The Apprentice Doctor’s Blog

How Robin Became a Veterinary Technician

When Robin was ten years old, her father bought her a thoroughbred colt whom she named Fox. She groomed him every day and sometimes even slept in the barn with him. The two were inseparable.

When Fox was old enough, she trained him, and he became a show horse. Even though he loved to ride the trails around their farm, and graze in the field, when he saw the trailer pull into the corral, he knew it was show day, and he almost trotted into it.

When Robin and Fox rode together, the trust between them was so strong it was almost as if they were a single unit. They could read each other’s movements with little if any, cues. They won show after show, prize after prize.

As Robin grew, she became one of those kids that brought home stray animals. They ranged from dogs and kittens to mice. Many of them were hurt or sick. So her father used one of the empty horse stalls and put a sign on it – Robin’s Animal Hospital.

When she was old enough, her father suggested she apply for a job as a veterinary assistant. He explained what it was and she was so excited, she applied to all the vet clinics in the area. A small, single-vet office called her and offered her a part-time position in the afternoons and on weekends. In that job, she walked dogs, bandaged legs and ears, and learned how to repair a broken wing in a finch. She was also responsible for less dynamic tasks like cleaning exam rooms and ordering supplies.

You’ve probably surmised that Robin went on to become a veterinary technician. Then she moved into the position of veterinary technologist and eventually applied for admission to and was accepted by a veterinarian program and earned her DVM license.

Forty years later Robin runs her own practice along with her husband, who is also a DVM. I asked her if she ever regretted her journey. She said, “No. There are times when surgery doesn’t go as planned, or a pet develops cancer and can’t be treated. Those moments are hard for me. But most of the time I’ve been able to help pets continue to lead full and healthy lives.”

Then I asked her, “Do you ever think about Fox?”

She points to a picture of him and her hanging in her clinic. “Every day.”

If you, like Robin, have a love of animals and want to contribute to their wellness, read on about becoming a veterinary technician. It is one of the fastest ways to enter the field of veterinary medicine.

Definition

A Veterinary Technician is an entry-level position which is a step up from veterinary assistant. Vet Techs work in a variety of veterinary settings including animal shelters, veterinary clinics and offices, and sometimes even animal daycare. In addition to general animal patient care, Vet Techs perform laboratory procedures and medical imaging. They may also administer and monitor anesthesia and assist with animal surgeries. Veterinary technicians are not the same as veterinary technologists, a job which requires additional education.

Typical duties

Veterinary technicians are critical members of veterinary care teams that ensure animal patients receive the best possible care.

Vet techs perform different duties depending upon where they work. In smaller veterinary practices, you will perform administrative tasks, like filing and staff scheduling as well as direct animal patient care. In larger practices these duties may be split between two people. Regardless, since you’re interacting with animals, the work is varied.

The following list is a snapshot of typical vet tech responsibilities.

• Administering medications, shots, or treatments.
• Maintaining patient records.
• Performing lab tests.
• Prepping animals for procedures.
• Providing first aid care.
• Taking and developing X-rays.
• Watching animals for changes in behavior.

Most vet techs work with small animals like dogs and cats, but also mice and birds. Large animal vet clinics will care for horses, cattle, pigs and sheep.

Characteristics

Nurses in hospitals and doctor’s offices care for human patients. As a veterinary technician, you are in a similar role. You are a nurse of sorts, but for for animals. And, like nurses, you must be able to communicate effectively and compassionately to animal owners. More importantly, you’ll learn ways to communicate with animals who can’t express their needs, where they hurt, or how they are feeling.

When you adopt a career working with animals, it can be very rewarding. But since animals aren’t always passive and accepting of your help, and don’t understand what kind of treatment, or exam they are undergoing, it can be stressful and frustrating. If you have trouble maintaining a high levels of patience, you may want to consider a different healthcare career.

Veterinary technicians should be. . .

• Calm.
• Communicative.
• Creative.
• Detail oriented.
• Ethical.
• Level headed.
• Organized.

Training/education

Becoming a veterinary technician starts with having a high school diploma. Your next step is to earn an associate degree in veterinary technology which takes about two years.

If you want to advance in the field, you can take the next step and earn a four-year bachelor’s degree to become a veterinary technologist. If you already have your associate degree, it will only take another two years, and you can continue working as a technician while you complete your education.

