Many people are employed in hospitals, health maintenance
organizations, nursing homes, emergency care centers, and other health or
science settings. Opportunities are available for individuals who are
interested in teaching, working with athletes, providing emergency treatment,
being part of an operating room team, or designing and fitting artificial
limbs and braces.
Health care facilities also offer opportunities for
computer operators and programmers, accountants, receptionists, technical
writers, insurance reviewers, librarians, housekeepers, and stock clerks.
These and many other professionals are vital to the daily operation of health
and science facilities.
Jobs exist at every educational level in these diverse and
interesting occupations. Some require on-the-job training, while others
require college or post-graduate work
Athletic Trainer
Athletic Trainers are professionals who, as
part of a complete athletic program team, provide efficient medical management,
prevention, and treatment of athletic injuries. Their work ensures that
athletic competition is safe, morale is high, and performance is at its best.
Work Activities
Structuring training
programs designed to prevent injuries
Treating and
rehabilitating athletic injuries as directed by the team’s physicians
Maintaining a good
working relationship with coaches, physicians, other health care workers,
athletes, and administrators
Caring for student
athletes’ physical needs during team
sports, recreation, intramurals, and physical
education classes
Using a knowledge of
nutrition, hygiene, psychology, conditioning, and protective equipment to
help
the athlete perform well and to prevent injury
Work Settings
Athletic
Trainers work in an athletic and teaching environment. They may be employed by
public or private secondary schools, colleges or universities, professional
sports teams, or sports medicine clinics in health clubs or corporate health
programs. They work with athletes, coaches, physicians, and other health care
specialists, often combining training, therapy, and teaching.
Special Requirements
An
undergraduate athletic training program should include a specific number of
working hours of clinical experience, with two or more years of experience
under the direct supervision of a Certified Athletic Trainer.
Educational Institutions
Exercise Science/Physiology and
Movement Studies: ASUJ,
HC, HSU, JBU, SAUM (All B); ASUJ (M)
Emergency Medical Service
(EMS) professionals work as members of emergency care medical teams providing
immediate patient care to the critically ill and injured. In Arkansas, career
(paid) and volunteer opportunities are available with rescue squads, fire
departments, commercial ambulances and the industrial setting. The above levels
are recognized by the Arkansas Department of Health and the United States
Department of Transportation. Arkansas certified EMS Professionals can go
through a process of reciprocity with surrounding, and other states so that
their education and certification can provide them with job opportunities in
other areas of the country, the military, and internationally.
Emergency Medical
Technician Basics (EMT-Bs) serve as
the entry level of the EMS work force. They must complete the Department of
Transportation National Standard Curriculum through an Arkansas accredited
training site. Most EMT-B courses are between 120 to 180 contact hours in
length. The curriculum includes didactic, clinical, and field internship. EMT-Bs
provide noninvasive treatments that include oxygen delivery, splinting,
controlling hemorrhaging, automatic defibrillation, hemorrhage control, spinal
immobilization, and packaging patients.
Work Activities
*Outdoor environment with
significant autonomy
*Assessing patients for the
nature and extent of illness or injury
*Gathering patient histories
through interpersonal communications
*Establishing treatment and
transport priorities
*Initiating treatment
interventions based on the patient’s history and the assessment
*Inventory management of the
responding unit
*Packaging patients for
emergency department reception
*Reassuring patients,
families, and bystanders during the event
*Communicating findings via
patient care report, radio or cellular technology to the receiving facility
*Develop and maintain
working relationships with other emergency services including police, fire and
first responders.
*Transferring care of the
patient to the emergency department staff
*Triaging multiple patients
and selecting treatment and transport priorities
*Cleaning, disinfecting and
maintaining the responding unit
Work Settings
Most EMT-Bs work on
hospital, fire, or private ambulance services as a member of the Prehospital
team. They work as in-charge members of Basic EMS units or as partners on
advanced level ambulances. EMT-Bs can also work as members of emergency
response teams in the industrial settings. Working shifts of 12 hour and 24
hours are common, and night and holiday work may be required. The work
environment has many potential hazards. The likelihood of injuries from scenes
and infectious diseases does exist; however with proper training the risk can be
minimized.
Special Requirements
Arkansas Department of
Health requires the student who is taking the EMT-B Certification Exam to be at
least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Entry
levels vary between career and volunteer agencies. The student must have a
valid driver’s license, good driving record, and minimal to no criminal record.
