If you enjoy the idea of earning an income that is unlimited, than a career as a portfolio manager may be highly attractive to you. As a portfolio manager, you may be able to earn a percentage of the earnings of portfolios that you manage. Maybe you have always wondered, “How do I become a portfolio manager?” If you have always thought about becoming a portfolio manager, then you are probably someone who enjoys watching the stock market and analyzing market trends. You also have a knack for spotting value in companies.

What’s it like to be a portfolio manager?

As a portfolio manager, your daily tasks involve analyzing the stock market in order to find the most valuable companies. You may also meet with potential clients on a given day. When you meet with clients, one of your main tasks is to assess the risk level that they are willing to take on in the creation of a portfolio. You may deal with an elderly couple that wants to save up some last-minute funds for retirement. You may meet with a young college student who wants to start building a nest egg for the future. If you want to become a portfolio manager, you should have the ability to make people trust in you. You should be able to consistently choose great investments in the market that offer the type of return that your clients seek. Being a portfolio manager requires diligence, patience and a friendly attitude. It can be frustrating to deal with angry or upset clients when the stock market takes a hit, so you should be prepared to handle these highly stressful situations.

Education Requirements

There are no formal education requirements to become a portfolio manager. The majority of individuals who enter this field do have a background in business or finance. Even if you do not have a degree in finance, you can still pursue a career as a financial analyst. There are plenty of individuals who have left careers in teaching or in operating a business in order to manage wealth for others. You just have to have a passion for working with investments and for finding the most profitability investments in the finance world. You should also have a knowledge of the latest software programs that are being used by investment firms. These software programs can perform powerful analytical functions that will allow you to save time in your daily routine.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the BLS, the average portfolio manager makes about $74,000 a year. The average portfolio manager will usually find his or her position through connections. You may be able to start working as an assistant for a major financial firm. If you want to get an edge in applying for positions as a portfolio manager, then you should try to participate in an internship during your college years. Finance firms will typically take on college graduates who have had experience in working for their companies in prior years.

You may also become a portfolio manager for a specific type of finance firm. You may work for a company that specializes in the sale of gold or foreign currencies. You may work for a general firm that provides wealth management services for affluent clientele. On the flip side, you may serve as a portfolio manager for people from a working-class background who seek to save up funds for their children’s college years. Working in this type of career can be a rewarding experience for the person who enjoys helping people build their wealth.

References:

1. http://www.investopedia.com/articles/financialcareers/07/portfolio_manager.asp

2. http://www.ehow.com/how_7846966_become-portfolio-manager.html

3. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm

If you enjoy learning all of the different coding languages that are used in creating websites, then you may have a very successful career as a PHP developer ahead of you. PHP developers are in high demand due to their specialized knowledge in building websites and software programs. Learning PHP scripts requires diligence and a passionate attitude. Maybe you have this specialized knowledge and have thought, “How do I become a PHP developer?” If you want to become a PHP developer for a corporation, then all you need to focus on is refining your skills and achieving an expert level of knowledge about PHP scripts.

What’s it like to be a PHP developer?

One of the main reasons that people enjoy this career is due to the high level of independence that they have. There are plenty of opportunities for you to work from home and help people fix their own websites. You may even want to create your own software programs that help people learn how to adapt their HTML websites with PHP coding. If you have the entrepreneurial spirit, then you can truly have a great opportunity to make your own schedule and build your own wealth as a PHP developer. If you work for a major corporation, then you may be expected to take on other tasks in the company as a PHP developer. You may be required to do maintenance checks of a company’s website. You may also have to help a company protect itself from a cyberattack on the Internet.

Education Requirements

The education requirements for this position are flexible depending on what your career goals are. If you choose to work for a major software company, then you will be expected to have a background in computer science or engineering. You should have a bachelor’s degree in computer science if you plan on working in the corporate world. If you plan on pursuing a career as an entrepreneurial PHP developer, then you will not need any official degree to pursue this avenue. You will simply need a natural curiosity and ability to meet the expectations of investors if you want to be an entrepreneur. There are certification programs that you can complete to become a PHP developer. These certification programs will also help you develop a working knowledge of PHP coding language.

Some skills that are helpful for being a PHP developer are a natural aptitude for learning new computer coding languages, the ability to react quickly to the impact of online viruses and effective marketing skills. If you are an entrepreneurial PHP developer, then you will have the sole responsibility of marketing your product.

