These are the Top 15 Best Paying Trades Jobs in 2024!

24 June 2024

The value of trade occupations is rising in the contemporary dynamic labour market. Tradespeople are launching lucrative careers by fusing their practical skills with technical know-how. If you want to pursue a rewarding job without a four-year degree, you’re in luck.

I’ve included a list of the best-paying jobs in the trades for 2024 in this blog. So, if that’s what you’ve been looking for, your search has come to an end! Therefore, read this blog all the way through to the very end.

What are Trade Jobs?

A trade job is a particular type of work that often requires manual labor or practical skills and requires certain competencies.

Besides, these are not the most dangerous jobs in the world. Compared to positions requiring a four-year college degree, trade jobs typically require less training, such as an apprenticeship, a vocational school, or on-the-job experience.

Among them are electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and welders. Additionally, these jobs are essential because they focus on certain skills that are in great demand across multiple industries.

People in trade jobs build our homes, keep our water running, fix our electrical problems, and keep our cars safe to drive. Moreover, they are practical professionals who use tools and knowledge to solve problems in the real world.

Because trade occupations demand specific skills, they are often well-paid and known for their steadiness.

In addition, a lot of trade occupations allow for self-employment, which allows employees to select their own projects and set their own terms of employment.

To put it briefly, trade jobs require the mastery of a certain set of abilities to carry out necessary tasks that maintain the smooth operation of the economy and our everyday lives.

Therefore, all of them revolve around utilizing your hands, applying your knowledge, and witnessing the tangible fruits of your labor.

Career in Trade: Why You Should Give it a Shot!

Now that you know what trade jobs are, you might be thinking about whether you should be in this field or not. “Are there any benefits of being in trade jobs?”

Trust me, mate: You are not the only one thinking about this. Trade jobs provide a useful and fulfilling substitute for the conventional college path.

According to Forbes, “Skilled trades offer ample opportunities for career growth and high earning potential. Demand for skilled trade workers is steady, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting that overall employment growth for construction and extraction occupations will keep pace with the average projected growth rate of 3% for all U.S. jobs from 2022 to 2032.”

Moreover, they provide a more rapid route to employment, reduced debt, competitive salary, job security, and the opportunity to actually change the world.

Benefits of Trade Jobs

For individuals who wish to advance without devoting years to school, it’s a wise decision. Here are some of the benefits of working in this field:

Quick Start: Trade positions frequently only take a few months to two years of training, as opposed to careers that require years of study. This implies that you can begin working and making money much faster.
Less Debt: Compared to typical four-year institutions, trade schools are less expensive. Moreover, you can thus avoid taking on large student debts and save a ton of money on college.
Good Pay: Trade occupations often pay well, offering you the opportunity to make a stable living. Some of them can be low-stress jobs!
Job Security: Tradespeople mend pipes and wire homes, among other things we all require. Besides, there is always a need for these jobs because they cannot be exported or replaced by robots.
Career Growth: In the trades, you can move up the career ladder fast because there is less competition and a constant need for qualified labor.
Hands-On Work: Trade employment provides such gratification if you prefer to see the consequences of your labor. Furthermore, you get to directly enhance people’s lives while working with your hands.
Independence: You can choose your projects, work for yourself, and have the flexibility of self-employment in many trades.
Physical Activity: It’s excellent for your health to work a trade that keeps you in shape and active.
Variety: The deals are different every day. Your workplace will remain engaging as you take on new difficulties and find solutions to unusual issues.
Making a Difference: Craftspeople are essential to the construction and upkeep of our society’s infrastructure. Your tradesmanship has a significant effect on the neighbourhood.

Best Paying Jobs in the Trades in 2024!

So, let us focus on the thing that you have been searching for: what are the best paying jobs in the trades in 2024?

The jobs in his field range from dental hygienist to aircraft mechanic. But really, which one should you opt for? Which of these gave the highest salary?

Here are the top fifteen jobs in the field that are among the best paying jobs in the trades:

1. Ultrasonographer

Average Salary: $131,161/year

Firstly, a medical practitioner called an ultrasonographer uses a specialized device to produce photographs of the insides of your body. In other words, it’s similar to shooting a picture using sound waves so that medical professionals may examine your organs and look for any problems.

