100 Health-Care Top CAREERS 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 100 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: 1-800-648-JIST Fax: 1-800-JIST-FAX E-mail: info@jist.com Visit our Web site at www.jist.com for 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 1-800-6485478 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 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) 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 frontmatter.qxp 2/4/2005 9:14 AM Page iv Resume and Cover Letter Contributors The following people contributed resumes and cover letters to this book They are all professional resume writers I appreciate their submissions Arnold G Boldt, CPRW, JCTC Arnold-Smith Associates 625 Panorama Trail, Building 1, Ste 120C Rochester, NY 14625 Phone: (585) 383-0350 Fax: (585) 387-0516 E-mail: Arnie@ResumeSOS.com www.ResumeSOS.com Freddie Cheek, M.S.Ed., CCM, CPRW, CWDP Cheek & Associates 406 Maynard Dr Amherst, NY 14226 Phone: (716) 839-3635 Fax: (716) 831-9320 E-mail: fscheek@adelphia.net www.CheekandCristantello.com Beverley Drake, CEIP, IJCTC, CPRW CareerVision Resume & Job Search Systems 1816 Baihly Hills Dr SW Rochester, MN 55902 Phone: (507) 252-9825 E-mail: careerexpertise@aol.com iv Wendy Gelberg, CPRW, IJCTC 21 Hawthorn Ave Needham, MA 02492 Phone: (781) 444-0778 Fax: (781) 444-2778 E-mail: wgelberg@aol.com Bill Kinser, MRW, CPRW, JCTC, CEIP, CCM To The Point Resumes 4117 Kentmere Sq Fairfax, VA 22030 Phone: (703) 352-8969 Fax: (703) 991-2372 E-mail: bkinser@tothepoint resumes.com www.tothepointresumes.com Deborah Ann Ramos, CPRW Aerobi’s Computerized Typing Service 446 Pelton Ave Staten Island, NY 10310-2132 Phone: (718) 815-4638 Fax: (718) 815-2431 E-mail: aerobi@aol.com www.aerobisresumeservices.com Janice M Shepherd, CPRW, JCTC, CEIP Write On Career Keys Bellingham, WA 98226 Phone: (360) 738-7958 Fax: (360) 738-1189 E-mail: janice@writeoncareerkeys.com www.writeoncareerkeys.com Edward Turilli, MA Director, Career Development Center Salve Regina University ARC—Anthem Résumé and Career Services 918 Lafayette Rd North Kingstown, RI 02852 Phone: (401) 268-3020 Fax: (401) 341-2994 E-mail: turillie@salve.edu www.salve.edu/office_careerdev frontmatter.qxp 2/4/2005 9:14 AM Page v Contents Dedication and Acknowledgments iii Resume and Cover Letter Contributors iv About This Edition x Introduction xi PART CHOOSING AND PLANNING A HEALTH-CARE CAREER 1 The Health-Care Field: Where the Jobs Are Employment Sites Employment Opportunities 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 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 frontmatter.qxp 2/4/2005 vi 9:14 AM Page vi Contents PART HEALTH PROFESSIONALISM 41 The Health-Care Professional 43 Your Education 43 The Professional as a Helper 46 The Professional’s Personal Life 47 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 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 PART THE JOB SEARCH 59 Preparing for Your Job Search 61 Defining Your Goals 61 Identifying Prospective Employers 63 Finding a Job 70 Your Resume 70 Your Cover Letter 77 Job Applications 82 Job Examinations 82 The Interview 83 frontmatter.qxp 2/4/2005 9:14 AM Page vii Contents vii PART HEALTH-CARE CAREER DESCRIPTIONS AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS 87 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 frontmatter.qxp 2/4/2005 viii 9:14 AM Page 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 frontmatter.qxp 2/4/2005 9:14 AM Page ix 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 APPENDICES 425 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 General Sources 439 Web Sources 440 Journals 442 Index 443 Appendix B.qxp 2/4/2005 438 10:06 AM Page 438 Appendices Registered Medical Assistants of the American Medical Technologists 710 Higgins Rd Park Ridge, IL 60068 www.amt1.com/ Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals 1500 Sunday Dr Ste 102 Raleigh, NC 27607 www.sicp.com/ Society for Vascular Ultrasound 4601 Presidents Dr Ste 260 Lanham, MD 20706 www.svunet.org/ Society of Nuclear Medicine 1830 Samuel Morse Dr Reston, VA 20190 http://interactive.snm.org/ Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers 2745 Dallas Pkwy Plano, TX 75093 www.sdms.org/ Sociological Practice Association Department of Sociology