Nature of the Work

Radiology technicians are a vital part of health care teams across the U.S., and their services are in demand in a variety of medical settings. Radiology technicians also specialize in a number of areas under the umbrella of diagnostic imaging.

Radiologic technicians, sometimes referred to as radiographers, produce x-ray films (radiographs) of parts of the human body for use in diagnosing medical problems. They prepare patients for radiologic examinations by explaining the procedure, removing jewelry and other articles through which x rays cannot pass, and positioning patients so that the parts of the body can be appropriately radiographed. To prevent unnecessary exposure to radiation, these workers surround the exposed area with radiation protection devices, such as lead shields, or limit the size of the x-ray beam. Radiographers position radiographic equipment at the correct angle and height over the appropriate area of a patient’s body. Using instruments similar to a measuring tape they may measure the thickness of the section to be radiographed and set controls on the x-ray machine to produce radiographs of the appropriate density, detail, and contrast.

In addition to preparing patients and operating equipment, radiologic technologists and technicians keep patient records and adjust and maintain equipment. They also may prepare work schedules, evaluate purchases of equipment, or manage a radiology department.

Work Environment

Most full-time radiologic technologists and technicians work about 40 hours a week. They may, however, have evening, weekend, or on-call hours. Some radiologic technologists and technicians work part time for more than one employer; for those, travel to and from facilities must be considered. (continue reading…)

Radiology technicians are a vital part of health care teams across the U.S., and their services are in demand in a variety of medical settings. Radiology technicians also specialize in a number of areas under the umbrella of diagnostic imaging.

Before radiology tech students can take clinical courses or take their state’s radiology tech certification exam, becoming an radiology tech requires you to first complete your radiology tech general education requirements which can be completed online through a number of associates and bachelors health care degree programs.

Below you will find reviews of the best online health care schools and links to the programs that they offer. Request free information packets from these top online radiology technician schools to help you make the right decision. (continue reading…)

Pharmacy technicians assist licensed pharmacists in providing prescription drugs to patients by preparing, measuring, and labeling medications. Further, they deal with patient inquiries, and perform important clerical tasks at the pharmacy. Pharmacy technicians may work in retail pharmacies, or in hospitals and assisted living facilities. Educational and training requirements vary by employer. Some companies provide on-the-job training for technicians, while others require an associate’s degree or a certificate in a pharmacy technician program. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for pharmacy technicians are expected to increase by 32 percent between the years 2006 and 2016. This is well above the average job growth rate.

Job Description

Simply put, pharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists fill prescriptions. A qualified pharmacy tech needs to know much more than how to count medication. As their role expands, pharmacy technician career opportunities increase, and the outlook for employment in the field is very strong. This means that now is an excellent time to become a pharmacy technician.

Pharmacy Technician Career Outlook

The need for pharmacy techs is increasing. Retailers are expanding their pharmaceutical services, and scientific advancements continue.

Job opportunities for pharmacy technicians are expected to be good, especially for those with previous experience, formal training, or certification. Job openings will result from employment growth, as well as the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. (continue reading…)

Median annual wages of dental assistants were $35,380 in November 2009. The middle 50 percent earned between $29,980 and $42,960. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,270, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $51,150.

Benefits vary substantially by practice setting and may be contingent upon full-time employment. According to a 2009 survey conducted by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), 86 percent of Certified Dental Assistants (CDA) reported receiving paid vacation from their employers, and more than half of CDAs received health benefits.

Dental Assistant Job Description

So what exactly to do dental assistants do for a living? A lot it turns out. They fill a wide variety of roles in the dental office. Some of these include preparing patients for dental procedures, ensuring the sterility of the dental environment, assisting dentists during procedures by providing tools and materials, working with suppliers to schedule deliveries, helping patients schedule appointments, teaching patients about proper oral health, and taking patient x-rays. With all those roles being filled by dental assistants, it’s hard to imagine any dental office could function without them. This broad range of responsibilities also leads to a diverse and interesting work experience. (continue reading…)

Medical Billing: Career Information

Medical billing is the practice of submitting claims to Insurance companies or the United States government, specifically Medicare in order to receive payment for services provided to a patient by a medical doctor or other licensed health care provider. Medical billers usually work away from the public eye in the claims processing office, or in the billing department of a medical office, clinic or hospital. Their work hours consist of forty regular office hours from Monday through Friday.

Medical billers not only review charge slips and track payments, they also analyze records to produce customized reports that show profitability or areas in need of improvement. Such reports are critical when decisions need to be made on renewing and negotiating contracts. They also advise physicians of fee structure changes, new coding practices, and ways to improve the office’s bottom line. Most medical billers also handle the offices dictation transcription. This saves the medical office money and allows the healthcare providers to comply with the strict HCFA rules, which mandate clarity of all Medicare claims.

The medical biller’s training is extensive because of the many responsibilities and duties involved. Those entering into this field should consider enrolling in a medical coding and billing training program that’s approved by the US Department of Education. This could be a vocational training institution in the local area or via a distance education course online.

Medical Billing Salary

There are many factors that may influence your medical billing and coding salary. Your geographic location, for instance, can play a big part in your level of compensation. In areas where the cost of living is higher and the local economy is thriving, medical coding salaries may be higher. (continue reading…)