The Greatest Difficulties that Can Arise When Studying Medicine Abroad

Much like any other profession, you can master medical specializations while studying abroad. And people do it despite the difficulties of getting into such programs. In the US, for example, 3% of medical students come from other countries.

 

However, studying medicine abroad is as difficult as finding a program that will fit you in. International students can face many challenges, which are not easy to overcome.

 

What challenges?

 

Take a look.

1.   Language Barrier

Studying medicine doesn’t only mean being good at biology, chemistry, physics, and math. It is also about your ability to operate very specific terminology. And, if your knowledge of the language of the country where you’re going to is shaky, consider improving it first.

 

The reason is simple – you won’t have enough time to learn the language when your classes start. You will spend so much time studying for lectures and seminars that you will hardly have time to sleep. But such is the life of a medical student.

 

So, before you make any plans to study abroad, make sure you master the language. The best way to do it is to get yourself a native speaker. It’s not that expensive – for example, on Preply, you can find Portuguese tutors for as low as $5 an hour:

 

Why should you go for a native speaker?

 

You need someone who doesn’t just know the language and culture very well, but who also understands the medical and educational systems of the country you’re going to. This way, you will have a connection to keep in contact with if you encounter misunderstandings.

2.   No Shadowing Period

A shadowing period is a time you get at a potential workplace to go around observing doctors, nurses, and other medical staff and gaining valuable knowledge from it. Shadowing is essential in any job that requires a learning curve.

 

Unfortunately, not all medical programs can provide that. For instance, in the 2017 research, surveyed medical students in the UK shared that the lack of a shadowing period was one of the disadvantages of becoming a medical practitioner there.

 

So, before you apply for a program, do your research. Find whether you’ll have access to internships with shadowing periods and other opportunities to apply your knowledge in practice.

3.   Pressure During Exam Weeks

Medical school is stressful. A study that surveyed medical students around the Middle East has revealed most of them experienced severe stress and even considered leaving the studies altogether.

 

Since you will be responsible for saving people’s lives, you can’t take your education carelessly. The exam weeks will be the most challenging – even to get a simple pass, you will have to study tirelessly.

 

The worst part is that you will hardly have any support system. So, if you’re not ready for such stress, reconsider your choice of studying medicine. Or, think about going to a local college or university.

4.   Expensive Courses

Some colleges and universities abroad offer additional courses to students who want to further their education. Such courses aren’t necessary to attend to get a diploma, but they can be really helpful in your future career.

 

For instance, a workshop about AI in healthcare can give you valuable knowledge and advance your career path, especially if you want to be a surgeon. Adding such qualifications to your CV will help you stand out in the job market.

 

That said, such courses can be very expensive. For instance, a course on AI in healthcare services at MIT costs $2,800. So, consider such expenses before enrolling in a medical school and put some money aside to be able to get extra skills and expand your knowledge.

Over to You

These are only a few examples of difficulties a medical student can encounter when studying abroad. Of course, there are other problems, like difficulties to adapt, ethical differences, etc. You need to be mentally and emotionally ready for the lack of moral support as well, as your parents and friends will be far away from you.

 

But no worries, all these challenges are manageable. Every college and university has a department helping international students adjust and get everything they need to keep up with the studies. So, it would be wise to contact this department before you set off to start your studies – they will help you prepare everything you need to start your first semester stress-free.

 

Article written by Ryan Pell

Ryan is a passionate blogger and writer who likes sharing his thoughts. He works as a content editor and internet researcher and likes to travel and explore new countries.

 


Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Tools That Are Helpful With Charting

Basic but Helpful Charting Tools

Medical note charting and medical transcription are necessary parts of the nation’s healthcare system. With more and more organizations needing to convert paper charts and analog records to electronic and digital counterparts, the need for services like these is increasing in demand. If you want to make money doing this kind of work, then you need to know specific tools that are helpful with medical note charting.

A Computer
Whether it’s a laptop or a desktop, you need a computer that can run your preferred transcription platform and software. Fortunately, such machines are relatively affordable given how powerful computers have become in recent years. Just make sure it also has the right software, too.