and Anthropology St Cloud State University St Cloud, MN 56301 www.socpractice.org/ Appendix C.qxp 2/4/2005 10:07 AM Page 439 Appendix C Job Search Resources To secure the most appropriate position, you should focus your efforts on more than one source of information Thus, it is advisable to make use of general sources, journals, and the Internet to learn what positions are available and most appropriate for your needs General Sources This section lists a variety of general reference sources, such as handbooks and directories, in several fields They are organized alphabetically ALA Handbook of Organization and Membership Directory American Library Association 50 E Huron St Chicago, IL 60611 www.ala.org/ala/ProductsandPublications/ Products_and_Publications.htm American Library Directory R.R Bowker Co 121 Chanlon Rd New Providence, NJ 07904 www.americanlibrarydirectory.com/ AMO Directory Group Health Association of America 1129 20th St NW Washington, DC 20036 Billan’s Hospital Blue Book 2100 Powers Ferry Rd Atlanta, GA 30339 www.billianshealthdata.com/ Blue Book Digest of HMOs National Association of Employers on Health Care Action 420 Clandon Blvd Suite 110 P.O Box 220 Key Biscayne, FL 33149 Directory of Accredited Laboratories American Association for Laboratory Accreditation 656 Quince Orchard Rd Gaithersburg, MD 20878 www.a2la.org/ Directory of Community Blood Bank Centers The American Association of Blood Banks 8101 Glenbrook Rd Bethesda, MD 20814 Directory of Medical Library Associates Medical Library Association N Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60602 www.mlanet.org/ Directory of Nursing Homes Oryx Press 4041 N Central 700 Phoenix, AZ 85012 www.greenwood.com/ Encyclopedia of Medical Organizations and Agencies Gale Research, Inc 835 Penobscot Building Detroit, MI 48226 www.gale.com/ 439 Appendix C.qxp 2/4/2005 10:07 AM 440 Page 440 Appendices Federal Career Opportunities Federal Research Services, Inc 243 Church St New York, NY www.fedjobs.com/ Medical Laboratory Directory U.S Directory Service Publishers 655 128th St NW P.O Box 68-1700 Miami, FL 33168 Federal Jobs Digest 325 Pennsylvania Ave SE Washington, DC 20003 www.jobsfed.com/ NMTCB Directory Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board 2970 Clairmont Rd Atlanta, GA 30329 www.nmtcb.org/ Freestanding Outpatient Surgery Career Directory SMG Marketing Group, Inc 1342 N La Salle Dr Chicago, IL 60610 www.employerhealth.com/ Hospitals Directory American Business Directories, Inc 5711 S 86th Circle Omaha, NE 68127 www.infousa.com/ International Cytogenetic Laboratory Directory Association of Genetic Technologists 616 S Orchard Dr Burbank, CA 91506 www.agt-info.org/ Laboratories—Medical Directories American Business Information, Inc 5711 S 86th Circle Omaha, NE 68127 www.infousa.com/ Occupational Handbook Outlook, 2004–2005 U.S Department of Labor Published by JIST Works, Inc 8902 Otis Ave Indianapolis, IN 46216 www.jist.com/ Organization of Medical Record Departments in Hospitals American Hospital Publishing, Inc 737 N Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60611 www.ahaonlinestore.com/ The City-County Recruiter and The State Recruiter P.O Box 2400, Station B Lincoln, NE 68502 Web Sources The following are some Web sites devoted to health-care careers (thanks to Wendy Enelow and Louise Kursmark, who compiled this list for their book, Expert Resumes for Health Care Careers): Site Name URL Absolutely Health Care Academic Physician & Scientist All Nurses American Medical Association (JAMA) Aureus Medical CareerBuilder Health Jobs CompHealth Cross Country TravCorps Emergency Medicine and Primary Care Home Page www.healthjobsUSA.com/ www.acphysci.com/aps.htm www.allnurses.com/ www.ama-assn.org/cgi-bin/webad/ www.aureusmed.com/ www.healthopps.com/ www.comphealth.com/ www.crosscountrytravcorps.com/ www.embbs.com/ Appendix C.qxp 2/4/2005 10:07 AM Page 441 Appendix C: Job Search Resources Employmed GreatNurse Great Valley Publishing Healthcare Consultants (pharmacy staffing) HealthCare Hub Health Care Job Store Health Care Jobs Online Health Care Recruitment Online HealthcareSource HealthCareerWeb HealthECareers HealthJobSite.com Health Leaders Health Network USA HireHealth Hospital Jobs OnLine HospitalLink Hot Nurse Jobs J Allen & Associates (physician