High School Preparation
These subjects are helpful
in preparing for this occupation:
●English ● Drivers’ Training
● First Aid ● Health Occupations/Medical Professions Education ● Computer Skills
● Biology ● Chemistry ● Psychology ● Physical Education ●Algebra
Emergency Medical Technician Basic
Training sites:
ASU- Beebe, Beebe 72012
ASUMH, Mountain Home 72653
Cossatot Community College, De Queen 71832
Crowley’s Ridge Technical Institute, Forrest City 72335
Henderson State University,
Arkadelphia 71923
Little Rock Fire Department, Little Rock 72201
Mid-South Community College, West
Memphis
National Park Community College,
Hot Springs 71913
North Arkansas College, Harrison
72601
Northwest Arkansas Community
College, Bentonville 72712
Ozarka College, Melbourne 72556
Phillips County College, Dewitt
72042
South Arkansas Community College, El Dorado 71730
South East Arkansas Community College, Pine Bluff 71603
Southern Arkansas University Tech,
Camden 71701
UA Community College- Batesville
72503
UA Community College- Hope 71802
UA Community College- Morrilton
72110
UAMS, Little Rock 72205
UA Monticello, Crossett 71635
UA Monticello, McGehee 71654
For more information contact:
National Association of Emergency
Medical Technicians
Emergency Medical
Technician Intermediates (EMT-Is)
begin the first level of advanced EMS professional. EMT-Is must be a certified
EMT-B and complete the Department of Transportation National Standard EMT-I
Curriculum through an Arkansas accredited training site. Most EMT-I courses
include between 120 to 150 contact hours of education. EMT-I training includes
didactic, clinical, and field internship. EMT-Is provide all of the EMT-B
skills plus invasive treatments which include IV therapy, limited medication
administration, and limited advanced airway procedures.
Work
Activities
*Outdoor environment with
significant autonomy
*Assessing patients for the
nature and extent of illness or injury
*Gathering patient histories
through interpersonal communications
*Establishing treatment and
transport priorities
*Initiating treatment
interventions based on the patient’s history and the assessment
*Inventory management of the
responding unit
*Packaging patients for
emergency department reception
*Reassuring patients,
families, and bystanders during the event
*Communicating findings via
patient care report, radio or cellular technology to the receiving facility
*Develop and maintain
working relationships with other emergency services including police, fire and
first responders.
*Transferring care of the
patient to the emergency department staff
*Triaging multiple patients
and selecting treatment and transport priorities
*Cleaning, disinfecting and
maintaining the responding unit
Work Settings
Most EMT-Is work on
hospital, fire, or private ambulance services as a member of the prehospital
team. EMT-Is function as team leaders for intermediate level ambulance services
or serve as team members on paramedic ambulances. Working shifts of 12 hour and
24 hours are common, and night and holiday work may be required. The work
environment has many potential hazards. The likelihood of injuries from scenes
and infectious diseases does exist; however with proper training the risk can be
minimized.
Special Requirements
The student must be
currently certified as an EMT-B in order to begin EMT-I training. Entry levels
vary between career and volunteer agencies. The student must have a valid
driver’s license, good driving record, and minimal to no criminal record.
High School Preparation
These subjects are helpful
in preparing for this occupation:
●English ● Drivers Training
● First Aid ● Health Occupations/Medical Professions Education ● Computer Skills
● Biology ● Chemistry ● Psychology ● Physical Education ●Algebra
Emergency Medical Technician
Intermediate training sites include:
The Paramedic is the
highest trained EMS professional. Paramedics must complete EMT-B certification
and complete the Department of Transportation National Standard Paramedic
Curriculum through an Arkansas accredited training site. Paramedic courses
provide at least 1500 contact hours of education including didactic, clinical,
and field internship. Paramedics are capable of delivering all of the skill
sets of EMT-Bs and EMT-Is with the addition of three and twelve lead
electrocardiogram interpretation, manual defibrillation, cardiac pacing, a
comprehensive list of medications to administer, and more advanced airway
procedures.
Work Activities
*Outdoor environment with
significant autonomy
*Assessing patients for the
nature and extent of illness or injury
*Gathering patient histories
through interpersonal communications
*Establishing treatment and
transport priorities
*Initiating treatment
interventions based on the patient’s history and the assessment
*Inventory management of the
responding unit
*Packaging patients for
emergency department reception
*Reassuring patients,
families, and bystanders during the event
*Communicating findings via
patient care report, radio or cellular technology to the receiving facility
*Develop and maintain
working relationships with other emergency services including police, fire and
first responders.