A Good Headset
For many transcriptionists, verbal input works better than mouse and keyboard. A microphone can work, but a headset stays closer to your mouth and is less likely to pick up background noises, creating a higher efficiency rate and more accurate transcription.

Transcription Service
There might be times that you get behind enough that it becomes overwhelming. Having a third-party service, such as Mercedes Transcription Inc. you can outsource your work to let help you lighten your load. For that matter, if they charge less for the work than you do, you can just be a middleman and make a profit while someone else handles the work for you.

A Desk
Many people who work from desktops or laptops love heading out to a coffee shop or restaurant and doing some work from there. However, given the confidential nature of medical transcription, working outside the home or office isn’t always a good idea. You need a central space, preferably with privacy, where you can sit down and focus on your work.

An Organizer
Keeping up with your workload requires self-motivation, but it is mostly about staying organized. An organizer, whether paper or digital, can help you break your workload into segments you can manage on a daily basis while still meeting all of your deadlines.

Medical Note Charting Makes Money
Medical note charting was a high-paying gig long before the ‘gig economy’ was a general concept. If you’re involved in this profession, then you need a computer, an effective microphone or headset, a backup transcription option, a place to work, and an organizer. Whether you do this full-time or just for some extra income, these tools will make medical note charting much easier to accomplish.

Rachelle Wilber
Bio: Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @RachelleWilber; https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009221637700

 


Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Helping Behind the Scenes: 5 Advantages to Being a Medical Lab Professional

If you’re looking for a career in healthcare behind the scenes, being a medical lab professional could be a great option.

Physicians and other clinicians rely heavily on lab testing to help care for patients. That means the medical lab professionals who conduct those tests are vitally important. As the volume of testing grows and new types of testing emerge, medical lab professionals will continue to be in great demand.

If you’d like to play an active, hands-on role in the healthcare field but aren’t necessarily drawn to working directly with patients, becoming a medical lab professional could be a great fit for you.

Below, I’ll describe five advantages to being a medical lab professional. But first, let’s take a closer look at the professions I’m talking about.

 

Understanding the roles of medical lab professionals

There are two types of medical lab professionals who commonly perform testing. They vary in the education required and in the kinds of responsibilities they typically have.

1. Medical lab technicians

Medical lab technicians generally work in clinics and other healthcare facilities that provide lab services. They use specialized medical instruments and automated technology to conduct a variety of testing and analysis on specimens taken from patients.

Although they may occasionally have direct patient contact, most of their tasks are conducted within the lab.

A common path to becoming a medical lab technician involves completing a two-year associate degree program. Note that a medical lab technician can pursue further education to become a medical lab scientist (see directly below).

2. Medical lab scientists

Medical lab scientists commonly perform more advanced hands-on lab tests in hospitals and large clinics. These procedures often go beyond the more automated processes that a medical lab technician is likely to perform. In addition, medical lab scientists often take on lab leadership roles.

Working as a medical lab scientist requires at least a bachelor’s degree. Note that there are a number of options you can take to obtain that degree, including a bachelor’s degree completion program.

Let’s now turn to the advantages of a career as a medical lab professional.

1. Become a healthcare professional within a shorter amount of time

If you’re interested in a healthcare career but are concerned about the time and expense it can take to earn an advanced professional degree, pursuing a career as a medical lab professional could be an excellent option.

For example, you could be working full-time in a medical lab environment in as little as two years by earning the appropriate associate degree. In fact, if you have transferable credits, that time could be even shorter. (See How to Become a Medical Laboratory Technician for more information.)

And with approximately another two years of education, you can obtain a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science. This can open up additional opportunities for taking on leadership positions and conducting more advanced lab procedures. (See How to Become a Medical Laboratory Scientist for more information.)

2. Choose a profession with a bright future

Although there are no guarantees when it comes to obtaining employment, you should know the current — and expected — demand for medical lab professions is high.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “70% of today’s medical decisions depend on laboratory test results.” In fact, the COVID-19 pandemic has served to underscore just how crucial medical lab professionals are.