jobs) Legal Nurse.com (National Certification for Legal Nurse Consultants) LocumTenens.com (physician jobs) MedCAREERS MedHunters.com Medical-AdMart MedicalJobSpot MedJump Medzilla Monster Health Care NP Jobs (jobs for Nurse Practitioners) Nurse Recruiter.com NurseVillage.com Nursing Spectrum PeerCentral Pharmaceutical Company Database Physicians Employment PhysicianWork PracticeChoice RehabJobsOnline rnjobs.com RTjobs.com Rx Career Center 441 www.employmed.com/ www.greatnurse.com/ www.gvpub.com/ www.pharmacy-staffing.com/ www.healthcarehub.com/ www.healthcarejobstore.com/ www.hcjobsonline.com/ www.healthcareers-online.com/ www.HealthcareSource.com/ www.healthcareerweb.com/ www.healthecareers.com/ www.healthjobsite.com/ www.HealthLeaders.com/ www.hnusa.com/ www.hirehealth.com/ www.hospitaljobsonline.com/jobsearch.aspx www.hospitallink.com/ www.hotnursejobs.com/ www.NHRphysician.com/ www.legalnurse.com/ www.locumtenens.com/ www.medcareers.com/ www.medhunters.com/ www.medical-admart.com/ www.medicaljobspot.com/ www.medjump.com/ www.medzilla.com/ www.monsterhealthcare.com/ www.npjobs.com/ www.nurse-recruiter.com/ www.nursevillage.com/ www.nursingspectrum.com/ www.peercentral.com/ www.coreynahman.com/ pharmaceutical_company_database.html www.physemp.com/ www.physicianwork.com/ www.practicechoice.com/ www.rehabjobs.com/ www.rnjobs.com/ www.rtjobs.com/ www.rxcareercenter.com/ Appendix C.qxp 2/4/2005 10:07 AM 442 Page 442 Appendices Journals Many journals carry help-wanted ads Listed here are several such journals, arranged alphabetically You can find journals like these in the libraries of most medical schools and universities AABB News Information Today Acta Cytology Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism Aium Newsletter Journal of Computer Assisted Topography American Clinical Laboratory Journal of Histotechnology American Clinical Laboratory News Journal of Nuclear Medical Technology American Heart Journal Journal of Nuclear Medicine American Journal of Health Promotion Journal of the American Record Association American Journal of Public Health Journal of the American Society of Eco-Cardiography American Journal of Surgery Journal of Ultrasound Medicine American Libraries Laboratory Medicine American Society of Extra-Corporal Technology Magnetic Resonance Medicine Annals of Surgery Medical Electronic Equipment News Applied Cyto-Genetics Medical Electronic Products Applied Radiology Medical Imaging & Therapy Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine MLA News Archives of Surgery Nursing ASHA Nursing Economics Biomedical Engineering Optometry Blood Banking Perfusion Life Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Technology Perfusionist Clinical EEG Pharmacy Clinical Imaging Pharmacy Times Clinical Medical Laboratories Radiological Technology Clinical Nuclear Medicine Radiology Computerized Medical Imaging and Graphics Radiology and Nuclear Medicine CP Digest Review of Optometry Cyto-Technology & Histotechnology Sonography Cytotenetry Speech & Hearing Emergency Medicine Surgery Emergency Medicine Services Surgical Rounds Health and Social Work Surgical Technologist Health Education Transfusion Information Manager Vision Monday Information Science–Medical Records Index_.qxp 2/7/2005 3:47 PM Page 443 Index A accountability, 48 accreditation, 30 ACT (American College Testing), 32, 40 acute hospitals, adjustment, patients, 51–52 administrative careers admitting officers, 17, 353–355 coordinators of health wellness, 17, 355–357 directors of hospital public relations, 17, 357–359 directors of nursing home activities, 17, 359–361 directors of quality assurance, 17, 361–363 directors of volunteer services, 17, 363–365 geriatric care managers, 17, 365–366 health services administrators, 18, 410–411 admissions exams, 32–34, 427–431 Dental Admission Test (DAT), 428 Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), 430–431 Graduate Record Examination (GRE), 429–430 Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), 427–428 Miller Analogies Test (MAT), 431 Optometry Admission Test (OAT), 429 Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT), 428–429 preparation, 33–34 admitting officers, 17, 353–355 adolescent patients, 56–57 adult patients, 57 Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals, 433 ambulance