Associate Degrees & Credit Certificate Programs
| Contact Information For Pre-Professional Advising |
|---|
| Lorrie Anderson, Vicki Wood, Mike Bell or Jackie Reynolds |
There are so many different occupations in the healthcare industry that any personality type will find the right career. The following programs may be offered through these colleges and universities.
BIOTECHNOLOGY
Biotechnologists combine bioengineering and science to create new products such as vaccines or pharmaceuticals. They also develop factory processes to reduce pollution or treat waste products.
CARDIOVASCULAR TECHNICIAN
Cardiovascular technologists may specialize in any of three areas of practice: invasive cardiology, echocardiography, and vascular technology. Generally, they assist the doctor in diagnosing heart and blood vessel disoders. Equipment may include EKG machines, intravenous catheters, inflatable balloons (for the vessels), and ultrasound machinery.
CYTOTECHNOLOGY/HISTOTECHNOLOGY
Human body specimens are sent to the cytotechnologist and histotechnologist in the lab for processing and staining for interpretation—useful in identification of cancer cells and various microorganisms. A cytotechnologist will examine the sample for identification of cancer or other diseases, whereas the histotechnologist will send processed and stained specimens to the pathologist for interpretation.
DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHER
Sonographers use special equipment to direct sound waves (ultrasound) into areas of the patient's body. Sonographers operate the equipment, take the image, and present it to the physician for interpretation and diagnosis.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES/PARAMEDIC
EMTs and paramedics work with police and fire department personnel. They give emergency care and may transport the patient.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI) TECHNOLOGIST
MRI technologists use magnets and radiowaves to produce a diagnostic image of an organ or a structure within the patient's body. The technologist takes the image and processes it, giving it to a physician to interpret.
NUCLEAR MEDICINE TECHNOLOGIST
Nuclear medicine technologists use computers, scanners, and radioactive drugs to create diagnostic images of the patient's body or an organ. The technologist prepares the radiopharmaceutical, administers it to the patient, and uses a camera to identify the radioactive uptake in the body. The images are the interpreted by a physician.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT
Occupational therapist assistants assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with State laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments.
OPTOMETRY
Optometrists diagnose, treat, and educate patients about eye disease and injury.
PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT
This therapist evaluates the patient’s injury and charts a course of rehabilitation for the patient to regain function. Physical therapist assistants, under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist, may be involved in implementing treatment plans with patients. Physical therapist aides perform routine support tasks, as directed by the therapist.
RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST
Radiologic technologists take X - rays and administer nonradioactive materials into the patient's bloodstream for diagnostic imaging. Fluoroscopy utilizes a contrast medium which enhances the resolution of the image. The technologist takes the image and processes it, giving it to a physician to interpret. Some specialize in computerized tomography (CT) or mammography.
RESPIRATORY THERAPY/CARE
Respiratory therapists give treatments for acute respiratory conditions, head injuries, and drug poisoning.
SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY
The surgical technologist is a part of the operating team, preparing instruments, supplies and equipment for operating room use and assisting during surgical procedures.
For Pre-Professional advising contact:
Lorrie Anderson, Vicki Wood, Mike Bell or Jackie Reynolds