Salary & How to Get a Job

The average salary of a PHP developer is $76,000 a year. If you want to get a job as a PHP developer, then you should apply for positions in computer system design firms. You may also find that private schools or small businesses want you to work on a full-time basis and as an in-house IT consultant. The typical person who becomes a PHP developer for a company usually starts out as an IT security analyst. It is helpful for you to gain experience working in an IT department before you attempt to build a career as a PHP developer.

If you enjoy creating aesthetically pleasing websites for businesses, then you may enjoy a career as a PHP developer. This is a great career choice for the engineer who also has a bit of a creative or entrepreneurial spirit. There are many ways to make this position very lucrative for one’s self.

References:

1. http://aisha91.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-become-a-PHP-Developer-Learn-and-Earn
2. http://work.chron.com/classes-become-php-developer-4814.html
3. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts-web-developers-and-computer-network-architects.htm

Pediatric neurologists play a very important role in helping children with brain disorders in society. They may help identify rare diseases within young children in order to prevent the condition from worsening later in adult years. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a pediatric neurologist?” If you have a passion for helping to prevent disabilities in children who have chronic illnesses, then you may want to become a pediatric neurologist. Pursuing this career takes dedication, determination and a drive to succeed.

What’s it like to be a pediatric neurologist?

If you become a pediatric neurologist, you may work in a hospital setting or private practice. You will have daily appointments with children and will frequently be in communication with parents. During an appointment, you may perform a brain scan or other tests to see whether a child has a tumor or other issue in the cranial region. Those who enjoy this career have a passion for helping children. You should also have the ability to deal with traumatic situations. You may need to perform a last-minute surgery on a child who has suddenly been involved in an accident and is suffering major brain damage. People who are able to work well under pressure are able to thrive in this career.

Education Requirements

To become a pediatric neurologist, you should be prepared to complete intense education requirements. Some individuals who aspire to pursue this career option will begin taking related coursework during the high school years. The high school years can be used to get basic science requirements out of the way. To become a pediatric neurologist, you will need to complete a total of eleven years of education. If you are able to obtain college credit during high school, then you may be able to shave some time off of this figure.

You will need to obtain a four-year degree from a college in order to attend medical school. Your four-year degree should have a focus in neurology, psychology or anatomy. You may want to pursue a pre-med degree in order to get a basic understanding of all areas of science prior to medical school. After the successful completion of a four-year program, then you will have to take the MCAT entrance exam in order to be admitted into a medical school. You will need to then complete a four-year program at a medical school. After you receive a degree from an accredited medical school, you will then complete a three-year residency requirement. The residency requirement gives you the opportunity to work in a hospital and see how doctors help patients on a daily basis. You may want to apply to fellowship programs that have a specific focus in pediatric neurology.

Salary & How to Get a Job

The BLS reports that the average salary for a pediatric neurologist is about $166,000 a year. This figure can increase substantially if a doctor decides to open a private pediatric neurology practice. To obtain a job as a pediatric neurologist, individuals can apply for positions at hospitals or in private practices. One can always decide to open his or her own solo pediatric neurology practice. Individuals typically face the most difficulty in finding a job in this field during their first year out of medical school.

Becoming a pediatric neurologist can give a person the opportunity to pursue meaningful work. Being able to help children overcome rare brain disorders and disabilities is a very rewarding experience for those who decide to enter into this field. The ultimate reward of helping children is what makes the intense challenges of this field worthwhile.

References:

1. http://www.ehow.com/how_4494219_become-pediatric-neurologist.html
2. http://www.wisegeek.com/how-do-i-become-a-pediatric-neurologist.htm
3. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm

As one of the most challenging fields of medicine, neurology provides the highest levels of income for doctors in this field. The competition to obtain neurosurgeon positions can be very stiff. If you believe that you can handle high-risk surgery procedures on the human brain, then you may have what it takes to be a neurosurgeon. Maybe you aspire to attend medical school and have thought, “How do I become a neurosurgeon?” The answer to your question is that it takes a high level of focus and dedication to ultimately succeed in obtaining a position as a neurosurgeon.

What’s it like to be a neurosurgeon?

The daily life of a neurosurgeon often features a high level of stress. Neurosurgeons will often have to perform surgeries in immediate situations. You may be instantly given a victim who has suffered a traumatic injury and requires surgery on the brain. You may deal with other patients who have a debilitating illness and require the removal of a brain tumor. Neurosurgeons must treat a variety of neurological issues. They must also stay updated on the most cutting-edge surgeries and know which advancements have been made in treating illnesses. Otherwise, neurosurgeons can be liable for malpractice if they do not know what the standards are in the neurology field.

