Xray Technician Certification

An internal picture of the foot.

X-ray technician certification through The American Registry of Radioligc Technologists (ARRT) is a three step process that includes education requirements, an examination and a criminal background check. Fees for the test range from $200 to $400. Certified technicians have a salary potential of $31,000 to $60,000 as of April 2010.

Job Description

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the main tool of x-ray technicians or radiologic technicians is the x-ray machine, which allows them to take internal pictures of the human body. These x-rays are beneficial in diagnosing problems for doctors to treat. Though taking an x-ray of a person may seem very simple, working as an x-ray technician requires attention to detail to make sure that the staff and the patient stay safe and to produce the best x-ray possible.

Eligibility

There are two different routes in which you can take to be eligible for the x-ray technician certification through The American Registry of Radioligc Technologists (ARRT). Those applying as primary candidates must pass an AART approved program in radiology and show competence related coursework and an ARRT-specified list of clinical procedures. Those applying as a post-primary candidates must be certified in a similar area of radiology and have experience in the field.

Examination

The last step in attaining your x-ray certification is to pass the test that is developed and administered by the AART. The test covers topics such as radiology, nuclear medicine technology, radiation therapy, mammography, sonography (both bone and breast), and bone densitometry. The test also covers computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and quality management.

Certification Fees

The examination for ARRT certification costs either $200 or $400 depending on whether you are a primary or post-primary candidate. If you have to take the test again, the cost of re-examination is $175 whether you are a primary or post-primary candidate. Other fees include a $10 charge for certificate replacement, $15 for the exam score report, $25 for an application appeal, and $25 for a scoring appeal.

Salary and Employer Type

Certified x-ray technicians may work with several different types of employers, including federal, state and local governments. Those working for hospitals can expect a salary range of $31,000 to $59,300, while those working for private practices or firms can expect a salary range of $37,300 to $53,700. According to Payscale.com, those working for companies have some of the highest salaries with a reported salary range of $42,500 to $60,000 as of April 2010.

Tags: salary range, American Registry, American Registry Radioligc, April 2010, candidates must

Breast Cancer Fundraising Products

Think pink! Pink ribbons are a prominent symbol for the fight against breast cancer.

In 2006, 191,410 women were newly diagnosed with breast cancer and 40,820 women died from breast cancer. For women, especially Hispanic women, breast cancer is among the highest causes of death. Research and education are critical in fighting breast cancer but cannot occur without the help of fundraising. Several products can be purchased, with a portion of the proceeds going to the cause, to help raise money and awareness for breast cancer.

Pink Ribbons

The pink ribbon is one of the most prominent symbols for the fight against breast cancer. Among the thousands of products that bear the pink ribbon, car magnets and rubber band bracelets are the most popular. These two products can be easily found at many of your local super stores or online at any of the major advocacy websites. Use your preferred search engine to track down these products online. You can usually purchase these products individually and online with the proceeds benefiting breast cancer awareness, prevention and research.

Avon Pink Ribbon Products

The well-known cosmetics and fragrance company now has a special line of products known as the Pink Ribbon Products. This line includes clothing, accessories, water bottles, and much more. With the purchase of each product you will receive a breast health resource guide for you or a loved one. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to Avon's Crusade Against Breast Cancer, making these products unique.

Yoplait Yogurt

In 2003, Yoplait yogurt pioneered its "Save Lids to Save Lives" pink lid program. Purchase one of these yogurts with a specially made pink lid and mail in the lid to contribute money to the Susan G. Komen foundation. This product has been very successful, allowing Yoplait to donate $2 million to the foundation in 2005 alone and more than $15 million total since the program began.

New Balance Collection

New Balance joined in on the fight against breast cancer in the 1990s. Their line of specialty products features athletic tops and bottoms, outerwear and accessories. These products bear the signature pink ribbon with a special New Balance twist.The proceeds from the sale of these products goes to benefit the Susan G. Komen foundation. New Balance's breast cancer products are available online through the foundation and in retail stores around the country.

Tags: breast cancer, against breast, against breast cancer, breast cancer, fight against, fight against breast, breast cancer women

Find The Best Medicare Part D Plan

Medicare Part D offers a wide variety of plan options

There's something ironic about starting out life learning the ABC's only to return to the alphabet when a 65th birthday gifts seniors with Medicare plans that require participants to keep their letters in the right order or risk losing coverage. Medicare Part D is the portion of coverage that's elective and covers medications. It can be a daunting task to decide which insurance carrier and plan are right for an individual, but the good news is that the government makes the job of evaluating options easy thanks to a user-friendly website that takes seniors through the process of enrollment step-by-step. Of course, making the decision between the many options you'll be given is going to be a challenge, but this article will clarify things as you meander through the decision-making process.

Instructions

1. Understand that the Medicare Part D plan offers hundreds of different types of coverage and insurance administrators (private companies offering the coverage) so your due diligence -- when it comes to entering every one of your prescriptions into the database on the website -- is critical to narrowing down your choices. Additionally, you may have to make compromises when it comes to brand versus generic medicines.

2. Make certain you meet the enrollment deadline for Part D coverage or you'll be shut out for a year. The enrollment window is restrictive; you won't be able to start evaluating plans until it opens -- on November 15th of each year -- and you must make a decision about which plan is your best bet by December 31st. For those with a penchant for thorough research, it can be stressful to have just six weeks to make a decision but for now, this is non-negotiable.

3. Have your Parts A and B in place before you begin the process of choosing a carrier because you can't apply for Part D without being enrolled in the Medicare program. When time comes to select your drug coverage plan, gather up your Medicare ID card and a list of your prescriptions with dosages. Go to the government's site (find the link below) and key in your personal information including your Medicare ID number.

4. Follow the prompts to begin loading your prescription data. You will be asked to input each medication and the dosage on a separate web page to build your personal medication list. Expect pop-up menus to appear when you key in certain brand names because the site wants to know if you are willing to substitute a generic for the one you're currently taking. Once your medication list is complete, there's a prompt at the upper right hand corner of your computer screen that reads, "Find a prescription drug plan for me."

5. Expect the Medicare Part D site to do its calculations before presenting you with what may at first be perceived as a daunting list of options. This spread sheet will present you with columns of criteria associated with details on each plan offered in your geographic area.

6. Use the spreadsheet you've output to determine your best Part D plan choice. It will help if you can eliminate those that are out of your league: perhaps their annual deductible is too high, or you've had a bad experience with one carrier and don't wish to use it again. One of the key determinants for many people is the section on user reviews. Medicare surveys Part D plan users and includes their ratings and feedback to help others evaluate choices. Keep this in mind: every recommended plan on your list is based on the pharmaceuticals you take regularly, so you are assured of having coverage for them no matter which carrier you choose.

7. Enroll in the plan that makes the most sense to you based on your evaluation, knowing that even if you pick one that proves to be less than you had hoped for, you can get rid of it when the Medicare Part D enrollment season launches the following November 15th. Additionally, there are special circumstances that will allow you to get out early. These include moving away from your plan's service area, qualifying for state Medicaid help if your financial situation changes dramatically, if the plan stops offering prescription coverage, or if you enter or leave a nursing home.

Tags: Medicare Part, Part plan, make decision, medication list, November 15th, plan your

California Medicare Senior Advantage Plans

Private insurance companies administer Medicare Advantage plans throughout California.

Private insurance companies administer Medicare Advantage plans. The plans feature combined coverage for physician, hospitalization and drug costs, and select plans can also offer additional benefits, such as vision and dental care. Medicare participants who choose a Medicare Advantage plan must first enroll in Original Medicare, Parts A and B, and continue the coverage. Medicare Advantage plan benefits and costs can vary, depending on the location and provider. Plans typically include co-payment and co-insurance requirements and a network of service providers.