Another encouraging indicator is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which projects a positive job growth rate for medical lab professionals over the next decade. (Note: The BLS uses the terms clinical laboratory technicians for medical lab technicians and clinical laboratory technologists for medical lab scientists.)

3. Channel a science background into a valued healthcare profession

If you obtain a medical lab degree, you’re going to have a specific healthcare profession to enter upon graduation. This isn’t necessarily the case if, for example, you major in a subject like biology.

In fact, people who are drawn to medical lab education programs may already have college science credits and even job experience. But what they lack are the credentials to establish a specific career in healthcare.

An associate degree in medical lab technology or a bachelor’s degree in medical lab science can change that.

4. Enjoy a schedule that fits with your lifestyle

Medical lab technicians are typically employed at clinics. That means they generally work steady weekday shifts, during regular daytime hours, with occasional weekend rotations. Also, medical laboratory technicians usually have plenty of opportunities for part-time positions.

Medical lab scientists, who often have positions at hospitals, may work daytime shifts as well as evenings, weekends, and holidays. Note that working non-daytime shifts often comes with additional pay on top of the base hourly wage.

In either case, as a medical lab professional you’ll likely be able to find a schedule that fits well with your lifestyle and your responsibilities outside of work.

5. Play a key role in helping care for patients

Although you may not have a lot of direct interaction with patients, as a medical lab professional you still play a vital part in caring for them. And that can be incredibly rewarding.

On a daily basis, you’ll be using specialized medical instruments and cutting-edge technology to conduct a variety of testing and analyses on specimens taken from patients.

The resulting information helps physicians and other healthcare providers make critical decisions in the prevention, diagnosis, monitoring, or treatment of illnesses and diseases.

 

Take the next step and start exploring programs

Becoming a medical lab professional gives you the opportunity to join the exciting and ever-expanding field of healthcare — while also working behind the scenes without extensive patient interaction.

If that sounds appealing to you, I strongly suggest you take the next step and begin researching medical lab programs.

 


Jessica Hoernemann, MS, MLS(ASCP), is an assistant professor and the program chair for the Medical Laboratory Technology and Medical Laboratory Science programs at Northwestern Health Sciences University.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

7 Potential Benefits And Risks Of Artificial Intelligence In Healthcare

Over the next few years, artificial intelligence (AI) will gradually become more integral to the medical sector. While the healthcare industry is no stranger to ground-breaking and potentially lifesaving advancements in technology, AI-based technologies offer an impressive array of applications. From automating the most trivial tasks to detecting errors, the benefits of artificial intelligence in the healthcare industry have been undeniable. Unfortunately, these benefits come with potential risks.

The Benefits Of AI In The Medical Sector
Despite being in its infancy, the advantages of AI-based technologies in the healthcare industry are already impressive. Numerous clinical settings and healthcare practitioners are already taking advantage of AI systems to enhance patient care.


Improve Patient Diagnosis And Treatment

The ability to improve patient diagnosis and care is arguably the biggest allure of artificial intelligence in the medical sector. Thanks to artificial intelligence, many physicians are diagnosing patients with greater accuracy at a faster rate.

Due to the capabilities of neural networks and machine learning, AI can analyze an immense amount of data and research findings instantaneously. Medical professionals can then use these findings to provide a more accurate diagnosis and more effective treatment. Moreover, AI-based medical systems are able to detect some illnesses early. Early detection allows for earlier treatment, which can be potentially lifesaving.

Greater Efficiency For Medical Settings
With the support of artificial intelligence, healthcare practitioners can practice medicine more efficiently.

For example, AI medical pre-screening is capable of answering common questions from patients and address any nonemergent issues. “Artificial intelligence not only saves the patient from an unnecessary and costly session with a physician, but it enables healthcare professionals to focus on patients in urgent need of care,” explains James Conway, a business blogger at Write my X and 1 Day 2 write. “AI could essentially optimize healthcare.”

