AHEC

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:

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 nuclear radiation therapist do?

Radiation oncology employs ionizing radiation to destroy cancerous tumors while sparing surrounding tissue. The radiation therapist administers the radiation to the patient.

What might a nuclear medicine radiation therapist do in a workday?

assist in localizing tumors.
participate in treatment and planning.
deliver high doses of ionizing radiation as prescribed by the radiation oncologist.
serve as the primary liaison between patients and other members of the radiation oncology team.
must maintain a high degree of accuracy and awareness of safety issues.

How much does a radiation therapist make?

$70,000 - $80,000

How do I become a radiation therapist?

Students intending to pursue a career as a radiation therapist should prepare by taking the most challenging high school courses available in science, math and English.

High school graduation (or a GED) is required for entry into a two-year or four-year radiation therapy program. A one-year program is available for individuals who have graduated from an accredited radiography program. Many employers also require certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Where else can I learn about becoming a radiation therapist?

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

American Society for Radiation Oncology
8280 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Suite 500 / Fairfax, VA 22031
tel: (703) 502-1550 / web: www.astro.org

American College of Radiation Oncology
5272 River Road, Suite 630 / Bethesda, MD 20816
tel: (301) 718-6515 / web: www.acro.org

State Licensure Requirements for Radiation Therapists:

A license is required to practice as a radiation therapist in the state of Virginia. For more information on licensure, applications and forms, visit www.dhp.virginia.gov/medicine.

Virginia Board of Medicine
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300 / Henrico, VA 23233
Phone: (804) 786-0370 / Email: medbd@dhp.virginia.gov

Educational Institutions in Virginia for Radiation Therapists:

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 nuclear radiologic technologist do?

Radiologic technologists (radiographers) use X-ray equipment to help diagnose and treat diseases or injuries. They work under the direction of a physician. Radiographers work in hospitals, clinics, imaging centers, or physicians’ offices. Some operate mobile X-ray equipment at the patient’s bedside, in the emergency room, or in surgery. Others work in medical laboratories or for private industry.

What might a nuclear medicine radiologic technologist do in a workday?

review physicians’ orders and patients’ records to determine required procedures.
evaluate patients’ conditions and explain X-ray procedures.
position patients and X-ray equipment to make routine radiographs of specific anatomical areas.
determine the proper voltage, current, and X-ray exposure.
prepare and administer mixtures required for some procedures.
assist radiologists in performing sophisticated or invasive procedures.
ensure proper equipment operation using quality control techniques.
provide radiation protection for patients, others and self.

How much does a radiologic technologist earn?

$50,000 - $60,000

How do I become a radiologic technologist?

Students intending to pursue a career as a radiologic technologist should prepare by taking the most challenging high school courses available in science, math and English.

Registered radiologic technologists must complete a two-year training program at an approved hospital or school. High school graduation (or GED) is required for entry into a radiologic technology program. In addition to hospital-based certificate programs, degree programs are offered at two- and four-year colleges and universities. Upon graduation from an accredited program, certification can be obtained through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. This certification is voluntary, but is preferred by many employers.

Where else can I learn about becoming a radiologic technologist?