Care1st Medicare Advantage Platinum Plan

The Care1st Medicare Advantage Platinum Plan is a health maintenance organization (HMO) program for Medicare participants in Los Angeles County. The plan has a network of providers, including doctors, hospitals and medical groups, that have agreed to a cost-sharing payment plan in exchange for member services. Members must also choose from a network of pharmacists to receive medications at plan prices. Benefits can include inpatient hospital care, laboratory services, surgery, blood, doctor services, inpatient mental health care, skilled nursing care, physical therapy and hospice care. Members who choose to use providers outside of the network can incur costs not covered by the plan. Co-payments apply to select services and co-payments and co-insurance can apply when purchasing prescription drugs.

Freedom Blue Plan I

Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company administers the Freedom Blue Plan I. The plan features preferred provider organization (PPO) coverage, available for residents throughout the state. Freedom Blue has a network of hospitals, specialists and doctors from which to choose. Members can select services outside of the network, but might incur costs not covered by the plan. Freedom Blue requires members to use pharmacies within its network to receive prescription drug benefits. Members can use benefits when traveling outside the service area, within the United States. Freedom Blue benefits can cover inpatient hospital care, home health care, doctor visits, podiatry services, outpatient substance abuse programs, emergency care, ambulance services and immunizations. Plan benefits can require members to make co-payments and co-insurance payments for services and medications.

Blue Shield 65 Plus Medicare Advantage

Blue Shield of California offers the Blue Shield 65 Plus Medicare Advantage plan for residents of Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. The HMO plan can cover doctor visits, specialist services, hospital stays, outpatient surgery, dental care, vision care, ambulance services and laboratory services. The prescription drug benefit has no yearly limits and no deductible. Blue Shield 65 Plus members must use network providers for services and Blue Shield of California does not assume costs for services delivered by providers outside of the network. Members must also fill prescriptions at network pharmacies, except when situations arise that require pharmacy services outside the service area. Plan benefits can vary according to location and co-payments can apply to services.

Tags: Medicare Advantage, Blue Shield, Freedom Blue, Advantage plan, Blue Shield Plus

Identify Breast Lump Location

Discovering a lump in a breast can be very frightening for a woman, and the first thing that may come to mind is cancer. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, as many as four out of five lumps biopsied are benign. Before a biopsy can be performed, a physician must pinpoint the location of the lump.

Instructions

1. Perform a self-examination of your breasts. Lay flat on your back with one arm over your head. Use your three middle fingers to feel for lumps as you work your way over the entire breast in an up-and-down pattern. Switch arms and repeat the process for the other breast. You can go to the American Cancer Society website for pictures and videos on perform a self-exam.

2. Make an appointment with your doctor and let him know the general area where you felt the lump. He will perform a clinical breast examination to feel for a lump in both the breasts and armpits.

3. Set up an appointment for an ultrasound. The ultrasound will use sound waves to receive images of your breasts. Cysts and tumors can both be detected with ultrasound technology. If a lump is found, an MRI may be ordered as a way to distinguish between cancerous and non-cancerous growths.

4. Find out if you need a mammogram. Mammograms may be done on their own or in conjunction with an X-ray. Mammograms can detect calcium deposits to pinpoint the location of lumps in the breasts.

Tags: pinpoint location, your breasts

Risks For Pregnant Women Smoking Tobacco

Risks for Pregnant Women Smoking Tobacco

There are significant risks for pregnant women who smoke tobacco and their unborn child. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 10% of pregnant women smoke throughout their pregnancy. The United States Public Health Service stated that as many as 5% of infant deaths could be prevented if pregnant women did not smoke. Smoking is very addictive. Only a third of pregnant women that quit smoking during pregnancy remain tobacco-free after delivery.

History

In 1964, the Surgeon General issued a report informing the public that smoking is hazardous to your health. The 1969 report on Health Consequences of Smoking declared that smoking during pregnancy could lead to "spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, and neonatal death." Congress passed the Comprehensive Smoking Education Act of 1984, also known as Public Law 98-474, which made it a requirement to place one of four specific health warnings on all cigarette packages and advertisements. One of the warnings specifically mentions that smoking "may complicate pregnancy." In 2004, the Surgeon General's Report on the Health Consequences of Smoking declared that pregnant smokers increase their risk of pregnancy complications and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

Time Frame

The typical pregnancy lasts for 40 weeks. According to the March of Dimes, women that smoke during their pregnancy are more at risk to have preterm delivery, which is a delivery before 37 weeks. In addition, women that smoke anytime during the month before their pregnancy to the end of the first trimester, are more likely to have a baby born with birth defects, especially congenital heart defects.

Effects

Smoking during pregnancy can bring significant risks to the child and mother. Pregnant women that smoke are at risk for problems with the placenta, which provides nutrition and oxygen for the baby. Babies of mothers that smoke during pregnancy are 2 to 3 times more likely to die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) than babies born to nonsmokers.

Smoking during pregnancy causes one in five infants to be born with a low birth weight. Low birth weight is considered to be under 5 ½ pounds. Nicotine and other toxic chemicals from cigarettes are filtered through the bloodstream, which is the baby's only source of oxygen and nutrients. Nicotine and carbon monoxide deprives the baby of oxygen, which slows the growth of the baby.

Considerations

Female smokers should still consider being tobacco free after the birth of their child. Nicotine is found in breast milk and secondhand smoke can be harmful to anyone exposed to it. Children that live in homes with smokers are more at risk for respiratory problems, such as frequent colds, asthma and bronchitis.

Prevention/Solution

Women considering having a baby that smoke should be educated on the risks of smoking during a pregnancy. Female smokers that are already pregnant should be offered information about tobacco cessation classes and other resources available to help them quit. Tobacco cessation medication during a pregnancy should be used with caution and under the direction of your doctor.

Tags: during pregnancy, that smoke, women that, pregnant women, pregnant women smoke, smoking during

Types Of Computers Used In Banks

A mainframe computer

Banks use a wide range of computers to carry out regular, day-to-day operations. Computers allow banking personnel to efficiently carry out transactions, process customer needs, forecast future trends, prepare internal and external reports, communicate with key participants and generate profits. Banking computers include large mainframe computers--which are often large enough to fill entire rooms--to smaller, hand-held personal digital assistants.

Mainframe Computers

Mainframe computers that are used in banking institutions store data pertaining to client records, domestic operations and other vital processing information. A large bank with numerous branches may have a mainframe computer in its central headquarters and linking terminals located in each of its branches. One of the greatest advantages of a mainframe computer for the banking sector is its ability to perform time-sharing. Time-sharing allows multiple users to access the same computer (and its resources) simultaneously. Mainframe computers have incredibly fast data-processing speeds and in-built fault tolerance mechanisms, reduce labor costs, and support a wide range of workloads and uninterrupted processing. According to "Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow, Comprehensive," mainframe computers are sometimes referred to as enterprise-class servers or high-end servers. Examples of mainframe computers used by banks include Fujitsu-ICL VME and BS2000 machines.

Minicomputers

Minicomputers are a class of computing machines that range in size between large mainframe computers and smaller, personal computers. They function as Internet servers and network servers in banking operations. According to "Telecommunications: A Beginner's Guide," minicomputers allow banks to shift from centralized to distributed processing. Banks use minicomputers as file storage systems, to run email systems and perform Internet operations. The typical minicomputer is capable of supporting more than 64 terminals. Examples of minicomputers used in banks include the Wang Laboratories 2200 and VS series and Nova from Data General.

Personal Computers

Individual users typically employ personal computers to carry out operations. Personal computers, or microcomputers, either function as part of a larger wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN), or as independent, self-contained, devices. PCs used in the banking sector are programmed to run spreadsheet, word processing and database software, in addition to web browsers and email clients. Microcomputers typically used in banks include tablet PCs, notebooks and laptops, desktop computers, palmtop computers, programmable calculators and personal digital assistants.

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Financial Grants For Cancer

Cancer medication can be expensive.

A cancer diagnosis can bring a significant strain on a patient's physical, spiritual and financial life. The financial burden can become enormous if there is little income to cover treatments. Often insurance will not cover copayments, transportation costs and childcare.