The numerous applications of AI-based systems can drastically reduce the work burden on healthcare professionals and allow them to provide higher quality patient care to those in need.

Reduce The Cost Of Healthcare
Due to machine learning’s ability to access and analyze data on a patient’s detailed medical history, healthcare professionals are better equipped to identify patients at risk of a potential illness. In addition to possibly saving that patient’s life, AI could save them from expensive procedures, medicine, and other treatments. Several clinical settings are already employing AI to prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

The Risks Of AI In The Healthcare Industry
While AI offers many advantages for practitioners and patients alike, there are some potential dangers to relying on this technology.

Regulation And Liability
As more healthcare professionals turn to AI to support them with patient care, liability becomes blurry. “In the event of an incorrect diagnosis or treatment suggested by AI, there’s the question of whether the physician or AI developer should be held more responsible,” warns Ida Hall, a technical writer at Origin Writings and Brit Student.

It’s imperative that medical practitioners avoid becoming overly reliant on AI-based technologies. Their medical training and knowledge must be the ultimate judge regardless of AI’s recommendations.

Patient-Physician Relationship
Although patients typically trust their doctors and other healthcare professionals to have their safety and best interest at heart, some are more reluctant to trust artificial intelligence. As a result, the introduction of AI to patient-facing systems could be harmful for the patient-physician relationship. Patients may be more mistrustful of a diagnosis from an AI and clinical practitioners who employ AI to help with their care.

Data Protection
A patient’s medical history is an incredibly sensitive matter. Since AI enjoys unrestricted access to vast amounts of medical data, concerns about patient privacy must be addressed. Medical AI developers must be regulated to ensure the collection and sharing of patient data is as ethical and confidential as possible.

Job Security
Though AI currently fulfills a supporting role to human healthcare professionals, the technology is still in its early stages. Some medical practitioners, such as radiologists, have raised concerns over the future of their career.

Conclusion
As the medical industry begins to embrace the various applications of AI, the potential for better and faster patient care will revolutionize healthcare. As long as healthcare practitioners and medical AI developers handle this technology with the utmost care, artificial intelligence can continue to play a beneficial role in medicine.


George J. Newton is a tech content specialist at Write my essay and PhD kingdom. He has been married for ten years, perfecting the art of the apology throughout. He writes articles on the latest news and innovations in tech for Next Coursework.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Want to Work in Healthcare? Medical Assistants Are Always Needed

Want to Work in Healthcare? Medical Assistants Are Always Needed

Working in healthcare is a rewarding career choice. There are many different options for you to choose from, including medical assistants. Medical assistants help doctors and nurses with administrative tasks, so they are able to spend more time with their patients. They also have the opportunity to learn about new treatments and procedures that could be beneficial to them or someone they know in the future. However, if you’re thinking about becoming a medical assistant, it’s important to remember these four tips.

Get Your Degree
Medical assistants usually need to have an associate degree or certification for employers to hire them. There are several different types of degrees you can get, including one that focuses on medical billing and coding, which is very helpful if you want to work in healthcare but don’t necessarily like the idea of working with patients directly.
There are many medical assistant programs that you can get a certification through, all of which will allow you to further your career more quickly than if you were on your own. This will help those who are just starting out gain more experience in their field and have better job opportunities available to them down the road.

Be Willing to Take on Responsibilities
Some medical assistants begin their careers as receptionists or office managers until they have enough experience with patients. Others take a fast track and get a degree in the field. Either way will help them build confidence and learn more about how a medical office or hospital clinic works before they spend time working directly with patients who need care. There’s no shame in starting out slowly, especially if it means you will be able to work your way up in the long term.
It’s also important for medical assistants to stay up to date on new technologies and healthcare laws so that they can provide patients with quality care where they are able. Medical assistants who keep their skills fresh are more likely to get promoted than those who don’t show any interest in learning about the field.

