What does a nuclear medicine technologist do?
Nuclear medicine technology evaluates the body’s physiological processes via the administration of radioactive compounds known as radiopharmaceuticals. After the radioisotope is administered, the technologist will image the biodistribution of the radiotracer with a gamma camera to determine the presence of disease. Sophisticated computer software applications can further investigate and quantify radiopharmaceutical uptake to determine the presence of disease.
What might a nuclear medicine technologist do in a workday?
- are key players in the ability to find cancer due to the advent of positron emission tomography.
- play key roles in identifying cardiac disease and in preventing heart attacks through nuclear cardiology stress testing.
- perform renal scans to determine kidney function.
- perform bone scans to identify the presences of bone infections.
- perform HIDA scans that can uncover stones blocking the gallbladder.
- perform gastric emptying to look at the body’s ability to digest food.
How much does a nuclear medicine technologist earn?
- $65,000 - $75,000
How do I become a nuclear medicine technologist?
Students intending to pursue a career as a nuclear medicine technologist should prepare by taking the most challenging high school courses available in science and math.
Nuclear medicine technology programs are available through both hospitals and colleges/universities. High school graduation (or GED) is required for entry into a two-year or four-year program. For one-year programs, graduation from an Accredited radiologic technology or health sciences program is usually necessary. Individuals also must earn certification involving written and practical examinations.
Certification can be obtained from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board.
Where else can I learn about becoming a nuclear medicine technologist?
Society of Nuclear Medicine
1850 Samuel Morse Drive / Reston, VA 20190
tel: (703) 708-9000 / web: www.snm.org
Virginia Society of Radiologic Technologists
P.O. Box 1114 / Salem, VA 24153
tel: (540) 355-6778 / web: www.vsrt.org
American Society of Radiologic Technologists
15000 Central Avenue S.E. / Albuquerque, NM 87123-3909
tel: (505) 298-4500 or (800) 444-2778 / web: www.asrt.org
Educational Institutions in Virginia for Nuclear Medicine Technologists:
What does a registered dietitian do?
Registered dietitians teach and counsel individuals and groups about nutrition and its impact on health and well-being. They work in a variety of settings: hospitals and clinics, food service management, public health, business, education, research, and private practice. Areas of specialty include education, pediatrics, geriatrics, business, and sports nutrition.
What might a registered dietitian do in a workday?
Depending on their work setting, registered dietitians:
- plan and supervise meal preparation and service in hospitals, schools, restaurants, or other public and private institutions.
- use nutrition, biochemistry, and physiology principles to make recommendations regarding patients’ nutritional management.
- provide counsel about diet modifications that can correct or prevent health problems.
- analyze food for its nutritional content and study the way the body uses nutrients.
- select, train, and direct nutrition services staff.
- provide community-based programs designed to promote well-being and prevent chronic diseases.
- direct purchasing and prepare reports and budgets.
How much does a registered dietitian earn?
- $45,000 - $65,000
How do I become a registered dietitian?
Students interested in becoming dietitians should prepare by taking challenging high school classes in science, English, math, and business.
To become a registered dietitian, students must earn a bachelor’s degree in an accredited academic program and complete an accredited supervised practice program, such as a coordinated program or dietetic internship. Registered dietitians also must pass a national examination and complete continuing education requirements. Students may begin at a local community college and transfer to a four-year program after obtaining an Associate in Science degree.
“Becoming a Registered Dietitian Fact Sheet” and additional information are available at: www.eatright.org/students/education/starthere.aspx.
Where else can I learn about becoming a registered dietitian?
Virginia Dietetic Association
P.O. Box 439 / Centreville, VA 20122-0439
tel: (703) 815-8293 / www.eatrightvirginia.org
American Dietetic Association
120 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000 / Chicago, IL 60606-6995
tel: (312) 899-0040 or (800) 877-1600 / web: www.eatright.org
American Society for Nutrition
9650 Rockville Pike / Bethesda, MD 20814
tel: (301) 634-7050 / web: www.nutrition.org
Educational Institutions in Virginia for Registered Dietitians:
What does a nurse anesthetist do?
Nurse anesthetists are advanced practice registered nurses who administer anesthetics to patients undergoing medical, dental, surgical, and obstetrical procedures. They work in collaboration with physicians or dentists, combining professional nursing skills with the science of anesthesia. Nurse anesthetists are an important part of the surgical team.
What might a nurse anesthetist do in a workday?
- explain upcoming medical procedures and anesthesia to patients.