Additionally, in terms of medical diagnosis and therapy, they are crucial. High-frequency sound waves are utilized to obtain real-time images from inside the body. This important position has a 10% job growth rate and calls for an associate’s degree.

2. Respiratory Therapist

Average Salary: $104,437/year

Secondly, a medical professional who assists patients with breathing is known as a respiratory therapist. They assist individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma.

Furthermore, they help patients breathe and feel better by using various devices and medications. It’s a profession that significantly improves people’s health. With a 13% growth rate, this is undoubtedly a position you should consider!

3. Dental Hygienist

Average Salary: $99,013/year

Thirdly, we have a dental hygienist. Who are they? An expert in maintaining the health and cleanliness of your teeth is a dental hygienist. They clean teeth, look for gum disease, and provide you advice on how to take care of your teeth at home while working at a dentist’s office.

Besides, everything comes down to making you look fantastic! And guess what: you can enter this 7% growth field with an associate’s degree.

4. Construction Manager

Average Salary: $88,319/year

Fourthly, a construction manager is comparable to the site supervisor. To make sure everything runs smoothly and is completed on schedule, they organize and supervise the building activity.

Furthermore, they oversee the project and the workers, ensuring that the structure is well-built and safe. They guarantee the safe and effective completion of projects. Additionally, there has been a 5% growth rate in this career due to the construction boom.

5. Aircraft Mechanic

Average Salary: $82,476/year

The next one on this list is a person who fixes and maintains aircraft to ensure their safety while in flight. They are known as aircraft mechanics. They use instruments and expertise to inspect and fix various aircraft parts, much like doctors do for hospitals.

In other words, aircraft mechanics maintain the safe flying of aircraft. Additionally, it is a position that ensures the safe and efficient operation of airplanes. They are vital to the aviation sector, which is experiencing a 4% increase in employment, although they do require specific training.

6. Cable Technician

Average Salary: $70,714/year

The next one on this list is a cable technician. These people are the unsung heroes who keep us connected. It is a person who installs and maintains the wires that provide us internet and television. They guarantee that we can browse the internet and watch our favorite shows.

Additionally, they are the ones that maintain our connection to the outside world and all of its knowledge and enjoyment. Moreover, with a 6% growth rate, their proficiency in establishing and maintaining cable networks is highly sought after.

7. Industrial Mechanic

Average Salary: $69,637/year

Industrial mechanics maintain the smooth operation of machines. A competent worker who fixes and maintains large machinery in factories is known as an industrial mechanic.

Additionally, they maintain the machinery to ensure that the factory can continue producing goods. They have a 13% job growth rate and are essential to manufacturing

8. Solar Installer

Average Salary: $69,422/year

Solar installers are at the forefront of the green energy revolution. Solar installation is the process of mounting solar panels on roofs to capture sunlight and turn it into electricity. Additionally, they make it easier for people to power homes and buildings with solar energy.

Therefore, we can say that it’s a career that benefits the environment and helps with the increasing use of sustainable energy. Moreover, this industry is expanding at an incredible rate of 22% for job growth.

9. Real Estate Appraiser

Average Salary: $64,075/year

Lastly, we have real estate appraisers who determine property valuations. A real estate appraiser determines the value of a property, such as a home or piece of land. To determine a reasonable price, they inspect the property and evaluate it against others.

Additionally, when someone wants to purchase, sell, or take out a loan secured by real estate, this is helpful. They have a 5% job growth rate and are important to the housing industry.

Other Jobs in Trades That Pays Well!

Did you think that the list is over? Not so soon, darling! Here are some additional job roles that you might want to take a look at:

10. Electrician

Firstly, electricians light up our world. They’re in constant demand for installation and maintenance work, with a 6% job growth rate. Their mean salary is $62,739/year. If you have been thinking of becoming an electrician, now is a good time!

