Titans CAREER CONNECT
go EXPLORE get EXPERIENCE be INSPIRED
Feb. 12, 2021
In This Issue.....
In this issue, we will go deeper into the following pathways:
- IMAGING & DIAGNOSTICS - careers in Medical Lab. Technician & Radiology Technologist
- HEALTH INFORMATICS / BUSINESS - careers in Human Resources & Health Educator
- What you can do now in HS to prepare
- Tartan Alumni
- NE Metro 916 CTE programs
- Upcoming Events
TARTAN ALUMNI IN HEALTH SCIENCES
Shannon Holmberg - Tartan Class of 2016
College or Training Program:
University of MN - Rochester
nuSURF (nephrology & urology summer undergraduate research fellowship)
Major: Health Science
The Journey to Now:
When I first started college, I had everything rigidly planned out; I was going to do a 3+1 bachelor's degree and medical lab science certificate program, I was going to work as a clinical laboratory technologist until my hands shook too much to use a pipette, and then I would retire, move to Arizona, and die happy wearing some turquoise jewelry :-).
In my sophomore year of college, I started working in a research lab at Mayo Clinic ultimately to "pad my resume" for MLS certification school. I slowly fell in love with research and had the big realization that research can be a career. I had some amazing mentors that encouraged me to pursue research because it's something that I love to do.
About two months before finishing my degree, the lab I was working in didn't have adequate funding to hire me. I was gutted, but I ended up working in a clinical lab as a lab assistant for about a year. I learned a lot of things and realized that clinical work is not for me; my brain just isn't wired to enjoy it.
After being at my clinical job for a year, I had a heart-to-heart with my supervisor and expressed my desire to change career pathways and was met with nothing but support. I started the interview process for research technologist jobs and I ended up getting the job I have today that I am completely in love with. I am also taking graduate classes now as a non-degree candidate and I'm hoping to get into Mayo's employee Master's program once things are a bit more normalized pandemic-wise. I was previously clueless about grad school and it's amazing to have that opportunity through my job now.
Current Career/Job:
Research Technologist in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Mayo Clinic
Classes taken at Tartan:
Biology and chemistry were the ones that impacted me the most. It was AWESOME to have female science teachers that encouraged my interest in science and made me feel like science was something I could realistically do.
The Careers class was also very helpful because it was one of the first things that made me aware of my own interests.
Higher level math classes were helpful in teaching me the "learn, study, repeat" process that I needed for my college math classes and of course, I loved band! I'm playing guitar now instead of clarinet. It's amazing to have a healthy outlet when things become stressful.
Anything else?
Don't doubt yourself. You can be ANYTHING you want to be. "Imposter syndrome" is real, but don't let it get to you. Make a plan and work your steps and also, take care of your mental health. That will help things feel less scary.
Pathway - IMAGING & DIAGNOSTICS
IMAGING & DIAGNOSTICS- Overview
Do you like to use technology to aid in the diagnosis of patients that are sick or injured? With a career in IMAGING & DIAGNOSTICS, you will need to become skilled in anatomy and physics as it relates to radiology and imaging technologies. You will also need to be able to communicate effectively with patients so that they can be positioned properly for scans.
WHAT IT IS:
This is a rapidly growing and important sector of the health care umbrella. Most careers in this pathway do not involve day to day direct patient interaction. With the evolution of technology, techniques in ultrasound, x-ray and MRI are being used more often. Each of these plays an important role in determining what type of care a patient should receive.
EDUCATIONAL INVESTMENT:
Entry-level: Hospital Aide, Orderly
Certificate / 1-year: CNA, Medical Assistant, Medical Secretary, Medical Lab. Tech
2-year (AA or AAS-Transfer): Dental Lab Tech., EKG Tech., Clinical Lab Tech, Radiology Tech
4-year: Nuclear Medicine Tech, Radiology Technologist, Clinical Lab Technologist
Professional Degree (Medical Doctor): Pathologist, Radiologist
#1 Medical Laboratory Technologist
Medical laboratory technologists (4-year) and technicians (2-year) collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue and other substances. Most work in hospitals, while others work in diagnostic laboratories or doctors' offices.
Job Title Examples:
Clinical Laboratory Technologist or Technician, Clinical immunology Specialist, Research Asst.
Median Wage:
Technician (2-year degree): $47,000 - $67,000
Technologist (4-year degree): $69,135 - $81,462
Educational Investment:
This job at either level of education is growing by 14% per year. For students who want to get into the field ASAP, they can earn a 2-year degree and then while working as a Medical Lab Technician, study to complete the 4-year degree.
