Work-From-Home Jobs in the Health Care Industry

Although health care services are largely reliant on face-to-face interactions with patients, there are several roles in this industry which can be performed from the comfort of your home. If you want to help others and enjoy a challenging career in health care, but you'd like to work at home, there are several options which can fulfill both of these roles. The health care industry is so wide and so broad in scope that there are several tasks which can be completed out of a hospital, clinic, nursing home or other health care setting.

Many professionals who work from home are employed by a medical facility or a health care service provider. However, there is also a significant portion of these work-at-home professionals who work as an independent contractor or consultant. Their services are paid for by a variety of clients on a project-by-project basis. There pros and cons to both of these work arrangements, so health care professionals should carefully weigh each option before embarking on a work-at-home career.

Jobs which involve writing and document creation are some of the most popular work-from-home health care careers. For example, medical transcription is one of the leading professions for health care workers who are employed outside of a health care facility or office. These individuals listen to voice recordings of reports and exams from physicians and other health care professionals. Then, they type up a document based on what was included in the recording. Because of the convenience of the Internet, thousands of medical transcriptions can be sent voice recordings, which they can then quickly transcribe and send back to their employer or clients. This is an excellent choice for health care professionals who want a flexible job which they can complete at home.

Another great work-at-home position for health care professionals is an on-call position. Many health care professionals take on a part-time job as an on-call worker. In some cases, health care professionals are allowed to be at home while they are on call. This allows the individual to be at home and getting other things dine or spending time with family while still earning some money. Health care professionals should keep in mind, however, the average number of hours an on-call worker is called in. This can vary according to where the individual is employed, and health care workers don't want to become burned out by an active on-call job, especially if they are also working a full-time job in addition to their on-call hours.

Some health care professionals choose to set up a home office where they can see clients within their residence. This works well for several health care professions, such as massage therapy and nutrition. In each of these instances, a client can come to the professional's home in order to receive a consultation or treatment. This reduces the travel costs for the professional and makes it easier to see more patients per day. Any health care professional considering setting up a home office should check with local and state regulations pertaining to health care services and self-employment.

 

The Highest-Paying Associate's Degrees in Health Care

With the high costs of a college education, many students are looking for faster ways to complete a degree program and get started on their career. This allows them to still get the education they need without racking up tens of thousands of dollars in student loans. It also helps them start earning money faster in order to repay any financial aid that they must utilize in order to attend school.

For students interested in health care, there are plenty of great options for getting a degree fast and earning a significant income. The health care field is unique in that it offers several career paths which can be pursued with only an associate's degree. Students can attend about two years of classes at a community college or vocational school and go on to a successful, lucrative career with any of the options listed below.

Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory therapists are involved in the evaluation and treatment of patients with a cardiopulmonary disease or a serious breathing condition. The treatments they provide may involve oxygen tanks, aerosol medications or specialized equipment. After completing an associate's degree in respiratory therapy, students need to become licensed by the National Board for Respiratory Care. The average annual salary for a respiratory therapist is $69,800.

Insurance Processor

Insurance processors are responsible for tracing medical insurance claims and handling health insurance policies for a large number of clients. They coordinate with medical facilities to verify claims and bill patients appropriately. A basic knowledge of computer systems and administrative functions are necessary for employment in this field. An associate's degree is required for this position, which generally yields a salary of about $55,760 per year.

X-Ray Technician

The main responsibility of an x-ray technician is to set up and produce diagnostic images of patients. This job requires the use of specialized equipment and in-depth knowledge of human anatomy. X-ray technicians also collaborate with physicians and surgeons to determine a treatment plan for each patient. An associate's degree is required to enter the field, which claims an average annual salary of $52,210.

Orthopedic Technologist

Orthopedic Technologists create and assemble the prosthetics, casts, braces and similar assistive devices that patients need. An important part of their job is to make sure these devices are properly fitted to each individual patient. An associate's degree in orthopedic technology is required. Before being hired, professionals in this field must also become certified through the National Board for Certification of Orthopedic Technologists (NBCOT). The average annual earnings for an orthopedic technologist are $44,458.