*Transferring care of the
patient to the emergency department staff
*Triaging multiple patients
and selecting treatment and transport priorities
*Cleaning, disinfecting and
maintaining the responding unit
*Paramedics also may work as
crew members on helicopter or fixed wing medical transport units
Work Settings
Most Paramedics work on
hospital, fire, or private ambulance services as the in-charge member of the
Prehospital team. Medics function on the special rescue units or the paramedic
ambulance. Working shifts of 12 hours and 24 hours are common; and night and
holiday work may be required. The work environment is filled with dangers.
Possibility of injuries from scenes and infectious diseases do exist; however
with proper training these can be minimized.
Special Requirements
The student must be
currently certified as a Basic EMT to enter the training. Entry levels vary
between career and volunteer agencies. The student must have a valid driver’s
license, clear driving record, and clean criminal record.
High School Preparation
These subjects are helpful
in preparing for this occupation:
●English ● Drivers Training
● First Aid ● Health Occupations/Medical Professions Education ● Computer Skills
● Biology ● Chemistry ● Psychology ● Physical Education ●Algebra
College Preparation
These subjects are helpful
in preparing for this occupation but not all necessary as a prerequisite for
every educational program:
●English Composition I & II
● Anatomy & Physiology ● Medical Terminology ● College Algebra ● Computer Skills
● Psychology ● Speech ●American National Government
Paramedic training sites:
Arkansas State University, Beebe
72012
Arkansas State University, Newport
72112
Black River Technical College,
Pocahontas 72455
Cossatot Community College, 71832
East Arkansas Community College, Forrest City 72335
Henderson State University,
Arkadelphia 71923
National Park Community College,
Hot Springs 71913
North Arkansas College, Harrison
72601
Northwest Arkansas Community
College, Bentonville 72712
South Arkansas Community College, El Dorado 71730
South East Arkansas Community College, Pine Bluff 71603
Gerontologists
are professionals who specialize in working with elderly persons. They may have
a degree in gerontology, or they may be trained in nursing, sociology,
psychology, or other human service-related professions.The job roles of gerontologists fall under
four broad categories: Direct Service, Education and Training, Program Planning
and Evaluation, and Administration and Policy
Work Activities
Providing
services to persons in nursing homes and similar facilities, at senior
citizen centers, and in
the community
Conducting
research on the aging process and the living environments of older persons
Teaching
at colleges and universities
Educating
older persons by giving oral presentations, publishing books and articles
on
subjects of interest, or producing relevant television programs and films
Counseling
the elderly and their families
Advising
business, industry, and labor about older workers and consumers
Work Settings
Gerontologists work in a wide variety of settings.They may work in nursing homes, senior
citizen centers, hospitals, clinics, for government agencies such as Area
Agency on Aging, advocacy organizations, rehabilitation agencies, mental health
facilities, social service, or public health offices.They may visit individuals’ homes, or teach
in schools and colleges.Often they work
with other professionals, such as physicians, occupational therapists, physical
therapists, dietitians, or lawyers, who also are interested in improving the quality
of life of elderly persons.
Special Requirements
Many colleges and universities offer various levels of
programs in gerontology. Some schools offer research programs at doctoral and
post-doctoral levels. Currently no accreditation or registration is required
beyond completion of an accredited program.
Orthotist
and Prosthetists design, write specifications for, and fit artifical
appliances for body deformities and disorders following the prescription of a
physician. These appliances include artificial arms and legs; neck, and back
braces; and surgical supports. An individual may be both an Orthotist and a
Prosthetist. Orthotists specialize in planning, making, and fitting orthopedic
braces, and similar devices, such as surgical supports and corrective shoes.
These are used to support weakened body parts or to correct physical defects.
Prosthetists specialize in planning, making, and fitting artificial limbs.
Work Activities
Orthotists and Prosthetists
follow similar procedures in their work although they deal with different
abnormalities, designs, and patients. Their duties may include:
* Reviewing prescriptions
that specify the types of appliances or limbs to be made
* Examining the patient’s
affected areas for factors that could influence the fitting or artificial limbs
and appliances
* Measuring and making a
plaster cast of the limb or deformity to determine the type of brace or
artificial limb needed
* Correcting irregularities
and deficiencies in the plaster cast
* Designing the appliance
that will function best in meeting the patient’s needs
* Selecting appropriate
materials and components and giving the specifications of the limb or brace to
the technician
* Making a limb or brace
that requires special attention
* Fitting the appliance to
the patient and noting any adjustments for comfort, alignment, or appearance
* Counseling the patient on
the use of the device
* Providing routine
maintenance and repair of devices
Orthotists
and Prosthetists may be assisted by the following professionals:
Orthotics Assistants provide care to patients with disabling conditions of the limbs and
spine by fabricating and fitting supportive or corrective devices known as
orthoses. Orthotics Assistants may supervise Orthotics Technicans.