- assemble and test medical equipment needed to administer anesthetics.
- prepare prescribed solutions and start intravenous injections.
- administer prescribed anesthetics and medications.
- observe patients to ensure that anesthesia is maintained.
- monitor patients for warning signs during anesthesia and assist attending physicians with emergency procedures, if necessary.
- record each patient’s condition (as well as all anesthetics and medications administered) before, during, and after surgery.
Developing a Career as a Nurse Anesthetist:
Nurse anesthetists may work in hospitals, emergency rooms, dental offices and outpatient surgery facilities.
How much does a nurse anesthetist earn?
- $100,000 - $150,000
How do I become a nurse anesthetist?
Students interested in a career as a nurse anesthetist should take the most challenging high school courses available in science, math and English, including advanced placement courses.
To be a nurse anesthetist, students must first complete education and training to be a baccalaureate-prepared registered nurse. Students also must have at least one year’s experience in a critical care setting.
To become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), students attend an approved nurse anesthesia graduate program, which includes 24-36 months of course work and a minimum of 800 hours of clinical experience. Finally, they must pass a national certification examination given by the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists.
Where else can I learn about becoming a nurse anesthetist?
Virginia Association of Nurse Anesthetists
2231 Oak Bay Lane / Richmond, VA 23233
tel: (804) 754-4122 / web: www.vana.org
Virginia Nurses Association
7113 Three Chopt Road / Richmond, VA 23226
tel: (804) 282-1808 / web: www.virginianurses.com
American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
222 S. Prospect Avenue / Park Ridge, IL 60068
tel: (847) 692-7050 / web: www.aana.com
State License Requirements for Nurse Anesthetist:
A license is required to practice as a nurse practitioner in the state of Virginia. For more information on licensure, applications and forms, visit www.dhp.virginia.gov/nursing.
Virginia Board of Nursing
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300 / Henrico, VA 23233
Phone: (804) 367-4515 / Email: nursebd@dhp.virginia.gov
Educational Institutions in Virginia for Nurse Anesthetist:
What does a health educator do?
Health educators work with individuals, organizations, and communities to bring about behavioral and environmental changes that foster good health. They apply theories and principles of behavioral and social sciences to design, organize, implement, communicate, and evaluate the effects of education programs and strategies related to health behaviors of individuals, families, organizations, and communities.
What might a health educator do in a workday?
Health educators:
- assess the health needs of individuals or groups by collecting and analyzing information about health status, social, and cultural environments, needs and interests, and available resources.
- provide individual health counseling and referrals.
- research, design, and present health education programs to increase knowledge, modify attitudes, and adopt healthy behaviors.
- develop educational curricula for a variety of settings and learners.
- facilitate discussion and decision-making within groups.
- serve as a resource for health information and as consultants for those requesting assistance in solving health-related problems.
Health educators may specialize according to a health concern, illness, or work setting.
- Community public health educators focus on public health issues.
- School and college health educators teach health education courses and conduct health promotion campaigns.
- Patient and family health educators work primarily with other health care professionals in hospitals, clinics, and health maintenance organizations.
- Work-site health educators and wellness directors plan and manage on-the-job health promotion programs.
How much does a health educator earn?
- $35,000 - $55,000
How do I become a health educator?
Students interested in becoming health educators should take the most challenging high school courses available in English, science, speech, and math. They should seek accredited undergraduate- (bachelor’s degree) and graduate-level programs in health education and public health.
Certified health education specialists also must pass a written exam. Special licensing is required for health educators who become classroom teachers.
Where else can I learn about becoming a health educator?
American Public Health Association
800 I Street N.W. / Washington, DC 20001
tel: (202) 777-2742 (APHA) / web: www.apha.org
Virginia Public Health Association
2415 Westwood Avenue / Richmond, VA 23230
tel: (804) 767-7230 / web: www.vapha.org
American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
1900 Association Drive / Reston, VA 20191-1598
tel: (800) 213-7193 or (703) 476-3400 / web: www.aahperd.org
Society for Public Health Education
10 G. Street, N.E., Suite 605 / Washington, DC 20002
tel: (202) 408-9804 / web: www.sophe.org
Educational Institutions in Virginia for Health Educators:
- Eastern Virginia Medical School
- Hampton University
- James Madison University
- Liberty University
- Lynchburg College
- Mary Baldwin College
- Marymount University
- Old Dominion University
- Radford University
- Roanoke College
- University of Mary Washington
- University of Virginia
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- Virginia State University
- Virginia Tech
- Walden University