Licensed Practical Nurse

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) works directly with patients in a medical facility or through a home health care service. They provide basic care for patients, including giving injections, recording vital signs and dressing wounds. An associate's degree and a passing score on the NCLEX-PN exam are required for professional certification. LPNs make an average annual salary of $39,030.

 

Should I Get a Master's or a Doctorate in Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is attracting a great number of students who are interested in working in the health care industry. With an impressive job growth of 30% expected in the next ten years, there's no wonder that this career path has become very popular in recent years. Students have recognized the potential for an abundance of job openings, opportunities for advancement and a steady stream of significant annual income. Additionally, the physical therapist's work hours are very conducive to family life since most of these professionals work a typical 40-hour week with no on-call hours required, unlike many other health care positions which involve working directly with patients.

It's clear that physical therapy is an attractive field for health care students. However, many students are confused as to the best way to become a physical therapist. There are two kinds of degree programs that can lead to a career in this field: master's degree and doctorate degrees. There are several differences between the two, and students should carefully consider which of these degree programs in physical therapy is right for them.

Before deciding which type of degree program to pursue, it's important to understand how these programs are set up. Every student who wants to become a physical therapist needs to attend a school that has been approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). As of 2010, there were 212 degree programs accredited by the CAPTE. Of these programs, 200 are doctoral degree programs, while only 12 award a master's degree in the field of physical therapy.

Why is there such a difference between the number of master's degree programs and doctoral degree programs? Previously, many physical therapy programs were master's level degree programs. However, a large number of these programs have transitioned to a doctoral program. One of the reasons for this transition is the expectation that educational requirements for physical therapy may become stricter in the future. Therefore, in order to attract more students and remain relevant in the field of physical therapy, many schools have transitioned their master's of physical therapy (MPT) program to a doctorate of physical therapy (DPT) program.

Because many experts believe a doctorate will offer a physical therapy student more opportunities in their field, more students tend to choose a DPT program over an MPT program. Fortunately, the time commitment involved in earning a doctorate degree in this field isn't very different from that of earning a master's degree. Most MPT programs take two to two and a half years to complete, while a doctorate degree program takes about three years. Therefore, students can choose to earn a doctorate without worrying that they will be in school for several years longer than they would have to be to earn a master's degree.

Overall, doctorate degrees are the more popular choice for students entering the field of physical therapy. On top of the fact that it provides a more in-depth education for the student, many physical therapists believe that this may eventually become the minimum requirement for working in this popular branch of health care.

 

How to Pay For College on Your Own

Whether you're going back to school as an adult or just graduating from high school, one of the biggest challenges in getting your college education is getting the money to pay for it. Many students face this challenge alone for a variety of reasons. A parent may not be able to or want to help out. An adult going back to school may be a single parent who needs to start working part-time in order to attend classes. In any case, obtaining enough financial aid to attend college can be overwhelming or even scary. Not only is it a lot of work to track down federal and private loans, scholarships and grants, it's also a huge commitment to paying back your debt after school without knowing whether you'll get a job right after you graduate.

First of all, don't panic: there are plenty of students who have come before you who have successfully paid for school all on their own. All you need to know is a few tricks for finding the best financial aid and how to use it to your advantage. The first step for any college student is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This government-issued form can be found online and offers a way for students to apply for federal funding for their education. Depending on the student's level of financial need, funds are distributed accordingly.

If you're paying for school on your own, at least try to get a parent to supply their income information to help you qualify. If that's not the case, you can try to establish yourself as an independent. To do this, you must either be over the age of 24, married, supporting a dependent, homeless, in the military, a veteran, an orphan or in foster care. If you qualify as an independent, the odds of receiving financial aid are increased since your income will likely be less than that of your parents. It can also help parents to receive funds since they are already supporting their children. Check with your state about what qualifies an individual as an independent on the FAFSA.