A program in veterinary technology includes general education courses like English, math and psychology. But concentration courses in animal care are at the heart of any animal training program. You will frequently take courses similar to those on the following list.

• Anatomy & Physiology for Animals.
• Anesthesia & Surgical Assistance.
• Introduction to Biological Chemistry.
• Introduction to Veterinary.
• Laboratory & Exotic Animals.
• Large Animal Medicine.
• Pharmacology.
• Small Animal Medicine.
• Veterinary Imaging.
• Veterinary Lab Procedures.

In addition to the theory courses, you will be required to earn least 500 hours in a variety of veterinary settings. This gives you plenty of hands-on practice working with animals and animal care teams. Even if you find a veterinary technology program that is offered on line, you will serve externship hours and be supervised by a qualified veterinarian.

Ensure any school or training program you attend is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Graduation from an AVMA-accredited institution is a prerequisite to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).

Licenses, certifications, registrations

Most states and employers require that veterinary technicians pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards. Certification means you are ready to assume the duties of an entry-level animal healthcare professional.

While you are in school, begin making arrangements to take the test four to six months before graduation. The exam is only offered three times and year and you want to take it as soon as possible after graduation so your knowledge of veterinary technology is fresh. Review courses and practice exams are available. Check the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) for further information.

Types of specialties

Any role in veterinary medicine enables you to work with animals. But just like in general healthcare for people, there are some specializations you may be drawn to more than others.

• Avian medicine.
• Biomedical research.
• Clinic supervision.
• Clinical pathology.
• Critical care.
• Dentistry.
• Emergency care.
• Exotics.
• Large animals.
• Surgery.
• Small animals.
• Veterinary internal medicine.
• Zookeeping.

You can choose to specialize, or be more of an animal generalist. As a vet tech you will work at labs, clinics, private offices and shelters.

Wages

People who become veterinary technologists do so because they love working with animals. It is a passion that drives everything they do. It would be remiss to say that you will make tons of money as a vet tech because it is not a lucrative position. So when considering or negotiating for compensation, review potential benefits packages. They could offset a lower hourly wage.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2017 the median pay for the combined roles of veterinary technicians and technologists is $33,400 per year. The average hourly wage was $16.06 per hour.

Job outlook

Employment opportunities for veterinary technicians and technologist is expected to increase 20%, which is much faster than average.

American Pet Products Association (APPA) states that consumer demand for enhanced pet care continues to grow. Pet spending overall has more than doubled to over $38 billion due to the special bond between owners and pets as best friends and companions. It is estimated that $9.4 billion will be spent for veterinary care alone.

Baby boomers are filling empty nests with pets and are contributing to the growth within the industry. Another factor is young couples waiting until later in life to have children and, meanwhile, spoiling the family pet. These families have more disposable income and are happy to shower their pets with special toys, comforts and even daycare and dog walkers.

Advancement

Veterinary technicians as well as technologists are considered entry-level trainees who work under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. As individuals gain experience, they take on more responsibility and carry out more assignments, but only under general veterinary supervision.

If you love animals and want to work with them everyday, entering the world of veterinary medicine may be perfect for you. Becoming a Veterinary Technician is one of the quickest way you can earn money while doing what you love.

The Story of Alan

Alan worked for Tasha, a colleague of mine and a contributor to our blog. Alan’s job was about 80% travel, and when he was in town, he spent most of his off-hours with his family. Although he was slightly overweight and didn’t eat right, he considered himself in good health.

One day Alan trotted into work clenching his fingers into and out of a fist. Tasha asked him what was wrong and he said, “I shut it in the car door.” They briefly discussed how much that would hurt, but then they both went on with the workday.

Later, Tasha noticed that Alan’s fingers had turned black – a raisin color that went beyond bruising. She said, “Your hand doesn’t look normal. Why don’t you take off and get to an urgent care?”

Alan was reluctant to go to any doctor but agreed that the color was odd. So he took her advice.

The following morning Tasha got a call from Alan’s brother. Doctors noted his black hand and know it was a symptom of serious underlying conditions. Tests revealed that Alan had diabetes. But since it had been left untreated for so long, they admitted him into the hospital for further testing.

Over the next thirty days, Alan lost his right foot and his left leg below the knee. Two months later he was on a breathing tube. Each time the medical professionals tried to remove it so he could resume breathing on his own, he was unable to do so. Alan’s condition continued to deteriorate.

