The Secret To Finding A Career That You’ll Actually Love

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03 October 2024

Job & Career

How to Choose a Career

If you’re still in the phase of life where you’re figuring out the best job for you, there’s probably a lot on your mind. It takes a lot of “soul searching” and research to decide on a career that you’ll love.

Contrary to some people’s beliefs, loving your career can be important. So here are some tips on how to choose a career.

Explore Your Interests

Explore Your Interests

As you’re thinking about what to do for a career, think about the kinds of things that pique your interest. For example, you might be really into dentistry and want to find out what a career would be like.

Explore what kind of jobs are available in that field. Whether you decide to become a dentist or study a dental assistant program. Knowing that you’re interested in a specific industry can help you narrow down your options. 

Ponder On Your Passions

When it comes to your passions, there could be clues in there.

You could find that there are career choices that align with your passions and that could actually be ideal for your future.

Perhaps you love a good debate, and you’re always found debating some topic or another. 

In this type of scenario, you could always consider getting into law or something similar. The kind that puts you in touch with the kind of experiences that you already enjoy having. It doesn’t hurt to be passionate about what you do to make money

Think About Your Skills

Your passions and interests are clues to the type of career that could interest you. If you’re looking to narrow it down even more, you may want to think about your talents. 

If you know you have a knack for words, something that aligns with that skill could be an ideal fit. Maybe you’re a musical person? Getting into a career where your skills allow you to be naturally good. It is also something that makes your future career a lot easier. 

It helps to use your talent in your work because even if you have to study for a degree to succeed at it. Therefore, you’ll have an easier time at it than someone who may not have the natural skills that you do. 

Talk To Experienced Mentors

As you try to decide what work would be best for you, talk to experienced mentors. They can help you know which way to go by providing a road map of what has worked best for them. 

This could be someone you know who has had a long career in the field you like. Or it could be a mentor from your school’s mentorship program. 

Either way, speaking to a person who has experience in a career you’re considering can be beneficial to you and your decision-making. 

Try Interning

Before understanding how to choose a career, you can always dip your toes into different career options.

Internships are one of them!

While most people will do an internship as they are close to graduating from school, you could always try for an internship just to try out certain jobs. As long as you already have some natural skill or know-how in it. 

You may not receive a lot of pay, but at least you gain the insight to know whether or not it’s the job that you want in your future. It doesn’t hurt to explore options before deciding on the ultimate career path for you. It’s a big decision, don’t be afraid of not taking it lightly. 

From internships to mentors, exploring your passions, skills, and interests, and making a decision on your career.  However, it can be simplified by pondering the concepts mentioned above. 

Life is long, and so is a career, so take your time making a decision like this one.

How Professional Career Counseling Can Help

Professional Career Counseling

Deciding what you want to do with your life can be tough, even in the best of circumstances. 

Fortunately, there are experts who are ready to help you make sense of it all. If you’re wondering how to figure out what career is right for you, a career counselor can steer you in the right direction. Here’s why.

Understanding Your Aptitude

Career counselors know how to help people tap into their own wants and needs when it comes to understanding what kind of work will spark joy.

They’ll ask questions designed to uncover the activities that energize and excite you most in life. Then, show you how those things connect with potential careers that could be incredibly fulfilling.

It Will Be Personal To Your Needs

Another good thing about career counseling is that it’s individualized. Career counselors won’t give you a general answer to a generalized problem. 

They’ll focus on your specific character, strengths and weaknesses, desires, and problems. From there, they can assist you in figuring out what careers would work best for someone with your qualities and abilities. 

Regardless of whether you need to pick a vocation interestingly or are pondering about an alternate one. This is when customized guidance can represent the critical moment in your prosperity.

Direct Assistance (Whenever You Are Lost)

Career advisors are additionally incredible for offering direct assistance. 

They also help you improve your resume, act in interviews, and even fruitful organizing aptitudes, all of which can be significant when hoping to get a new position or to find employment elsewhere.

Plus, if you’re not even sure what kind of qualifications you need, or education, for that matter, career counseling can help with that, too.

They will basically map out exactly what you need to do, from checking out different degree options to see what is best for you at the time to figuring out where the market is headed.

It’s all in their master plan for you!

Ultimately, career counseling exists because people need help making educated decisions about their careers. 

