none the less to see if you can manage it. Of course, there are some roles that are less active with patients and are almost ‘behind the scenes’, such as research jobs, or dealing with the finances of the NHS but work experience can help promote you amongst the sea of applications.

While many people choose to complete A Levels and then apply for a degree, there is the option of an apprenticeship for those aged 16 and over. Not only is it structured training where you will be with an employer, but it leads to nationally recognised qualifications that gives you access to a myriad of different careers. An apprenticeship is a great way to enter the career path for the NHS as you also get paid at the same time as working. Therefore, you are receiving an education, gaining invaluable experience for the future, whilst also earning a living. Ultimately, a career in the NHS is undoubtedly a stressful job, but one of the most rewarding as you are personally involved in the well-being of those around you, and are often saving lives.

5 Tips To Help You Ask For A Raise

5 Tips To Help You Ask For A Raise

Do you believe that you’re entitled to more money for the work you do? Here are 5 tips to ask for a raise from your boss and get the money you deserve.

In 2017, only 48% of U.S. workers received their expected annual pay raise. This is disconcerting, as wages are stagnating while the cost of living is skyrocketing around the globe.

As an employee, no one will fight for you, but yourself, so sometimes you have to work extra hard to receive your raise. Sometimes that means being assertive. If you want to ask for a raise check out these 5 tips.

1. Take On More Responsibility First

It’s a common refrain among job interview experts to “dress for the job you want.” When it comes to asking for a raise, you need to make work for the job, or pay increase, you want.

This means taking on more responsibility, becoming more invaluable to the company. If your bosses see that you’re carrying a heavy load for them, they’ll be more likely to give you a raise because they don’t want to risk having you leave for greener pastures.

2. Share Your Successes

As always, you’re your own best hype man. And unfortunately, though we like to think the positives we bring to our workplaces are self-evident, this is not always the case.

If you’re toiling away in silence, and your bosses aren’t noticing your achievements, they’re not going to feel compelled to give you a raise. So when you accomplish something great, tell your boss or bring it to his attention in a more covert way.

You have to brand yourself as a successful employee. If they know what you bring to the company, it’ll be more likely that you see a pay bump on your boss’ free paycheck stub template.

3. Do Your Research

Before you request a meeting with your boss, make sure that your pay isn’t already well above the average for your position. Do some Googling and find the median income for your position and at your level experience.

If the average for your position is $40,000 and you’re making $60,000, you’ll come off as ungrateful if you ask for a pay increase. Of course, if you’re making under the average, bring that to your boss’ attention when you request a raise.

4. Don’t Complain

Complaining never really gets you anywhere, especially not at work. When asking for a pay raise, make sure to keep it as positive as possible.

Don’t speak negatively about the company for not paying you enough, don’t attack your bosses character, and don’t talk about how unappreciated you feel. Instead, focus on what the company can get from giving you a raise and express your gratitude for what they’ve given you thus far.

You attract more flies with honey than with vinegar.

5. Talk About the Future

When asking for a raise, it’s important to connect yourself to the future of the company. Your boss won’t want to give a raise to someone who’s just going to cut and run, so express your loyalty to the company and talk about how excited you are to be growing with them.

If the company sees that you’re invested in them, they’ll invest in you.

Ready to Ask for a Raise?

With these tips, you’ll be able to ask for a raise with a clear purpose and assertiveness.

If you need any more help with your workplace issues, check out the business section of our site. We’ve got tons of helpful workplace tips and tricks.

4 Tips To Help You Land Your Dream Job

4 Tips To Help You Land Your Dream Job

Everyone has their ideal job they’ve wanted forever. Don’t wait too work towards your dream! Here’s 4 tips to help you land your dream job in 2018.

Think of this: you’re no longer living paycheck to paycheck like 55% of Americans are. You’re able to travel, take a vacation, and even spend days at home, doing absolutely nothing.

But here’s the thing, you work. And while you do work, you still have all that freedom. That not only makes you happy but your family as well.