Education Requirements

To become a neurosurgeon, you should be prepared for a long road of education. You should have a strong aptitude for science and math. You should try to get as many required courses out of the way during your high school years if you already know that you want to become a neurosurgeon. This will allow you to graduate from college a year or two early. Before you apply to medical school, you will need to take the MCAT exam. The MCAT exam tests your analytical abilities to see whether you have the necessary skills to practice medicine. You will then be able to save tuition money and go to medical school early. Medical school will last about four years, and you will be able to take specialized courses during your later years of medical school. During your last year of medical school, you should then take time to apply to residency programs that have a focus in neurology. You will then need to pass the state licensing exam in order to legally practice medicine as a doctor. After you take the state board certification, you may then want to obtain other certifications from neurology organizations. These additional certifications can provide you with credibility in the medical field.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), the average salary of practicing neurosurgeons is about $660,000 a year. This can easily increase to about $1,000,000 a year for private practitioners. To obtain a position as a neurosurgeon, you can apply for positions at hospitals and private practices. You may decide that you want to partner with another individual and open your own practice. There are also specific types of neurosurgeons who may only deal with cancer patients or children. To become a neurosurgeon, you should be prepared to think on your feet and deal with highly stressful situations. You may also receive phone calls from patients at all hours of the day.

When you become a neurosurgeon, you will be able to help people overcome tragic accidents and chronic illnesses. You may also be able to have a role in performing research that is critical in helping to develop medications for people with brain disorders or rare forms of brain cancer.

References:

1. http://healthcareers.about.com/od/physiciancareers/a/neurosurgeon.htm

2. http://www.ehow.com/how_2311225_become-neurosurgeon.html

3. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm

Being a mortician is a fascinating career choice. Not only do you help counsel family members through a grieving time, but you also play a spiritual role in putting bodies to rest. You play a very interesting role that balances counseling with the business knowledge of running a funeral home. Maybe you have wondered on occasion, “How do I become a mortician?” If you want to become a mortician, then there are a few ways that you enter into this unique career field.

What’s it like to be a mortician?

Being a mortician is not as spooky as you may think. There are plenty of administrative and business-related tasks that you must complete on a daily basis. If you want to run a funeral home that is respected in the community, then you will need to take an active role in the local churches and community. You will need to market your funeral home in a way that is respectful. You will need to have compassion for grieving family members and be able to help them work out a payment plan during highly emotional times. One of the reasons that you may actually like the idea of being a mortician is for the ability to sympathize with the struggles of other people and being able to manage a business at the same time. Your weekly schedule may involve hosting receptions for families who have lost their loved ones. You may also meet with local church leaders to deal with very tragic situations in which a family has lost a loved one due to a car accident or murder. You may also need to tally the monthly budget for the operation of your funeral home. Being a mortician requires the ability to deal with highly emotional situations and maintain compassion and a good business sense.

Education Requirements

To become an embalmer, you may need only an associate’s degree. The degree requirements will vary depending on the state in which you plan on opening the funeral home. Obtaining a business degree can be helpful for dealing with the accounting and financial operations of a funeral home. It can be helpful for you to pursue an apprenticeship with a person who already runs his or her own funeral home. This can provide you with exposure as to the reality of operating a funeral home. You may find that operating a funeral home is not as scary as you initially once thought it may be. There may be other requirements that you should learn about in your state before you can become a mortician. You may need to be at least 21 years of age.

Salary & How to Get a Job

The typical mortician earns about $54,000 a year. You can expect to work full-time if you decide to open up your own funeral home. You may also find that you are very busy if you own a funeral home in a rural town. You can also meet with funeral directors in your community and ask whether there are any open positions available. It is better if you can gain personal contact with a funeral director in order to show him or her that you are genuinely interested in pursuing a position in this career field.

Becoming a mortician can give you the sense that you are bringing peace to your local community. It can be fulfilling to know that you are helping the local community in dealing with a tragedy. If you are a sensitive person, then you can truly be successful in helping people adapt to loss in this field.
sources:

1. http://www.ehow.com/how_8117_become-mortician.html

2. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/funeral-directors.htm

If you are someone who enjoys helping others overcome their issues, then you may enjoy being a mental health counselor. A mental health counselor is charged with the task of helping people overcome their anxieties, fears and depression. You may even help someone avoid suicide by serving as his or her mental health counselor. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a mental health counselor?” You can help people deal with past abuse and be a positive force in their lives by serving as a mental health counselor.