services, American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants, 433 American Academy of Cardiovascular Perfusion, 433 American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists, 433 American Academy of Physician Assistants, 433 American Art Therapy Association, Inc., 433 American Association for Respiratory Care, 433 American Association of Blood Banks, 433 American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, 433 American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, 433 American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine, 433 American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, 433 443 Index_.qxp 2/7/2005 444 3:47 PM Page 444 Index American Association of Medical Assistants, 433 American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, 433 American Association of Pharmacy Technicians, 433 American Chiropractic American College of Health Care Administrators, 434 American College of Healthcare Executives, 434 American College of Nurse Practitioners, 434 American College of Nurse-Midwives, 434 American College Testing (ACT), 32, 40 American Dance Therapy Association, Inc., 434 American Dental Assistants Association, 434 American Dental Association, 434 American Dental Hygienists’ Association, 434 American Dietetic Association, 434 American Health Care Association, 434 American Health Information Management Association, 434 American Horticultural Therapy Association, 434 American Hospital Association, 434 American Medical Association, 434 American Medical Student Association, 434 American Medical Technologists, 434 American Medical Women’s Association, 434 American Medical Writers Association, 434 American Music Therapy Association, Inc., 434 American Nurses’ Association, 435 American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc., 435 American Optometric Association, 435 American Orthoptic Council, 435 American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association, 435 American Osteopathic Association, 435 American Pharmacists Association, 435 American Physical Therapy Association, 435 American Podiatric Medical Association, 435 American Public Health Association, 435 American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, 435 American Society for Clinical Pathology, 435 American Society for Hospital Public Relations, 435 American Society of Cytopathology, 435 American Society of Echocardiography, 435 American Society of Electroneurodiagnostic Technologists, Inc., 435 American Society of Extra-Corporeal Technology, 435 American Society of Radiologic Technologists, 435 American Sociological Association, 435 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 435 American Veterinary Medical Association, 436 anesthesiologist assistants, 15, 18, 178–179 anesthesiology careers anesthesiologist assistants, 15, 18, 178–179 nurse anesthetists, 15, 117, 144–149 applications jobs, 82 school, 31–33 Application Tracking Record worksheet, 32 Applied Cytogenetics, 64 apprenticeship programs, 14 aptitude tests, 33–34 Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, 64 art therapists, 16, 284–288 Association for Gerontology in Higher Education, 436 Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, 436 Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired, 436 Association of American Medical Colleges, 436 Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, 436 Association of Independent Colleges and Schools (AICS), 28 Association of Medical Illustrators, 436 Index_.qxp 2/7/2005 3:47 PM Page 445 Index Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, 436 Association of Surgical Technologists, 436 attitude education, 44–45 patients, 54 audiologists, B benefits, 66 Biocommunications Association, 436 Biomedical Engineering Society, 436 biomedical engineers, 17–19, 367–372 biomedical equipment technicians, 17, 372–376 Biomedical Instrumentation and Technology, 64 biomedical photographers, 17, 376–377 biomedical writers, 17–18, 377–379 blood bank technologists and specialists, 15, 179–182 blood banks, body of cover letters, 77 brevity of resumes, 71 Bureau of Labor Statistics, C cardiovascular medicine careers cardiovascular technology personnel, 15, 182–186 perfusionists, 16, 264–266 phlebotomists, 16, 272–273 pulmonary function technologists, 16, 274–275 