How to Get Medical Jobs: Requirements and Career Path of Occupational Therapist

By Adriana Noton

Many people interested in a medical career are often not aware of the field of occupational therapy. A career as an occupational therapist is both personally and financially rewarding. Occupational therapists help patients with a wide number of conditions that include developmental disabilities, training patients with permanent disabilities to utilize adaptive equipment, motor skills rehabilitation, repair short term memory loss, improving decision making, as well as creating and implementing rehabilitation plans and evaluating a patients progress. Basically, occupational therapy is a type of therapy that helps people return to their previous occupations.

Education

To become an occupational therapist, one needs to complete a university undergraduate degree in a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree program. The undergraduate degree usually takes four years and then one must obtain a graduate degree in occupational Therapy. Occupational therapy courses include biology, physical, and behavioral sciences. Examples of specific classes include anatomy, kinesiology, developmental psychology, pathology, neurology, geriatrics, pediatrics, etc. There are also occupational therapy skills and theory courses. Included in the program is a 6 month work term. Occupational therapy students must pass national and state examinations. Those who pass the exam are awarded the title, "Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR)." Some states have additional stipulations for therapists who work in such areas as schools or early intervention programs. These requirements can include an early intervention certification, an education practice certificate, or other education classes.

Occupational therapists are expected to continue their professional education by taking continuing education classes and workshops. In fact, a number of states stipulate continuing education as a requirement of maintaining license.

For those interested in a career in occupational therapy, taking high school courses in the sciences, physics, health, and social sciences, is recommended. Work experience, either paid or volunteer, is a highly valuable asset.

Occupational Therapy Jobs

Occupational therapists work in a wide variety of areas of the medical profession. They can work in schools, hospitals, children's hospitals, home health, rehabilitation facilities, childrens clinics, nursing homes, home care, out-patient care, private practices, health boards, community mental health centers, clinics, halfway houses, groups homes, vocational programs, community action groups, and workers compensation boards.

They can also be found working as consultants for businesses, organizations, and governments. Government work can be in the areas of rehabilitation program development, health awareness and programs, disability prevention and management, accessibility, and vocational and health planning.

Occupational therapists are also finding employment as teachers in undergraduate and graduate health profession programs

Job Outlook

Employment opportunities are expected to increase, especially for therapists who treat the elderly. They are also increasingly taking on more supervisory roles. Changing societal needs have caused an increased demand for occupational therapists. Some of these changes include:

- An increase in accident survival - Increased disability awareness - Aging population. - Increase in stress, mental health issues, and personal and family issues - Increase in public awareness about health issues

To be an occupational therapist, one needs to be patient, able to motivate others, be creative, and have strong interpersonal skills. Due to its wide variety of medical career options, people who become occupational therapists will find an area that is both rewarding and satisfying. - 30436

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Profile of a Travel Nurse

By Amy Nutt

Travel nurses are nurses who travel to different locations for short-term working assignments. Travel nurses often work for hospitals, doctors offices, and in the medical administration field. Travel nurses are usually hired to fill temporary work shortages such as peak work times, maternity leave, and long term illnesses of permanent workers. Medical facilities will pay a high salary to fill short term periods. Assignment can be a few days or several months. An assignment usually runs for about- weeks.

To obtain a career in travel nursing, you must first have the appropriate credentials. The usual requirements for becoming a travel nurse are a minimum of one year of clinical experience and a state employment license granted by the states nursing board. You should have a nursing degree from a recognized nursing school and have all the skills needed to fill a particular position. Not all hospitals recognize one year vocational diploma programs. Medical facilities expect travel nurses to know what they are doing on the first day of the assignment. That is one reason why they pay top dollar for a travel nurse. They expect the travel nurse to have the knowledge and skills to adapt quickly and efficiently.

There are a number steps to achieving a career as a travel nurse. First, one should apply to a travel nurse agency. These agencies are actively involved with hospitals across the country and with many International hospitals. They have the knowledge of open travel nurse positions and they match the travel nurse with the staffing needs of the medical facility.

Once a person is accepted into the travel nurse agency, the recruiter will match that person with the assignment. The recruiter will help the travel nurse with the interview process, obtain essential state licenses, assist with housing and travel, and arrange for the appropriate benefits and pay. The recruiter receives a fee, but the travel nurse receives their knowledge and experience.