Scholarships and grants are another good tool to use for getting financial aid for college. Unlike most students loans, these funds don't have to be repaid after graduation, so it's well worth the time it takes to search for them. There are several great databases of scholarship and grant opportunities online. You can search through these databases based on your personal financial need, your degree program or the school you plan to attend. Most students can find at least a handful of scholarships for which they qualify. Be prepared to fill out plenty of applications and possibly write a few essays when applying for scholarships or grants.

Finally, check with your school for possible financial aid options. Outside of student loans, they may provide some scholarship or grant opportunities for students based on their connection to former alumni, their degree program, their involvement in student activities or their academic standing. In any case, plan out your financial aid options and collect as many funds as possible. Once you know how much money you'll be receiving, make a solid plan for repayment after graduation. It is possible to pay for college on your own, so don't give up!

 

Going to College: A Freshman Survival Kit

Heading off for your first year of college can be overwhelming - even scary. For many students, it's the first time they've been on their own. Even adults going back to school may feel a bit nervous. Younger students, however, are more likely to be living in a dorm or apartment where they'll need to have not only the everyday items needed for their new home, but also enough supplies for the new school year.

Even if you've done the "back to school shopping" routine before, college is a whole new ballgame that requires a different kind of preparation. Fortunately, you can make sure you have everything covered by creating a survival kit to get you through your first semester of college. Keep in mind that there are specific items that you may need to get to customize your kit for your own college experience or personal needs. The items listed here, however, cover the basics that just about every freshman will need.

School Supplies

The thing to keep in mind with your school supplies is that you won't have access to certain things that were a mainstay at every classroom or school you've attended before. Don't forget things like staplers, Scotch tape or post-it notes, all of which will come in handy during that first year. Also, it's helpful to get a printer for your dorm or apartment. If you don't want to spend the extra money, make sure you have access to a library or store which offers printing and copying services. Another major aspect of school supplies for college freshman to consider is a planner or organizer. A daily planner can be a huge resource for most college students; remember that this is the first time you'll be completely on your own, so making sure you get to class and finish assignments on time is completely your responsibility.

Medical Supplies

Now that you'll be living away from home, you'll want to stock up on the basics in medicines and first aid supplies that you always had access to at your parents' home. Get a first aid kit that includes bandages, anti-bacterial ointment, gauze and hydrogen peroxide to use in case of a minor injury. You should also purchase over-the-counter drugs that just about everyone uses from time to time, such as Tylenol, Advil and Motrin. If you have any prescription medications, make sure you stock up on them and plan to get your refills at a local pharmacy close to campus.

Safety Supplies

There are a few things you'll need to keep you safe during your first year on your own. Get a flashlight, fire extinguisher and a small set of tools to keep on hand. Also, make sure your dorm room's smoke detector is working properly. Also, program safety numbers into your phone, such as campus safety, a taxi company and any other emergency numbers you might need for an unsafe situation.

Decorations

Being able to decorate your new room is one of the best parts about moving off to college. Plan to get a few plants, curtains or posters to make your space more personalized. Don't forget about a futon, mini-fridge, TV or any other things that may make your room cozier.

 

Finding Jobs the Old-Fashioned Way

In our current Internet age, many recent graduates and professionals don't consider their job hunt to be an "offline" activity. We're constantly being reminded that our job search can be easy and convenient thanks to major job search engines like Monster, CareerBuilder and Yahoo! Jobs. Furthermore, we can connect with other professionals with tools like Facebook and LinkedIn. There are tons of online articles about how to find a job online, how to build your resume and how to nail the interview.

These are all valuable tools that should not be disregarded. An ongoing online search for open positions is the crux of any serious job hunt. The online venues for job searching cannot and should not be ignored in today's day and age. In addition to making it easier for us job hunters to find a position, it also makes it easier for employers to post open positions and sort through potential job candidates.