What’s it like to be a mental health counselor?

A mental health counselor is someone who is a great listener. You should enjoy listening to the obstacles that other people face in their lives. You will listen to people talk about their emotions, psychological issues and their relationships with family members and friends. If a person is dealing with a difficult life transition, then you may counsel him or her through that life transition. You can help people develop goals for resolving their psychological issues. You also have the ability to help patients learn how to cope with overwhelming emotions. You become an ally to the person who deals with all of these mental health issues. When you work as a mental health counselor, you may also help clients who have experienced abuse in their past. You may help clients who struggle with addictions to alcohol, drugs or sex.

Education Requirements

If you want to become a mental health counselor, then you will need to ultimately obtain your Master’s degree in mental health counseling. It is okay if you begin your career with a bachelor’s degree. It is essential for you to obtain a strong understanding of human psychology before you become a mental health counselor. After you have completed the necessary educational requirements, you will then have to obtain the appropriate state license in order to begin counseling people and helping them deal with mental issues. Depending on the state in which you plan on practicing within, you will need to obtain a certain number of hours of clinical experience in order to practice. Most states require 2,000 to 4,000 hours of clinical experience. You will also have to pass a statewide exam in order to obtain your license. After you receive your license, then you will also have to pursue continuing education credits to continue practicing as a mental health counselor. To become a mental health counselor, there are also two levels of certification that you can obtain. The most basic level of certification that you can obtain is the National Counseling Certification.

Salary & How to Get a Job

The average salary of a mental health counselor is about $42,000 a year. Mental health counselors will make more money depending on which city they ultimately choose for practice purposes. In New York, for example, mental health counselors will frequently make about $65,000 a year. To become a mental health counselor, you should look for positions within a hospital or mental health institution. You can also look for positions in private charities, such as shelters for abused women. You may need to take on volunteer positions in the beginning stages of your career. It is not uncommon for students to gain internship experience before they begin practicing as mental health counselors.

When you become a mental health counselor, you will have the tremendous ability to make an impact in the lives of people who need your help. You will be able to help people deal with very difficult emotions and help them regain stability in their lives.

References

1. http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes211014.htm

2. http://www.innerbody.com/careers-in-health/how-to-become-mental-health-counselor.html

When you are a medical secretary, you have the satisfaction of knowing that your work contributes to the care of patients. Without your ability to greet patients in a friendly manner and transcribe documents, a medical office would not be able to function. Being a medical secretary can also be a great position for parents who only want to work on a part-time basis and be with their children the rest of the time. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a medical secretary?” If you want to become a medical secretary, then you do not need to pursue many years of formal educational requirements. You may not even need an associate’s degree in order to land a position as a medical secretary.

What’s it like to be a medical secretary?

Medical secretaries are responsible for an array of administrative tasks. A typical day in the office will be filled with making appointments for patients and billing patients. You will probably have to send out medical documents to patients. You may also have to gather medical charts for patients. One of the other important tasks of medical secretaries is that they must provide support for doctors. Doctors may consult with secretaries if they are preparing to make speeches for local seminars or functions. A secretary may actually be involved in drafting the speech for this type of event. You also may be responsible for dealing with insurance companies and billing them. As a secretary, you should possess superb communication skills. You should have the ability to juggle tasks and prioritize your daily activities.

Education Requirements

You only need to complete a certificate program or associate’s degree in order to become a medical secretary. People are frequently drawn to this position due to the relaxed education requirements. Having a certification from a formal training course on your resume will help make you an attractive candidate to a medical practice. A doctor will see that you already possess the major skills needed to run an office. You can typically find a certification program in Medical Administrative Assistance at your local community college. You may also be able to find an online certification program that offers you great flexibility in creating a schedule. When you do pursue a certification program, you should make sure that you take courses in insurance billing and medical terminology. It is important for you to have a firm grasp on medical terminology in the event that a doctor requests information for a particular patient or needs to find additional information about a medication.