If this looks like it’s impossible to navigate your way without some sort of guidance (let’s face it, some of us really don’t have a clue), then a career counselor could be your key.

Why try to figure it out on your own and get overwhelmed when there are professionals who can make that twisted path straight?

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best paying jobs in industrial machinery_components

Best Paying Jobs In Industrial Machinery/Components

If you are looking for the best paying jobs in industrial machinery/components, then this article can be worth the read. People looking for a long-term career in the machinery/ components industry can have a good future ahead. The obvious reason behind that is the expected growth of this industry. This industry will continue expectedly to grow by 5% in 2022. So if your job requirement is in this industry, there are plenty of options you can choose from. In this article, I have discussed some of the best opportunities available in this industry. Read More: Best Paying Jobs In Electric Utilities Central What Is Machinery And Equipment Industry? The machinery and equipment industry focuses on delivering capital goods of their elements to the other parts of an economy (like industrial, agricultural, and construction). 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How To Become An Ultrasound Technician

How To Become An Ultrasound Technician? – Steps To Follow

How to become an ultrasound technician? To become an ultrasound technician or medical sonographer, you must at least have an associate degree in sonography. Moreover, you can also pursue a Diploma or Bachelor’s program. Even if you have a degree in any other healthcare field, you can pursue a degree in sonography.  In this article, you will learn how to become an ultrasound technician or a medical sonographer. Moreover, this article will explain the role of this position.  Apart from that, you will learn the roles, responsibilities, and specializations of an ultrasound technician. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article.  What Is the Job of an Ultrasound Technician?  An ultrasound technician (medical sonographer) helps doctors and other medical professionals diagnose conditions through medical imaging. 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Generally, there are three recommended ways to complete your certification:  American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)  Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)  American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)  Here, you must choose one of these three since each of them has its own program and course. Any one of these programs will prepare you for a career in sonography. Moreover, each program has its own requirements and timeline. Also, you need at least a year to complete your certification.  4. Choose Your Work Environment  Once you start working as an ultrasound technician, you will have enough opportunity to choose your work environment. For instance, you can work in a hospital setting, continue your private practice, or work in a medical laboratory.   Therefore, when you are looking for career opportunities, you can search based on the environment where you prefer to work.  5. 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After you specialize, you must get a professional certification. Consequently, you can apply for jobs as an ultrasound technician or a medical sonographer.  Do you have more suggestions on how to become an ultrasound technician? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below.  Read Also: What Is a Remote Job? Everything You Need to Know How To Become A Certified HVAC Technician In Canada 15 High-Paying Careers: Six-Figure Jobs to Consider in 2024 Pediatrician 101: What You Need To Know Before You Apply To Medical School

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how to become a respiratory therapist