11. Licensed Practice Nurse (LPN)

Secondly, we have a Licensed Practice Nurse or LPN. They have an average annual salary of $59,125. LPNs provide essential nursing care. They are the backbone of the healthcare system and have a 5% job growth rate.

12. Wind Turbine Technician

Wind turbine technicians use wind power. They earn an average annual salary of $58,005 and work in a sector where employment is growing at an astounding 45%.

13. Elevator Mechanic

The average salary for an elevator technician is $99,000 per year. Elevator mechanics facilitate our easy vertical movement. Their knowledge of urban development is well appreciated.

14. Nuclear Medicine Technologist

The average salary for a nuclear medicine technician is $85,300 annually. The hidden backbone of contemporary diagnostics is nuclear medicine technologists. They employ radioactive materials for therapeutic and imaging purposes.

15. Radiation Therapist

Lastly, radiation therapists use targeted treatment to combat cancer. They work in a developing sector and provide patients with focused radiation therapy. They have an average annual salary of $89,530.

Wrapping It Up!

In case you were in search of the best paying jobs in the trades, I hope that this blog has been of help to you, if there are any other questions that you might have related to the same, please feel free to let me know.

All that you need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the page. Then, leave your questions and suggestions in the box below. And I will be there to answer them all for you!

Additional Reading:

Long-Term Strategic Partners in Healthcare

Ankita Tripathy

Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

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how long does it take to become a physician assistant