However, every recent graduate and professional looking for work needs to extend their job search beyond their computer screen. There's a wealth of opportunities available to you that you simply won't find online. Remember that the vast majority of today's workforce, especially the executives who post job openings and hire job applicants, did not use the Internet to find work. For many of these professionals who came from pre-Internet generations, an in-person introduction is preferred to one received via email. Furthermore, they like to look at hard copies of applicant resumes rather than an electronic document.

While this isn't the case for every employer, it definitely helps for job hunters to open themselves up to job search opportunities that can be found online. The list below provides three viable options for finding work without the use of a computer. Consider adding these tactics to your job hunting strategy, keeping in mind that by using these means of job searching you are likely to find out about positions which are not posted online and, therefore, have less competition due to fewer applicants.

1. Network, Network, Network.

It's absolutely critical that job hunters network within their field of expertise. If you want a job in health care, for example, make sure you get involved with professional associations and groups in your field. This will present you with the opportunity to meet other professionals that can either let you know about a recent job opening or give you some advice for your job search.

2. Use Your Connections.

Almost everyone has at least one underutilized connection. While you may think of "having connections" as something only the rich can benefit from, this isn't just about who your family knows and whether you've met a big executive of a top company (although those things can also be helpful). Think about all the other people you've met along the way to becoming a professional. This includes teachers, professors, friends and internship supervisors. Each of these people may be able to provide you with some insight or alert you when they find out about a position that's perfect for you.

3. Inquire In-Person.

If you really want a job in a particular field, don't be shy - ask for it! Think of a few places in your area which you consider to be a place you'd like to work, and then go for it. Make a phone call or walk right in and ask if they have any current job openings or whether they accept resumes. Be prepared with your resume in hand and keep a positive attitude; if they say "no," politely thank them and try back again in a month or two. The fact that you are being a go-getter who knows what they want just might impress that potential employer.

 

A Guide to Changing Your Major

When most people enter college, they're barely adults and just living on their own for the first time. It's thrilling, scary, overwhelming and invigorating all at the same time. Though taking classes and determining a course in life is a major concern, these students are also dealing with making new friends, adjusting to life away from home, being completely responsible for themselves and trying new things. All this combined makes it difficult to really decide "What do I want to do with my life?" at the ripe age of 18.

It's not uncommon for college freshman to choose a major and then decide to change it later. It's nothing to be ashamed of, either. Better to admit you were wrong the first time then to get stuck in a career you don't really want or enjoy. Even though it's a common practice, and nothing to be embarrassed about, changing your major should still be a "major" decision. While it's great to feel like you know what you want, don't rush into it. You don't want to get caught in a pattern of changing your major every time you get stuck in a tough class or meet one professor you don't like. Instead, plenty of thought should be put into this important decision which will alter the direction of your life.

Before changing your major, step back and think about everything that goes into your decision. First of all, why are you changing your major in the first place? What caused you to believe that your original choice was incorrect? If there are good reasons for your decision, that's a great start. But make sure you aren't basing this life change on getting in with a cooler crowd at school or skipping over the harder classes.

If you know you want to make a change, why not give it a try before making it official with the school. Take a class or two in your prospective major, and try to meet up with some working professionals in that field. Learn as much as you can about that new major, whether that entails researching it online, visiting the library or talking with other students in that degree program. While all of this will take a semester or two, you won't be rushing into a decision that you later regret. Plus, you won't have to keep going back to change your major with an academic advisor if you wait until you're sure to make the switch.

If you've gone through these steps and you know you want to change your major, congratulations; you're on your way to a happier, more successful career in the future. Set up a meeting with an academic advisor to plan out the remainder of your college career. In some cases, you may have to take summer classes or stay an extra semester to make up for the credits you used taking classes for another major. That's okay though - at this point you are sure you want to make the change and, in the end, it will be worth the extra work.