Finally, exhausted with the struggle, Alan asked his brother to remove all life support and to let him go. Alan’s two adult children were grieved by the request and pleaded with him to fight on. But on his pad of paper Alan wrote, “It’s okay. I’ve come to terms with it. I’m at peace. Please.”

They honored his request. Alan died peacefully, the victim of untreated diabetes, six short months after shutting his hand in the car door.

I don’t tell you this story to scare you. I share it because often we don’t know the symptoms of diabetes. Like any health condition, the earlier you know you have a problem, the better off you’ll be. And once you know, having a medical team to monitor the disease is the best way to lead a full, healthy life.

Symptoms of diabetes

According to the American Diabetes Association, the following are the most typical symptoms of diabetes. Some symptoms are so mild, you may not suspect you have the disease.

Type 2 diabetes can usually be controlled through diet and exercise. Type 1 requires insulin.

If you experience any of the listed symptoms, it doesn’t mean you have diabetes. But if you have concerns, it’s always a good idea to ask your healthcare professional.

Common symptoms of diabetes:

• Blurry vision.
• Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal.
• Extreme fatigue.
• Feeling very hungry – even though you are eating.
• Feeling very thirsty.
• Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2).
• Urinating often.
• Weight loss – even though you are eating more (type 1).

Doctors you need on your side if you learn you have diabetes

If your doctor diagnosed you with diabetes, the next thing you probably did was consult the Internet for information. Physicians know so much about the disease and are happy to share their knowledge. But if you consult the World Wide Web and read pages and pages, site after site, you can experience information overload. So it’s best to limit your intake and stay in regular communication with your doctor.

Treating and controlling diabetes has improved over the years. And, as you’ve learned through Alan’s story, early diagnosis can mean the difference between life and death. If you discover you have diabetes, the most effective way to manage it is enlisting the aid of a team of doctors. With an entire care team, you can control the condition and live the life you want.

Primary care physician

If you don’t currently have diabetes, but suspect you might, your primary care doctor can check for it at your annual physical. Depending upon any stated symptoms or genetic risk factors, your doctor may perform tests to rule out the disease. If you do have diabetes, your doctor might prescribe medication and make strong recommendations for changes in your diet and lifestyle. You may also be referred to a specialist to help monitor any treatment. It’s likely that your primary care doctor will be a member of the team of healthcare professionals who will work with you.

Endocrinologist

Diabetes is a disease of the pancreas gland. An endocrinologist specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing pancreatic diseases. People with type 1 diabetes see endocrinologists to help them maintain their treatment plan. Sometimes, people with type 2 diabetes have trouble controlling their blood glucose levels. When they do, they will also see an endocrinologist for assistance.

Eye doctor

Many individuals with diabetes experience ongoing vision difficulties. They can develop cataracts and glaucoma. They may also experience diabetic retinopathy, which refers to all retinal disorders caused by diabetes. Diabetic macular edema, which is blurry vision, is also a common side effect but can be treated.

To avoid or minimize eye problems, regularly visit an eye doctor, such an optometrist or ophthalmologist. According to guidelines from the American Diabetes Association, people with type 1 diabetes should have an annual dilated comprehensive eye exam beginning five years after diagnosis. People with type 2 diabetes should have the same exam annually from the point of diagnosis.

Nephrologist

A nephrologist is a doctor that specializes in treating kidney disease. If you have diabetes, your risk of kidney disease is higher than for someone without it. Symptoms you want to watch for include:

• Difficulty concentrating.
• Loss of sleep.
• Poor appetite.
• Upset stomach.
• Weakness.

Since these symptoms can also signal other conditions, like stress, or anxiety, your primary care physician may want to include a diagnostic test for kidney disease as part of your annual physical. If it comes back positive, you may be referred to a nephrologist.

Diabetes doesn’t automatically mean you will experience kidney disease. The better you keep your blood glucose and blood pressure under control, the lower your chance of getting kidney disease.
There are certain tests that should be performed annually if you have diabetes. A nephrologist will ensure those are done, so it’s important to include a one on your medical care team.