Financial assistance in the form of grants are available for cancer patients. Financial programs have specific requirements based on need, income and type of diagnosis. Social workers can assist cancer patients with programs that offer financial assistance. Nonprofit organizations dedicated to finding a cure can provide financial aid to qualified applicants. A grant application and doctor's statement are often required for submission.

Cancer Care

For more than 60 years, Cancer Care has provided limited grants for expenses related to cancer treatments. The nonprofit organization provides free professional support to those affected by cancer, including caregivers, children, loved ones and the bereaved. Applications are available to individuals affected by cancer nationwide by contacting the center. Cancer Care (see Resources) administers several programs on behalf of other nonprofit foundations for specific cancer assistance.

For individuals with breast cancer, a partnership with AVON Cares offers limited financial assistance for home-care, childcare and transportation. The Linking A.R.M.S program works in partnership with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Grants are available for treatment of hormonal and oral chemotherapy , medication for nausea, supplies for lymphoma after-care and durable equipment.

The Door to Door program offers grants for multiple myeloma patients. Grants can be used to cover transportation costs such as gasoline, parking and tolls. Women and men with any type of cancer diagnosis can apply for grants to assist with transportation, home-care, childcare and pain medication through Cancer Cares. Children under age 18 can receive grants for co-pays, medication, childcare, home-care and transportation.

Cancer Care

275 Seventh Avenue

New York, NY 10001

cancercare.org

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is a nonprofit association dedicated to cancer research, education and patient services. Since 1949, their mission has been to find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma. The organization strives to improve the quality of life for patients affected by this form of cancer and their families.

Patient Financial Aid provides grants up to $500 a year for uncovered expenses including prescriptions, medical tests and transportation costs. Recipients must be under a doctor's care for a confirmed blood cancer diagnosis at the time of submitting an application and demonstrate financial need. Contact a local Leukemia & Lymphoma chapter in your state for an application or the main office for the chapter nearest you.

Patients who participate in the financial aid program may also qualify for the Co-Pay Assistance program. Up to $10,000 is available for cancer treatment co-pays, private health insurance premiums and co-payments from Medicare Part B and D. Applications can be submitted online for this program.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

1311 Mamaroneck Ave., Suite 310

White Plains, NY 10605

800-955-4572

LLS.org

Patient Advocate Foundation

The Patient Advocate Foundation is a nonprofit association providing support and case management for individuals with chronic, life-threatening and debilitating illness, including cancer. The Colorectal Care program provides financial aid in the amount of $400 to colorectal cancer patients with specific expenses and family income. Funds are available for transportation reimbursement, temporary lodging, childcare and food costs associated with out-of-town treatment. Recipients must have an income of less than $75,000 annually. Applications can be completed by phone when calling the Colorectal CareLine.

Patient Advocate Foundation

421 Butler Farm Road

Hampton, VA 23666

866-657-8634

Colorectalcareline.org

Tags: Cancer Care, Advocate Foundation, cancer diagnosis, cancer patients, Leukemia Lymphoma

Why Are Diagnostic Tests Helpful

Diagnostic tests are a common part of medical care.

Diagnostic tests are a type of medical procedure that involve testing bodily substances or tissues. These tests are helpful to doctors and patients alike, and are often used in conjunction with a physical examination and assessment by a physician.

Types

Types of diagnostic tests include blood, sputum, urine and stool tests; radiology screenings; vision and hearing tests; and imaging tests such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). Each test can provide a physician with different types of medical information about a patient.

Features

Diagnostic tests can help doctors rule out a condition that a patient does not have, identify a condition a patient does have or indicate a change in an ongoing condition.

Considerations

Patients might need multiple types of diagnostic tests to identify a medical condition. Tests also might need to be repeated over time to confirm results or monitor a condition.

Effects

Diagnostic tests can provide patients with the information they need to make lifestyle changes or take preventive measures to help protect against developing a serious medical condition.

Misconceptions

Some diagnostic tests show only whether a patient's result falls within normal ranges, although what is normal for one patient is not necessarily normal for another.

Benefits

In some cases diagnostic tests can identify a medical condition before any symptoms or serious complications develop, which may allow for earlier or more successful treatment.

Tags: medical condition, Diagnostic tests, diagnostic tests, diagnostic tests, diagnostic tests identify, does have

Buy Replacement Parts For A Breast Pump

Breast pumps have several parts that are needed in order to form a seal around the nipple that is sufficient enough to enable effective suction of the mammary glands. Often, one or more of these parts will become worn out, lost or broken, and you'll need to buy replacement parts to keep your breast pump functioning properly.

Instructions

1. Contact the maker of the breast pump for replacement parts. Most makers, including Medela, Evenflo and more, have replacement part kits for the small parts that wear out more frequently. The parts you will need will generally be the rubber valve that holds the vacuum while the suction is engaged and the breast shield that is placed over the breast. Both parts come into constant contact with milk and should not be reused if the breast pump is used. Even when not used, these parts must be washed after each use and have a tendency to wear out before any others.

2. Look online for the contact information if you bought the breast pump used. Some women buy their breast pump at online auction sites, at consignment sales or garage sales in order to keep the cost down. Anytime a breast pump is bought used, the breast shield and valves should automatically be replaced, but you'll also have to look at the specific model to see if any other pieces will touch the milk. Some models have tubing that connects the shield and the bottle. If there is any tubing, that too will have to be replaced.

3. Buy the replacement parts online. Online baby and breastfeeding stores often sell replacement parts. There are also specialty sites that cater only to breast pumps and breast pump parts. Mybreastpump.com sells an wide variety of different parts and accessories for breast pumps. Lactationconnection.com is another online retailer with a wide selection of parts. These places will sell a replacement kit for each model. The kit contains all of the parts you'll need including the valve, breast shield and any tubing that comes into contact with the milk (see Resources).

4. Look for bottles into which you'll express milk. Some pumps require a certain sized bottle while others can accommodate any size of bottle, as long as the cap and breast shield piece will screw onto it.

5. Prepare to replace liners often if your pump has bottles that require you to pump milk into a bottle with a liner. If planning to freeze the expressed milk, you'll most likely be using bags in which to freeze it, so make sure to have plenty of these on hand.

Tags: breast pump, breast shield, replacement parts, tubing that, breast pump, breast pump used

Remove Calcium Deposits From Bathtubs

Calcium deposits are those pesky rust-colored stains that form a ring around bathtubs and other bathroom and kitchen plumbing fixtures. Hard water, which is high in minerals such as calcium and magnesium, is usually the cause of these types of stains. Calcium deposits form when the water evaporates and leaves behind the minerals which then mix with soaps and shampoos. Although these stains are usually resistant to regular household cleaners, there are some "home remedies" which will efficiently remove them. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

remove calcium deposits from bathtubs

1. Use common items found around the house to help remove calcium deposits from tubs and sinks. Products such as lemon juice and white vinegar both contain acid which can break down the stains. Plug the drain of the tub, then pour in two or three gallons of vinegar. Let this sit overnight and just a few minutes of scrubbing the next day should quickly remove the stains. For darker or thicker calcium deposits you may need to repeat this process.

2. Scrub with a pumice stone to remove calcium deposits. Pumice is a volcanic rock used to remove dead skin from feet. Pumice stones can be found in the foot and nail care section of most stores or in nail salons. To remove the calcium deposits simply put on a pair of gloves to protect your hands, wet the pumice stone and scrub the area where the stain is. It should come clean with minimal effort. The pumice stone will not damage the surfaces of porcelain bathtubs but can scratch softer fiberglass tubs and fixtures.

3. Clean the bathtub weekly with any soft scrub cleanser to prevent calcium deposits from forming. If calcium deposits cannot be prevented, professional plumbing products are quite effective in treating the stains. These can be purchased at most plumbing or home improvement stores. It is important to follow directions carefully and have proper ventilation when using these types of products.

Tags: calcium deposits, remove calcium, remove calcium deposits, pumice stone, calcium deposits

What Is The Meaning Of Xray

X-rays are used to look at bones without removing the skin.

