Transcript Document

Northeast Ohio
Healthforce
Employment Network
Presents:
A look at …
Changes in health and financial policies are significantly impacting the delivery of health care. In response,
community leaders are assessing their local health system. We participate in community planning efforts and
leadership development to optimize the local and regional assets that contribute to better health care delivery.
This is one step in our mission to improve the health of our communities by developing a quality allied health
workforce and helping address unmet health needs.
The question most asked is …What is Allied Health???
The following pages are being presented to hopefully answer some of the
questions you may have about Allied Health Careers.
What career areas are covered under Allied Health?
What are the duties associated with theses careers?
What is the average salary range?
What education or training is required and who offers the program
in our area?
What kind of person makes a good Allied Health
Care Worker?
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Allied Health Occupations
Medical Assistants and Patient Care Technicians
Dietician/Nutritionist or Registered Dietician
Technician
Respiratory Therapists
Radiologic Technologist/Ultrasound Tech./ Nuclear
Med. Tech
Dental Assistants and Dental Hygienists
EMTs and Paramedics
Clinical Lab Technologist, Clinical Laboratory
Scientist, and Histotechnologist
Surgical Technician
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Medical Assistant and Patient Care Technician
Job Title: Medical Assistant
Summary:
Assists doctors in the examination and treatment of patients, performs routine tasks to ensure offices are running efficiently.
Typical duties may vary by state law but usually include:
•Takes and records vital signs and medical histories
•Explains treatment procedures
•Prepares patients for exam
•Assists during examination
•Performs basic laboratory tests
•Sterilizes medical instruments
•Answers the telephone
•Greets patients
•Maintains the medical records
•Handles insurance forms, correspondence and the scheduling of
•appointments
Education:
•High school graduate or the equivalent thereof
•Completion of a one or two year medical assisting program
•Certification may be attained through completion of exam sponsored by the American Medical Technologists and the American
Association of Medical Assistants
Average starting salary:
•$21,400
Employment outlook:
Employment opportunities expected to grow by 50% due to the increased medical needs of an aging population, more
diagnostic tests being available and the increase in the complexity of paperwork.
LOTS OF JOBS
AVAILABLE LOCALLY
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Dietitian/Nutritionist
Job Title:
Dietitian/Nutritionist
Summary: Science of applying food and nutrition to health. Manages nutrition care through effective assessment and diagnostic tests.
Typical duties include:
 Integrates and applies principles derived from the sciences of food, nutrition, biochemistry, physiology,
food management and behavior to help and achieve and maintain optimal health status
 Counsels individuals and groups
 Establishes and supervises food services for institutions such as hospitals, prisons and colleges
 Promotes good eating habits through education and research
 Plans menus, develops recipes, analyzes nutrition needs and maintains appropriate food inventories
 Evaluates patient/client dietary histories, determines nutritional needs and oversees development of
dietary plans
Education:
• Bachelor's degree in dietetics or nutrition program and completion of a one-year clinical internship
• Successful completion of an exam to become a Registered Dietitian (RD)
Average starting salary:
• $32,700
Employment outlook:
Employment opportunities available in hospitals, nursing homes, health maintenance organizations, public and home health
agencies, day care centers, health and recreation clubs, government funded programs that feed and counsel families, the
elderly, pregnant women and children and individuals with special needs: colleges, universities, and medical centers
teaching future physicians, nurses, etc. ; government agencies, food and pharmaceutical companies specializing in
research; private practice counseling individuals on weight loss, cholesterol control and a variety of other diet-related
concerns; businesses such as food and nutrition-related industries, consumer affairs and food product development.
Demand is expected to grow particularly in commercial settings such as catering firms, restaurant chains and medical
supply firms.
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Registered Dietetic Technician (RDT)
Job Title:
Registered Dietetic Technician (RDT)
Summary: Assists in shaping food choices and provides nutrition assessment and counseling to persons with illnesses or injuries.