Sounds nice, right? This is what you can achieve when you get your dream job.

That’s why we’ll dish out the best tips for landing it so you can enjoy the freedom of not having a job that’s a dead end.

Ready to find out what they are?

Let’s get into it!

Sharpen Your Skills and Education

Your dream job will most likely require a unique set of skills and/or advance education. And sadly, being able to binge watch multiple seasons of a Netflix show and recall important details doesn’t count.

Realistically, strengthening your skills and education is the way to go. We’re not saying you have to have a doctorate but sometimes that is what wins over future employers.

If you don’t have time to educate yourself then focus on the skill set required. That may be the thing that sets you apart from someone with a degree.

Don’t Focus on Your Resume Too Much

While your resume might be the cream of the crop, employers want to know you more personally. Solely relying on a piece of paper won’t get you far.

Instead, tell them what you do outside of work.

Do you volunteer at animal shelters? How about feeding the homeless at a soup kitchen? Or are you a part-time web designer?

And don’t forget about what you post on social media. Employers will look for that too so make sure you show the best side of yourself on it.

Find a Way to Stand Out

If the industry you want to break into is oversaturated, you need to find ways to stand out. We’re not saying to do anything crazy but make sure you do your research on the company.

Sometimes the simplest things can get you further than other candidates.

Consider sending a handwritten note along with your resume. Or, know that the president of said company doesn’t like to be called “sir” or “madam”.

For a conversation starter, include your own business card. You can easily make one for free as said in this Adobe Spark post.

Don’t Wait for a Job Posting to Appear

Did you find a company you’re literally dreaming about working for? You looked through their website and then clicked on their job listings.

Unfortunately, they don’t have any openings. You exit the page and dwell in disappointment.

Don’t do that!

Instead of hoping and praying the next time you log on that there’s a listing, contact them. Inquire about any opportunities they might have. Let them know about your experience, what you do, and how you can contribute to the company.

It doesn’t hurt to make the first move. And the worst thing that could happen is for them to say there are no opportunities available.

Get Your Dream Job Today

Why sit around and wait for opportunities? Get out there and put your best foot forward. You never know what may come of it.

If you’re struggling with low self-esteem, check out our post on how to overcome it!

How to Take Control of Your Destiny

How to Take Control of Your Destiny

It’s stressful, isn’t it – attempting to make the most out of your time on this planet. Sometimes in life, you’re faced with a deluge of challenges and hurdles to negotiate all at one, interspersed with periods of extreme tedium and boredom. Neither of these states is all that enjoyable, and attaining true happiness and inner peace can therefore sometimes seem a world away – a distant dream of utopia as opposed to a state of being in your grasp. If you can identify yourself a little in this passage, then why not take one or all of the productive steps offered in this article to break out of your present into a brighter future.

Conduct Some Self-Introspection

It’s time for you to set out on an exciting voyage of self-discovery. Have a good old think about what it is that you’ve always wanted to achieve, and start making a note. As humans, we love lists, and now’s the time to write your most important one to date: one that recognizes everything that’s both good and bad about your current circumstances. You’ll then be able to maximize the good and reduce or kill off the bad a good deal more easily, over time. It’s also important that you allow yourself time to not take yourself too seriously. Why not visit gokartsreview.com and find a fun and exciting way to get behind the wheel and relive childhood pursuits?

Build a Satisfying Routine

For too many people, lifestyle revolves around a routine that is in turn dictated by the responsibilities of work, study, or raising a family. Over time, this mindset is one that’ll cast you into a state of robotic repetition with little time concentrated on your passions and indulgences. Whether it’s a new exercise regime, scheduled alone time, or taking up a new class, building extra things into your routine that you’ll look forward to is a super way of negotiating your way out of an unsatisfying way of life. Check out some routine recommendations to get you started, and you’ll soon establish your unique daily groove.