X-rays are waves of light invisible to the human eye. They were discovered in 1895 and have become a valuable means of medical evaluation. They are used in the medical field very frequently to diagnose cavities, broken bones and more.

History

The use of X-rays came about in 1895 when Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovered them while experimenting with vacuum tubes. His first test subject was his wife. An X-ray exposure of her hand both frightened and captured the interest of the public. Roentgen called them "X" rays because they were unknown. In some German-speaking countries they are called Roentgen rays. Problems caused by X-rays began to gain notice in the early 20th century. Technologist and scientists who frequently used the rays for medicine and research were stricken with burns, cancerous tumors and lesions. These were caused by frequent direct exposure from the X-rays. X-rays are used today at a much safer and controlled capacity.

Identification

X-rays are wavelengths of light that are not visible to the human eye. X-rays have small wavelengths and a high amount of energy.

Function

X-rays are used extensively in the medical field. You may have experienced them at the hospital, doctor's office or dentist's office. The rays are shot in beams through a certain body part. The rays go through the body part and make a shadow on a special white film. Dense bone tissues block the rays while soft tissues like muscle and skin allow them to pass through. In a bone X-ray, for example, the bone is visible because the X-rays pass through all the skin and muscle and not the bone, leaving a shadow of the bone on the film to be examined.

Procedure

The procedure of using an X-ray medically is done by a technologist who is specially trained in radiology. First the patient should be positioned on an X-ray table. The film or digital recording plate is placed under the area to be X-rayed. A lead apron may be placed over the pelvic area or breasts if required to prevent damage to the body from radiation. The technologist will retreat behind a protective wall or barrier to take the X-ray image. The patient must remain very still to prevent blurring of the image. X-rays may be taken of areas that are not affected, for comparison. For example, if you are suspected of having broken your left leg, your right leg may be X-rayed as well to compare the legs. The procedure commonly takes about 10 minutes.

Warning

It is possible that X-rays cause or increase the risk of cancer. In 2005 the National Research Council concluded that even at low-dose levels, exposure to X-rays can increase the risk of cancer. Stanford University's Herbert L. Abrams claims "There appears to be no threshold below which exposure can be viewed as harmless." It comes down to risk versus benefit: patients must consult with their physician and weigh the risk and benefits of having an X-ray and decide what path of action to take.

Tags: X-rays used, body part, increase risk, increase risk cancer, medical field

Become Certified As An Ekg Technician

Cardiographic technicians monitor and interpret electrocardiograms, or EKGs.

EKG technicians assist physicians by performing electrocardiogram, or EKG, tests that monitor activity of the heart. EKG technicians usually undergo four to six weeks of on-the-job training under the supervision of a cardiologist or EKG technician supervisor. Additionally, EKG technicians can enroll in one of many certificate programs around the country. These programs generally last one year and prepare students to take the national licensing examination. In order to become certified, you must meet the minimum requirements.

Instructions

1. Determine if you meet the minimum requirements to sit for the Certified Cardiographic Examination. You must have a high school diploma or GED, in addition to one of the following: be enrolled or be a graduate of a cardiovascular training program, be employed or previously employed in the cardiovascular field or as an allied health professional, have a science or health degree or completed two years of volunteer work in the cardiovascular field.

2. Take a practice examination to determine if you are ready to sit for the national exam. These can be ordered from Cardiovascular Credentialing International, or CCI, for $45 plus $4.95 for shipping (prices as of 2010).

3. Register for the Certified Cardiographic Examination. You can find information on sending proof of qualification and payment on the Pearson testing website.

4. Review for the examination by reviewing basic cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, electrocardiogram techniques, cardiac electrophysiology, stress testing techniques, ambulatory monitoring techniques and cardiac medications.

5. Sit for the examination at your scheduled time and location.

6. Wait for the results of your examination. You will receive a letter with your results broken down by section. If you passed, you will receive a certificate and credential identification card.

7. Maintain your credential. You must pay a renewal fee every three years as well as accumulate continuing education units, or CEUs, which must be submitted to CCI every three years. As of 2010, the renewal fee is $150, and the number of required CEUs is 16.

Tags: Cardiographic Examination, cardiovascular field, Certified Cardiographic, Certified Cardiographic Examination, every three

Sciatic Pain Due To Calcification In The Spine

Sciatica is a painful condition that may lead to limping and even immobility in your legs. Sciatic pain can be caused or aggravated by calcification in the sacroiliac joint that further compress the sciatic nerve running from your sacrum down through your hips and providing sensory and motor input to your legs. If you are suffering from sciatica resulting from calcification, a proper diagnosis can lead to the proper treatment and reduce your pain.

Definition

If you are diagnosed with calcification in your spine, you have bone spurs, also known as osteophytes. These bony protuberances grow along bone edges. By themselves they are not painful but can be excruciatingly painful in a location where nerves may rub against them or be compressed. There are several conditions that can result in osteophytes in the lumbar region.

Causes

Forestier disease is also known as diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperstosis, a hardening of the ligaments limiting mobility and decreasing range of motion of your legs if located in the sacroiliac region. Lumbar spondylosis is a degenerative condition of the bones in the lower back that can result in osteophytes. Spinal stenosis is a condition where the nerve channels for the spine are narrowed. This condition may be congenital or acquired.

Some people may not have any of these conditions and still develop bone spurs. This can be a normal process of aging with friction on the joints creating scar tissue that calcifies.

Symptoms

You may have bone spurs in your lumbar region without ever developing any symptoms. If your bone spurs place pressure on your sciatic nerve, you will experience varying degrees of pain and immobility. You may first experience tingling and numbness in your legs that can radiate from your hip down to your toes. If the calcification is creating a lot of pressure, you can feel debilitating pain in your back, hips or legs.

Diagnosis

Diagnostic tests are used to determine if your sciatic pain is the result of bone spurs. An X-ray, computerized tomography (CT) scan or MRI can be used to identify the location of the calcification. If your condition has persisted for an extended period of time, more than two months, your doctor may request nerve conduction tests to determine if sensory and motor nerve fibers have been damaged and to what extent.

Treatment

Treatment for sciatica resulting from bone osteophytes depends on the amount of pain and damage being done. If you still have a wide range of motion, your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication to reduce swelling and pain. Stretching can also increase flexibility and reduce the pressure on the sciatic nerve. If your condition is severe, you may require surgery to remove the spurs. This may be done arthroscopically.

Aside from bone spurs creating pressure on the sciatic nerve, there is also a danger of the spur breaking off and floating in the joint space. This may lead to locking or other damage to the nerve or joint tissue. Discuss your condition with your doctor to determine the best course of action for your situation.

Tags: bone spurs, sciatic nerve, your legs, your condition, your doctor, also known

Prostate Ultrasound Procedures

Prostate Ultrasound Procedures

Ultrasound technology has many uses in the medical field, and prostate cancer patients can benefit from ultrasound techniques during both the diagnostic and treatment stages of their disease. Learning the benefits and risks of these procedures will help a patient and his physicians make informed decisions as they pursue prostate cancer treatment options.

Transrectal Ultrasound

Transrectal ultrasound is a prostate cancer diagnostic technique. The procedure takes 5 to 15 minutes and is done on an outpatient basis. It involves the use of a small, lubricated probe inserted into the rectum to deliver sound waves into the prostate gland. The waves create echoes in the prostate tumor, which are recorded by a computer. The computer shows the resulting images on an imaging screen. Because prostate tumors create different echoes than normal prostate tissue, doctors use these images to locate and measure prostate cancer tumors.

The Transrectal Ultrasound Procedure

Before receiving a transrectal ultrasound, most patients will be given an enema to remove all feces and gas from the bowels. The patient will lie on his left side for the procedure, and the technician will gently insert the probe into the rectum, which can be uncomfortable but typically does not cause tremendous pain. The technician will guide the probe around the rectum to gather images of the entire prostate gland, measure the gland and measure any tumors it contains. There is no recovery time for this procedure, nor does it typically cause side effects.