Find out more:
Medical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians
HS classes to take:
Anatomy, chemistry, computer applications, psychology, sociology, statistics, world languages
#2- Radiologic & MRI Technologists
Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images. They work in healthcare facilities and hospitals.
Job Title Examples:
CAT Scan Technologist, Imaging Specialist, Ultrasound Technologist
Median Wage:
$62,280 - $73,410 per year
$29.94 - $35.80 per hour
Educational Investment and job outlook:
Certificate Program (1-year)
Associate's Degree (2-years) is required for individuals who wish to sit for the national board exam
This career is in high demand and is growing faster than average for all occupations (+9%)
Find out more:
Radiologic Technologist career information
HS classes to take:
Anatomy, chemistry, computer applications, psychology, sociology, statistics, world languages
Pathway - HEALTH INFORMATICS
HEALTH INFORMATICS/BUSINESS - Overview
WHAT IT IS:
The field of HEALTH INFORMATICS is growing rapidly with a strong job outlook. Careers that fall under this pathway don't generally involve direct patient care. Instead, careers in this pathway focus on essential everyday service needs including patient documentation, medical records management, information systems and more.
EDUCATIONAL INVESTMENT:
Certificate / 1-year: Medical Administrative Asst., Medical Biller/Coder, Transcriber
2-year (AA, AAS-Transfer): Cancer Registrar, Health Info. Specialist, Medical Office Manager
4-year: Allied Health Manager, Human Resources, Health Care Administrator, Information Systems Tech, Medical Illustrator, Nurse Manager
Masters: Health Care or Hospital Administrator, Health Info. Specialist, Health Services Mgr
#3 Human Resources Manager
Human Resources managers oversee the recruiting, interviewing and hiring of staff and serve as a link between the organization's management and its employees. HR Managers oversee things like payroll, insurance, compliance and more.
Median Wage:
Annual Salary: $117,000 per year, or $57 per hour (HR Managers earn a salary)
Educational Investment:
82% of HR Managers have at least a Bachelor's Degree (4-year), but you can get started working in Human Resources as an entry-level payroll clerk or HR specialist. To do this, you will want to be sure you've taken business/finance courses in high school.
Find out more:
Human Resources Manager (4-year degree, salary position)
Human Resources Assistant (HS diploma, hourly position)
HS classes to take:
Be sure to take classes in business, such as Word Processing, Mircosoft Office, Accounting, Finance & Investing, Information Technologies, and BPA
#4 Health Education Specialist
Provide and manage health education programs that help individuals, families, and their communities maximize and maintain healthy lifestyles. Use data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies and environments.
Other Job Titles:
Community Health Consultant, Public Health Educator, Education Coordinator, Lactation Consultant
Median Wage:
$57,000 per year
Educational Investment:
Bachelor's Degree (4-year)
Find out more:
What can I do now in high school if I am interested in Healthcare?
- Work part-time at a hospital or nursing home (See Ms. Forsythe for help)
- Volunteer with the Red Cross, M Health Fairview, Allina Health, Regions Hospital and more
- Earn your CNA, PCA/HHA and/or CPR/BLS certification (see CNA section)
- Enroll in one of the four Health Sciences courses at NE Metro 916 CTE
SPARCing College Success - Illuminating the path!
SPARCing College Success - Illuminating the Path!
When: Wednesday, Feb. 24th from 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Virtual Event
Join this virtual event to get answers to these questions and more! The panel is made up of STEM college students and young professionals..
REGISTER HERE for this event
NOTE: The registration deadline is February 17, 2021
Questions? Reach out to Ms. Kapaun or contact Melissa with Career Services
Youth Health Care Awareness Cohort
There are two FREE 5-week sessions available: June 2021 and September 2021.
Questions: akhmiri@culturalwellnesscenter.org
Send applications to sameerah.bilal-roby@wilder.org by April 1, 2021
Summer Programs - Apply Now!
Contact Melissa Jorgensen
Schedule an appointment w/ Ms. Jorgensen for support with CAREER PLANNING & POSSIBILITIES
Email: mjorgensen@isd622.org
Website: https://www.isd622.org/domain/1608
Location: 828 Greenway Ave N, Oakdale, MN, USA
Phone: 651-702-8668
Contact Christina Forsythe
Email: cforsythe@isd622.org
Website: https://www.isd622.org/Domain/2441
Location: 828 Greenway Ave N, Oakdale, MN, USA
Phone: 651-702-8655