Health Care Positions, Education Requirements and Earning Potential
Cardiovascular Technologist
Cardiovascular Technologists assist physicians in diagnosing and treating patients who have, or may have, cardiac and/or peripheral vascular disease. Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialists (RCIS) are proficient in the use and application of analytical equipment. They prepare patients for diagnostic and interventional procedures and examine patients at the request of the physician.
Other Requirements and Earning Potential:
Requires a high school diploma, Maryland Radiological Technologist license and member of American Registry of Radiological Technologist, plus six months cardiovascular experience.
Approximate starting salary of $50,000 per year* with weekend and shift differential.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (ultrasound)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers provide non-invasive diagnostic procedures utilizing ultrasound waves.
Other Requirements and Earning Potential:
Requires CPR certification and graduation of AMA-JCH approved program in Ultrasonography. Current registration as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) preferred, or certificate from School of Medicine Ultrasonography.
Approximate starting salary of $48,000 per year* with weekend and shift differential.
EKG Technician
These health care professionals operate electro-cardio (EKG) machines and interpret basic electrocardiograms.
Other Requirements and Earning Potential:
Requires high school diploma.
Approximate starting salary $20,000 per year* with weekend and shift differential.
Health/Patient Care Technician
Health/patient care technicians provide basic nursing bedside assistance to patients. They function under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse.
Other Requirements and Earning Potential:
Requires high school diploma, CPR certification and current certification in Maryland as a Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.).
Approximate starting salary of $21,000 per year* with weekend and shift differential.
Medical Records Coder
Medical Records Coding is the process of translating diagnoses and procedure described by doctors or other medical professionals into codes that are recognized and accepted by Medicare and other insurance programs. Medical records coders allow doctors and hospitals to be compensated for the services, which they deliver, and allows individuals to be reimbursed for medical expenses that they have incurred.
Other Requirements and Earning Potential:
Requires high school diploma plus completion of a Medical Records Program and certification as an Accredited Records Technician, RRA or Certified Coding Specialist.
Approximate starting salary of $36,500 per year* with shift differential.
Medical Transcriptionist
Transcription is the process of converting the spoken word to a written, digital format. Many physicians and medical professionals make oral notations about patients, and depend upon medical transcriptionists to convert oral notes into a format which may be included in the patient file.
Other Requirements and Earning Potential:
Requires high school diploma plus completion of medical secretarial program or any equivalent combination of knowledge, experience and/or education. Able to read and comprehend medical terminology.
Approximate starting salary of $23,000 per year*.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Nuclear medicine technologists perform invasive radioactive chemical dye diagnostic procedures.
Other Requirements and Earning Potential:
Requires graduation from an AMA-JCH approved program of Nuclear Medicine Technology. Current registry in the American Registry of Radiology Technologist Division for Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist. Registry eligible applicants may be considered and hired with registry, but registry required within 18 months of employment. Current Maryland State license in Nuclear Medicine Technology.
Approximate starting salary of $50,000 per year* with weekend and shift differential.
Nursing, Practical Nurse
Licensed practical nurses (LPN) are health care providers who work in a team relationship with the registered nurse or physician in providing care for patients of all ages based on knowledge, judgment and skill within the scope of practice as outlined in the Maryland State Nurse Practice Act.
Other Requirements and Earning Potential:
Requires graduation from an approved LPN program with current Maryland LPN license and CPR certification.
Approximate starting salary of $35,000 per year* with weekend and shift differential.
Nursing, Registered Nurse
Registered nurses (RN) perform acts that require substantial specialized knowledge, judgment and skill, based on principles of the biological, physiological, behavioral and sociological sciences. Registered nurses may assume administrative functions and perform more specialized treatments and procedures than licensed practical nurses. After completion of either the Associate's Degree (two-year college) or the Baccalaureate Degree (four-year college) program, graduates are eligible to take the examination for registered nurse licensure.
Other Requirements and Earning Potential:
Requires diploma/AA/BSN with current, Maryland Registered Nursing license.
Approximate starting salary of $50,000 per year* with weekend and shift differential.
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians work under the direction of a pharmacist and perform tasks involved with the storage, distribution, packaging and labeling of drugs.
Other Requirements and Earning Potential:
Requires high school diploma plus completion of certified pharmacy technician program. Knowledge of medical terminology a plus.
Minimum starting salary $23,500 per year* with shift differential.
Phlebotomy Technician
The phlebotomy technician is responsible for obtaining blood specimens from pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients by utilizing age appropriate venipuncture and micro-collection techniques and ensuring adequate and correct test samples. Facilitates collection and transportation of other clinical laboratory specimens.
Other Requirements and Earning Potential:
Requires graduation from a structured phlebotomy technician training course that included at least 40 hours didactic and 120 hours of clinical rotations in a laboratory or hospital environment and certification as a phlebotomist. CPR certification also is required.
Approximate starting salary of $22,000 per year*.
Physical Therapist Assistant
A skilled technical health care provider, the physical therapist assistant works under the direction of a licensed physical therapist who is the administrator of a therapy service. The assistant performs selected physical therapy procedures and related tasks.
Other Requirements and Earning Potential:
Requires an Associate's degree from an approved Physical Therapy Assistant program. Current licensure as required by the state in which he/she practices or be eligible for licensure and holding temporary license. CPR certification also is required.
Approximate starting salary of $38,000 per year*.
Radiology Technologist
Radiology technologists provide non-invasive diagnostic procedures utilizing gamma waves.
Other Requirements and Potential Earnings:
Requires graduation of AMA-JCH approved program in Radiological Technology. Current registration in the American Registry of Radiological Technologists (ARRT). Registry eligible applicants may be considered, but must be ARRT certified within 18 months of hire. CPR certification also is required. Approximate starting salary of $42,000 per year* with weekend and shift differential.
Respiratory Therapist
The respiratory therapist (RT) evaluates, treats and cares for patients with breathing disorders.
Other Requirements and Earning Potential:
Requires an Associate's degree in Respiratory Therapy with certification and/or Registered Respiratory Therapist licensure.
Approximate starting salary of $39,500 per year* with shift differential for Certified RT and $43,500 per year* with shift differential for Registered RT.
Surgical Technologist
The surgical technologist is a member of the surgical team in the operating room. They work for hospitals or ambulatory surgery centers, assisting surgeons with surgical procedures and preparing equipment and supplies before, during and after surgery.
Other Requirements and Earning Potential:
Requires high school diploma plus certification and/or minimum of one year experience.
Approximate starting salary of $30,000 per year* with shift differential.
*Salaries are approximate as of May 2010.