HIFU

HIFU, or high intensity focused ultrasound, uses ultrasound technology to treat prostate cancer. This procedure involves the use of high intensity ultrasound waves delivered into the prostate gland through the rectum. These waves quickly heat the prostate gland, destroying all tissue it contains, including the cancerous cells. The physician uses the same transducer that delivers the treatment to capture ultrasound images of the gland during treatment, allowing for the treatment to be tailored as the patient's body responds.

The HIFU Procedure

HIFU is performed under general or spinal anesthesia, depending on the treatment delivery device chosen. The treatment is delivered through the rectum, but patients feel no pain or discomfort because of the anesthetic. Treatment begins as the physician gathers images of the prostate gland and plans the treatment delivery. Then, using the same transducer that gathered the images, the physician will send the ultrasound waves into the prostate gland. After two to three hours, the gland is destroyed and the patient is sent to recovery. Most patients are able to leave the treatment center the same day they received the treatment.

Risks and Recovery

HIFU does carry a few risks, but greatly lowers the percentage of patients who experience side effects. Incontinence is possible, but less than 2 percent of patients have this problem after HIFU according to the Prostate Cancer Research Institute. Impotence rates are 28 to 30 percent. Other common side effects of traditional prostate cancer treatments, including bowel discomfort, bleeding and urgency, are eliminated with HIFU. Most patients will wear a catheter for two weeks after treatment to allow the bladder to drain effectively while the area heals, but otherwise patients return to their normal lifestyles within days of treatment.

Getting HIFU Treatment

As of 2009, HIFU treatment is only in clinic trial stages in the United States. Patients who wish to pursue this treatment option need to discuss it with a doctor. Some can travel outside of the United States to approved treatment facilities to receive HIFU treatment. Others may be able to participate in clinical trials in the United States. Several American physicians, such as Dr. Scionti of the HIFU Care Center, regularly travel to international HIFU treatment centers to treat qualifying patients.

Tags: prostate cancer, prostate gland, into prostate, into prostate gland, side effects

Radiologic Technology Teaching Techniques

Radiologic technology is a challenging, yet rewarding subject to teach and to learn.

An outstanding teacher doesn't merely tell students what they need to know, but instead awakens the desire to discover knowledge. Learning X-ray physics or the myriad of anatomy and positions may seem like a difficult task for many students. A teacher's approach, level of understanding and ability to relate to students may contribute to each student's current or future success in this field.

Lectures and Presentations

The best introductions stir the students' curiosity. Teachers achieve this by asking an intriguing question about the human body or X-ray physics; telling a relevant story about their experience as a radiologic technologist; or introducing a dilemma that students may someday face. Teachers who vary their pitch, insert visuals, express enthusiasm, and involve their students often capture their attention. The quantity of information shouldn't be excessive, and teachers may have to frequently pause to assess the students' understanding.

Active Learning

Active learning can greatly enhance students' thinking. Methods of incorporating this style of learning include discussion of case studies in groups; writing exercises based on research or experiences in clinical; debates over controversial issues, such as the risks versus the benefits of certain exams; role-playing scenarios; or presentations on film critiquing led by the students. These types of activities require the students to participate in their own learning instead of passively listening to lecture.

Clinical Learning

Laboratory settings apply theory to practice, in a safe yet challenging environment where students can make errors and learn from them. Honest feedback proves vital, whether they're doing well or need improvement. The clinical domain is the reality of the job, and possible evaluation criteria include technologists' observations, accomplishment of competencies, film critique and simulated positioning during lab.

Ethics and Patient Care

So much attention is devoted to technical aspects that it may overshadow a core reason many students select radiologic technology -- to help people. Teachers must define laws and ethics, and students should practice handling dilemmas in these areas. Movies depict both positive and negative examples of patient care. Illustrations of verbal, nonverbal and cross-cultural communication are relevant.

Tags: many students, X-ray physics

Starting Salary For A Radiologic Technologist

Radiologic technologists may produce X-ray images for doctors to interpret.

Radiographic technologists are medical imaging specialists. Their expertise ranges from preparing patients for X-ray examinations to using more sophisticated medical imaging technologies such as mammography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Most states require radiologic technologists to be licensed, although licensing requirements may vary. Starting wages for these medical professionals may vary based on training, certification, geographic location and type of employer.

Wages

Wages earned by radiologic technologists at all levels of experience, training and certification across the United States ranged from less than $35,700 per year to more than $75,440 per year as of May 2009, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median income was $53,240 and the mean hourly wage was $26.05. Most radiographic technologists are employed by general medical hospitals or surgical hospitals. The mean annual pay for technologists in these environments was $54,770.

Training

Candidates for a position as a radiologic technologist usually must obtain formal training through an accredited vocational/technical institute, a community college or traditional college or university. Certificate programs may require up to two years to complete. Associate degree programs typically require two years to complete. A bachelor's degree from a traditional college or university will usually take four years to complete. Candidates can improve their chances for employment and licensure by earning voluntary certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Experience

Wages for radiologic technologists can vary widely based on the technologist's level of experience, according to the Education-Portal website. Median wages for an entry level X-ray technician were $44,981, compared to $53,832 for a mammography tech and $59,970 for an ultrasound tech. Education-Portal notes that radiologic technologists usually need at least a year of standard experience before they can move into more specialized fields.

Other Factors

BLS projects new job opportunities for radiologic technologists to grow by 17 percent between 2008 and 2018. Demand for radiologic technologists can vary regionally, and those willing and able to relocate should have greater job opportunities. Radiologic technologists can return to school to gain formal training and certification in such disciplines as multiple imaging disciplines such as MRI scans, mammography and CT scans. Those with the Registered Technologist in Magnetic Resonance Imaging credential, the Registered Technologist in Mammography credential or other credentials should have greater employment opportunities than those who have no credentials.

Tags: radiologic technologists, training certification, years complete, college university, formal training

Find Cna Classes For Free Online

Online CNA training in non-laboratory courses is available for second-year students, but not for free. CNA training has an important hands-on component; therefore, students typically complete coursework and practica in a face-to-face setting. However, continuing education courses are often available online for a modest fee.

Instructions

1. Open your web browser and select a search engine. Do some searches for accredited online CNA courses or continuing education. Find courses specifically for certified nursing assistant.

2. Locate your state's nursing board. Find out the requirements for continuing education requirements. Because your state's nursing board is responsible for licensing, it is critical to abide by their procedures for maintaining a valid license. Do not make a hasty decision and choose a program not approved by the state.

3. Create a set of at least three or four domains to help you choose the best program for you. In order to sort through the courses you find online, you need to decide which criteria are important to you. Is the cost a factor in your decision-making? What about the amount of time it will take you to complete the course? Be honest with yourself about your needs and limitations.

4. Create a table in Microsoft Word. Start with five rows and four columns. Each row is for a different school or program. The vertical columns are for each of the domains that you chose. Label the top row of your columns and rows. For example, if you want to consider the ABC School of Nursing, then label the columns to record costs, start dates and requirements. Take notes about those schools which have the continuing education credits or courses you are seeking. Be sure to record the school's name and contact information.

5. Contact your prospective schools online, by phone or mail. Ask them to send to you detailed information about the course requirements, costs, deadlines, and enrollment materials. Be sure to inquire about obtaining a certificate of completion or transcript to document the course's completion.

Tags: continuing education, nursing board, state nursing, state nursing board, your state, your state nursing

Ideas For Mfl Teaching

Teach students a foreign language so they can communicate on a global scale.

Modern foreign language (MFL) teaching encourages students to use the language that they are learning in novel contexts. The language that students are learning is referred to as the target language. As an MFL teacher, you should provide engaging activities to get your students using the target language. Students can compete, play games, use study techniques or create their own works to help them learn their target language.

Contests and Games

Students can compete for prizes by completing verb conjugations, vocabulary bingo, crossword puzzles or sentence writing. You can have your students work in groups or individually to compete with the rest of the class. For example, have students work in groups to write sentences in the target language with whatever grammatical elements you are currently learning. You could also have students fill in a bingo grid with vocabulary words and then read the words' definitions in the target language as a way of calling out spaces.