Everything You Should Know About Being A Respiratory Therapist In 2024

When thinking about a career in respiratory care, one of the first things that comes to mind is: What kind of training and certification are necessary to work as a respiratory therapist? The quick response is that a bachelor's degree is preferred, but an associate's degree is necessary. The National Board for Respiratory Care refers to the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential as the "standard of excellence" for respiratory care professionals. To obtain it, you must also pass the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) exam. A master's degree is something many accomplished respiratory therapists eventually obtain to broaden their expertise, abilities, and professional options. There is, of course, much more to it than that. So, let's take a moment to breathe deeply before we get into all the specifics of how to become a respiratory therapist. How to Become a Respiratory Therapist: Overview One of the fundamental necessities of life is the ability to breathe. Patients rely on respiratory therapists to enhance their quality of life and assist in their recovery due to the multitude of types and causes of breathing problems.   Respiratory therapists collaborate with physicians and nurses as experts in breathing support and monitoring to assess, identify, and manage a wide range of respiratory disorders.   They assist patients with respiratory infections, chronic lung diseases like emphysema, bronchitis, asthma, cystic fibrosis, and more as part of their work. Patients who have had a major accident or who have suffered a heart attack or stroke may also receive emergency care from them. Patients range in age from elderly people to premature babies.   A respiratory therapist's workday can be both rewarding and difficult. Most therapists have some basic duties regardless of whether they work in an outpatient clinic, hospital, or home care setting. An average day for a respiratory therapist could include: Obtain patient medical histories and conduct baseline chest exams.   Examine gas and oxygen levels in the blood   Recognize lung conditions and choose appropriate treatments Inform patients and their families about therapeutic activities and regimens. Conduct patient assessments and suggest modifications to treatment plans to attending physicians.   Respond to calls for emergency care in case of sudden cardiac arrest or other crises.   The field of respiratory care is very significant, and it may be the best fit for kindhearted people who want to work in lung-related healthcare.    Education and Credentialing on How to Become a Respiratory Therapist According to the American Association of Respiratory Therapists (AARC), the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) is the body that accredits respiratory therapy schools, and respiratory therapists are required to hold at least an associate degree from a recognized respiratory therapy education program.   Still asking how to become a respiratory therapist? A bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy opens the door to more employment and career opportunities. However, most practicing respiratory therapists pursue this degree further.   These courses are meant to get students ready for certification in respiratory therapy from the National Board for Respiratory Care. The following qualifications are provided by the NBRC and are thought to be prerequisites for licensure.   Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)   Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)  A license to practice respiratory therapy is a prerequisite for becoming a certified respiratory therapist (CRT) in every state. Nonetheless, there is a growing national movement to mandate that all respiratory therapists with licenses possess the RRT certification. Additionally, the NBRC grants specialized credentials in several fields, such as: Adult critical care   Pediatric and neonatal respiratory care   Technology for pulmonary function   Testing for sleep disorders   Many experienced respiratory therapists pursue a master's degree in respiratory therapy, and according to the AARC, "earning an advanced degree in respiratory therapy has many personal and professional benefits." According to the AARC, advanced degrees can prepare respiratory therapists for positions as clinical specialists, disease managers, or case managers. They can also serve as a basis for careers as managers, formal educators, or researchers.   Many employers may cover the cost of tuition for staff members who want to pursue bachelor's or master's degrees in respiratory therapy. The AARC also provides information on loans and scholarships related to respiratory therapy.   The AARC offers additional career and networking strategies, such as: Join your state society to network as well as meet other professionals in the field. Opportunities to volunteer with the RTs, who may be regional or state decision-makers, are one example of this.   For an informational interview, give your dream job's HR department a call. This will allow you to introduce yourself and find out more about the company and the qualities they are seeking in a candidate.   Attending conferences on respiratory therapy. These regional, state, and national conferences for respiratory therapists can offer you a chance to network as well as refresh your knowledge.   Participate in health fairs as a volunteer or attend events specific to your profession, such as Drive4COPD. Become a Respiratory Therapist: Prospects for Employment The need for licensed respiratory therapists is currently in high demand in the United States, mostly because of aging populations and poor air quality. Respiratory therapist employment is predicted to grow by 23% by 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which is significantly faster than the average growth rate for all industries. Additionally, according to the BLS, the typical compensation for respiratory therapists is $60,280.   The following are some recent job titles for respiratory therapy that can be found on the American Association for Respiratory Care Job Board:   Respiratory Therapist   Health and Medical Services Manager  Respiratory Therapy Technician   Respiratory Function Technologist   Pulmonary Rehabilitation Manager   Respiratory Services Site Manager   Respiratory Care Practitioner   Life Flight Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Therapist   Respiratory Therapy Supervisor   Assistant Professor – Respiratory Care   Director of Clinical Education, Respiratory Therapy   A bachelor's or master's degree is required for some of these positions. In fact, by 2020, 80% of RTs should either have earned or be pursuing a bachelor's degree, according to AARC, which also notes that graduate degrees are necessary for upper-level management and teaching positions. “How to become a respiratory therapist” is a question more complicated to answer than ask.  