Podiatrist

People who develop diabetes can also suffer from a variety of foot problems. Most of them have to do with nerve damage or poor blood flow. These conditions can change the shape of your feet, limit your ability to feel pain, and reduce your body’s ability to heal blisters and cuts. It is essential to maintain proper foot care, which means making regular visits to a podiatrist. Make it a part of your annual healthcare routine.

Dietitian

Your diet plays a significant role in managing diabetes. Many people with diabetes say changing their eating habits is the hardest task for them to achieve. Sometimes it requires a complete overhaul of your diet such as eliminating sugar and alcohol. If you have trouble finding the right diet to help control your blood sugar, see a dietitian who can help you customize an eating plan that meets your needs.

Alan let his job get in the way of taking care of himself. It was clear he ignored any symptoms he had for a very long time and paid a great price. Regardless of your routine and schedule, always make time for an annual physical, including a visit to the dentist and an eye doctor. Like most diseases, prevention and early detection are the best ways to live a long and healthy life.

You may know Arnold Schwarzenegger better as The Terminator, but did you know that last spring he had open heart surgery? You can imagine how devastating it was for a former Mr. Universe to heal from major surgery before he could return to his healthy lifestyle and fitness routine. It took him six months of tough recovery, but he did it.

But this article isn’t about Mr. Schwarzenegger. It’s about whatever health resolution you’ve made, or are about to make, for 2019. But according to US News and World Report, 80% of us will abandon our New Year’s resolutions by February 2019.

It will come as no surprise to any of you that one of the top resolutions people make in the new year is to adopt a healthier lifestyle. This can be anything from losing weight to something particular like eliminating gluten from your diet. And, if you pay attention to advertising, companies take advantage of this in January by selling diets, miracle pills, and fitness equipment, most of which promise everything and deliver very little.

It’s not uncommon for individuals to join a gym the first of every year. Membership at most fitness facilities undergoes an uptick in January. But by February many of these new members have given up on their best intentions which explains why only 67% of the 60 million Americans who are members of health clubs never use them.

What explains this cyclical phenomenon? It isn’t because we don’t know how to eat healthily, or how to go about some form of exercise. Most of know the nuts and bolts of those elements. So, why do we fail when we know a lot about how to achieve the goal of a healthy lifestyle?

Impatience is one explanation. It is one of two chief complaints of personal trainers I know. They all mention that many people planning a vacation, special event (including weddings) or other unique occasion want to lose ten pounds or more in the space of a few weeks. Naturally, they are very disappointed when they are told it isn’t possible.

The other complaint trainers have is the number of cancellations they get. People sign on with them and then don’t show up for reasons like it’s cold, rainy, or too dark. More frequently cancellations occur because the trainee believes they are too busy on any give day to work out. They want to look great and feel better but cannot seem to afford the hour they need to accomplish that.

A good friend of mine talks about a trainer she had when she was in her forties. He was ten years younger than her had undergone several kidney transplants throughout his life. Fitness meant everything to him. She says, “He was one of the toughest, yet most inspirational trainers I’ve ever had.” He would tell her, “I get one hour out of your day. You get the other 23. It’s a fair trade.” She says that even decades later that’s what she hears in her head when she doesn’t feel like getting up at 5:30 in the morning to work out. So she scrambles out from under her comforter and gets the job done.

The first thing to understand about any healthy lifestyle resolution is that the results you seek can happen; but not overnight. Miracle supplements or diets that promise quick results are tempting but don’t work. And, in the fine print, almost all of them include, “With a sensible diet and exercise plan.” Well, if you consistently implement a reasonable diet and exercise plan, you don’t need much else. But give it time to work.

Another thing to keep is mind is not letting your body shape trick you. Heavy people can be fit and healthy, and skinny people can be unhealthy and out of shape. I know a woman who is a size four, but never exercises and eats candy and salty foods all day long. Her dress size fools her into believing she’s perfectly healthy. She’s not. She’s just fortunate to have some good genetics. Get started with your change of lifestyle regardless of your weight or body type.

Then there is what my friend says used to be an unspoken rule. She told me, “When I was growing up in the early ’60s, there was this idea that if you were smart, you couldn’t be sporty, or athletic. If you were athletic, you couldn’t be smart. It was if the categories were mutually exclusive. I was considered a geek, and so wasn’t offered any athletic opportunities.”

“But today?” I asked her.

