Respiratory Therapy Assistant

Duties and Responsibilities: Respiratory Therapy Assistants help Respiratory Therapists treat patients who have heart and lung problems, or other health issues that affect breathing. Your primary role as a Respiratory Therapy Assistant is monitoring patients during treatment. You administer the correct dosage of medication and ensure that equipment works properly. You also keep records of each treatment session and document the patient’s progress.

Salary: $41,000- $50,000

Education: They must have a master’s degree and must get 2 years of training.

                                     

Radiation Therapist

Duties and Responsibilities:

Radiation Therapy Technologists assist radiologists and onocologists (cancer specialists) in treating diseases by exposing areas of patients' bodies to ionizing radiation.  In addition to helping with treatments, technologists are responsible for maintaining the radiation therapy equipment and helping to maintain patient records.  Radiation therapy is provided in hospitals, public health clinics, cancer treatment centers, and private offices.

Average Salary:  $22,000 - $36,000

Educational Requirements:

Students should take the most challenging science, math, and English courses available in high school. 

Students can train to become a radiation therapist in either one or two year programs.  One year programs are often offered by hospitals.  To qualify for a one year program, an applicant must have graduated from an approved program in radiologic technology or been a nurse with education in radiation physics.  A high school diploma or a GED is required to enter two year courses. 

                                     

Occupational Therapist

Duties and Responsibilities:

Occupational Therapists help patients who are mentally, emotionally, or physically disabled adjust to handicaps and regain abilities to perform daily living and self-care skills.  They work as part of a team with physicians, counselors, and physical therapists.

Occupational therapists design therapy programs and work closely with patients to observe them, help them, and monitor their progress.  They frequently design special equipment to aid patients and help with their therapy.  They also teach patients how to adjust to work and home life after becoming disabled by injury or illness.  Most occupational therapists are employed at hospitals, and many work at nursing homes.  Some work at schools for the handicapped, rehabilitation centers, or at adult daycare centers.

Average Salary:  $26,000 - $45,000

Educational Requirements: 

All states require require either a bachelor's or master's degree that includes clinical experience and successful completion of a national examination to become a certified occupational therapist.