Find the Right Work Environment
Some medical assistants prefer to work in a hospital, while others would rather spend their days working for a private clinic. It’s important that you find an environment where you feel comfortable and enjoy spending your day. The right environment could influence how much free time you have outside of work and who they will meet, and the types of people they work with.
Medical assistants are sought after across the country. With a degree and a little looking it will be very easy to find work to be able to cover your bills, but more importantly, be able to help people across the nation, and get your foot in the door in a great career field.


Article by Rachelle Wilber

Bio: Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @RachelleWilber; https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009221637700

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

5 Tech Devices that are Changing Healthcare

Health tech refers basically to all vaccines, devices, medicines, systems, and procedures intended to modernize the operation in Healthcare, improve and lower the cost of health care. The future of Healthcare will be greatly affected by emerging technology.

Health tech refers basically to all vaccines, devices, medicines, systems, and procedures intended to modernize the operation in Healthcare, improve and lower the cost of health care. The future of Healthcare will be greatly affected by emerging technology. It is, therefore, important you familiarize yourself with the tech devices in health care so that you may be able to control and operate them. The following tech devices are changing Healthcare greatly, and you should be aware of them.

1. Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor

This device can be used for professional or personal use. It saves you the hustle of having to visit the hospital now and then to keep track of your blood pressure. To operate, this gadget has a wireless device plus an armband that helps you connect it to your mobile or any other electronic device via Bluetooth. After connecting it, it configures your blood pressure, sends the data to your mobile, processes it, and finally, the information is displayed on your phone. If you follow the procedure keenly, the device is very easy to operate. After receiving the displayed data, you can consult your doctor or take your medication according to the doctor’s prescription.

2. Muse

Muse is an EEG solutions gadget that can monitor the activities of your brain. The Muse is mostly used in the neuroscience field to translate the waves in the brain. Muse interprets your mental actions through the use of advanced processing signals. When your mind is at rest, translate the waves into weather sounds. However, when your mind is drifting, the waves are translated into stormy weather and suggest tips on calming your brain by controlling your breath.

Moreover, it updates you on your stress level and gives suggestions on dealing with the stress. This gadget also can connect to your phone via Bluetooth. After connecting to the Bluetooth, you can start the Meditation App on Muse, plug in your earphones and enjoy the meditation with your eyes closed. Once the session is over, you can track your progress by reviewing your results.

3. Glucose Monitor

You can conduct s diabetes test on your own from the comfort of wherever you might be by using a glucose monitor. You do not need any doctor’s prescription to purchase this device, and it can be bought over the counter. Any local pharmacy around your residence can sell you diabetes test supplies such as lancets, glucose meters, and test strips. Through this device, you can monitor your glucose levels since it automatically tracks your blood sugar levels at any time of the day. The device operates with the help of a mobile app that connects to it via Bluetooth. Before purchasing this gadget, you need to know how it works and the variety of options available in the market. You can navigate this page to find the techniques that can help you choose the best glucose monitor.

4. DNA Monitor

Small clinics might experience difficulties in purchasing machines for testing DNA. When powered by a mobile app, this device turns into a DNA-based disease detection device that is very powerful. It utilizes Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) to operate. The device is flexible in that it can be compatible with either iPhone or Android gadgets.

5. Asthma Monitor

This gadget is perfect for individuals who have asthma as well as health care practitioners handling asthmatic patients. When you breathe in and out, this device records the pattern of whizzing air, and you’re breathing. An asthma monitor analyzes the patterns in your breathing and configures your asthma condition. It makes it easy to manage the state of an asthma patient by monitoring their existing condition. To configure the results, a patient must place this gadget close to their nose and inhale and exhale normally. The device collects the breathing data and sends the information to the connected mobile. This data is then processed per the criteria and settings of the mobile app and provides the results.

These are but a few of the available tech devices that are transforming Healthcare. Digital Healthcare Tech will continue to boom, and new gadgets will be discovered. It is upon you to get updated with these changes to enjoy the ease and benefits of this technology.