“I believed the fallacy until I was in my mid-twenties. But when I gained fifty pounds during my pregnancy and I knew I had to do something. That’s when I discovered aerobic exercise. The hour session was more like dancing. I enjoyed it, so I stayed with it even though I was embarrassed about my size. It took time to take the weight off, but I did.”

If your resolution is to lose weight, eat healthier, or both, set reasonable goals for yourself. For example, don’t go to the grocery and buy all fruits and vegetables. You probably won’t eat all of them, and then they’ll rot and be thrown away. Instead, buy one or two things and commit to trying them. And perhaps not buy that extra bag of chips. If you don’t like kale and would never eat kale, don’t succumb to the idea that you “should” eat it because some chef on television says you should. There are plenty of other good foods out there.

If you have never exercised, start with walking for 15 minutes, five days a week. Stick with that for a week or two, then bump it up to 20 minutes a day. Increase it incrementally until you are up to that magical 10,000 steps a day. Walking doesn’t cost any money or require special equipment. It will help you lose weight and also reduce your risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression.

If you go to a gym and have never worked out before, don’t go all out at first. Take it slow. Sign up for a free consultation with a trainer. Learn how to use the machines and how they can benefit you. Avoid targeting specific areas. That doesn’t work very well, either. An overall body workout is enough to start with. Use a few machines and add in 15-20 minutes of cardio. Even if you’re sore the next day, carry on. The soreness will go away.

The one piece of fitness advice that will help you the most is finding an exercise you enjoy. My friend started out with aerobics and stuck with it because it was like dancing. Today she combines aerobics with weight lifting. But she doesn’t like the idea of spending an hour lifting weights and then another hour on cardio. So she’s developed a workout that combines both, and she’s in and out in less and 90 minutes. She’s done it for over twenty years.

Everyone’s journey into health and wellness is unique. But one thing is true for everyone and I can’t say it enough – diets do not work in the long term. If you truly want to keep that new year’s resolution, what is required is a life-style change – one that alters your diet and exercising habits for the rest of your life. You may find people who live in blue zones of the world, such as Loma Linda, California, Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula and Okinawa, Japan, grow old healthy and age gracefully. There’s no big secret to it. There’s not a magical elixir. They eat fruits, vegetables and other items you already know are good for you. And they exercise every day.

Regardless of where you are in your lifestyle right now, you can change how you feel and improve your health. It won’t be easy, but it’s very doable. With commitment, patience, and perseverance, you can keep your healthy life-style resolution.

Join the Conversation

Have you made a health-related resolution for 2019? Share your thoughts or even ask a question. I’d love to hear from you.

Think of how irritating it is when you feel like you have water in your ear, but you’ve been nowhere near a swimming pool. Or you are scheduled to give a speech and suddenly develop a raspy throat. What about not being able to smell the aroma of coffee, or taste the tartness of a lime? Then there’s the favorite irritant of a friend of mine – her husband’s snoring. These are all ENT (ear, nose and throat) issues.

Although the practice of otolaryngology (ENT) involves more than just the ability to use our senses, they are a substantial component. When our senses don’t work, we miss much of the life that goes on around us. That’s one reason why these surgical specialists are so crucial in the practice of medicine.

Besides alleviating stuffy noses and migraine headaches, these doctors also perform complex operations that restore hearing to the middle ear, opens blocked airways, and removes head, neck, and throat cancers. The ability to do surgery makes otolaryngologists unique among surgical specialists because they are trained in both surgery and medicine, which means they must treat patients medically and surgically. There is no need to refer patients to a surgeon if an operation is required. As a result, an ENT can recommend and provide the most appropriate care for each patient.

To be qualified to perform in this dual role, in addition to medical school, a person must undergo five to eight years of intensive, post-graduate training. Some ENTs say that in exchange for the years of education, they work within the best surgical subspecialty available in medicine. There is no equivalent counterpart in healthcare.

Listen to what an ENT says about this unique medical discipline: What’s an ENT?

ENT treats a range and severity of conditions for people of all ages. They include:

• Allergies and sinuses.
• Head and neck cancers.
• Hearing, which affects balance.
• Skin disorders.
• Sleep disruptions, which include snoring, breathing and sleep apnea.
• Swallowing, which interferes with speech.

Surgeries include:

• Cochlear implants (to restore hearing).
• Deviated septums (repair of areas of nasal passages).
• Plastic and maxillofacial surgeries.
• Tonsillectomies (removal of the tonsils and adenoids).
• Removal of tumors.
• Reconstructive surgeries.