respiratory therapists, 17, 333–335 respiratory therapy aides, 17, 335–336 respiratory therapy technicians, 17, 336 cardiovascular technology personnel, 15, 182–186 Career Interest List worksheet, 22 career planning, 1–2 445 careers, choosing, 10–27 characteristics checklist, 11–12 confirming choice, 23–27 personal attributes, 26–27 self-evaluation, 23–26 health care, 11–13 occupation groups, 13–19 careers, expanding, careers, identifying, 19–23 facility visits, 21 reading, in-depth, 21 volunteer experience, 23 work experience, 23 caring for self, 47 categorization process, 14–19 certified athletic trainers, 2, 17–18, 379–389 characteristics checklist, 11–12 Characteristics of Your Ideal Position worksheet, 62 Child Life Council, Inc., 436 child life specialists, 17, 389–390 children as patients, 56 chiropractors, 15, 18, 89–92 clarity of resumes, 72 clinical education, 45–46 clinical laboratories, clinical laboratory technicians, 15, 81, 186–187 clinical laboratory technologists, 15, 188–189 closing interviews, 86 closings in cover letters, 77 College Scholarship Service (CSS), 40 colleges, 14, 29–31 communication skills, 44, 53–54 community colleges, 29 community mental health centers, content of resumes, 70–71 coordinators of health wellness, 17, 355–357 Council on Chiropractic Education, 436 Council on Social Work Education, 436 cover letters, 77–81 elements of, 77 samples, 77–81 Index_.qxp 2/7/2005 446 3:47 PM Page 446 Index CP News, 64 CSS (College Scholarship Service), 40 cultural influences, 54–55 cytotechnologists, 15, 189–195 D dance/movement therapists, 16, 289–291 DAT (Dental Admission Test), 33, 428 database services, 65 Defining Your Career Choices worksheet, 27 Dental Admission Test (DAT), 33, 428 dental assistants, 15, 196–205 dental careers dental assistants, 15, 196–205 dental hygienists, 15, 117–129 dental laboratory technicians, 15, 205–208 dental hygienists, 15, 117–129 dental laboratories, dental laboratory technicians, 15, 205–208 dentists, 15, 18, 89, 92–97 diagnostic medical sonographers, 15, 208–212 diagnostic technology careers diagnostic medical sonographers, 15, 208–212 electroencephalograph technicians, 15, 215–216 electroencephalograph technologists, 15, 216–219 dietary managers, 17, 19, 390–394 Dietary Managers Association, 436 dietetic careers dietary managers, 17, 19, 390–394 dietetic technicians, 15, 212–215 dietitians, 15, 18, 117, 130–137 food service workers, 17, 397–399 food technologists, 15, 224–227 nutritionists, 15, 117, 155–158 dietetic technicians, 15, 212–215 dietitians, 15, 18, 117, 130–137 directors of hospital public relations, 17, 357–359 directors of nursing home activities, 17, 359–361 directors of quality assurance, 17, 361–363 directors of volunteer services, 17, 363–365 E education and training, 28–40, 43–46, 66 accreditation, 30 admission tests, 33–34 applications, 31–33 aptitude tests, 33–34 attitude, 44–45 clinical, 45–46 communication skills, 44 financial aid, 34–40 applications, 39–40 eligibility, 40 sources, 36–39 grants, 35 instruction and management skills, 44 loans, 36 prerequisites, 30 professional skills, 43–44 program choices, 29–31 research skills, 44 scholarships, 35 school characteristics, 30 site visits, 30–31 sources, 28–29 stipends, 36 technical skills, 44 theoretical knowledge, 43 work-study programs, 36 elderly patients, 57–58 electroencephalograph technicians, 15, 215–216 electroencephalograph technologists, 15, 216–219 emergency medical technicians, 15, 18, 219–223 employers, prospective, 63–69 database services, 65 employment agencies, 64–65 executive recruiters, 64–65 Internet, 65 Index_.qxp 2/7/2005 3:47 PM Page 447 Index networking, 66 professional organizations and journals, 63–64 want ads, 63 employment agencies, 64–65 employment opportunities, 6–9 employment sites, 4–6 Endocrinology, 64 Enelow, Wendy S., 72, 440 engineering careers biomedical engineers, 17–19, 367–372 biomedical equipment technicians, 17, 372–376 environmental health scientists, 17–19, 394–397 examinations, job, 82–83 executive recruiters, 64–65 expanding careers, Expert Resumes for Health Care Careers, 72, 440 eye-care careers ophthalmic assistants, 16, 245–247 ophthalmic laboratory technicians, 16, 247–249 ophthalmic technicians, 16, 249–251 ophthalmic technologists, 16, 251–253 opticians, 16, 253–256 