If you’ve decided the time is right for you to prepare for thehealth care industry, you’re not alone. Many first-time job seekersand career changers are finding opportunities in this rapidlygrowing field.

Health care is expected to generate 3.2 million new jobs betweennow and 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ CareerGuide to Industries, 2010-11 Edition. While that’s a nationalestimate, and conditions in your location may vary, that growth isstill more than any other industry – good news for anyoneconsidering healthcareers. Most of those jobs require less than four years ofeducation, according to the bureau.

If you’re starting out in health care, however, you may findyourself confused by the sheer number of opportunities – and theterms those in the industry use to describe some common jobs.Knowing something about available opportunities, and common termsused in health care fields, can help you get a head start on yourhealth career training.The health care industry experts at Sanford-Brown offer someinsight into must-know terms:

* Medical billing – This occupation involves submitting healthinsurance claims for health care services provided by a licensedhealth professional. Medical billing requires less lengthy trainingthan other health careers.

* Allied health professionals – Many people beyond just doctorsand nurses are involved in patient care, whether directly or insupport capacities. Allied health professionals provide a range ofservices, including technical, therapeutic, support and directpatient services.

* Sonography/sonographer – Sonographers use ultrasoundtechnology to help doctors examine the function and integrity ofstructures within the body, from tendons and muscles to the heart.Their work can be very challenging and requires specifictraining.

* Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – MRI professionals usesophisticated technological tools to help doctors obtain detailedimages of internal organs, bones and other bodily structures;frequently this includes the brain, heart and muscles.

* Radiography – Technicians who specialize in radiography useX-rays to help doctors examine inside the body of a patient.

* Dialysis technician – Also known as renal replacement therapy,dialysis helps replace or enhance the functioning of failingkidneys. Supervised by doctors or registered nurses, dialysistechnicians may provide patient care and maintain the equipmentused in dialysis treatments.

* Health information management – Professionals who specializein health information management help hospitals, doctors’ offices,health departments and other health care facilities maintain healthrecords, either electronically or through paper-based systems.

* Medical laboratory technician – Supervised by a pathologist,medical laboratory technicians use microscopes, chemicals,computers and other lab equipment to run lab tests on blood, bodilyfluids and tissues. They may also provide reports on the results oftheir tests, and maintain records and equipment in the lab.

The health care industry offers numerous other jobopportunities, from occupational therapist and respiratorytherapist, to pharmacy technician and paramedic. Health care trainingschools like Sanford-Brown provide educational training for awide range of health careers.

Sanford-Brown does not guarantee employment or salary. Creditsearned are unlikely to transfer.