Article by Maggie Bloom

Author Bio: Maggie graduated from Utah Valley University with a degree in communication and writing. In her spare time, she loves to dance, read, and bake. She also enjoys traveling and scouting out new brunch locations.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

5 Tips For Passing Your CPC Exam

If you are a medical coder who wants to rise to the top of your profession and earn possibly as much as 20% more than coders who are non-certified, you will want to take and pass the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Exam.

If you are a medical coder who wants to rise to the top of your profession and earn possibly as much as 20% more than coders who are non-certified, you will want to take and pass the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Exam. Considered the gold standard by healthcare employers, passing this exam is critical for your continued career success. However, while you may be feeling stressed out about your upcoming exam, there are things you can do to increase your chances of passing on the first try. To do so, follow these five tips.

Stick to Your Routine

First of all, you want to make sure you feel as good as possible on exam day. You can do this by sticking to your routine of getting a good night’s sleep, getting up early enough so that you don’t have to rush through things, and eating a good breakfast. After all, staying awake most of the night worrying about the exam won’t do any good.

Remember it’s an Open-Book Exam

While the CPC exam is open-book, this doesn’t mean it’s easy to pass. Though this means you won’t have to memorize everything, it does mean you’ll need to know how to get the answers you need very quickly, since the exam is timed. Oftentimes, courses that you take before going into the exam will have recommendations for how to navigate through the textbook. Online resources such as Coding Clarified, also have resources to help you through the exam and come out with a passing grade.

Take Some Practice CPC Exams

To give you a good feel for the exam, take several practice CPC exams before it’s time to take the one that really counts. By doing so, you’ll have a general idea of the types of questions you’ll be asked, how long it will take you to finish, and let you know which areas you may need to brush up on before exam day.

Buy a Study Guide

During the course of your studies leading up to the exam, it’s always a good idea to purchase a CPC-specific study guide. Since these guides are known for highlighting key areas you should focus on for the exam, buying one can put you on the right track as to which areas of the exam you may need to focus on the most.

Trust Yourself

Last but not least, trust in yourself as you prepare to take the CPC exam. Since you did well in your classes and have the necessary knowledge and skills, chances are that by preparing ahead of time, you’ll do just fine.

By sticking to these five tips, you’ll soon find yourself passing the CPC Exam and being a Certified Professional Coder.


Article by Ani O.
Freelance writer and web enthusiast

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

A Profession with a Bright Future: 5 Advantages to Being a Clinical Massage Therapist

Clinical massage therapists are becoming increasingly important in healthcare. Learn why this profession could be a great career option.

The demand for massage therapists is high and a big part of that has to do with the profession’s growing role in healthcare. Clinical massage therapists use massage techniques to help heal injuries, alleviate pain, and improve muscle function.

I’ve experienced the exciting transformation of the massage therapy profession firsthand, both as a practicing massage therapist and as a massage therapy instructor and program director.

Below, I’ll describe five advantages to being a clinical massage therapist.

1. Become a healthcare professional within a shorter amount of time

If you’re interested in a healthcare career but are concerned about the time and expense it can take, massage therapy could be a great option for you.

Depending on the program you choose, it’s possible for you to obtain a certificate in therapeutic massage in a year or so. This can prepare you to work in healthcare settings such as hospitals, chiropractic offices, and integrative healthcare clinics, as well as your own massage therapy practice.

And with approximately another three to eight months of education, you can obtain an associate degree. This can open up additional opportunities for further education and professional advancement. (For more info, check out how to become a massage therapist.)

2. Choose a profession with a bright future

Although there are no guarantees when it comes to obtaining employment, you should know the current — and expected — demand for massage therapists is extremely high.

In fact, in my 18 years of experience, I can’t recall a more promising time to enter the massage therapy job market.

A great indicator of this is the Bureau of Labor Statistics job outlook from 2020 to 2030, which projects a 32% job growth rate. To help put that in perspective, that’s nearly four times the average growth rate for all jobs.

3. Enjoy a low-stress career helping improve people’s health

Clinical massage therapists do more than help people feel more relaxed. They can play a pivotal role in relieving certain types of pain, helping people rehabilitate from injuries and surgeries, and optimizing muscle functioning.

