Page 2 - Medical Career Connections

2K MEDICAL CAREER CONNECTIONS SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2016 • ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE TOP HEALTH CARE CAREERS TO CONSIDER
RADIOLOGIC AND MRI TECHNOLOGISTS
Radiologic technologists, also known as radiographers, perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as X-rays, on patients. MRI technologists operate magnetic-resonance-imaging scanners to create diagnostic images. Health care professionals use many types of equipment to diagnose patients. Radiologic technologists specialize in X-ray and computed- tomography imaging. Some radiologic technologists prepare a mixture for the patient to drink that allows soft tissue to be viewed on the images that the radiologist reviews. MRI technologists specialize in magnetic-resonance- imaging scanners and inject patients with contrast dyes so the images will show up on the scanner. The scanners use magnetic fields in combination with the contrast agent to produce images that a physician can use to diagnose medical problems.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
An associate degree is the most common education requirement for radiologic and MRI technologists. There are also postsecondary educa- tion programs that lead to graduate certificates or bachelor’s degrees. Ed- ucation programs typically include both classroom study and clinical work. Radiologic and MRI technolo- gists must be licensed or certified in most states.
AVERAGE SALARY: $46,410
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PHARMACY TECHNICIANS
Pharmacy technicians help phar- macists dispense prescription med- ication to customers or health pro- fessionals. They work in retail phar- macies and hospitals. Some of the tasks pharmacy technicians perform include collecting information needed to fill a prescription from customers
or health professionals; measuring amounts of medications for prescrip- tions; packaging and labeling pre- scriptions; organizing inventory; and alerting pharmacists to any shortages of medications or supplies. Pharmacy technicians work under the supervi- sion of pharmacists, who must review prescriptions before they are given to patients.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Becoming a pharmacy technician usually requires earning a high school diploma or the equivalent. Pharmacy technicians typically learn through on-the-job training, or they may com- plete a postsecondary education pro- gram. Most states regulate pharmacy technicians, which is a process that may require passing an exam or com- pleting a formal education program.
AVERAGE SALARY: $27,330
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PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS
Physician assistants, also known as PAs, practice medicine on teams with physicians, surgeons and other health care workers. PAs examine, di- agnose and treat patients. Physician assistants work in all areas of medi- cine, including primary-care and fam- ily medicine, emergency medicine, surgery and psychiatry. The work of physician assistants depends in large part on their specialty or the type of medical practice where they work. For example, a physician assistant working in surgery may close inci- sions and provide care before, during and after the operation. A physician assistant working in pediatrics may examine a child and give routine vaccinations.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Most applicants to physician- assistant education programs already have a bachelor’s degree and some