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.

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!

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.

What Jobs In Education Could Be For You?

What Jobs In Education Could Be For You?

If you are thinking about taking on a career in education then it is important to know that there are more jobs in this field than just teaching. The education system is made up from a huge group of employees who look after a wide array of tasks within schools, universities and education centres. A career in education can provide you with a great deal, both as an individual in terms of salary and stability, and professionally as you will be working to help shape the lives of many.

Let’s take a look then at just a few of the jobs which make up this sector.

Teaching Assistant

Teaching assistance work alongside full time teachers and assist them with both group and individual teaching. Teaching assistants have more free time in the classroom than the teacher and so they have more time to spend with children or older students who have particular needs, or for those who require extra attention. Teaching assistants usually work flexible hours depending on the class needs and this is the perfect position for anyone who is looking for a part time job with the education sector. You can work full time as a teaching assistant and work across different classes, but there is the option to reduce hours should you need.

Administration

The education wheel is full of cogs and in order to manage it all, the administrative team have many positions which you could take up. The running of any education facility is quite a task and it requires many skilled employees. Within this field there is a very clear route to career progression and most Presidents and Vice Presidents of schools and universities across the country have come from an administrative background. Take Kevin Rolle for example, Vice President at Colorado State University, a man who earned his stripes in an administrative field before moving into powerful and influential leadership roles. If you want to get to the top in education, administration is the best place to start.

Outreach Work

There are many governmental and private organisations who employ outreach workers that will work with student bodies and pupils to help them with problems which they may have. Student outreach workers play a key role in the lives of many young people who may be facing issues at home, mental health problems or any other negative which is influencing them at school. In order to succeed in this kind of position you will need to be strong willed, have thick skin and be empathetic. Very often the outreach workers from a school or university are one of the few people that students with issues will confide in and the benefits from this role on a social level are huge.

Working in education provides you with a stable and secure income, as well as plans for the future and, more often than not, a solid health care plan. These are just 3 of the many jobs which you could take on in the education sector.

Blake Rubin LinkedIn Looks at the FBI’s Training Program

Blake Rubin LinkedIn Looks at the FBI’s Training Program

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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.

What Can You Do with a Civil Engineering Degree?

What Can You Do with a Civil Engineering Degree?

It takes approximately four years to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in any concentration. When most people are still attending college, they look at their options and try to lay out a course that they can follow after graduation. Civil engineering majors can come out of college with a standard bachelor’s civil engineering degree or they can study for another two years and get their master’s degree in civil engineering in addition. Civil engineers are regularly hired directly out of school to head up projects being headed by the federal government as well as independent firms with billion-dollar construction contracts. Discover your options so you will know exactly what you can do with your civil engineering degree.

Get Involved with Federal Projects

When the levees broke in New Orleans, Louisiana, engineers had thought they had perfected everything. New Orleans is a historic U.S. city that sits below sea level, meaning that hurricanes and large waves can cause a lot of damage inland. Though the levees broke the first time around, online civil engineering degree holders came up with a better method for keeping the city safe. There are countless projects that the government is involved in that involve civil engineers. From emergency repairs on the Delaware Memorial Bridge to the expansion of existing highways, every piece of roadway and infrastructure in the U.S. is handled by skilled civil engineers.

Work for State Agencies

When a new community is zoned in an area that was once farmland or forested, civil engineers are called in to see how existing businesses and residents are going to be impacted by an uptick in traffic. For instance, when the newest Amazon warehouse was built in Robbinsville, New Jersey, local officials asked civil engineers for suggestions to lessen the rush hour traffic jams. If you graduate with a degree in civil engineering, you can choose the type of projects that you get involved with that will aid communities in the suburbs as well as in urban and rural areas.

Contract with a Private Engineering Company

Another area that a large portion of civil engineers work in is the private sector. Residential, industrial, and commercial construction project won’t be signed off on and approved until the developers can show that their plans are feasible. In other words, civil engineers are hired to project how an area might change and improve through the construction of a new museum, for instance. These kinds of projects might take many years to develop but it is also important for those in the civil engineering industry to see their ideas finally form into tangible things.

Take your civil engineering agree with you to work internationally or stay in your home state and learn how you can facilitate improvements in your community. You’ll have a team of peers to help guide you on your very first projects, and with experience you’ll be able to make more precise plans. The world of civil engineers is vast, and their credentials enable them to travel the world over in search of the next project to attach themselves to.