Having a career helping improve people’s health in ways like these can be incredibly rewarding.
Also, keep in mind that some healthcare settings can be hectic and stressful. But the good news here is that clinical massage therapists typically work in low-stress settings.

They also can enjoy the satisfaction of establishing a deeper connection with patients. Rather than move patients quickly through appointments, clinical massage therapists provide direct care through touch, sometimes for an hour or more.

4. Have the freedom to create your own career path

Compared to many other healthcare professions, clinical massage therapists have more freedom to create their own career path.

For example, opening your own massage therapy practice is a viable — and popular — option for massage therapists, which makes it easier to shape your own schedule.

But if having your own massage practice isn’t for you, that’s not a problem. Clinical massage therapists can find employment in a wide range of settings. Here are some examples:

Integrative care clinics
Chiropractic offices
Community clinics
Primary care clinics
Sports and rehabilitation clinics
Public and private hospitals
VA medical centers
Fitness centers
Sports team facilities

Clinical massage therapists can also specialize in working with specific types of patients. Veterans, children, seniors, athletes, expectant mothers, cancer patients, hospice patients — these are just some of the many possibilities.

5. Be on the front lines of exciting changes in healthcare

As a clinical massage therapist, you can become part of an exciting new era in healthcare. I’m talking specifically about integrative healthcare, a patient-centered, team-based approach involving practitioners from various fields working together to help patients.

Increasingly, clinical massage therapists are part of a healthcare team — in some cases working alongside — healthcare professionals like chiropractors, acupuncturists, physical therapists, medical doctors, nurses, and more.

In the process, clinical massage therapists are also helping to meet the growing demand for drug-free, noninvasive alternatives to pain medications such as opioids.

Take the next step and start exploring programs

You’ve just gotten a glimpse of a growing healthcare profession in high demand, one where you can become a professional in a shorter amount of time, shape your own career more easily, and enjoy a low-stress environment helping others become healthier.

Could becoming a clinical massage therapist be right for you? To learn more, start researching massage therapy programs today.


Spring Saldana is board-certified in therapeutic massage and bodywork, the highest credential within the massage and bodywork profession. She is also the Program Chair of the Massage Therapy Programs at Northwestern Health Sciences University.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Five ways ergonomics is transforming the Medical Field

One of the biggest contributing factors in the world of medicine, today, is ergonomics. Whether patients are being operated on, recovering, or going through a treatment plan, ergonomics can fit in all fields and make medical services less stressful and more convenient for patients and healthcare staff.

Present-day medical practices are undoubtedly better than conventional ones. The biggest contributing
factor in the world of medicine is ergonomics. Whether patients are being operated on, recovering, or
going through a treatment plan, ergonomics can fit in all fields and make it convenient for patients and
healthcare staff.

What is ergonomics in medical practice?
Ergonomics is the accumulation of practices and equipment that enhances the efficiency of healthcare
staff while keeping the patient comfortable. The biggest factor when it comes to ergonomics in medical
practice is the surgical instruments. The right tools can cause lesser damage to the patient during
surgery and keep the surgical staff at ease.

Research has proven that healthcare staff that works in an ergonomic-friendly environment gain the
same advantages as conventional office workers. Since the quality of work done by the hospital team
can create a difference between life and death, any benefit is crucial. The increased technological
complexity and poorly adapted surgical equipment led to surgeon fatigue; therefore, ergonomic
integration in the healthcare system improves efficiency, comfort, and safety for the operating team.
Here are some of those benefits.

Reduce Critical Error:
In a healthcare facility even, a little error can have massive ramifications. Using ergonomic equipment
during medical procedures keeps surgeons and nurses at ease; therefore, critical error lessens up. Such
instruments also transform every surgery into minimally invasive ones. The calculated design of the
device ensures optimum precision and a to-the-point approach. Besides that, certain ergonomics
relating to data entry can also reduce the risk of entering patient’s misinformation into the system.