Typical skills and interests

Like most doctors and surgeons, ENT’s need a unique skill set that incorporates personal qualities. These include:

• Ability to work as part of a team, and to manage and supervise others.
• Excellent vision and visuospatial awareness.
• Expert listening skills and the ability to work effectively with people who have communication difficulties.
• Good organizational capacity.
• Outstanding hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.
• Stamina to sustain a busy and demanding role.

If you like working with your hands, and participating in a more action-oriented branch of medicine, you may discover ENT is the ideal healthcare profession for you.

ENT subspecialties

Some ENTs consider themselves to be in a general practice which means they don’t limit themselves to any one portion of the head and neck. They treat a variety of conditions. However, other ENTs consider themselves specialists in a specific area and obtain additional training to do so. If you’re interested in otolaryngology and want to focus within the discipline, consider one of the following specialties:

• Ears (otology/neurotology) – If you have difficult hearing, or have trouble balancing, you may have a problem in your inner ear. ENTs who focus their practice on the ear treat conditions like ear infections, hearing loss, dizziness, and tinnitus.
• Nose (rhinology) – Our noses help keep our airways clear by filtering out dust, allergens, and other agents. ENTs who specialize in treating areas of the nose can help with deviated septums, rhinitis, sinusitis, sinus headaches and migraines.
• Throat (laryngology) – If you’re unable to speak or swallow properly, you can imagine the impact on your life. ENT specialists see patients with sore throats, hoarseness, gastric reflux disease, throat tumors, and more.
• Head and Neck/Thyroid – Think about your head and neck and all the vital organs they hold. ENTs practicing this specialty treat cancers of the head and neck, enlarged thyroid glands, and other disorders affecting the head, neck and thyroid.
• Sleep – Lack of sleep, interrupted sleep and other sleep disorders plague many people throughout the world. When we don’t get enough rest, it is difficult to enjoy life and to focus on work. ENT sleep specialists treat sleep-disordered breathing, nasal and airway obstructions, snoring and sleep apnea.
• Pediatrics – Healthcare professionals obtain special education to understand the needs and development of children. In addition to tonsillitis, ear infections and allergies, ENTs who specialize in pediatrics also treat birth defects of the head and neck as well developmental challenges.

Typical practice characteristics

ENTs maintain a private, self-owned offices or hospital-based spaces. They can be self-employed or serve on the staff of a hospital or university. They see patients in their offices, but retain surgical privileges in outpatient clinics and hospitals. During a typical day, an ENT may see as many as 25-35 patients. Throughout the year they may perform 250-300 surgeries.

Income and outlook

According to the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) 2013 Physician Compensation and Production Survey, the average annual income for ENTs is about $442,119. Since they are specialists and perform surgeries, ENTs are a

According to the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC), the job outlook for all physicians is stable, with shortages predicted through the year 2020 and beyond. The growing population in the U.S., as well as the increasing average age of the nation’s population are two primary factors contributing to this.

Education and training

Since otolaryngologists are medical doctors, they must first obtain a medical degree. In the United States, the education track for otolaryngologists takes about 15 years. The breakdown of credentials is as follows:

• Undergraduate degree, preferable in biology or science – 4 years.
• Medical degree – 4 years.
• Residency training – 5 years.
  • 3 years of otolaryngology residency.
  • 1 year of general surgery training.
  • 1 additional year of training.
• Optional fellowship training in an ENT subspecialty – 2 years.

Certification and licensure

Along with all other physicians in the United State, otolaryngologists must pass the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Exam). Additionally, board certification in otolaryngology by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) is expected although not always required.

Like many healthcare professionals ENTs must also obtain a state license to practice medicine in the state where they work. Check with your individual state for requirements.

Ongoing CMEs (clinical medical education hours) are required for ENTs to maintain their license. There is also a license renewal process that must be completed routinely. Individual states and the specific ENT specialty boards set the renewal cycle, but it is generally every 7-10 years. Completion of minimum CME requirements are almost always included as part of the renewal, so keeping up with those hours is critical to maintaining your hard-won license.

American Board of Otolaryngology

Otolaryngology is one of the oldest medical specialties in the United States.