How To Become A Physician Assistant In 7 Years Or Less

The title "physician assistant" may evoke images of someone whose job it is to run professional errands for doctors to someone with little knowledge of the health sector. Physician assistants (PAs), however, are highly skilled individuals who are authorized to diagnose, track, and provide medication to patients. Though the responsibilities of PAs and doctors frequently overlap, the degree of autonomy that each enjoys at work varies. Although PAs normally require a doctor's supervision to treat patients, doctors are legally permitted to practice independently. There are other options for pursuing an advanced career in healthcare besides attending medical school or nursing school, as evidenced by the growing demand for PAs. This article covers the steps involved in becoming a physician assistant, as well as typical specializations, salary ranges, and employment prospects for this field. How Long Does It Take To Become A Physician Assistant? Are you interested in becoming a physician assistant? Do you know how to become a pa? Are you wondering how long does it take to become a pa? Did you just google "What bachelor degree do I need for physician assistant?" This article will explain everything to you in detail. Who Is A Physician Assistant? Physician assistants, or PAs for short, are certified medical professionals who assist doctors in delivering care. They provide care as well as keep an eye on the health of patients alongside doctors. While some states permit physician assistants to operate autonomously, the majority mandate that they remain under the direct supervision of physicians. PAs perform physical examinations, write prescriptions for medication, and administer tests. Additional duties for PAs are as follows: Obtaining the medical histories of patients Placing as well as evaluating diagnostic test orders Assisting with medical operations Directing patients to appropriate experts Creating therapy programs Offering patients preventive care advice Track the advancement of your patients. Carrying out clinical research Physician assistants are employed in a variety of locations, including surgery rooms, outpatient clinics, hospitals, and doctor's offices. In addition to working in medical settings, PAs are employed by military institutions, sports teams, and educational institutions. The majority of PAs have full-time jobs with flexible schedules that sometimes include weekends and holidays. Similar to physicians, they might have to work long shifts on short notice and be on call. PAs should be physically fit and have strong interpersonal skills because spending hours interacting with patients and coworkers can get tiresome. How To Become A Physician Assistant? Here are the steps to take before you can become a physician assistant. Get Your Bachelor's Degree Getting a bachelor's degree from a recognized university is the prerequisite for working as a physician assistant. Applications from a variety of backgrounds are usually accepted into PA programs, but a science-focused major is advised as it will enable you to apply undergraduate credits toward your PA requirements. Acquire Patient Care Or Healthcare Experience (PCE) (HCE) Prior to applying to graduate school, prospective physician associates (PAs) are advised by the American Academy of Physician Associates to obtain experience in healthcare or patient care. HCE describes employment, whether paid or unpaid, in which you may still interact with patients but are not directly in charge of their care. PCE, on the other hand, necessitates direct patient treatment. At least 1,000 HCE or PCE hours are needed for most PA programs, and these hours are normally obtained after working in the health industry for about a year. A medical technician, paramedic, surgical assistant, dental assistant, hospice worker, physical therapy assistant, and phlebotomist are among the positions that satisfy the need for clinical experience. Enroll In A PA Program With Accreditation You can acquire the advanced knowledge required to pass the national certification exam and start working as a physician assistant by enrolling in a PA graduate program. Clinical anatomy, clinical therapeutics, histology, as well as medical principles are among the subjects covered in a PA program. Additionally, you might participate in clinical rotations or clerkships, which entail observing certified PAs. For those who cannot attend in person, several colleges offer online PA programs. Concentrations are a common feature of these PA programs, enabling students to customize their degrees to meet their professional objectives. Moreover, geriatrics, family medicine, women's health, pediatrics, psychiatry, and general internal medicine are among the common specialties of PAs. Through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA), students can submit their admissions applications. PA applicants must submit HCE and PCE records, college transcripts, recommendation letters, resumes, and personal statements to CASPA. Before applying, make sure the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has approved the program of your choice. Obtain Certification Graduates from ARC-PA-accredited programs are eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) is responsible for administering the exam. The PANCE is a five-hour multiple-choice test designed to evaluate candidates' knowledge of medicine and surgery. To obtain a PA license in any state in the United States, one must pass the PANCE. States may have different requirements for other particular licenses. How Long Does It Take To Become A Physician Assistant? Usually, it takes at least seven years to finish all of the steps above. You will need four years to complete your undergraduate studies, followed by a year to obtain experience in healthcare and two years to finish a PA program. If you need more