Increased patient comfort:
Although ergonomics is considered beneficial for medical staff, it is also great for the patients. Poorly
designed surgical instruments cause more harm than good to the patients. Ergonomically engineered
surgical equipment are less invasive, ensuring less patient trauma and enhanced recovery time. At the
same time, such devices also prevent muscle tremors in surgeons and keep the surgeries precise and to
the point. Such equipment acts as the extension of the surgeon’s fingers, and their lightweight ensures
easy manipulation.

Reduced risk of injury to healthcare staff:
The medical staff can get injured from several sources, including the injuries coming from handling
surgical instruments. One way to minimize these injuries is by switching to the ergonomics from
conventional equipment. Long hours of surgery cause a high number of work-related musculoskeletal
disorders; therefore, equipment change offers more comfort to the staff and physical support they need
to avoid strain and injury.

Improved Efficiency:
Ergonomic accessories are not only convenient; they also enable a high level of efficiency too. These
instruments ensure doctors and nurses remain in a comfortable and natural position during an
operation. The computer-assisted design makes the instrument highly efficient and more versatile. The
advanced surgical tools allow medical staff to address more patients during working hours than before.
Besides that, the latest trends in healthcare have also increased accuracy in diagnosis and prognosis.

Cost-effectiveness:
With proper care and handling, modern-day surgical instruments tend to last longer. The manufacturers
usually craft this equipment using premium grade stainless steel that makes it autoclavable and sturdy.
Conventional tools required changeover every few months making it difficult for the healthcare team to
maintain their budget. Therefore, procuring and maintenance of the ergonomic equipment is
considered cost-effective.

Conclusion:
The importance of ergonomics in the medical facility continues to become particularly higher. By choosing the right instruments, you will be able to prioritize the safety and comfort of both medical staff and patients.
Here, we have sourced the impact of ergonomics in the medical field.

Article By Emily Sofia
Emily is a business communications coach who teaches writing, speaking, and leadership skills to adults in the midst of a career change. I cover topics such as effective workplace communications, Medical Sciences, and public speaking skills.

4 Steps To Starting A Career In The Medical Field

With a variety of options available to you, here are four steps you should take when starting your medical career.

4 Steps To Starting A Career In The Medical Field

If you’ve always enjoyed watching medical dramas on television and found that biology and chemistry have been your favorite subjects in school, you may be thinking seriously about starting a career in the medical field. If so, you should spend much time thinking about various aspects of the job you wish to pursue. With a variety of options available to you, here are four steps you should take when starting your medical career.

How Much Education Do You Need?

If you don’t have another 15 years to devote to college, medical school, and various residencies and other training, don’t worry. Depending on the type of job you want, you may not need to go to school for very long. For example, you can be a physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner, both of which pay very well and let you perform many duties associated with doctors.

Do You Want to Work Directly with Patients?

Some people really like the idea of wearing medical scrubs every day for work. Should you be someone who wants to be a nurse, you can put on your medical scrubs and work anywhere from a doctor’s office to an emergency room. Or if you prefer, you can opt to be a medical records technician, lab technician, or another job that may involve less direct patient care. If there is one great thing about the medical field, it’s that it offers plenty of careers for those who may or may not want to be involved in direct patient care.

Start Volunteering

To find out what a job in the medical field is really like, become a volunteer at your local hospital or free clinic. This is ideal if you are a high school or college student since it will give you practical experience that will look great on a resume. By spending a few hours each week in a healthcare environment, you will be able to discover your strengths and weaknesses, see what areas of healthcare you like most or even recognize a career in the medical field that may not be what you anticipated.

Have a Plan “B”

Finally, have a Plan “B” in the event you don’t make it into medical school or other situations develop along the way. For example, if you major in biology, this will serve you well on your way to becoming a doctor. However, this degree can also be used if you decide to focus on medical research, so keep this in mind.

 

Once you concentrate on taking the right steps when considering a medical career, everything else will likely fall into place due to your hard work and commitment to being the best.

Article Written By:

Ani O. a Freelance writer and web enthusiast

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.