Flash Cards

Flash cards are an effective way of having students study vocabulary words. Students should put each word from their vocabulary list on a flash card. One side of the card should contain the word in the target language; the other side should contain the English translation. You can have your students create new flash cards every unit and compile a comprehensive collection of flash cards by the end of the course.

Picture Captions

Provide students with a cartoon or picture. If you select a cartoon, remove the caption and any text within the cartoon. Ask students to create their own captions for the image. Captions should be relevant to the picture and should be written in the target language. You can collect students' captions and remove their names. Then have students vote on their favorite caption and display the picture with the winning caption somewhere in your classroom.

Journal Entries

Ask students to chronicle their day. You can have students keep a daily journal or ask them to write one entry per week. Writing should be in the target language and should include any recently learned vocabulary.

Weekend Review

At the beginning of each week, ask several students to share what they did over the weekend. Responses should be oral and in the target language. You can have students volunteer to share or assign sharing before the weekend so that students can come to class prepared.

Mnemonic Devices

Create mnemonic devices to help students remember lists of material. Providing verb patterns, acronyms or songs can help students remember larger groups of information.

Authorship

Students who are studying a foreign language at a high level can begin creating their own stories. These stories do not have to be long or complex, but they should give students a chance to experiment with the vocabulary and verb tenses they've learned. For example, have students rewrite a child's fable in the target language. Students could also write a poem or something else that is not too long but focuses on using the target language.

Tags: target language, have students, foreign language, your students, could also

Definition Of Medicare Part A & Part B

Medicare insures seniors.

Medicare was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson on July 30, 1965. It was the first comprehensive health insurance program passed by Congress to include all Americans over 65. While there have been several additions to Medicare since that time, including the recent prescription drug plan, the two basic components of Medicare are parts A and B.

Medicare Part A

Medicare Part A is normally considered to be the "Original Medicare" because it is the only component that was part of the original law signed in 1965. Under Part A, most seniors over 65, regardless of income, are enrolled automatically in the plan. This gives them the right to hospital care, critical urgent care, skilled nursing care and some forms of home care. Essentially, Medicare Part A pays for any emergency medical problems that seniors encounter as they age.

What Part A Does Not Cover

Medicare Part A does not cover routine care such as doctor's visits, routine screening such as blood tests and X-rays, and most other outpatient medical services. In addition, Part A is not automatic for those who have not paid sufficient amounts into Social Security over their working years. In these cases, seniors can pay into Medicare Part A, and if they cannot afford to do so, they can receive financial help from the government to get covered.

Medicare Part B

Given that the Original Medicare, Part A, did not cover most routine care, Congress created Part B. Part B is basically a government-sponsored insurance program that is similar to the private insurance Americans over 65 may be familiar with. For a monthly premium, seniors can be covered for things such as regular screenings, doctor's visits and many forms of home care. The premium is currently $96.40 through 2010 and will rise for most seniors to $110.50 after 2010. Also, those whose incomes are above $85,000 (single) or $170,000 (married) per year may have to pay higher premiums.

Supplemental Medicare Plans

Many private health insurance companies have increased coverage over the years to include such things as prescription drugs, vision and dental. Private companies have therefore offered what is generally termed "Medigap." These plans are all standardized in sections A-L. Each letter deals with a specific coverage, and the designations are the same for all companies. The differences are in terms of price and what letters are offered, allowing seniors to choose the plan that fits within their lifestyle.

Prescription Drug Plan

In 2006, President George W. Bush signed the prescription drug plan into law. This allows seniors to extend their coverage to prescription drugs and have private companies actually provide the service.

Tags: Medicare Part, Americans over, companies have, doctor visits, drug plan, forms home

Medical Technician Requirements

Medical technicians contribute a great deal of the work that keeps our health care system running. They are the people on the front lines that fill the needs of the day. Guaranteed to always be cutting edge, work as a medical technician is unlikely to ever go out of demand or become stale. Because of the great variety of work available, becoming a medical technician can be a fascinating and rewarding opportunity.

Opportunities

The title "medical technician" can encompass a great variety of job positions. Some opportunities for medical technicians include X-ray technicians, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and dental hygienists. One of the primary requirements of becoming a medical technician is simply deciding what exactly you would like to be doing.

Certification

The requirement that separates medical technicians from nurses and other non-doctor health care roles is the need for certification. For example, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration outlines four levels of EMT certification dependent upon the completion of tests and classes.

Technology

Another common requirement for all medical technician fields is the application of technology. If not working directly with patients, the medical technician will often be in the laboratory, testing samples and potentially making diagnoses. Many technicians are the operators of X-ray, sonogram and echocardiogram machines. Medical technicians who work directly with patients will also be largely technology based, using tools such as defibrillators, EpiPen and other life-support technologies.

Field and Lab

Another requirement of most medical technicians is to work on their feet under a variety of conditions. Even the most office-bound medical technicians, such as a dental hygienist, will have a very active job, treating people on their feet and moving around quite a bit. Other medical technician positions are even more active, such as combat EMTs, who serve troops in active-duty areas, or technicians that specialize in outdoor rescue. Rarely is a medical technician a paper pusher.

College Degree

While not a definite requirement for all medical technicians, in today's competitive job market a specialized bachelor's or associate degree can give one the edge in achieving work in the medical field. For example, many schools offer degrees specific to particular technician jobs, such as a nuclear medicine technology degree. Many skills now offer pharmacist programs. If there is no degree in the specific area you intend to pursue, then a degree in chemistry, biology or a more general pre-med can set you on the right course.

Tags: medical technician, medical technicians, becoming medical, becoming medical technician, directly with

Help Your High School Child Succeed In School

Help Your High School Child Succeed in School

High school brings about a whole set of challenges for students. In addition to increasingly difficult academics, many students are juggling extracurricular activities and dealing with stresses related to peer pressure and dating. As a parent, you may be struggling with helping your high school child succeed in school, particularly if you feel detached from his classroom studies and workload.

Instructions

1. Express interest in your child's education by encouraging her to talk about what she's learning in the classroom and inquiring about progress on quizzes and tests. Showing your high school child that you care about her education is extremely important and one of the most valuable things parents can do to help their child succeed in school.

2. Create a study center for your child where he can work uninterrupted each evening. The area should be well lit, quiet and spacious enough for him to work on projects or complete written homework assignments comfortably.

3. Be available to offer encouragement and study tips, particularly if your child seems to be struggling. You should never complete the homework assignments for her but talking out the problems and giving her tips on do the assignment can be effective. In addition to providing motivation and encouragement, you are showing your child that you believe in her ability to complete the assignment herself.

4. Offer organizational tips and teach your high school child to keep a day planner if he doesn't do so already. A daily and weekly planner is an instrumental tool for high school students who are juggling multiple classes and activities. Not only will it help him record important dates, such as exams and project due dates, but it will help your child manage projects by breaking them up into smaller, more manageable tasks.

5. Check in with your child on a daily and weekly basis to make sure that she is staying on track and keeping on top of her assignments. When your child knows that you are committed to her high school success, she will be more likely to stay committed herself.

Tags: your child, high school, high school child, your high school, Your High School, child succeed

Radiation Technician Travel Jobs

Traveling radiation technicians must be good at taking X-rays.

Radiation technicians are health care professionals who perform diagnostic imaging exams such as X-rays. Employment of radiation technicians is projected to climb by about 17 percent from 2008 to 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. Median annual wages of these individuals at the time of publication were $52,210, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Radiation technicians have the option of traveling to various regions in the United States to increase their range of experience and earn their living.

Duties

Radiation technicians are responsible for handling X-rays prescribed by a doctor to help diagnose different medical problems in patients. These professionals must prepare patients for X-rays by removing jewelry and other substances through which X-rays cannot pass. They then use devices similar to a measuring tape to measure the thickness of the patient's body section to be radiographed. Radiation technicians must set X-ray machine controls to capture images of the right density, contrast and detail.