time to study for and pass the PANCE, or if you want to gain experience when moving from undergrad and grad school, then the path to becoming a PA may take longer. Salary Of A Physician Assistant As of May 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the median annual salary for physician assistants was $126,010. The industry, degree of experience, and place of residence all affect an individual's compensation. Certain regions of the United States, such as Connecticut, New York, North Carolina, Nebraska, and Montana, have the highest concentrations of physician assistant jobs, putting them in great demand. According to BLS projections, employment for these professionals will grow by 28% between 2021 and 2031, which is nearly six times the projected growth rate for all U.S. jobs and three times the projected job growth rate for other health practitioners nationwide. Specializations Similar to nurses and clinicians, physician assistants can choose to specialize in different areas of healthcare based on their areas of interest as well as strengths. Moreover, the types of patients PAs work with, as well as the range of salaries they can earn, depend largely on their specializations. The majority of PA programs provide elective courses and some mandate that students finish supervised clinical practice across several specializations. Before starting graduate school, we advise you to select your PA specialization so that you can enroll in a program that offers comprehensive instruction in your field of interest. Here are some typical specializations for PA professionals and students. Emergency Practice In this specialization, PA aspirants learn how to assess, stabilize, and treat patients with life-threatening conditions. Students specializing in emergency medicine also gain skills for collaborating with urgent care teams and for presenting cases to physicians. Pregnancy And Gynecology PA students who choose this concentration will graduate with a thorough understanding of childbirth, midwifery, and the female reproductive system as a whole. They get training in giving women prenatal and postpartum care as well as family planning counseling. Pediatrics By providing ambulatory care for infants and children, pediatric PAs assist pediatricians. Students specializing in the pediatrician field gain the ability to assess typical pediatric issues, provide prophylactic care, and explain treatment regimens to patients' guardians. Surgery PA students can assess and oversee surgical patients through the surgery specialization. They gain knowledge on how to care for surgical patients both before and after surgery. Mental Wellness The treatment and support of patients dealing with mental health issues is the main focus of this specialization. Students in this specialty gain knowledge on how to perform mental assessments, track patients' progress, as well as recommend individuals to behavioral health professionals. Certifications Furthering your experience, profile, as well as career certifications helps you gain credibility. Here are a few you can check out. PA-C The primary certification for PAs is the Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) credential, for which you must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination. Three hundred multiple-choice questions, given in five blocks of sixty questions each, make up the five-hour PANCE exam. Between sessions, candidates can take 45-minute breaks. Those who wish to take the PANCE must complete a program approved by the ARC-PA before taking it. Potential PAs have 180 days from the date of graduation to apply for the exam; however, they can only take the test beginning seven days later. After submitting an application and paying a $550 fee, NCCPA will email you an acknowledgment along with more details. Additional Qualifications NCCPA provides optional credentials for ten PA specialties in addition to the PA-C: Cardiovascular and thoracic surgery Dermatology Emergency medicine Hospital medicine Nephrology Orthopedic surgery Pediatrics Palliative medicine and hospice care Psychiatry Obstetrics and Gynecology These qualifications are known as certificates of additional qualifications, or CAQs. They give PAs credit for their specialized knowledge. Professional Organizations While it's not necessary, becoming a member of a professional organization can help PAs become more credible and open up more career development opportunities. The two professional associations that were established to aid physician assistants are highlighted below. The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) is the preeminent national organization for PA professionals. It was established in 1968. It encompasses more than 168,000 PAs in each of the 50 US states. The AAPA gives its members the tools they need to grow professionally and enhance patient care. Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) is the national organization for PA education. It helps academic programs attract and hold onto talented faculty members and PA students. Additionally, it offers a range of study resources for PA certifications. Wrapping Up Additional motivations to become a physician assistant include demand, high pay, work-life balance, autonomy, and job security. If you have the desire and passion to become a PA, then the amount of time it takes is unimportant. Your clinical experience and self-assurance will enable you to lead health care forward and improve patient health and well-being with the Physician Assistant Studies Program. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask how long does it take to become a physician assistant, then please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Learn More About: The Future Of Healthcare: Adapting To An Aging Society Healthcare Jobs That Will Be Most In Demand 2020–2025 Is Medical Specialities A Good Career Path? – 12 Best Jobs