Salary & How to Get a Job

The average salary of a medical secretary is about $32,000 a year. Medical secretaries are frequently able to work on a part-time or full-time basis. Being a medical secretary while one is pursuing a degree can provide a person with a stable income. To get a job as a medical secretary, one should look through online listings or the local newspaper ad section. You should consult with doctors in your local community to see whether they have any need for additional secretarial assistance in their offices. You can also go to local private practices to see whether they are hiring additional secretaries. The key is to keep your options open and apply at a variety of medical offices. Look for positions in mental health clinics, pediatric offices and MRI offices.

Being a medical secretary gives you the satisfaction of knowing that you are contributing to a business that is greater than yourself. You also can built a rapport with patients who you frequently see in the office.

References

1. http://www.ehow.com/how_2068959_become-medical-secretary.html

2. http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes436013.htm

If you are the type of person who loves playing with numbers on Excel and finding ways to save money, then you will love a career as a medical data analyst. A medical data analyst is responsible for keeping track of trends in billing for patients. You will have the opportunity to create your own reports that analyze cost evaluation and the efficiency of your office.

Recommended Online Medical Data Analyst Degree Programs

1. BA in Health Informatics from Ashford University
2. BS in Health Studies – Health Informatics – Walden University
3. B.S. Health Informatics – Western Governor’s University

Basic information about being a medical data analyst

The information that you provide to your supervisor will help a medical office to run at its full potential. A supervisor may even implement changes in the office space due to the information that you provide to him or her. Maybe you have always wanted to have this type of role in a medical office and have asked, “How do I become a medical data analyst?” You can find comfort in knowing that becoming a medical data analyst does not require years of experience or education.

What’s it like to be a medical data analyst?

One of your main tasks as a medical data analyst will be to compile patient reports. You will need to gather patient data and analyze it to determine the effectiveness of your office’s treatment. You may also need to compile data to send off to insurance companies. More advanced medical data analysts may have the responsibility of monitoring trends in patients who have a particular illness. They may need to compare all of the treatment options that are available for patients with a particular illness.

One of your most important tasks is figuring out ways that your medical office can cut costs. You will need to figure out ways to save your office money in the treatments that it offers to patients. A doctor may want you to research different ways of obtaining a medication. You may also research insurance plans to find out which ones your office will be able to accept in the future.

Education Requirements

If you want to become a medical data analyst, then you will need to obtain an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree. The requirements that you need to complete will vary. Larger medical offices may have reduced educational requirements for individuals applying for medical data analyst positions. A small medical office may need to delegate more important responsibilities to a medical data analyst, and it may require that individuals possess a four-year degree. The courses that you complete should have a focus on statistical analysis and math. It is also important to have a science background and an ability to understand all of the medical terms that are used in reports. If you want to increase your earning power, then you may wish to complete a master’s degree. Completing a master’s degree will also give you the ability to take on a role as a manager within a medical office.

Salary & How to Get a Job

The average salary of a medical data analyst is about $46,000 a year. A medical data analyst usually works on a full-time basis. If you want to find a job as a medical data analyst, then you can submit your information to medical placement companies. You can also apply for positions on your own with health care entities. You may be able to find a position working for a private practice too.

Being a medical data analyst is a fun career for people who enjoy working with numbers and seeing how those figures relate to real life issues. Your spreadsheets can have an impact on the way that a medical office serves its patients in the future. You may also help a medical practice cut down on its costs.

Sources:

1. http://education-portal.com/articles/Job_Description_of_a_Medical_Data_Analyst.html
2. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-and-clinical-laboratory-technologists-and-technicians.htm

If you have always enjoyed understanding the minerals that comprise substances, then you may enjoy being a chemist. The notion that a chemist is someone who works alone, stirring up concoctions is nowhere near the reality of this career choice. The truth is that you will have the opportunity to work with other highly-educated individuals in a team. These people all have a passion for understanding the composition of substances found in the earth. Maybe you have always wondered, “How do I become a chemist?” If you have thought about this career option, then you should consider pursuing a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.

What’s it like to be a chemist?

When you become a chemist, you have the opportunity to explore substances to your heart’s content. You are able to discover the substances that make up products that are used by consumers on a daily basis. You can find out which substances are found in medicines or cosmetics. You may even be hired by a major cosmetic company to help develop a new lipstick or powder. Chemists actually can help businesses cut down on costs for the production of products. Chemists also can help businesses ensure that their products meet certain legal requirements. A chemist may make sure that a makeup product does not contain chemicals that could be harmful on the skin of consumers. You will probably work full-time in an office or laboratory. If you work for a corporation, then you will probably have access to some of the best lab equipment. One of your other major responsibilities will be to submit lab reports of the testing that you do on products.