Use the Information Out There

There are heaps upon heaps of information flying about on the information highway that is the internet. However, if you stop to read articles instead of using the internet for either work or pleasure, you’ll find some wonderful groups, forums, and pages that’ll school you on how to make the most out of your life. If you’re an artist looking to flourish instead of stagnating, the internet is your tool to connect with like-minded people to inspire you. If you’re looking for a new way of life, in short, it’s going to be on the internet – you just have to find it!

Take the Bull by the Horns

If there’s something that’s been nagging you for weeks, months, even years, it’s something you need to have to confidence to broach. Regret you never learned an instrument or a language? It’s sincerely never too late to pick one up. Getting itchy feet to see the world? Book yourself a flight. Feeling like you’re letting your deepest values and motivations slip by the wayside? Take control by recognizing whatever is leaving you unfulfilled and addressing it once and for all.

Take control of your destiny by using these simple life hacks to get you well on the way to a more fulfilling and brighter future.

5 Reasons Becoming a Surgical Technician is Worth It

5 Reasons Becoming a Surgical Technician is Worth It

Surgical technicians spend a year in college to earn an associate degree or two years to get an undergraduate degree. Bestsurgicaltechschools.com maintains a list of the best schools to pursue an associate or an undergraduate degree program. Like many other careers in the medical field, the more you advance your skills, the higher the chances of getting a better paying job. A surgical technician earns an average of $42,460 annually. The following are five reasons why you should consider becoming a surgical technician.

Impressive Salary

As stated above, the annual basic salary of a surgical technician is $42,460. If you add this to the other benefits that come with the job, then you realize that this career is a good opportunity and an excellent gateway into the healthcare industry. In some states, a surgical technician can be paid as much as $26 an hour, bringing his annual income to $55,000.

Exciting and Rewarding Work

Apart from good pay, the second most important factor in choosing a career path is whether doing the job brings you fulfilment. Surgical technician positions bring with them interesting challenges that make it quite a rewarding and exciting path. For people who find deep meaning in helping others, this job presents a fast-paced environment to do exactly that.

High Demand

The 76 million baby boomers born between 1946 and 1964 are fast retiring. This aging population has brought with it new opportunities for people intending to join the healthcare industry. More than any other time in the country, the retiree population is growing by 10,000 every day. Older people are more susceptible to diseases as they age, creating increased strain on the country’s healthcare system and increasing the demand for healthcare professionals.

It is no wonder surgical technician jobs are projected to grow by 1% short of 20% in the next decade. This growth makes this career one of the more stable paths for people in the healthcare sector, almost assuring anyone who completes his degree that they will find a well-paying job, regardless of their location in America.

Quick Training Courses

Given the high demand for surgical technicians, many programs have been created to train people quickly and effectively. On average, a surgical technician spends two years in school. All the same, it is important to note that to legally practice as a surgical technician, you must graduate from an accredited college or university.

Opportunities to Advance

Some careers can be stagnant with no room to grow. A surgical technician career is not one of them. After spending the initial two years in medical school, you can still pursue higher learning even as you work. For those interested, they can specialize in a particular area and become an authority. Specialized training will usher you into better paying jobs because the demand is even higher for surgical tech experts. Some of the career paths you can pursue when you specialize include cranial surgical tech, vascular surgical tech and cardiac surgical tech.

As you can clearly see, the opportunities for surgical technicians in the healthcare sector are many, and there is enough evidence to conclude that the opportunities will only increase. Therefore, those who pursue this path will enjoy great pay as they find fulfilment helping people most in need.

How You Can Advance Your Career as an Ultrasound Technician

How You Can Advance Your Career as an Ultrasound Technician

The career path of ultrasound technicians or sonographers sometimes seems defined with limited chances of career advancement. If you are in this field or considering enrolling in an education program for the same, you have several ways of advancing your career. One way is to enrol in programs that will enable you to get national certification. Here are more ways to make your career in sonography more interesting and fulfilling.

1. Become a Specialist

The best time to pick a specialty in this field is when applying for a degree program. Pick your preferred area of specialization and then identify a school that offers courses in that area. If you are already working as an ultrasound technician, get further education in your specialty. Apply for jobs in your chosen area to gain experience. The best way to pick a specialty is considering the diseases or complications that you are most passionate about and focus on those complications. For instance, you can specialize in heart complications or work with gynecologists depending on your passion.

