Applied Science Careers Handout Answer Sheet

Directions

Go to the occupations in the section titled “Applied Science is important in the following jobs” and record the median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of workers for the following jobs. To find the information, click on one of the occupations. When that page comes up, click on the link Earnings near the top of the page.

Water treatment plant operator Opticians, dispensing and measuring Medical records technicians

Local gov.- $31.120 Offices/clinics of MDs-$28,220 Nursing/personal care-$23,760

Water supply-$29,810 Retail stores-$25,120 Hospitals-$23,540

Office other health prac.-$22,670 Offices/clinics-$21,090

To find the expected growth for these occupations, return to the top of the page and click on the link “Job Outlook.” Find the link under that heading (grow faster than the average), click on it and record the average percent of increase for the following jobs.

Water treatment plant operator Opticians, dispensing and measuring Medical records technicians

Fast as av.-10-20% Fast as av.-10-20% Faster than av.-21-35%

To find the educational requirements for these occupations, return to the top of the page and click on “Training, Other Qualifications and Advancement” link and record that information.

Water treatment plant operator

A high school diploma usually is required to become a water or liquid waste treatment plant operator. Operators need mechanical aptitude and should be competent in basic mathematics, chemistry, and biology. They must have the ability to apply data to formulas of treatment requirements, flow levels, and concentration levels. Some basic familiarity with computers also is necessary because of the trend toward computer-controlled equipment and more sophisticated instrumentation. Certain positions—particularly in larger cities and towns—are covered by civil service regulations. Applicants for these positions may be required to pass a written examination testing mathematics skills, mechanical aptitude, and general intelligence.

Opticians, dispensing and measuring

Knowledge of physics, basic anatomy, algebra, geometry, and mechanical drawing is particularly valuable because training usually includes instruction in optical mathematics, optical physics, and the use of precision measuring instruments and other machinery and tools. Dispensing opticians deal directly with the public, so they should be tactful, pleasant, and communicate well. Manual dexterity and the ability to do precision work are essential.

Medical records technicians

Medical records and health information technicians: entering the field usually have an associate degree from a community or junior college. In addition to general education, coursework includes medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, legal aspects of health information, coding and abstraction of data, statistics, database management, quality improvement methods, and computer training. Applicants can improve their chances of admission into a program by taking biology, chemistry, health, and computer courses in high school.