Education Requirements

If you want to become a chemist, you will need to pursue and complete certain educational requirements. You should have a natural interest in physics or engineering. You should also like math. You should pursue a four-year college degree in a science area if you wish you become a chemist. You will also be highly marketable if you are able to obtain strong writing skills during your time in college. If you are able to pursue a double major in chemistry and writing, then you will be competitive with other individuals who are applying for a position as a chemist with a corporation. Businesses will want to hire you for your strong communication skills and ability to draft thorough and well-written proposals.

Salary & How to Get a Job

The average salary of a chemist is about $71,000 a year. If you want to become a chemist, then you should try to gain an entry-level position for a corporation. You should also try to complete an internship program with a medical or cosmetic company. By completing one of these internship programs, you will be in a better position to be hired by one of these corporations. These internship programs also give you the opportunity to establish yourself and build connections in the industry. You may also want to apply for positions as a chemist with a government agency. If you work for a branch of the government like the FBI, then you may actually have to work with dangerous substances. As you can see, being a chemist can have exciting elements to it.

When you become a chemist, you can enjoy the ability to work on an independent basis or on part of a team. You can also appreciate having the chance to contribute to the ultimate product that is created by a business. You play an important role in helping a business to create products that adhere to legal regulations.

References:

1. http://www.bls.gov/k12/science01.htm

2. http://www.ehow.com/how_14287_become-chemist.html

When you want to make a true difference in the lives of troubled individuals, being a substance abuse counselor can be a great option. As a substance abuse counselor, you will help people recover from addictions to drugs and other additive substances. Being a substance abuse counselor can be a very rewarding career for people who enjoy helping others get on the right track in life.

Recommended Online Substance Abuse Counseling Degree Programs

1. Liberty University Online B.S. in Psychology – Substance Abuse
2. Grand Canyon University B.S. in Counseling with an Emphasis in Addiction, Chemical Dependency, and Substance Abuse
3. Post University B.S. in Human Services / Counseling

What’s it like to be a substance abuse counselor?

Being a substance abuse counselor can be a very demanding job. You should expect to be “on call” for your patients at all hours of the day. You may end up traveling to the hospital in the middle of the night to check up on a patient. Substance abuse counselors face great emotional stress as they help people deal with addictions to drugs like heroine, cocaine, Oxycontin and other substances. People typically experience turmoil as they are slowly taken away from these drugs through a substance abuse program. Your job is to help people deal with the emotional side effects of being taken away from these drugs.

Education Requirements

To become a substance abuse counselor, you do not officially have to obtain a college degree. There are people who are able to make it into this career without a formal educational background. If you do have a true passion for helping people with substance abuse problems, then you should seek to understand how the human mind works. You should pursue a four-year degree in psychology or sociology from a college. It is also a good idea to take courses on caring for humans within the nursing department of a college.

You will then have to take the Certification Board for Addiction Professionals exam. The certifications vary from state to state. You may also need a certain number of work hours in order to be able to sit for the exam. This means that you should try to get experience in a substance abuse home. You may be able to volunteer for a local charity that helps people who have substance abuse problems. It is also valuable experience to sit in on meetings with individuals who are struggling with substance abuse problems. You can gain first-hand knowledge of the ways that counselors seek to help these individuals deal with high levels of emotional trauma.

Salary & How to Get a Job

The typical salary for a person who is a substance abuse counselor is $45,000. If someone wants to break into this field, he or she should look for open positions at the local hospital, psychologist offices and mental health clinics. One can also find specific “niche” positions at colleges. These sorts of positions help students who are dealing with addiction problems. There are truly a diverse variety of jobs that a person can pursue in the substance abuse counseling field. One may even decide to work with lawyers, doctors or even professional athletes who suffer from an addiction to a particular type of drug.

When you do enter this field, you should be prepared to work night shifts. People with substance abuse problems are frequently admitted into the ER at night, and hospitals require individuals who can immediately begin offering counseling for addicts.

Being a substance abuse counselor can give you the sense that you are making a genuine difference in someone else’s life. You are helping a person overcome an addiction and be able to live a normal lifestyle. You are helping a person also gain a sense of stability in his or her life. Lastly, you are helping someone feel that he or she is not alone in dealing with this addiction.