Although each state has its own nurse licensing requirements, they do provide temporary licenses. Some temporary licenses can last up to a year. Registered nurses have the advantage because their national board exam covers state requirements. Having a nursing agency recruiter can be helpful as they will assist you in securing your temporary license.

Because of the travel arrangements that need to be made for each assignment, travel nurses tend to prefer recruiting agencies. These agencies are experienced and can make travel arrangements quickly and efficiently. If traveling out of the country, one needs to secure a visa and have proof that they are a graduate of a reputable institution. It is important to maintain a current resume with valid supporting documents.

The life of a travel nurse requires maintaining a constant travel schedule that includes:

Maintaining a Check List: A week before you depart, have a list of all the necessities you need and check them off as you pack. This includes documents, clothing, books, etc.

Research Work Location: Prepare for cultural differences, personal safety issues, and proximity to stores, restaurants, and supermarkets. This will minimize unexpected stressful events.

Move In Early: Moving in a day or two early will allow you to become familiar with youre your work location and the surrounding community.

Most nurses enter the field of travel nursing jobs so they can travel, experience different work environments, make a good living, and maintain a flexible work schedule. Travel nursing is also an excellent way for recent graduates to find out where they would like long-term employment. The Professional Association of Nurse Travelers, a non-profit national organization representing nurse travelers in the US, is a great organization to consult with regarding a career in travel nursing.There are also many traveler nurse blogs and forums where one can gain more insight into the pros and cons of travel nursing. - 30436

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Information On The Qualifications You Will Need To Qualify For Pharmacist Jobs

By Renata Mannhoni

Are you interested in finding pharmacist jobs? If so, you may wonder what qualifications are needed, which kinds of jobs are available, and how to go about locating the jobs that you want. It is not hard to find this information. It is mainly a matter of knowing where to look for your desired Pharmacist Job.

The education that you will need will depend on the position you are hoping to get. If you want to be a pharmaceutical job assistant, you can complete a one or two year diploma program at a community college. This can be a great introduction to the way a pharmacy works and can tell you whether you are interested in putting in the commitment to getting a university degree in pharmacy. If you want to work as a pharmacist you will at least need your bachelor of pharmacology. You may also find that you are interested in working with drug companies to develop the medications that other pharmacists are dispensing. If this is the case, you should look at taking a specialization in pharmaceutical chemistry

If you want a position with more responsibility you may need to get your masters or doctorate. This can prepare you for pharmacy jobs that have more authority and therefore higher salaries as well. A postgraduate degree may allow you to work as the head of a pharmacy department at a hospital or in a larger chain of drug stores. If you want to be the one in charge, you need a higher degree. Anyone who wants to take the pharmacy program at a university should know that you need high marks in sciences such as chemistry and biology. You should also have high marks in mathematics courses.

There are many pharmacist jobs in drug stores. Many large chain stores have pharmacy departments and the extended hours mean that several pharmacists are needed in order to operate around the clock. There are also neighborhood drug stores and pharmacy departments in many supermarkets. Each of these also needs pharmacists to dispense medications and oversee the running of the pharmacy.

In a drug store, the pharmacist oversees the work that the assistants are doing. They check over prescriptions to make sure that everything has been properly prepared. They may also be responsible for compounding or preparing very complex prescriptions since any mistake can adversely affect the health of a particular patient. As a pharmacist, you also have drug knowledge that can help you advise patients about potentially harmful drug interactions. You will also advise customers about which over the counter medications are best suited for each person. This is the main reason why you need a lengthy education.

There are also pharmaceutical assistants. These people do much of the actual work of filling the medications. They count pills and add liquid to powders in order to make liquid antibiotics. They may also be responsible for performing inventories and filling out orders so that the proper levels of stock are maintained. Usually, a prescription is filled out by an assistant and then given to a pharmacist to check over and sign off on. The pharmacist makes sure that the proper medication has been used. This can be tricky in some situations when the names of two very different drugs can be quite similar.

There are many different job finding websites that you can use to find pharmacy jobs. Depending on where you live, you may find that the number of positions available can vary significantly. Larger cities often have positions which pay higher salaries so that is worth looking into when you apply for any position. If you have graduated from a university or college, the alumni department often has employment finding resources you can use.