Traveling

Radiation technician travel jobs allow these health care professionals to visit various parts of the country to work temporarily in medical facilities that need their help. By going through a travel staffing agency, aspiring radiation technicians who want to travel can receive the benefits of free housing and job-related travel reimbursements. They work in hospitals, imaging centers or even private doctors' offices. Traveling to work in different United States' facilities actually can help a radiation technician build his resume by expanding his skills in various competency areas.

Skills

Strong attention to detail is a critical skill for radiation technicians because they must be able to carefully follow doctors' instructions. Radiation technicians should know protect themselves from radiation by using devices such as lead shields. They also must know prepare radiographic equipment and put patients in the right position to capture certain images. In addition, radiation technicians typically are on their feet for long periods of time. As a result, being in a good physical condition is important for these professionals.

Education

In order to travel and work in the radiation technician industry, individuals must have completed a two-year associate degree or four-year bachelor's degree in this field. Programs in the field are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. In addition, most states require radiation technicians to have a license in this industry as well as voluntary certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (see Resources). Many states use ARRT-administered exams for state licensing purposes. Maintaining ARRT certification involves completing 24 hours of continuing education every two years.

Tags: Radiation technicians, Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, care professionals, health care, health care professionals

How Much Does An Xray Medical Technician Make

An X-Ray technician must ensure all safety procedures are followed.

An X-Ray technician, also known as a radiologic technician, is a medical professional who is trained to take X-Rays of the internal structures of the human body, so that a physician can diagnose injuries, diseases, or other medical afflictions. She will explain procedures to patients, use the X-Ray imaging equipment and process the images so that health practitioners can view them on film or video screen. Her salary reflects her position in the diagnostic imaging team, and may vary according to the circumstances of her employment.

Average Pay

The most recent survey of employment and wages conducted by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), published in 2009, listed the mean yearly salary for an X-Ray technician as $54,180. This is equivalent to a monthly income of $4,515 or a pay rate per hour of $26.05. The BLS also reported that the median annual salary --- that received by the middle 50 percent of earners --- was $53,240, the average for the top-earning 10 percent was $75,440 and the average for their lowest-earning counterparts was $35,700.

Pay by Employer

The sector of the health care industry in which an X-Ray technician finds employment will influence the salary level she achieves. According to the BLS data, scientific research and development services offer the highest yearly wages, $64,800. This compares favorably to medical and diagnostic laboratories, $57,250, general medical and surgical hospitals, $54,770, outpatient care centers, $52,950 and the private offices of physicians, $50,860.

Pay by Location

A second factor that can significantly impact upon how much money an X-Ray technician makes in a year is the geographical location in which she pursues her career. The BLS places Massachusetts at the head of the wage table, offering an average annual salary of $68,530. It is closely followed by Nevada and Maryland, averaging $66,420 and $65,820 respectively. Among the lowest-paying states, South Dakota is listed at $44,970 while West Virginia offers just $41,400. The San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara area in California is listed as the single metropolitan area offering X-Ray technicians the highest salary, $78,300 per year. In contrast, Jackson, Tennessee, is listed at $44,660.

Training

To practice as an X-Ray technician, an individual must successfully complete a registered training course. Such programs are available through hospitals and universities and usually run for between 21 and 24 months. Candidates are advised to attend programs approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists as this organization is considered the industry's standard bearer, and employers look favorably upon ARRT-registered candidates.

Prospects

The BLS predicts a buoyant job market for X-Ray technologists in the immediate future. While it estimates that employment growth across all occupations in America will be by between seven and 13 percent, it places the projected growth for radiologic technicians at 17 percent. The aging population of the United States will require more and more diagnostic imaging procedures. As a result X-Ray technicians should continue to receive competitive wages. An individual could increase her earning potential by training in other diagnostic imaging techniques besides X-Rays, such as magnetic resonance imaging and bone densitometry.

Tags: X-Ray technician, diagnostic imaging, annual salary, X-Ray technicians

What Courses Are Needed To Become A Medical Billing Specialist

A medical billing specialist plays an important role in the medical field by maintaining important health documents for patients as well as processing payments and claims for a hospital or doctor's office. A person who is interested in becoming a medical billing specialist has to possess good organizational skills and be willing to learn on a daily basis. Several technical schools and colleges provide training in this area, and a student can earn a certificate in as little as six months. What follows are the sorts of courses a person might expect when studying to become a medical billing specialist.

Introduction to Health Care

This course will give an overview of the history of medicine and the role health professionals play in the industry.

Medical Billing I & II

Medical Billing I will introduce students to the field of medical billing and claims reporting. Students will understand the concepts behind processing insurance payments, billing and reimbursement, physician coding and compliance, and claims processing. Medical Billing II will be a continuation of Medical Billing I and go further into the billing process and include payments such as Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE. Other areas that students will focus on include workers' compensation, disability and hospital billing.

Medical Terminology

Medical Terminology will help future billing specialists understand the terminology used by health care professionals. Usage of basic and complex medical terms will be discussed as well as terms related to the body.

Basic Office Procedures

This will be an introduction to basic methods of coding using the International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition, Clinical Modification (or ICD-9-CM) for diseases and Current Procedural Terminology (or CPT). Students will go through several coding exercises to fully understand the concept of medical billing and coding inside an medical office.

Medical Office Procedures

This course will cover basic administrative procedures handled in a health care facility. Lessons will include the effective use of communication, scheduling appointments, and record-keeping. Students will use medical office software programs, such as Medisoft and MedicsElite.

Medical Law and Ethics

Students will be introduced to several legal issues associated with health care, including ensuring patients' confidentiality, releasing information and court proceedings. By the end of the course, students will know basic legal terminology, retention guidelines, patient rights and health care ethics.

English Composition

This course will provide students with the grammar, editing and usage skills essential for effective communication.

Tags: Students will, billing specialist, course will, health care, medical billing, This course

What Is The Mri Tech Salary Range In South Carolina

Technologists who work with magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, perform scanning procedures for diagnostic purposes. They explain the process to patients, monitor patients during scans to ensure safety and comfort, and view images to ensure quality. The state of South Carolina requires MRI techs to have certification from the South Carolina Radiation Quality Standards Association. Most MRI techs in South Carolina have salaries of at least $47,000 per year.

Comparisons

Median salaries for MRI technologists in South Carolina vary somewhat by city, but the numbers are relatively close, as shown by Salary.com. The median salary as of March 2011 for MRI techs in Myrtle Beach is $56,130, in Florence $58,924, in Charleston $60,153, in Spartanburg $60,400, in Aiken $60,436, in Greenville $60,445, in Hilton Head Island $60,614 and in Columbia $60,792. In comparison, the nationwide median salary for MRI techs is $64,995 per year.

Salary Range

In this grouping of South Carolina cities, the middle 50 percent of MRI techs on the earnings scale have annual salaries of $51,350 to $65,890 as of March 2011. The top 10 percent have yearly pay of at least $70,531, and the bottom 10 percent earn less than $47,000 per year. Nationwide, the middle 50-percent range for these workers is $59,460 to $70,445, which ranks Myrtle Beach and Florence in the bottom 25 percent nationwide.

Specifics

Job postings at Indeed.com for MRI techs in South Carolina in March 2011 offer full-time and part-time work, some with 12-hour shifts and some involving rotating weekends. Employers typically require an associate degree in radiologic technology and registration with a professional organization. Although job postings generally do not provide salary information, an example of benefits listed by one employer includes health, dental, vision and prescription insurance; flexible-spending healthcare accounts; life, disability and long-term care insurance; pet insurance; legal services; a retirement plan; tuition reimbursement; adoption assistance; and paid time off for vacations, holidays and extended illness.

Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment of all radiologic technologists, including MRI techs, to increase faster than average through at least 2018. A growing and aging population drives increasing demand for diagnostic imaging. MRIs also are useful for monitoring the progress of certain treatments.