Orthotics Technicians make and repair braces and other orthotic devices, such as
surgical corsets and corrective shoes, according to the specifications of the
Orthotist. Prosthetics Assistants provide care to patients with partial
or total absence of a limb by fabricating and fitting artificial limbs or
devices known as prostheses. Prosthetics Assistants may supervise
Prosthetics Technicians.
Work Settings
Orthotists and Prosthetists
work with a minimum of supervision. They meet with physicians, therapists, and
other on the rehabilitation team to evaluate the appropriateness of the
appliance or limb. They work with patients to fit artificial limbs, braces, and
other appliances. Depending on the facility, Orthotists and Prosthetists may
supervise Orthotics Technicians and Prosthetics Technicians. Orthotics and
prosthetics businesses may be very small and employ only one or two workers.
Work areas in private offices and medical facilities may have formal offices,
fitting rooms similar to examination rooms, and workrooms.Workrooms may be noisy
and dusty because of the machines and materials used. There may be fumes from
solvents, lacquers, and heat treatment processes present. In addition, the
possibility of injury from moving machinery exists.
Special Requirements
Some employers may require
that Orthotists, Prosthetists, Assistants, and Technicians be certified by the
American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics. To become a
Certified Orthotist (CO), a Certified Prosthetist (CP), or a Certified
Prosthetist-Orthotist (CPO), the applicant must have bachelor’s degree in
prosthetics and orthotics.
Educational Institutions
No programs are available in
Arkansas.
For more information,
contact:
National Commission on
Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE)
Perfusionists
are members of an open-heart surgical team. They select, set up, and operate the
heart-lung machine, which functions as the patient’s heart and lungs during
surgery.
Work Activities
* Operating the heart-lung
machine, which circulates blood outside of the body during surgery
* Monitoring the patient’s
circulation while he or she is being perfused
* Anticipating abnormal
situations and taking corrective action
* Informing the surgeon and
the anesthesiologist about the patient’s condition
* Providing long-term
support of the patient’s circulation after the operation
Work Settings
Perfusionists
usually are employed by hospitals.About 50% may be hired by individual surgeons
or companies that supply hospitals with perfusion services or that manufacture
perfusion supplies and equipment. They may also work in research and development
or in marketing or sales.
Special Requirements
To become a certified
Perfusionist, an individual must complete a one-, two-, or four-year perfusion
educational program that has been accredited by the Committee on Allied Health
Education and Accreditation (CAHEA) and must pass oral and written examinations
given by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP). Many programs
prefer students who have a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, respiratory
therapy, or nursing.
Surgical Technologists,
also called Operating Room Technicians, perform a variety of duties in an
operating room to assist the surgical team before, during, and after surgery.
Work Activities
* Helping the surgical team
scrub and put on gloves and masks
* Arranging the sterile
setup for surgery
* Washing, shaving, and
disinfecting the area of the patient’s body to be operated
* Assisting in positioning
the patient for the surgical procedures
* Passing instruments,
sponges, sutures, and needles to surgeons or their assistants
* Holding retractors and
cutting sutures
* Operating lights,
sterilizers, suction machines, and diagnostic equipment
* Preparing operative
specimens for laboratory analysis
* Cleaning the operating
room following surgery
* Washing and sterilizing
used equipment
* Completing an inventory of
sponges, needles, and instruments used during an operation
* Anticipating the needs of
the surgeon
Career Specialties
Surgical Technologists may
specialize in a particular area of operating room surgery, such as neurosurgery
or plastic surgery.
Work Settings
Surgical Technologists are
supervised by registered nurses and physicians. They work as part of a surgical
team of nurses, surgeons, assistants, and anesthesiologists. Technicians usually
work in hospitals, but can be employed in other institutions that have operating
room facilities, delivery room facilities, and emergency room facilities.
Special Requirements
Surgical Technologists
receive their training in formal programs lasting 9 months to 2 years and
graduate with a certificate or associate degree. A high school diploma is
usually required for admission. Hospital-based programs last 6 months to 1 year
and are for licensed practical nurses or other health professionals with a
medical background. Technologists certified after 1993 must have graduated from
a formal program. However, certification is not required by all hospitals or
states.
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences - Regional Programs
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Many people are employed in hospitals, health maintenance
organizations, nursing homes, emergency care centers, and other health or
science settings. Opportunities are available for individuals who are
interested in teaching, working with athletes, providing emergency treatment,
being part of an operating room team, or designing and fitting artificial
limbs and braces.