Typical duties include:
•Develops standardized recipes or writes modified diet plans for patients using an approved diet manual
•Screens patients to identify nutrition problems
•Provides patient education and counseling to individuals and groups
•Works with registered dietitians in hospitals, public health, nutrition programs and long-term care facilities
•May also work with schools in the areas of child nutrition and school lunch programs
•Provides nutrition programs for the elderly, food companies, restaurants and food service management
companies
Education:
Completion of an American Dietetic Association (ADA) approved associate degree in dietetic technology
or a bachelor's degree in food and nutrition
Average starting salary:
•$20,000 to $30,000 varying with location, scope of responsibility and supply of RDTs
Employment outlook:
Projected to increase by 44% due to expanding needs of nursing homes, hospitals, retirement and life care
communities as well as varied social service programs. Employment opportunities are also available in
catering firms, restaurant chains, and medical supply firms.
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Respiratory Therapist
Job Title:
Respiratory Therapist
Summary: Specializes in evaluating, treating and caring for patients with breathing disorders. Tests the capacity of the lungs and
analyzes the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration to determine deficiencies. Provides temporary relief to patients with
chronic asthma or emphysema and may provide emergency care for heart failure, stroke, shock or drowning. Patients may
range from premature infants whose lungs are not fully developed to the elderly whose lungs are diseased.
Typical duties include:
•Reviews and collects data to evaluate the appropriateness of prescribed respiratory care
•Selects, assembles and checks all equipment used in providing respiratory care
•Initiates and conducts therapeutic procedures and modifies prescribed therapeutic procedures to
achieve specific objectives
•Maintains patient records and communicates relevant information to other members of the health care
team
•Assists the physician in performing special procedures in a laboratory or operating room
Education:
•Most programs are 2 years in length leading to an associate degree; some baccalaureate programs
available
•Two credentials are available, approved through the National Board of Respiratory Care: Certified
Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
Average starting salary:
•$34,400
Employment outlook:
Expected to remain strong with openings in hospitals, long term care, home health and rehabilitation
centers.
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Radiologic Technologist (Radiographer)
Job Title: Radiologic Technologist (Radiographer)
Summary: Uses high tech equipment to produce images of tissues, organs, bones and vessels of the body as prescribed by physicians to
assist in the diagnosis of disease or injury. Performs procedures that require the use of contrast agents making it possible to
study organs and blood vessels that cannot otherwise be seen.
Typical duties include:
•Applies knowledge of anatomy, physiology, oncologic pathology, radiation biology and treatment planning procedures
in the performance of duties
•Advanced modalities include
•Cardiovascular interventional technologist - uses radiation to produce images to aid in the diagnosis and/or treatment of
vascular disease or other abnormalities such as coronary artery disease (See Cardiovascular Technologist in Diagnostic
Instrumentation section.)
•Computed Tomography Technologist (CT) - uses radiation and a computer to produce cross-sectional images of the
body. May also inject patients with materials that assist in visualizing the images produces.
•Magnetic Resonance Technologist (MRI) - uses radiowaves, magnetic fields and a computer to produce images of body
tissue
•Mammography Technologist - uses radiation for detection of breast disease
•Special Procedures Technologist - with at least three years of diagnostic technologist experience, may perform special
procedures including invasive procedures
Education:
•Programs may be 2-4 years in length depending upon program design, objectives and the degree or
certificate awarded
•Successful completion of an exam administered by American Society of Radiologoic Technologists
Average starting salary:
•From $30,000 to $42,000 depending upon the modality in which the individual specializes
Employment outlook:
Employment growth is expected in the 70% range as new uses are found for imaging technologies that
aid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
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Ultrasound Technologist
(Diagnostic Medical Sonographer)
Job Title:
Ultrasound Technologist (Diagnostic Medical Sonographer)
Summary: Uses non-ionizing equipment to transmit sound waves at high frequencies into the patient's body then collects reflected
echoes to form an image.
