EHC says:

An Occupational Aide is responsible for preparing materials and assembling equipment used by occupational therapists during treatment. They are also responsible for various clerical tasks such as scheduling appointments, answering the telephone, filling out insurance forms and other paperwork. Occupational Aides receive most of their training on the job. Occupational Assistants however, must complete an associate’s degree or certificate program from an accredited community college. EHC provides a national database of Schools and Academic Programs in by state.

Q. What do I need to become an occupational aide?

EHC says:

Major Erley, thank you so much for sharing your experience and training as a dentist in the armed forces. It is a great profession and terrific career path that many people do not think about when they consider a health profession. EHC appreciates you sharing this unique and important perspective.

Another great career is dentistry in the armed forces. I am a dental officer in the US Army and have found the career very rewarding and challenging. Dentistry requires an aptitude for basic and applied sciences. Then technical skills are required which are refined throughout your career. I believe the health professions are very rewarding because you are helping people live better lives and treating disease. The relationship between a provider and a patient is special. The profession of dentistry allows one to live comfortably and have very steady hours. The opportunity to serve my country in the Army and treat the best patients in the world has been very unique.

The Army provides money to pay for the education which can be expensive. During, dental school you receive stipends which help pay for books and living expenses. After graduation, you spend a period of time on Active Duty (dependent on how many years the Army paid for your school). Serving your country allows you to perfect your skills and specialize in dentistry. The Army has the best specialty training programs in the world. Specializing allows you to concentrate on one aspect of dentistry. Often, specialists have the opportunity to produce more income in the civilian sector.

The Army develops leadership skills and helps prepare you to become a great officer. This is not an opportunity for dentists in the civilian sector. This dual role as an officer and clinician is a challenging and fulfilling job. The Army provides the opportunity to travel and see different areas of the world.

I am sharing my experience with you because I am very happy and would like to inform people of a great occupation and life. It is an honor to serve the Soldiers of the United States and improve their quality of life.
MAJ Kenneth Erley

EHC says:

Can’t decide if you should become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer or Physical Therapy Assistant? Well, both are great careers. It depends on what type of experience you are looking for in a career.

A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is a professional who uses an imaging modality in which sound waves can diagnose ailments and work in conjunction with X-rays, MRI’s and nuclear medicine studies. This technology has applications in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions in the abdomen, obstetrics, heart and vessels (vascular) and more.

Physical Therapy Assistants perform components of physical therapy procedures under the supervision of a physical therapist. PTA’s assist in designing therapies which improve mobility, relieve pain and prevent or limit permanent physical disability.

The academic requirements for both professions include at least a 2-year associate degree level program at an accredited college. Formal training programs exist at the 4-year level for Diagnostic Sonographers.

The working conditions for both professions are similar in that both may include some weekend and evening hours. We suggest you contact your local hospital to find out if you can shadow (observe and follow) someone in both professions. This way you’ll be able to ask questions and decide which career is best for you. Good luck!

Q. Which career is best a Diagnostic Medical Sonography or PTA’s (physical therapy assistants)?