optometric assistants, 16, 256–258 optometric technicians, 16, 258–259 optometrists, 15, 18, 89, 97–100 orthoptists, 16, 259–261 F facility and service expansion, facility visits, 21 family planning centers, fast-growing occupations, Federal Career Opportunities, 64 Federal Jobs Digest, 64 financial aid, 34–40 applications, 39–40 eligibility, 40 sources, 36–39 447 fitness trainers and aerobics instructors, following up after interviews, 86 food service workers, 17, 397–399 food technologists, 15, 224–227 Foundation for the Blind, 436 G Gallery of Best Cover Letters, 77 genetic counseling centers, genetic counselors, 15, 18, 117, 137–142 geographic location, geriatric care managers, 17, 365–366 geriatric social workers, 17, 399–401 GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test), 33, 430–431 goals, defining, 61–63 government funding, government health agencies, government hospitals, Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), 33, 430–431 Graduate Record Examination (GRE), 33, 429–430 graduate schools, 14 grants, 35 GRE (Graduate Record Examination), 33, 429–430 growth in industry, 3–4 H health educators, 17–18, 401–403 health information careers biomedical photographers, 17, 376–377 biomedical writers, 17–18, 377–379 health information technicians, 2, 17, 403–410 health sciences librarians, 17, 19, 407–410 medical illustrators, 17, 416–417 medical secretaries, 17, 418–420 patient representatives, 16, 314–315 health information technicians, 2, 17, 403–410 Index_.qxp 2/7/2005 448 3:47 PM Page 448 Index health maintenance organizations (HMOs), 5, health practitioner careers chiropractors, 15, 18, 89–92 dentists, 15, 18, 89, 92–97 emergency medical technicians, 15, 18, 219–223 medical assistants, 2, 15, 229–236 pharmacists, 15, 18, 117, 158–163 pharmacy technicians, 16, 76, 266–272 physician assistants, 2, 15, 18, 80, 117, 164–170 physicians, 15, 18, 89, 100–110 podiatrists, 15, 18, 89, 110–113 surgeon assistants, 15, 18, 117, 174–176 veterinarians, 15, 89, 113–116 veterinary assistants, 16, 828–283 health practitioner offices, health sciences librarians, 17, 19, 407–410 health services administrators, 18, 410–411 health sociologists, 17, 411–413 helping relationships, 46–47 histology technicians, 16, 227–229 HMOs (health maintenance organizations), 5, home care aides, home health aides, 2, 7, 16, 291–293 home health-care agencies, horticultural therapists, 16, 293–295 hospital programs, 29 hospitalization impact, 49–50 hospitals, I industrial organizations, industry growth, 3–4 infant patients, 56 inpatient facilities, 4–5 hospitals, residential facilities, special, senior residences, 4–5 Institute of Food Technologists, 436 instruction and management skills, 44 instructors for the blind, 17–18, 413–414 Internet job searches, 65 interviews, 83–86 closing, 86 follow-ups, 86 preparation, 84 questions to ask, 85 tips for success, 85 J job applications, 82 job searches, 59, 61–69 applications, 82 database services, 65 employment agencies, 64–65 examinations, 82–83 executive recruiters, 64–65 goals, 61–63 Internet, 65 networking, 66 professional organizations and journals, 63–64, 433–438, 442 resources, 439–442 salaries, 66–69, 84 want ads, 63 Web sites, 440–441 Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology, 436 Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology, 64 Journal of the AMRA, 64 Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, 64 journals, professional, 63–64, 442 Junior Engineering Technology Society, 436 K–L Kursmark, Louise M., 72, 440 laboratory medicine careers blood bank technologists and specialists, 15, 179–182 clinical laboratory technicians, 15, 81, 186–187 Index_.qxp 2/7/2005 3:47 PM Page 449 Index clinical laboratory technologists, 15, 188–189 cytotechnologists, 15, 189–195 histology technicians, 16, 227–229 licensed practical nurses, 15, 18, 73, 79, 117, 142–144 loans, education, 36 long-term hospitals, M Magazine Industry Marketplace, 64 MAT (Miller Analogies Test), 33, 431 MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test), 33, 427–428 Medical Library Association, 437 medical and psychiatric social workers, 17–18, 414–416 medical assistants, 2, 7, 15, 229–236 Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), 33, 427–428 medical illustrators, 17, 416–417 medical records