Typical duties include:
Selects proper equipment for tests ordered
Explains the procedures to patients and positions for testing
Monitors the screen as the scanning device moves across the body of the patient and notes visual differences between body
parts
Records and files the results of each sonogram
Performs highly skilled procedures such as neuroenchephalgraphy on neonates and arterial and venous vascular procedures
Education:
•One-year certificate program or 2-year associate degree or 4-year bachelor's degree
•American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) offers voluntary certification programs
resulting in certification as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Registered Diagnostic Cardiac
Sonographer, and/or Registered Vascular Technologist
Average starting salary:
•$40,000
Employment outlook:
Employment opportunities expected to grow by 40% due to the increasing importance of this technology in
the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
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Nuclear Medical Technologist
Job Title:
Nuclear Medical Technologist
Summary:
Uses radioactive isotopes and computers to produce images of body tissues to assist in diagnostic
evaluation of anatomic or physiologic conditions.
Typical duties include:
•Uses radiation detective devices and other kinds of laboratory equipment to measure the quantity and
distribution of radionuclides deposited in the patient
•Performs in vivo and in vitro diagnostic procedures
•May participate in research activities
Education:
•Successful completion of a nuclear medicine program (generally one year in length) approved by the
American Medical Association
•Certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
•Certification from the Nuclear Medical Technologists Certification Board
Average starting salary:
•$40,000 depending upon experience and qualifications
Employment outlook:
Employment opportunities expect to grow by more than 50% in response to the increased health care needs
of a growing and aging population.
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Dental Assistant
Job Title:
Dental Assistant
Summary: The Dental Assistant assists dentists in a variety of significant functions during the examination and
treatment of patients.
Typical duties include:
• Chairside assisting duties such as maintaining equipment and supplies, assist in chairside procedures.
•Perform the general duties of an office assistant.
•Perform laboratory procedures such as pouring impressions for study models.
•Perform expanded function duties such as placing restorations.
Education:
Dental Assisting is one of the few health careers in which formal training is preferred but is not required for job entry.
Approximately two-thirds of dental assistants enter the field through informal training in the dental office. Accredited
Dental Assisting programs are available and usually last 9 to 18 months. A graduate of these programs may become a
Certified Dental Assistant by taking and passing the Dental Assisting National Board.
Average starting salary:
Average national salary is approximately $10.00 per hour.
Employment outlook:
More than 200,000 dental assistants are active in the United States. Dentists employ an average of two to three dental
assistants and the number is increasing.
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Dental Hygienist
Job Title:
Registered Dental Hygienist
Summary: Dental Hygienists are important members of the dental health team who work with dentists in providing
dental care to patients.
Typical duties include:
• Patient screening procedures such as a review of the patient’s medical/dental history, oral cancer screening, dental
charting, and taking blood pressures.
•Taking and developing radiographs.
•Removing hard and soft deposits from the teeth.
•Applying sealants and fluoride.
•Teaching patients good oral health practices such as brushing and flossing.
Education:
• Successful completion of a dental hygiene program approved by the American Dental Association Commission on
Accreditation.
•Associate in Applied Science Degree
•Must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and the appropriate Regional Board.
•Be licensed in the state in which you practice.
Average starting salary:
Hourly starting salaries vary by location but generally meet or exceed the national average of $15 to $20 per hour.
Benefits such as paid vacations, paid holidays and he availability of a retirement program influence the houraly
compensation.
Employment outlook:
Dental Hygiene is among the 30 fastest growing health care occupations. It is expected to grow 37% by 2010.
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EMT/Paramedic
Job Title: Emergency Medical Technician- Basic (EMT)
Summary:
Assesses emergency situations, establishes priorities for providing emergency services, provides basic life
support in the out-of-hospital environment.