Tags: South Carolina, March 2011, Beach Florence, bottom percent, median salary, Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach Florence

Find An Affordable Dentist When You Have No Insurance

Dental care can be very expensive. Patients without dental insurance have to worry not only about maintaining good dental health, but pay for it as well. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to find low-cost or free dental care. Government resources, professional organizations and local charities are good places to search for solutions.

Instructions

Find low-cost or free dental care

1. Go to a local dental school. Although you will receive care from a dental student in training, an experienced, qualified dentist will supervise the work. Local dental schools offer dental care for free or at reduced cost; visit the American Dental Association website (ada.org) for a list of dental schools.

2. Take advantage of government programs and resources. The federal Health Resources and Services Administration runs a program through its Bureau of Primary Health Care that manages community health clinics across the country. These clinics offer both medical and dental services for free or at reduced cost. Visit the website (hrsa.gov) for more information. If you meet certain pre-determined qualifications, you may be eligible for free or low-cost dental care through your state's Medicaid program. Although each state develops its own guidelines for eligibility, and not every state program offers dental services, it's worth visiting the Medicaid web site to learn more.

3. Contact your state dental society to find local dental clinics that offer low-cost or charitable care. Visit the ADA website for a list of state dental societies and their contact information.

4. Contact your local chapter of the United Way and ask about free or low-cost dental care in your area. The United Way frequently works through local dental providers to offer charitable care as part of its mission. You can find your local chapter information by visiting the United Way website (liveunited.org).

Tags: dental care, charitable care, Contact your, dental care, dental schools

Radiology Salary & Information

Radiologic technologists and technicians operate medical imaging equipment such as magnetic resonance imaging machines.

Radiology technologists and technicians help doctors to produce images used for the diagnosis and treatment of various medical conditions. They are usually well paid, earning an average salary of more than $50,000 per year in the United States, according to a May 2009 survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Job Duties

Radiology technologists and technicians assist radiologists, who are doctors with special training in obtaining and interpreting medical images. Their main job is to operate the equipment used to produce images used for medical diagnosis, which may include computed tomography (CT) scanners, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines and ultrasound devices. Technologists and technicians usually have at least two years of formal training and must be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists to work in the United States.

Average Salaries

Radiology technologists and technicians made an average, or mean, hourly wage of $26.05 in May 2009, according to figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, while the average annual salary was $54,180. The median annual salary was $53,240 and the median hourly wage was $25.59. Median wages are those at which half of people employed in this profession made more money, while the other half made less. The lowest-paid ten percent of radiologic technologists and technicians made $17.16 per hour or less in May 2009, or approximately $35,700 or less on an annual basis. For the highest-paid 10 per cent, the hourly wage was $36.27 or more per hour, or approximately $75,440 per year or more.

Top Employers

The top industry for employment of radiology technologists and technicians in May 2009 was the general medical and surgical hospital industry, which employed 127,820 people in this occupation at an average hourly wage of $26.33 or approximately $54,770 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The number of radiology technologists and technicians employed in hospitals was nearly three times as many as those in the next highest industry sector, the offices of physicians, which employed 44,000. The medical and diagnostic laboratories industry was the only other industry that employed more than 10,000 radiology technologists and technicians. The scientific research and development services industry was the top-paying employment sector in May 2009, with an average hourly wage of $31.16 or approximately $64,800 per year.

Highest-Paying States

Massachusetts, Nevada, Maryland, Hawaii and the District of Columbia were the five highest-paying states and territories for radiology technologists and technicians in May 2009, all paying more than $60,000 per year, on average. Massachusetts topped the list at $32.95 per hour or approximately $68,530 per year, followed by Nevada, at $31.93 per hour, or approximately $66,240 on an annual basis. Maryland was the only other state to exceed $65,000, with an average hourly wage of $31.64 or approximately $65,820 per year. Hawaii just edged out the District of Columbia at an annual average of $63,470, compared to $63,270 per year.

Highest-Paying Cities

The five highest-paying urban areas for radiology technologists and technicians in May 2009 were all in California and Massachusetts, with the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara metropolitan area of California topping the list at $37.64 per hour or approximately $78,300 per year. The Boston-Cambridge-Quincy area of Massachusetts was third highest-paying with an average hourly wage of $34.88 or approximately $72,540 per year. Peabody, Massachusetts, with an average annual salary of $69,760, was the only one of the top five with an average annual salary below $70,000.

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Find Alternative Therapies To Treat Prostate Cancer

Find Alternative Therapies to Treat Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a malignant cancer tumor that originates in and spreads from a man's prostate gland. Many men find traditional treatments, such as surgery, risky and invasive, and choose to seek alternative therapies to treat their condition.

Instructions

1. Know that surgery, radiation treatments and chemotherapy are the most common therapies used to treat prostate (and all other) forms of cancer. If you have received a positive diagnosis, you should learn all you can about conventional treatment methods before considering alternatives.

2. Reduce your testosterone levels using hormone therapy as an alternative treatment. The spread of prostate cancer can be inhibited by low levels of testosterone in the bloodstream. Orally-administered hormone pills are the most common method of using hormone therapy, though be aware that removal of the testicles is also favored as a way to reduce the body's testosterone production.

3. Treat your cancer symptoms using holistic or natural alternative medicine techniques. Ancient theories of medicine hold that illnesses are caused by fundamental imbalances in bodily energy, and the theories seek to cure disease by restoring a correct energy balance (acupuncture is probably the most familiar of these techniques). It may help to discuss your prostate cancer case with practitioners of holistic and natural therapies.

4. Get more vitamins in your diet or take vitamin supplements. Scientists have cited Vitamins A, B, C, E and especially Vitamin D as useful in treating prostate cancer.

5. Add minerals to your list of dietary supplements. Selenium, calcium and magnesium have all been shown to carry cancer-fighting properties.

6. Use herbal treatments. Omega-3 fatty acids and primrose oil both have significant anti-cancer properties. Remember, though, that the dietary and herbal remedies suggested in these steps are supplementary, not primary, treatments for prostate cancer.

7. Volunteer to participate in clinical trials. These usually involve the use of experimental or new therapies, though you should know that they come with no guarantees and may produce serious side effects.

8. Rest and maintain healthy eating habits. The importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle when fighting cancer cannot be overstated, and it's never too late to start living better. This is especially important for individuals who have a history of smoking, drinking or unhealthy eating.

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Figure Interest On Certificates Of Deposit

Obtain a certificate of deposit from a bank.

Certificates of deposit (CDs) secure money that customers do not need in the short term but do not want to risk losing. CDs guarantee a set interest rate over a stated period, with the higher rates being reserved for larger deposit amounts and longer CD terms. To calculate the interest a CD will provide, you need to know the interest rate, the term of the CD, the amount deposited and how often interest compounds.

Instructions

1. Contact your bank to find out how often the interest on the CD will be compounded.

2. Divide the annual interest rate by the number of times interest will be compounded each year. For example, if interest compounds quarterly and the annual rate equals 3 percent, you would divide 3 by 4 to find the periodic interest rate equals 0.75 percent.

3. Convert the periodic interest rate to a decimal by dividing by 100. In this example, you would divide 0.75 percent by 100 to get 0.0075.

4. Add 1 to the periodic rate expressed as a decimal. Furthering the example, you would add 1 and 0.0075 to get 1.0075.

5. Multiply the result from step 4 by itself N times, where N is one less than the number of times in the term of the CD interest compounds. In this example, if the CD matured in one year, interest would compound four times so you would multiply 1.0075 by itself three times (1.0075 times 1.0075 times 1.0075 times 1.0075) to get 1.030339191.

6. Subtract 1 from the result from step 5 to calculate the interest rate over the term of the CD. In this example, you would subtract 1 from 1.030339191 to get 0.030339191.

7. Calculate the interest on the CD by multiplying the original deposit by the interest rate over the term of the CD. Finishing the example, if your CD's original deposit equals $1,200, you would multiply $1,200 by 0.030339191 to find the interest on the CD would be $36.41.

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