Some possible jobs within this career area are:
If you select a career training program, you’ll receive education as well as certification, or preparation for a certification exam. Depending on the career path you select, you might need a state, county or city license to practice. Cosmetologists, for example, must keep their license active, just like massage therapists or other fields. You also could benefit by occasionally returning to training to stay abreast of new technologies, techniques and skills. This is particularly true for air conditioning technicians, electricians and construction workers.
Skilled trades are always going to be in demand. Some fields are in consistent growth or flux, particularly those areas that are tied toward technology. For example, the increased interest in solar energy means that solar workers are going to be in demand, and existing workers will need training on incorporating solar technology into their daily lives. Many workers in these fields are self-employed or work on contract. Because of this, it’s recommended that you join unions or other professional associations so you can stay up to date on trends, laws and development in the industry.
Skilled tradesmen can get their certification or license in as little as six months, or as long as a year. Many programs last between six months and a year – be sure to ask your chosen school how long the program can take, and whether they offer a job placement or referral service.
How to Become a Dental Receptionist
If you’re considering a dental receptionist career, keep in mind that this is a bit tougher than the usual receptionist job. As a dental receptionist, you will be the first person that a patient talks to on the phone and when they enter the office, and usually you will be the last person they see as well. Because dental patients are often in pain or discomfort, you will need extra patience and understanding when interacting both on the phone and in person. In addition, you will need to know basic dental terminology, how to answer a multi-line phone system, and how to use a computer to maintain records and bookkeeping. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the need for dental receptionists will grow 16 percent in the next decade.
While no certification or formal training is required to learn how to become a dental receptionist, your chances of employment and a higher dental receptionist salary will be greatly enhanced by a training course. A medical or dental receptionist certificate will also raise your chances of advancement once you are employed. Many trade, technical, and community colleges offer certificate programs for medical receptionists that will teach you the skills most desired by dentists seeking a receptionist. Typical classes include learning scheduling and billing programs, medical and dental terminology, customer service skills, and how to communicate within a business. Certification programs usually run between one to two years, depending on the classroom hours required by the individual school.
Dental Receptionist Salaries
The median dental receptionist salary in 2009 was $29,986; however The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that some dental receptionist salaries were as high as $52,030. This wide range can probably be attributed to the amount of education, number of years of experience, and range of duties performed by the dental receptionists that were interviewed in the survey. (Salary data retrieved 6/27/11) To get the education you need to become a dental receptionist, find a degree program now!