Typical duties include:
•Provides basic emergency care to patients suffering from medical or traumatic conditions in the out-of-hospital
environment
•Obtains a patient history and performs physical assessments
•Opens airways, assists breathing, controls bleeding, treats shock and immobilizes fractures
•Works principally in advanced life support units with a paramedic in emergency medical services under medical
supervision and direction
Education:
•High school graduate or the equivalent thereof
•Completion of a training program of approximately 140 hours in length
•Must pass the National Registry for Emergency Medical Technicians-Basics and attain state certification.
Average starting salary:
•$27,315
Employment outlook:
Growth in the 30% range is projected due to the growing elderly population as well as the greater demand
on emergency medical services. The greatest growth opportunities will probably be in municipal
government and private ambulance services.
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EMT-Paramedic
Job Title:
Paramedic
Summary:
Administers basic and advanced life support to patients suffering from medical and traumatic conditions
in the out-of-hospital environment.
Typical duties include:
•The EMT-Paramedic functions as an extension of the emergency department physician and is responsible for the
assessment, treatment, and stabilization of the sick or injured patient using advanced life support equipment and
techniques at the scene of the incident and en route to the medical facility.
• Specific responsibilities include patient interviewing, physical examination, establishing priority priorities for
emergency care, cardiac monitoring and interpretation, defibrillation, intravenous and drug therapy, newborn delivery,
management of the emotionally disturbed patient, extrication of the entrapped victims, rescue, advanced airway
management, and chest decompression.
•The treatment of the patient is based on the EMT-Paramedic’s clinical impression.
•An EMP-Paramedic must possess the ability to function and remain calm and be able to function in an uncontrolled
environment, exhibit leadership qualities, good physical condition, emotional stability, psychological adaptability,
good moral character, and manual dexterity.
Education:
One-year or two year associate degree program typically 1200 to 1500 hours in length.
Certification as an EMT is usually a prerequisite for an EMT-Paramedic program
Average starting salary:
$32,419
Employment outlook:
Continued growth due to a growing elderly population. Opportunities exist with fire departments,
municipal third services, hospital-based services, and private ambulance services.

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Medical Laboratory Technician (Clinical
Laboratory Technician)
Job Title: Medical Laboratory Technician (Clinical Laboratory Technician)
Summary:
Completes accurate testing on blood, tissue and other body fluids in areas such as chemistry, hematology,
blood bank, microbiology, immunology and urinalysis
Typical duties include:
•Performs routine testing under the supervision of a technologist using sophisticated medical laboratory
equipment
•Has knowledge of specific techniques and instruments and is able to recognize factors that directly affect
procedures and results
•Continuously monitors results for quality assurance
•Hunts for clues as to the absence, presence, extent, and/or causes of diseases
•Discriminates between closely similar items and corrects errors through the use of pre-set strategies
•Calibrates and operates all instruments and equipment
Education:
•Associate's degree that includes clinical training
•Successful completion of a national exam sponsored by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists
(ASCP)
Average starting salary:
•$27,100
Employment outlook:
Expected to grow by 33%, due to increased volume of testing
needed as a result of advances in biotechnology, growth of the aging population and increased research.
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Medical Technologist (Clinical Laboratory
Scientist)
Job Title: Medical Technologist (Clinical Laboratory Scientist)
Summary:
Completes accurate testing on blood, tissue and body fluids in areas such as chemistry, hematology,
coagulation (blood clotting), blood bank (transfusion), microbiology (organism identification),
immunology and urinalysis.
Typical duties include:
•Performs complicated chemical, biological, etc. tests
•Interprets and relays results to physician
•Microscopically examines blood, tissue and other bodily substance
•Makes cultures or samples to determine the presence of bacteria, parasites and other microorganisms
•Analyzes samples for chemical content and reaction
Education:
•One year of accredited clinical/professional education in conjunction with a bachelor's degree
•Board certification is available by successful completion of a national exam sponsored by the American
Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP)
Average starting salary:
•$31,800
Employment outlook:
Growth anticipated in the 25% range due to increased volume of testing, aging population, advances in
biotechnology and increased research to find causes and treatments for AIDS and other diseases.