The Quickest Way to a Career in the Music Industry

The Quickest Way to a Career in the Music Industry

The glitz and glamour of celebrities in the music industry makes it a dream for many. So how can you go from being on the outside to getting into the music industry and making music your profession? Here are some tips based on how the most successful artist have broken through.

Decide What You Want To Do

The first step is getting clear on what it is you want. Do you want to be the artist that is performing on stage or in the studio, or do you want to become a music producer? There are tons of different ways to be “in the industry” and some don’t even require a strong musical ability.

When you have a solid idea of exactly what you want to do you can move on to the next step, which is making yourself more marketable and starting a grassroots awareness campaign for yourself.

Create a Music Portfolio

People need to see what you are capable of, either your future fans if you’ll be performing, or others in the music industry if you’ll be behind the scenes. If you are going to be an artist it’s as simple as showing them what you can do. Nowadays it’s easier than ever to make an online music portfolio of your best work.

If you plan on producing music, you’ll need to find an artist to work with and showcase your skills as their official producer. The end result is the same, you’ll want a promo package that shows off what you worked on directly and the artist can vouch for your skill set.

Use Social Media

Some of today’s hottest up-and-coming music producers and artists got their foot in the door by sending out samples of their work through social media directly to big names in the industry. For the foreseeable future this seems like a viable way to cut the line and basically break into the music industry by knocking directly on the door.

Be Persistent

You might not get the answer you’re looking for based on sending out just one demo to one artist. You need to be persistent and keep sending out more and more demos until somebody likes what they hear. It’s a numbers game, and it might take dozens or even hundreds of attempts before you get your big break.

Create More and More

Don’t just make a small portfolio and then sit back on your laurels thinking this will be enough to do the job. Keep making more and more great music and this will increase your chances of success. By making more music you are essentially creating a bigger net to catch the fish that could be The Big One you’ve been waiting for.

Don’t Focus On Time

We promised you the quickest way to get into the music industry, but you definitely don’t want to put so much time pressure on yourself that you start to stress out. Music is an art form and it’s not a race, everybody is on their own path and will reach success on their own timeline. Just relax, let the music flow and everything will work out for the best.

Top Tips for Marketing Your New Counseling Business

Top Tips for Marketing Your New Counseling Business

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It can take a lot of time, energy, and soul-searching to find that perfect career path to take in life. For many people, the field of counseling is one that is extremely attractive and rewarding. There’s also the fact that it’s going through a stage of serious growth, 19% growth between now and 2024 to be exact. These numbers are straight from the U.S. Bureau of Statistics.

With more and more companies and insurance policies now covering counseling services, it seems that more people are looking to make use of these family, marriage, and mental health counselors and therapists.

You’ve Got the Educational Background but Not the Marketing Skills

If you’re just earned your online masters in counseling from a school such as Regis College and you’ve decided that the private/public sectors aren’t for you, then you may instead be considering opening your own practice. While your online counseling degree programs prepared you from a knowledge standpoint, it would not have taught you how to market your own business.

Not to worry though, just because you haven’t been formally trained in marketing, it doesn’t mean you can put some standard tips to good use that will help get your name out there and start bringing in the clients. Here’s a look at some tips that you can use to get your business off to a good start.

Set Up Free Wellness Seminars

There are so many different ways to advertise a business, but the problem with advertising is that everyone else is doing it too. This means you need to have a unique, eye-catching, and memorable campaign that sets you apart from your competition.

Why not aim to become an expert in your town/city? This can be done by setting up wellness seminars that are open to the public to attend. The seminar can be free to all and you can make it an interactive experience so that attendees can ask questions and get a real feel for you. Of course, there will be a cost you’ll need to put out for renting the space, but the idea is that you will be able to garner a host of new clients through this seminar.

Be sure to put together a small information packet about what you discussed and include a business card or your contact information.

Set Up a Website

Another tip is to set up your own website. If this is outside your realm of expertise you can always hire a web developer to do it for you. The website should be engaging and informative to bring traffic to it.

Become a Blogger

To increase traffic on your website, you’ll want to start blogging. You can even bring in guest bloggers that add substance to the website and talk about subjects that are of interest to your readers. To get your name out there further, you can offer guest blogging services to other websites.

Stick with It

Marketing your new counseling business will take time, energy, and a lot of work, but if you stick with it, you’ll find that you will start to build a steady flow of new clients.