and health information technicians, 7, 78 medical secretaries, 17, 418–420 mental health assistants, 16, 236–238 mental health careers mental health assistants, 16, 236–238 mental health workers, 17, 420–423 psychiatric aides, 16, 324–326 mental health workers, 17, 420–423 migrant health centers, Miller Analogies Test (MAT), 33, 431 minorities in health services, 8–9 music therapists, 16, 295–299 N National Academy of Opticianry, 437 National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service, Inc., 437 National Association of Activity Professionals, 437 National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors, 437 449 National Association of Dental Laboratories, 437 National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, 437 National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, 437 National Association of Social Workers, 437 National Association of Substance Abuse Trainers and Educators, 437 National Association of Trade and Technical Schools (NATTS), 28 National Athletic Trainers’ Association, 437 National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, 437 National Environmental Health Association, 437 National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses, Inc., 437 National League for Nursing, 437 National Recreation and Park Association, 437 National Rehabilitation Counseling Association, 437 National Society for Histotechnology, 437 National Society of Genetic Counselors, 437 neighborhood health centers, network systems and data communications analysts, networking, 48, 66 Noble, David F., 77 nonverbal skills, 54 nuclear medicine technologists, 16, 238–244 nurse anesthetists, 15, 117, 144–149 nurse practitioners, 15, 18, 117, 154–155 nurse-midwifes, 15, 18, 117, 150–153 nurse’s aides, 16, 244–245 nursing careers licensed practical nurses, 15, 18, 73, 79, 117, 142–144 nurse practitioners, 15, 18, 117, 154–155 nurse-midwifes, 15, 18, 117, 150–153 nurse’s aides, 16, 244–245 registered nurses, 15, 18, 117, 170–174 surgical technologists, 16, 280–281 nutritionists, 15, 117, 155–158 Index_.qxp 2/7/2005 450 3:47 PM Page 450 Index O OAT (Optometry Admission Test), 33, 429 occupation groups, choosing, 13–19 categorization, 14–19 confirming, 14–19 high school preparation, 13 post–high school preparation, 14 occupational therapists, 16, 299–307 occupational therapy assistants, 2, 7, 16, 307–313 occupations, fast-growing, on-the-job training,14 openings of cover letters, 77 ophthalmic assistants, 16, 245–247 ophthalmic laboratory technicians, 16, 247–249 ophthalmic technicians, 16, 249–251 ophthalmic technologists, 16, 251–253 opportunities for employment, 6–9 optical centers, opticians, 16, 253–256 Opticians Association of America, 437 optometric assistants, 16, 256–258 optometric technicians, 16, 258–259 optometrists, 15, 18, 89, 97–100 Optometry Admission Test (OAT), 33, 429 organization, 54 organizations, professional, 63–64, 433–438 orthoptists, 16, 259–261 orthotists and prosthetists, 16, 261–264 outpatient facilities, 5–6 outpatients, 52 P patient representatives, 16, 314–315 patients, 49–52 adjustment, 51–52 adolescents, 56–57 adults, 57 children, 56 elderly, 57–58 hospitalization impact, 49–50 infants, 56 outpatients, 52 post-hospitalization anxiety, 51 privileges, 50–51 relationships with, 53–58 status, 50 young, 56–57 PCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test), 33, 428–429 perfusionists, 16, 264–266 personal attributes, 26–27 personal life, 47–48 Personal Self-Assessment worksheet, 26 pharmacists, 15, 18, 117, 158–163 Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT), 33, 428–429 pharmacy technicians, 16, 76, 266–272 phlebotomists, 16, 272–273 physical therapist aides, physical therapist assistants, 2, 7, 16, 74, 323–324 physical therapists, 16, 315–323 physician assistants, 2, 7, 15, 18, 80, 117, 164–170 physicians, 15, 18, 89, 100–110 podiatrists, 15, 18, 89, 110–113 poison control centers, post-graduate training, 29 post-hospitalization anxiety, 51 prerequisites, educational, 30 presentation of resumes, 72 privileges, patient, 50–51 professional health organizations, 6, 63–64, 433–438 professional journals, 63–64, 442 professional organizations, 63–64, 433–438 professional skills, 43–44 professionalism, 41 cultural influences, 54–55 education, 43–46 helping relationships, 