2. Pursue Higher Education

Earning a bachelor’s degree or diploma in sonography is just the first step to building a successful career. With the area of specialization in mind, you can pick the right courses and define your career path. However, to earn a higher sonographer salary NJ, you need more than a degree certificate. Look for opportunities to further your education as you work. The degree enables you to get a well-paying job but if you want to go further in your career, enrol in post-graduate programs in accredited institutions. Top universities offer flexible class schedules to enable students to balance their work and studies.

3. Apply for Higher Positions

You may remain in the same position for years if you do not actively look for better opportunities. Start with the opportunities in your current workplace before applying for higher positions in other institutions. The purpose of specializing in one field and pursuing higher education is to qualify you for better positions. You have a better chance than your peers do to advance your career with experience, certification, and higher education in your specialty.

4. Learn from Others

Start building relationships with other sonographers as soon as you make a decision to join the field. Sometimes the fastest way to learn how to succeed in a certain field is learning from others. Identify successful sonographers who can become your mentors and seek advice. Your immediate supervisor in your current place of work could be the mentor you need to help you build your career. Be proactive and ask for help even from other medical practitioners in other fields.

Success in any field requires continuous learning. Be willing to sharpen your skills continually and learn from others. Keep up with the latest trends and technology in the medical field to remain competitive. Sonography is a wide field with multiple career paths. Focus your efforts and resources on one specialty and become an expert in that area. Remember that building a successful career takes time. Hence, you need to be consistent and patient.

How to Be Successful in Today’s Job Market

How to Be Successful in Today’s Job Market

Work is a central part of our lives today. It makes us feel complete, provides the means for us to pay our bills and purchase entertainment, and is also often at the heart of our social activities.

When you don’t have a job, you feel as if you are not living a full life. You become anxious and rightly worry about your future. In order to rectify the situation, you need to find work, but today, finding work can be challenging.

To get your job search on track, make sure you are doing all the things necessary. If you neglect even one important thing, it can derail your ability to find a good job. Here is a list you need to do:

Get a winning game plan

In order to increase your odds of finding the right position, you first need to create a perfect game plan. First write down what type of job you want and the likeliest places to find it.

The key is to understand where the job market is most likely receptive. Use the Internet to locate one of the many websites that assist you to understand where job openings are, the salaries being paid and the type of applicants they are hiring. Would you take a job outside of your preferred field? Would you take less money than you thought you would get? Would you move if it meant getting the job you want or better money? All of these questions should be considered and answered as you conduct your research.

Salary is always a key factor but most employees will tell you that it is not the only one. People also want great benefits like good vacation time, healthcare, and the opportunity to work overtime. They also want a positive and comfortable work environment and an opportunity to advance based on good performance. Be prepared to include every important factor in your job search:

Consider Alternative Job Opportunities

We all have an idea about what we think is the perfect job. However these days there are dozens of different and new job opportunities that can be as rewarding as a typical 9 to 5.

One example is to list with a service that provides workers to companies on flexible hours. Companies like Shiftpixy that can be a great resource to search for job opportunities and provide you with good pay and the freedom to work when you decide. 

Make You Resume Perfect

There are a lot of opportunities out there, but in order to get to them, you need to have a calling card that impresses. A good portion of job hunters do not find work because of poorly put together resume. As a result, they never even get a chance to interview and impress companies with their personality or abilities. There are dozens of websites that have great templates for writing a great resume. If you have concerns about your ability to write a great resume, hire a professional resume writer. The money you spend could very well get you your dream job.

Great Job Ideas for Those With Numerical Skills

Great Job Ideas for Those With Numerical Skills

I was always  pretty good with numbers throughout my education and in all honesty I loved nothing more than number crunching, it was for that reason that when the time came to choose a career, I decide on a career in finance.