Benefits of an Online Degree in Respiratory Therapy For those employed as respiratory therapists and those who want to work in this industry, online degree programs can be a great choice. For instance, the online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program offered by the University of Cincinnati equips qualified Registered and Certified Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) and CRTs for advanced clinical practice, graduate school, and management opportunities.   The program is intended to help you advance your clinical skills and gain a deeper understanding of advanced healthcare operations, logistics, technology, leadership, ethics, and project management. It has a robust curriculum that focuses on advancing respiratory therapy practice and research.   How To Become a Respiratory Therapist? To become a respiratory therapist, one must fulfill several requirements as a qualified medical practitioner. Read below for information on the training, experience, certification, as well as license needed to work as a respiratory therapist.   Obtain a Degree in Respiratory Therapy A minimum associate degree in respiratory therapy is required to work as a respiratory therapist. Human anatomy, physiology, and respiratory care procedures and tests are all covered in a typical respiratory therapy education program. Students studying respiratory therapy typically complete clinical hours in addition to their coursework, which gives them practical experience working with patients.   For full-time students, an associate degree typically takes two years to complete. Certain respiratory therapy programs provide expedited pathways that enable students to complete their degrees faster. Naturally, students who study part-time take longer to complete their degrees.   Nonetheless, a bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy can make you stand out from the competition because some employers might favor hiring respiratory therapists with a higher level of education. For full-time students, most bachelor's programs require four years.   Select a program that has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), regardless of the degree level you intend to pursue. CoARC's program directory allows you to determine if the program you are considering is accredited.   Finish Internship An internship offers more practical experience in respiratory therapy. Even though clinical experiences are completed as part of the degree program. Internships help you build your professional network as well as find mentors. They can also help you land a job once you graduate.   Acquire Certification The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) offers professional certification applications that you can submit after receiving your degree in respiratory therapy. The Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credentials are the two most widely held certifications in the field. Your concentration may determine whether you need to pursue a more specialized certification. Here is more information about the certification procedure.   Request a License Alaska is not among the 49 states where practicing respiratory therapy requires a license. The CRT or RRT are the two primary certifications for respiratory therapists. Possession of either one is a prerequisite for licensure in every state that regulates respiratory therapy. States may have different additional licensing requirements, so find out more by contacting the health board in your state.   Salary and Jobs for Respiratory Therapists As a respiratory therapist, your pay will vary based on your position, employer, level of education as well as experience. As of May 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that the median yearly salary for respiratory therapists was $70,540.   There ought to be a lot of available jobs in this industry. According to BLS projections, employment of respiratory therapists is expected to grow by 13% between 2022 and 2032, which is significantly faster than average. Salary thus becomes a very crucial part of the discourse when asking “how to become a respiratory therapist.”  How Long Does It Take to Become a Respiratory Therapist? A common question among students considering respiratory therapy careers is how long it takes to become a respiratory therapist. For professionals pursuing an associate's degree, becoming a respiratory therapist in the US requires at least two years of training. But the time it takes you to become a respiratory therapist is up to you! If you're pursuing a bachelor's degree, then it could take up to four years to become a respiratory therapist.  The learning process does not end there. Respiratory therapists can continue their education to become more specialized in areas such as management even after they receive their accreditation. Furthermore, advanced degrees in respiratory therapy provide excellent learning opportunities in addition to professional advancement. The knowledge underlying respiratory care is always changing. This is much like many other subfields in healthcare. Obtaining more education is one way to stay "up to date" on the latest developments.   Is Nursing Easier Than Respiratory Therapy? Comparing a respiratory therapist to a nurse is like comparing apples to oranges in many aspects.    However, some contend that respiratory therapy may not be as difficult as nursing. In addition to supporting the patient's entire body, nurses offer general education. In the meantime, respiratory therapists focus exclusively on the heart and lungs. Consequently, the autonomy that comes with being a respiratory therapist may not be present in nursing.   Despite their differences, respiratory therapists and nurses face similar difficulties in their line of work. Whether they are helping those on life support or tending to patients with breathing difficulties, they are on the front lines of patient care.     In addition to the potential for infectious diseases and occasionally demanding work schedules, a career in respiratory therapy can be both fulfilling and taxing.   Wrapping Up Those who want to work on the front lines of patient care as well as change the healthcare system should consider a career as a respiratory therapist.   The path to becoming a respiratory therapist can be challenging. It will require an associate's or bachelor's degree in addition to NBRC-recognized certification. Respiratory therapy is not for the faint of heart, especially when combined with the occasionally long hours and stress of the job.    But aside from the bright prospects for employment and the attractive pay, it's tremendously fulfilling to know that your skill and attention can save a patient's life.   If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about how to become a respiratory therapist, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! If you want more career options, click here.  Learn More About: How To Become A Physician Assistant In 7 Years Or Less Step-By-Step Guide On Becoming An Esthetician In 2024 Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory In Adult Gerontology Nursing

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