The American Board of Otolaryngology (ABOHNS) was established in 1924 and is one of the oldest medical specialty boards in the country. Their mission is to, “Serve the public by assuring that diplomates meet our standards of training, knowledge and professionalism through initial and continuing certification.”

In 1978, the ABOHNS changed its name so that it better reflected the field – otolaryngology – head and neck surgery. The change was needed to reflect all the kinds of head and neck surgery included in an ENT’s expertise.

In the ABOHNS, when you meet training requirements and have passed the qualifying and written examinations for otolaryngology, you are considered “board certified” by the ABOHNS and are referred to as a “Diplomate.”

Like many careers in the field of medicine, becoming an ENT is a rewarding and fulfilling profession. If you want to specialize as a medical doctor, studying to become an ENT is a great option.

 

Medical assistants, also known as MAs, work with physicians, nurse practitioners, and nurses in medical offices and outpatient clinics. Some medical assistants prefer what is called “back office” where they provide direct patient care. Others like “front office” work, which is more administrative and provides indirect care to patients. Some offices are too small to split duties into specialized roles, which is why most medical assisting programs ensure the curriculum covers all eventualities. Even in offices with separation of duties, cross-over is inevitable.

Currently, medical assistants are in high demand because the number of private doctor’s offices and outpatient clinics are increasing. There is also an increasing number of seniors who need medical treatment.

Typical administrative duties of medical assistants

Medical assistants have a variety of duties ranging from greeting patients to taking blood pressures. Administrative, or front-office duties expected from MAs are:

• Answering telephones.
• Coding and filling out insurance forms.
• Coordinating hospital admissions and lab tests.
• Greeting patients.
• Handling correspondence, billing, and light bookkeeping.
• Scheduling appointments, which includes using specialized software programs.
• Updating and filing patient medical records.
• Using computer applications.

Typical clinical duties of medical assistants

When interacting with patients in exam rooms, medical assistants are expected to:

• Assist the doctor during exams, often using a laptop while the doctor performs the exam.
• Change dressings.
• Chart medical histories.
• Collect and prepare lab specimens.
• Draw blood.
• Explain treatment procedures to patients.
• Facilitate electrocardiograms.
• Instruct patients about medications and special diets.
• Perform basic lab tests.
• Prepare and administer medications under the supervision of the physician.
• Remove sutures.
• Take blood pressures and other vital signs.
• Transmit prescription refills as directed.

Characteristics of medical assistants

Medical assistants are often the first medical professional a patient sees. Although not all patients are nervous when they visit a doctor’s office, they can be. Consequently, MAs must put patients at ease. The ability to build quick rapport with a patient speaks well of the MA and the overall medical practice, especially if a doctor is running late and the patient has to wait for an extended period of time.

Most employers looks for the following characteristics in potential medical assistants.

Characteristic	Definition of Characteristic
Analytical skills	MAs must comprehend and follow medical documentation and be able to code exams and diagnoses for billing purposes.
Attentive listening	When taking a medical history, careful listening is essential. You need to hear what patients say, and be attentive to what they may omitting. Sometimes you have to interpret what they mean. For example, “I feel dizzy,” is a general complaint. How dizzy and when does it occur are key follow up questions you’ll be trained to ask so that your history is as thorough as possible.
Compassion	You may have a roomful of patients all at once, many of whom don’t feel good. You will need to be empathetic and treat each one as if that individual is the only one in the room.
Detail oriented	Precision is required when taking vital signs and recording other patient information.
Follows directions	When you work in healthcare, you are working with people’s physical and emotional well being. You cannot adopt an attitude, believing you know better than the doctors or nurses. Everything you do is under their authority and control. In the end, they are responsible for their patients, so you must do what they tell you even if you disagree.
Nonjudgmental	Since you are dealing with the public, you will encounter individuals with lifestyles different from your own. Regardless, you have to treat each patient with a high level of professionalism and compassion. Your job is to assist in the healing process. There is no room for judgment.
Organized and adaptable	If you are a person who doesn’t like to be interrupted, working in a medical practice can be frustrating. You are interacting with multiple patients, phone calls, paperwork and sometimes vendors. Most of the time when the day is done, all your work has to be done. Remaining organized and calm are key to fitting everything in with minimal frustration.
Outgoing	Even if you are shy and retiring, during the workday you will need to be extroverted. Professionally greeting people, even if they are in pain or distress, goes a long way toward keeping them and the overall office environment calm.
Personable	Medical assisting is a social profession. You must be able to discuss medical situations with other health care personnel and to share medical information with patients in terms easy to understand.
Problem Solver	A medical practice is complex. You’re dealing with patients, documentation, insurance, and billing all the time. Your supervisor may not be present when a problem arises, so you have to have enough self-confidence in your problem-solving skills to resolve a situation and be accountable for it even if you make a mistake.
Self-Controlled	A medical practice is an emotional environment. Patients may be coping with bad news, including terminal diagnoses. There could be days when they take it out on you. No matter what is thrown at you, you have no choice but to maintain self-control and a professional demeanor.
Technical skills	Medical assistants need to be competent in the use of clinical instruments and computer technology.