46–47 maintaining, 55–56 patient relationships, 53–58 Index_.qxp 2/7/2005 3:47 PM Page 451 Index patient understanding, 49–52 personal life, 47–48 teamwork, 47 program choices, schools, 29–31 proprietary hospitals, prosthetists, 261–264 psychiatric aides, 16, 324–326 public health careers environmental health scientists, 17–19, 394–397 genetic counselors, 15, 18, 117, 137–142 health educators, 17–18, 401–403 health sociologists, 17, 411–413 pulmonary function technologists, 16, 274–275 Q–R questions to ask interviewers, 85 radiation therapy technologists, 16, 275–277 radiological technologists, 16, 75, 277–279 Radiological Technology, 64 radiology careers nuclear medicine technologists, 16, 238–244 radiation therapy technologists, 16, 275–277 radiological technologists, 16, 75, 277–279 reading, in-depth, 21 recreational therapists, 16, 326–328 Registered Medical Assistants of the American Medical Technologists, 438 registered nurses, 15, 18, 117, 170–174 rehabilitation careers certified athletic trainers, 2, 17–18, 379–389 child life specialists, 17, 389–390 geriatric social workers, 17, 399–401 instructors for the blind, 17–18, 413–414 medical and psychiatric social workers, 17–18, 414–416 rehabilitation counselors, 16, 328–333 social service aides, 2, 17, 337–338 substance abuse counselors, 17, 347–352 rehabilitation centers, 451 rehabilitation counselors, 16, 328–333 rehabilitation therapy careers art therapists, 16, 284–288 dance/movement therapists, 16, 289–291 home health aides, 2, 16, 291–293 horticultural therapists, 16, 293–295 music therapists, 16, 295–299 occupational therapists, 16, 299–307 occupational therapy assistants, 2, 16, 307–313 orthotists and prosthetists, 16, 261–264 physical therapists, 16, 315–323 physical therapy assistants, 2, 16, 323–324 recreational therapists, 16, 326–328 speech-language pathologists and audiologists, 2, 17, 339–347 research skills, 44 residential facilities, special, respiratory therapists, 17, 333–335 respiratory therapy aides, 17, 335–336 respiratory therapy technicians, 17, 336 resumes, 70–76 brevity, 71 clarity, 72 content, 70–71 presentation, 72 samples, 72–76 target positions, 71 word choice, 71 S salaries, 66–69, 84 salutations in cover letters, 77 sample cover letters, 77–81 sample resumes, 72–76 SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test), 32 scholarships, 35 school applications, 31–33 school characteristics, 30 School Information worksheet, 31 self-evaluation, 23–26 Self-Evaluation Protocol worksheet, 24–25 Index_.qxp 2/7/2005 452 3:47 PM Page 452 Index senior residences, 4–5 service expansion, site visits, 30 The Six Groups of Career Options worksheet, 19–21 social and human service assistants, social service aides, 2, 17, 337–338 Society for Vascular Ultrasound, 438 Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, 438 Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals, 438 Society of Nuclear Medicine, 438 Sociological Practice Association, 438 sources of education, 28–29 sources of financial aid, 36–39 specialty hospitals, speech-language pathologists and audiologists, 2, 17, 339–347 Standard & Poor, 65 status of patients, 50 stipends, 36 substance abuse counselors, 17, 347–352 surgeon assistants, 15, 18, 117, 174–176 The Surgical Technologist, 64 surgical technologists, 16, 280–281 T target positions, 71 teamwork, 47 technical skills, 44 technological advances, theoretical knowledge, 43 training programs, 14 U The Ultimate Job Finder, 65 universities, 29 U.S Department of Labor, 1, V verbal skills, 53–54 Veterans’ Administration hospitals, veterinarians, 15, 89, 113–116 veterinary assistants, 16, 828–283 visiting schools, 30–31 vocabulary, 53 vocational-technical schools, 14, 28–29 voluntary health promotion agencies, voluntary hospitals, volunteer experience, 23 W–Z want ads, 63 Web sites for job searches, 440–441 women in health services, 8–9 word choice in resumes, 71 work experience, 23 work-study programs, 36 ... 2/4/2005 9:14 AM Page i 100 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... 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... you to find job openings, create an effective resume, handle applications and examinations, and hone your interview skills Finally, Part contains detailed descriptions of the top 100 allied health-care