how long does it take to become a psychiatrist

The Road To Psychiatry: A Timeline Of Education And Training

Ever wondered about becoming a psychiatrist? We do get inquiries concerning mental health in general, as well as this subject, on a regular basis. We have graduates with psychiatry residency enrollments, current students pursuing careers in psychiatry, and alumni who are psychiatrists in the US and Canada inquiring about it. So, we have a good understanding of the process of becoming a psychiatrist. In this article, you will learn how to become a psychiatrist and why a student should consider psychiatry as a career. Prospective students should think about both academic and non-academic items. Before we answer how long does it take to become a psychiatrist, let's dive deeper into the world of psychiatrists. Who Is A Psychiatrist? Psychiatrists are medical professionals with a board certification and license in mental health disorders. The medical specialty of psychiatry concerns the identification, management, and prevention of mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders. Anxiety, depression, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, body dysmorphia disorder, eating disorders, and addiction are among the common psychological issues that psychiatrists treat. To diagnose their patients' disorders, psychiatrists also conduct psychological and laboratory testing. They make use of psychotherapy, prescription drugs, and a range of cutting-edge therapies like deep brain stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and electroconvulsive therapy. Psychiatrists can find employment in hospital and clinical settings. They check patients' medications and offer counseling in the clinic. Psychiatrists are hospital employees who work with hospitalized patients in a secure psychiatric unit or on the general medical floor. What Do Psychiatrists Do? A psychiatrist is a medical professional who assesses mental health disorders' symptoms and potential causes. In order to aid in the diagnosis process, this may entail obtaining medical histories, requesting blood tests, and assessing symptoms. A psychiatrist may suggest prescription medication, light therapy, counseling, diet and lifestyle management, and electroshock therapy as treatments after a medical diagnosis. Psychiatrists frequently refer and co-manage patients with psychologists. Among the common mental illnesses that psychiatrists identify and treat in their patients are: Chronic schizophrenia is a mental illness marked by delusions, disordered speech, strange behavior, diminished involvement in day-to-day activities, and difficulty concentrating. Sleeping disorders comprise insomnia and other conditions marked by frequent nighttime awakenings, poor sleep quality, insufficient sleep, and difficulty falling asleep. Depression is a chronic illness marked by a decrease in motivation, lack of interest in routine activities, changes in appetite, depressive feelings, low self-esteem, and a lack of social interaction. Anxiety disorder is a mental illness that can cause excessive worry, agitation, panic attacks, and anxiety levels that interfere with day-to-day functioning. Mood swings associated with bipolar disorder include a manic phase marked by high energy and detachment from reality and a depressive phase marked by low energy and disinterest in day-to-day activities. Chronic attention disorders, such as ADHD and ADD, are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and trouble focusing and paying attention. Eating disorders are an unhealthy relationship with food. It could be a distorted body image and obsessive thoughts about weight or calorie intake. These are hallmarks of eating disorders, such as bulimia and anorexia. Psychosis is a mental illness marked by a detachment from reality. It often has associations with hallucination disorders. Hallucinations, agitation, incoherence, animosity, and not realizing their strange behavior are possible additional symptoms. Addiction disorders are psychological conditions marked by obsessive behavior, even in the face of unfavorable results or repercussions, like substance abuse. Difference Between Psychiatrist And Psychologist Psychologists' and psychiatrists' training backgrounds are primarily different. A psychologist did not attend medical school. Instead, they hold a PhD or PsyD degree in psychology and have clinical psychology training. Psychiatrists are physicians with licenses who have completed medical school and received their MD or DO degrees. Psychologists cannot practice medicine, prescribe drugs, or carry out medical procedures. Psychiatrists have permission because of their educational background and training. In addition to spending time counseling patients and practicing cognitive psychology, both providers assist in the care of patients with mental health disorders. Psychologists and psychiatrists are mental health practitioners who have received training in understanding mental health disorders, their diagnostic criteria, and various treatment modalities. A clinic or hospital might also employ both. Psychologists, who are more frequently thought of as counselors, treat conditions using psychotherapy or talk therapy, while psychiatrists may prescribe medications to treat mental health disorders. Psychologists and psychiatrists frequently collaborate to serve patients better. For instance, psychiatrists may see a patient for the first time, make a diagnosis, and recommend medicine. After that, the psychiatrist might suggest talking therapy for the patient with a psychologist. Patients frequently gain the most from visiting both kinds of providers. Psychologists and psychiatrists are occasionally referred to as counselors or even therapists. This is not to be confused with individuals who have received social work training. How To Become A Psychiatrist? Becoming a psychiatrist requires 12 years of education on average after high school. This comprises four years of college, four years of medical school, and four years of a residency program in psychiatry. After completing their training, many psychiatrists decide to attend a fellowship in one of the nine popular subspecialties in order to continue their education. Fellowships typically last one year. See the section below to learn more about psychiatrists' training for subspecialties. Do Psychiatrists Attend Medical School? It is true that psychiatrists attend medical schools. To elaborate, a prospective student who wishes to become a psychiatrist must first finish undergraduate studies and high school (or a GED), then apply to medical schools. Most four-year medical school programs follow graduation from an Osteopathic medical school (DO degree) or an Allopathic medical school (MD degree). Medical students must earn the necessary credentials to obtain a license and become fully board-certified. This requires them to complete a general psychiatry residency successfully. Is Psychiatry A Good Career? Psychiatry is a great profession that does not necessitate a Ph.D. Being a psychiatrist is a long career path, but many people think the effort is well worth it. Psychiatrists are typically able to work closely with patients for extended periods of time. Moreover, psychiatrists are capable of treating and diagnosing patients. The job is highly rewarding because it allows one to directly impact a patient's life and mental health. They can also observe clinical improvement in patients. Psychiatry also offers a great lifestyle with less time spent on call and Monday through Friday working hours. It sets it apart from most other medical careers. Psychiatrists can work in a variety of settings, such as outpatient clinics and hospitals, treating inpatient patients with mental health issues. Psychiatrists see hospitalized patients in order to diagnose illnesses or disorders. They initiate new prescriptions, adjust existing ones, order and interpret lab tests, and provide patient counseling. Psychiatrists also perform many of the same tasks in the context of an outpatient clinic. However, counseling and medication management take up the majority of a patient's visit time in an outpatient setting. Wrapping Up For most psychiatrists, becoming a practicing psychiatrist requires 12 years of training. A bachelor's degree normally takes four years to complete, as does medical school. It takes an additional four years to finish a psychiatry residency and become certified by the psychiatric board. Additional training, specialization, and other variables may extend this period of study by several years. If you want to know the difference between a therapist vs psychiatrist, we have shared a detailed study of it. Share your thoughts or questions on how long does it take to become a psychiatrist. Comment below, we would love to hear from you! Learn More About: How To Take Care Of Your Mental Health? Psychedelic Therapy for Mental Health Conditions What Is Mental Health Counseling, And What Kind Of Mental Health Issues Can It Address?