Training for medical assistants

More often than not you will have to obtain formal training to become a medical assistant. However, some practices will train you while you work. Training programs vary in length, but most basic ones can be completed in under a year. If you choose to obtain an associate degree in medical assisting, you’ll be in school from 18-24 months.

Lecture courses you’ll encounter in a medical assisting program include medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, communication in healthcare settings, and some kind of math or accounting class. Lab classes teach you how to draw blood, do an echocardiogram, take vital signs and perform basic lab tests. Although you may learn how to code paper records, more and more medical assistants are required to code health records on laptops and tablets.

Licenses, certifications, and registrations

Many states don’t require medical assistants to be certified. However, certification adds value to your training because a third party has verified your education. Certification could also be preferred by employers.

To become certified, you have to pass an exam, which can be done through one of several organizations. You have to meet the eligibility requirements and then schedule the test. Although there may be some differences in eligibility criteria, most include graduation from an accredited medical assisting program and a minimum number of hours of work or lab experience.

The National Commission for Certifying Agencies, part of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence, accredits five certifications for medical assistants. They are listed in alphabetical order.

• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from the National Healthcareer Association.
• Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) from the National Healthcareer Association.
• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants.
• National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) from the National Center for Competency Testing.
• Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from American Medical Technologists.

Different communities and geographical locations determine which certification is preferred. In some areas a CMA is considered the gold standard. In others it may be the RMA. A little research on your part can determine which certification to obtain that ensures you the best results in your job search campaign.

Job outlook and career options for the field of medical assisting

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. The growth of the aging baby-boom population will continue to increase demand for preventive medical services, which are often provided by physicians. As a result, physicians will hire more assistants to perform routine administrative and clinical duties, allowing the physicians to see more patients.”

With experience, medical assistants can specialize and move into leadership roles. With additional education, you could become a nurse and even go on to become a nurse practitioner or physician assistant.

Although there is no specialized training for medical assistants in various medical disciplines, you may choose to work for doctors who are specialized. Two such dedicated medical assistants are:

• Ophthalmic and optometric medical assistants – These MA help ophthalmologists and optometrists provide eye care. They may show patients how to insert, remove, and care for contact lenses. Ophthalmic medical assistants also may help an ophthalmologist in surgery.
• Podiatry medical assistants – MAs who work closely with podiatrists (foot doctors) may make castings of feet, expose and develop x rays, and help podiatrists in surgery.

Wages

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2017 the median annual wage for medical assistants was $32,480. The median wage is considered the wage right in the middle of the entire range. Half the workers in any given population make more than that amount while the other half makes less. In reviewing the wages for medical assisting in May 2017, the bottom 10% of MAs earned less than $23,830 and the top 10% earned more than $45,900.

In May 2017, the median annual wages for medical assistants in the top industries where they were hired were:

Industry	Median Annual Wage
Outpatient care centers	$33,820
Hospitals: state, local and private	$33,590
Offices of physicians	$32,710
Offices of chiropractors	$29,010

Most individuals who go into medical assisting do so because they they want to make a positive contribution to people in need of medical care. Almost all of them indicate they find the profession rewarding and that it was the best path for them to enter the field of health care. While some go on to become nurses, many will remain medical assistants for the duration of their career.

If you want to become a medical assistant, but wonder if your high school is giving you a good foundation, you can find out here: Is Your High School Curriculum Preparing You for a Medical Career?

If  you want to learn more about becoming a nurse, get an overview here: Associate Degree versus a Bachelor Degree in Registered Nursing.