If you want to find pharmacist jobs, you will be happy to know that like other health care positions, the number of jobs is increasing. This is because the population is aging. A larger number of people require specific medications to maintain their health. Whether you are looking online or using a job finding service you can be sure that you will get the career that you want. - 30436

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Becoming A Nurse Practitioner Could Be The Perfect Career For You

By Adriana Noton

Many people today are facing unemployment or the threat of a job loss. If you are searching for a profession that will give you more stability in your life, you might consider nursing. There are many types of nursing to choose from, and one you might consider is nurse practitioner.

The role of a nurse practitioner is not the same as other types of nursing. The nurse practitioner is involved in many levels that others are not. A masters degree or even higher is required, but along with more education, the nurse practitioner has the opportunity to participate more in the care process.

A nurse practitioner can not only diagnose, but also treat most illnesses. This is a big difference in the field of nursing. Other nursing positions are heavily dependent on the instructions of a doctor, but that is not the case with a nurse practitioner. Those decisions are the responsibility of the nurse practitioner and they work hard to provide the care a patient needs individually.

In the United States, nurse practitioners must be licensed by the state they will practice in. Once they receive the license from the state, they can apply for licensing at a national level. The national certification allows them to be recognized in a number of specific areas of medicine that they have received training in.

The practice of a nurse practitioner can be different from community to community. In some states they will be able to work independently. Other communities, however, require the nurse practitioner to be teamed up with a doctor who is licensed.

Nurse practitioners are, in essence, working as the attending physician for many patients. They diagnose illnesses, decide on the care that is necessary and manage the treatment. They are also able to prescribe any medication or any physical therapy the patient might need. In this respect, their job is very different than most nurses working today.

Being a nurse practitioner allows for a more independent career. Many working in the field have their own practices. Along with the added capabilities they are allowed, they also shoulder more responsibility than other nurses. The care of patients is in their hands, and that calls for proper diagnosis and treatment, just as it would if a doctor is managing the care of a patient.

Nancy was laid off from a job at a mortgage company. It was the third time it had happened in her career. It was almost like a blessing in disguise because the job had lost the challenge she once felt. Faced with a declining job market, Nancy decided to go back to school and become a nurse practitioner. She has now opened her own private practice and has never been happier in her life. She loves the daily interaction with patients and feels like she is making a difference in the lives of other.

Rewards received in the career of a nurse practitioner cannot be counted. If you want something that is equally rewarding and challenging, considering a career as a nurse practitioner could be right up your alley. - 30436

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What Is A Travel Nurse?

By Adriana Noton

A travel nurse is a licensed health care provider who works different short term assignments that call for traveling. Travel nurses usually works with an agency that coordinates jobs for the nurse. A travel nurse can work any where from a hospital, physician's office, or even on individual assignments. These assignments usually last between six to twelve weeks depending on the needs of the person that has hired the nurse. The assignments can be shorter or longer depending on what the assignment is.

Any RN or LPN can be hired as a traveling nurse, but the nurses who specialize in ER and surgical services are the most desirable. Travel nurses receive the same training and education as the nurses who work permanently at a health care facility. All though some agencies may want a travel nurse to have clinical nursing training for a year.

The use of travel nurses started in the'80's, due to the shortage of qualified nurses. Travel nurses are great for clinics and hospitals because of the demands they face seasonally. Some seasons are particularly busy for certain facilities so they hire travel nurses as extra help. Once the need for extra help ceases then the travel nurses move on.

Being a travel nurse has many benefits. A travel nurse gets to see and experience many places while earning a great living. The travel nurse can also decide how far they will travel and how long they will work for each assignment. If a travel nurse gets tired of the snow, she can just simply ask for an assignment at the beach. It can truly be like your working while on vacation. They also get reimbursed for any expenses while traveling for work.

A travel nurse can also get reimbursed for any pets or family that may travel with them. Some nurses choose to travel with a friend in a type of couple travel nurse team. Being a travel nurse may not appeal to everyone. It would likely be hard to travel with school aged children if the nurse was a parent.

Housing is provided for the travel nurses and their family members if they choose to bring them. Another benefit travel nurses agree on is that there are no contracts to sign for a particular facility, but they will still receive bonuses and benefits.

Being a traveling nurse does have down sides to it too. It can become quite lonely if you are a traveling nurse and you do not have any one traveling with you. Experiencing and visiting new places without your family can be a very lonely thing to do. Another con to being a travel nurse is you can not get advancements in your job.

There are going to be draw backs and benefits to becoming a traveling nurse. You will need to decide if the benefits out weight the drawbacks before you make a decision about this. If you do decide this job is right for you I am positive that you will enjoy it. - 30436

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