I have always felt the two requirements for choosing a career should be a combination of something you love and something you are good at. Unfortunately for many of my friends, they cashed the money or picked up a career based on something that they were good at but not something that they loved. Fast forward ten years and many of them are unhappy in their work and looking to switch careers. In order to avoid this then you should do as I did and elect a career based on your passion and your skill and if you are a fellow math enthusiast then here are some career ideas for you.

Financial Advisor

This is the role which I currently do and I love it, a financial adviser works with businesses and individuals and offers counsel on how best to spend, save and invest their money. You must be a great salesmen to sell your ideas, you must have great analytical skills to process huge amounts of financial data and condense it into advice and you must have the confidence in your ideas. This profession can pay very well depending on how many clients you have or who your clients are.

Investment Manager

My friend Marc Leder is one of the finest investment managers I know, so successful in fact that he started his own investment company and is now CEO of Sun Capital Partners, a company which helps hundreds of businesses . What my buddy and his colleagues do is to work with businesses and individual investors and help them to manage their portfolios. They offer a personal service to investors and regularly offer them advice or investment opportunities so that they can make the most out of their money. This position requires comprehensive knowledge of finance and housing markets and if you are good at it then you can make a great deal of money from salaries and from commission.

Tax Accountant

As much as I love figures and finance, one thing that I was never very good at was understanding taxation and it takes a special kind of person to be a tax accountant. Businesses rely on tax accountants to amiantus their legality and to ensure that they are never paying too much or too little by way of taxes. To be a tax accountant you will have to study hard and take 3 different tests in order to be allowed to practice. Once you have passed your exams however you will be able to have the pick of your jobs as tax accountants are always in demand such are the complexities of the taxation laws. You must also be prepared to constantly keep yourself up to date with the ever changing tax laws and also be a confident individual as you will likely be dealing with some high profile men and women.

Blake Rubin LinkedIn Looks at the FBI’s Training Program

Blake Rubin LinkedIn Looks at the FBI’s Training Program

Source

The FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigations) is a fascinating agency. Every year, around 70,000 people ask to be admitted to it, but very few ever get to the point that they can look forward to their first payday. They have to go through a multitude of tests, background checks, and fitness activities. The physical fitness test is one of the most important tests of all, and this has to be completed first. This is something that Blake Rubin LinkedIn has looked into in particular.

Blake Rubin LinkedIn on the FBI Physical Test

There is an intense competition for people to join the FBI. They have heard of the RICO Act, a local FBI probe, victims of scamming and fraud, and more. However, before anyone can get to that point, they will have to go through a serious period of training and compete against people from a huge range of different backgrounds. This competition is something that you must be ready for at each stage of the application process, including the physical examination. Interestingly, this is the part of the application process that most people do bad at, and it is here that the real prospective FBI agents are identified. Hence, being ready for this process is hugely important.

Training for the FBI PFT

The FBI PFT (Personal Fitness Test) is something that you can train for, particularly if you know which types of workout routines will help you. You need to make sure that you consider your cardiovascular development, but that you also focus on your strength at the same time. You need to find a type of exercise that does both these things at the same time, therefore. One of the best ways to do that is through high intensity interval training (HIIT). This is a type of training that virtually every personal trainer in the world now recommends. In fact, some of the recognized best fitness workouts known are HIIT training.

If you want to get into shape rapidly and be ready for the FBI PFT, then HIIT training really is the way to go. The downside of this training, however, is that they are so incredibly intense. This means that you do have to have the stamina to complete them. It is likely that you will feel quite exhausted after just five minutes or so, and it will take quite some time before you can keep up for a lot longer. However, at the same time, it should only take you about two months to get into rock solid shape. And, to help keep you motivated, you are likely to be able to start visibly seeing results after just two weeks.

Conclusion

If you are busy preparing for the FBI PFT for the first time, if you have failed it before and want to try again, or if you are simply focused and committed on getting healthier and stronger, then HIIT training is right for you. There are also some really cool FBI training programs available online if you want to do more targeted training.