How To Become A Radiology Tech? – Skills, Qualifications, Education, And More

How to become a radiology tech? You can start your career by getting an associate degree in radiology. However, if you get an advanced degree, you can qualify for leadership roles. Then, you must consider specializing in a radiology area. Moreover, you must earn a certification from ARRT if you want to get a state license. In this article, you will learn about how to become a radiology tech and pursue a career in the field. This article also guides you through the factors you must consider as you prepare to become a radiology tech. Finally, you will get a step-by-step guide on pursuing a career as a radiology tech. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article. How to Become a Radiology Tech? – A General Overview Generally, a radiology tech performs important diagnostic imaging procedures. Also, they perform scans to get a better idea of a patient’s health condition. This helps radiologists and physicians better. If this job seems interesting to you, you must consider pursuing a career as a radiology tech. However, you must understand the different requirements for becoming a radiology tech. This can help you successfully land a job at a reputed place. A radiology tech is a healthcare professional who helps in finding out health issues with patients. If you become a radiology tech, you have to operate X-rays and other medical imaging tech to find out problems. Moreover, you will have other duties as well. For instance, you might need to explain radiology procedures to patients and handle complex imaging machines. Moreover, you also need to ensure the compliance of safety protocols. According to the US Bureau of Labor Survey, the average radiology tech salary is $73,410 (2023 data). Moreover, you will have better-earning potential with some radiology tech specializations like MRI scanning, nuclear medicine, radiation therapists, etc. Radiology Tech Specializations Once you pursue a career as a radiology tech, you must have one or more specializations. Some specializations include: Medical Imaging like X-rays, CT Scans, MRI, and mammography Nuclear Medicine To become a radiologist technician, you must complete a high school diploma and then pursue a radiology program. Then, after you choose your specialization, you must get a radiographer certification. After that, you can prepare your resume and then apply for jobs. How To Become A Radiology Tech? – Factors To Consider If you want a service in the healthcare industry and also want plenty of contact with patients, you will enjoy a career as a radiology tech. In fact, to start working, you just need an associate degree in radiology or a similar field. However, if you want early success in this career, you must have an eye for detail. Also, having good math and technical skills will help you grow a lot. Apart from that, you need to show a compassionate outlook. On the other hand, this is actually a physically demanding job. Apart from that, this field is constantly evolving. Hence, if you have more stamina than others and you can adapt to different conditions, you can succeed in this job. The following are the major factors you must consider if you want to know how to become a radiology tech: Radiology Tech Job Description As a radiographer, you might practice radiography or specialize in different medical imaging techniques. Actually, you have to work with doctors and radiologists to produce images of patients’s organs. The following are some of the major tasks you will need to do as a radiology tech: Prepare patients for radiology tests. Also, you must explain the procedure to them and make them remove metal objects from their body. Perform tests like X-ray exams, mammograms, MRI scans, etc. Sometimes, you must review patient histories, doctor reports, charts, etc. Position patients and align them with machines. Additionally, you must calibrate machines to accurately produce images. Moreover, you must follow safety protocols and shielding devices. This way, you can save yourself, patients, and other coworkers from harmful radiation. You must check the clarity of images and explain them to doctors in your team. Since you know the correct procedure to use equipment, you need to sterilize and store imaging equipment accordingly. You must control radiology tech equipment in such a way as to produce accurate images with enough density and detail. Stay updated about radiation equipment and its safety measures. Also, you must learn how to use protection devices. You must have basic information about state and federal regulations and the policies of medical institutions. This way, you can ensure compliance with those regulations and policies. Radiology Technician (Xray Tech) Specializations Here are the major specializations of a radiology tech out of which you need to choose yours: X-rays Computed tomography (CT) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Sonography Bone densitometry Nuclear medicine Vascular interventional radiography Mammography Cardiac-interventional radiography Essential Qualifications And Education To become a radiology tech, you can take different educational approaches. This is because there are several pathways to explore. The following are some of the most popular options to consider: 🎓LXMO Certificates You need almost a year to complete LXMO certificates. Basically, with the help of these certifications, you can quickly become a radiology tech. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. For instance, if you have something less than an associate degree, you cannot earn an ARRT certificate. As a result, you will not qualify for a radiology tech license in some states. 🎓Associate Degrees Generally, associate programs are for two years. Once you complete them, you can get a good exposure to radiology technology. Apart from that, these programs also include hands-on clinical experience and general education classes. 🎓Practitioner Certificates A degree course takes a lot of time and effort. Hence, radiology tech expands their qualification by earning certificates with specializations. However, these certificates are for practicing individuals and not starters in the field. 🎓Bachelor’s Degree A four-year degree in radiology technology will give you a deep dive into medical imaging. Also, you can develop a big picture in the radiology field. Also, you will gain various communication and analytical skills. Hence, you will be ready for managerial and supervisory roles. 🎓Master’s Degree If you want to pursue further studies in the field of radiology technology, a Master’s Degree is the way forward. This will prepare you to pursue extensive knowledge in the subject. Also, you can be prepared for leadership and advanced practice. Moreover, you will have a chance to become a registered radiologist assistant. How To Become A Radiology Tech? – Steps To Follow To become a radiology tech, follow the steps below: 1. Pass a Diploma or an Equivalent Program Here, you just need to earn a high school diploma or the GED test. Moreover, you will benefit from taking classes in the PCMB (Physics, Chemistry, Math, and Biology). Once you have a solid background in these subjects, you will have a better understanding of radiology and its technologies. Moreover, you can consider volunteering at a healthcare center. This will help you understand the work environment. 2. Complete an Accredited Radiology Program Many medical facilities and employers look for radiology tech with formal education and certification. Hence, you must pursue a hospital-based or college-based program with JRCERT accreditation. Hence, you must consider getting a two-year associate degree in radiology tech. This will ensure you an entry-level position. However, for supervisory and administrative roles, you might need a Bachelor’s or a Master’s Degree. After getting your specialization, you must complete your clinical training at a major hospital or a diagnostic center. This will help you to get placements after you complete your training. 3. Earn A Certification To start working, you have to show a state board license along with an ARRT certification. However, to get this certification, you must have a Bachelor’s degree. Also, you must meet the ethical requirements of this certification. Moreover, to maintain your certification, you must complete various continuing education courses in radiology and radiography. Furthermore, you can also choose advanced training as you complete the former. 4. Prepare Your Resume And Apply For Jobs With the help of an effective resume, you can improve your chances of securing an interview. However, make sure you get tips on your resume from a professional. Additionally, ensure your resume is concise and has a professional summary of why you are the right person for the job. Apart from that, your resume must also contain brief details about your skills, experience, and educational background. Moreover, you must also ensure that your resume is tailored to your job requirements. Land Your Radiology Tech Job Now You now know how to become a radiology tech. You have seen that these professionals perform multiple medical imaging procedures, CT scans, and X-rays. However, as a radiology tech, you will be working with medical teams consisting of doctors, registered nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Hence, consider working on your communication skills. Do you have more suggestions on how to become a radiology tech? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below. Read Also: Copywriting Jobs 101: Essential Steps To Become A Copywriter In Demand Jobs 2024: 11 Roles That Are Skyrocketing In The Job Market