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Histotechnologist
Job Title:
Histotechnologist
Summary: Prepares sections of body tissue for examination by the pathologist.
Typical duties include:
•Works in partnership with medical laboratory workers to analyze blood tissues and fluids from humans or
animals using a variety of precision instruments
•Prepares tissue specimens of human or animal origin for diagnostic or teaching purposes
•Identifies tissues, structures, cell components and their staining characteristics
•Implements and tests new techniques and procedures
•Makes judgments concerning the results of quality control measures and institutes proper procedures to
maintain accuracy and precision
Education:
•High school graduate or the equivalent, thereof, with the completion of a 12 month program in
histotechnology or a bachelor's degree and equivalent on-the-job training
Average starting salary:
$27,200
Employment outlook:
Bright, due to the importance of laboratory testing in enhancing medical diagnoses and treatments.
Opportunities available for clinical laboratory services under both public and private health insurance
programs.
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Surgical Technologist
Job Title: Surgical Technologist
Summary: Assists surgeons in a scrub capacity. Sets up tables with instruments and supplies. Anticipates the needs of
the surgeon with regard to instruments, sutures, sponges and supplies and provides same.
Typical duties include:
•Assists in the preparation and draping of patients
•Provides the surgeon with all instruments, sponges, supplies, etc. as needed throughout a surgical
procedure
•Performs appropriate counts of instruments, sponges and needles with the circulating nurse
•Assists in the application of casts and dressings
•Assembles all instruments and equipment for decontamination
Education:
•Completion of a two-year course in operating room technology generally offered at associate-degree
colleges
•Completion of national certification examination
Average starting salary:
•$25,600
Employment outlook:
Healthy with jobs available in hospitals, free-standing surgery centers and with physicians in their
offices as private scrub nurses.
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How long will I need to go to School?
Where can I get the training locally?
Medical Assistants and Patient Care
Technicians
1 year programs are offered at:
Columbiana County Career &
Technical Center
and
Trumbull Career & Technical Center
2 year Medical Assisting program is
offered at:
Youngstown State University
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How long will I need to go to School?
Where can I get the training locally?
Dietician/Nutritionist or
Registered Dietician Technician
2 year program for Registered Dietician
Technician is offered at:
Youngstown State University
4 year program for Dietician/Nutritionist
is offered at:
Youngstown State University
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How long will I need to go to School?
Where can I get the training locally?
Respiratory Therapists
4 year program is offered at:
Youngstown State University
Radiologic Technologist/Ultrasound Tech./
Nuclear Med. Tech
2 year programs are offered at:
Kent State- Salem Branch
However, you can follow up at Kent main
campus for a 4 year degree with a
concentration in various areas.
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How long will I need to go to School?
Where can I get the training locally?
Dental Assistants
Certificate program offered at:
Choffin Career and Technical Center
Dental Hygienists
2 year program is offered at:
Youngstown State University
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How long will I need to go to School?
Where can I get the training locally?
EMT-Basic
Certificate program offered at:
Youngstown State University
Columbiana County Career and Technical Center
Howland Fire Department
EMT-Paramedic
Certificate program offered at:
Youngstown State University
Trumbull Memorial Hospital
EMT-Paramedic
Two-year associate degree offered at:
Youngstown State University
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How long will I need to go to School?
Where can I get the training locally?
Clinical Laboratory Technician/
Clinical Laboratory Scientist/Histotechnician
2 year program in Clinical Laboratory
Technician and Histotechnician is
offered at:
Youngstown State University
4 year program in Medical Technology
(Clinical Laboratory Science) is offered
at:
Youngstown State University
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How long will I need to go to School?
Where can I get the training locally?
Surgical Technician
1.5 year program is offered at:
Choffin Career Center
Please feel free to contact any of the educational facilities
listed or call the Columbiana County One Stop for more
information on enrolling and getting started in a
Health Career Today!
10/07/03