Behavioral Health RN: How to Become a Behavioral Nurse in Virginia

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Average Salary: $56,350
Social workers ensure that individuals, families, and communities have the resources they need in the community. They provide counseling and often assist with the transition home from a hospital or rehabilitation. They may also organize support groups for families or patients suffering from shared grief, experiences, or illness.

Required Education
A bachelor’s degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education for entry-level positions, A master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program is necessary to work in clinical practice settings, Completion of post-MSW supervised clinical experience (required number of hours may differ by state), Required state licensure from Virginia Board of Social Work

Areas of Specialization
Addictions, Case management, clinical, education, gerontology, healthcare, hospice and palliative care, military, and youth and family

PHARMACIST TECHNICIANS

Average Salary: $34,810
Pharmacy technicians perform many routine pharmacy operations. They are trained to receive and verify prescription orders for completeness and accuracy. They fill orders by measuring, compounding (mixing), counting, and labeling medications. Pharmacy technicians order, stock, package, and maintain the inventory of medications.

Required Education/Licensure
A high school diploma or equivalent, Formal training available at the certificate, diploma, and associate’s degree levels, Required state licensure from the Virginia Board of Pharmacy

Areas of Specialization
Pharmacy Technicians can work in hospital or retail settings.

DOCTOR OF MEDICINE

Average Salary: $205,720
Doctors of medicine, also known as allopathic physicians or MDs, are trained to diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries, prescribe appropriate medications and lifestyle modifications, and perform therapeutic procedures. Physicians usually are the leaders of the healthcare team. They advise people on how to care for themselves by helping them to understand the effects of diet, exercise, and aging. In addition to caring for patients, physicians may choose to teach or to research new ways to diagnose, control, and cure diseases.

Required Education
A bachelor’s degree with a strong foundation in math and science and completion of the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) are required for admission to medical school
A doctoral degree from an allopathic medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education
Completion of a residency program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education
Specialty training requires 3-5 years
Subspecialty training requires an additional 1-3 years

Required Licensure
Required state licensure from the Virginia Board of Medicine
Voluntary national specialty and subspecialty certifications

Required Licensure
Most physicians specialize in an area such as family medicine, obstetrics, pediatrics, or surgery.

SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST

Average Salary: $52,610
Surgical technologists prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment. They check that all surgical equipment is working properly. Surgical technologists bring patients to the operating room and get them ready for surgery by positioning them on the table, covering them with sterile drapes, and washing and disinfecting incision sites. And they help the surgical team put on sterile gowns. During an operation, surgical technologists pass the sterile instruments and supplies to surgeons and first assistants. They might hold retractors or set up robotic surgical equipment. Technologists also may handle specimens taken for laboratory analysis. After the operation is complete, surgical technologists may apply bandages and other dressings to the incision site. They may also transfer patients to recovery rooms and restock operating rooms after a procedure.

Required Education/Licensure
A high school diploma or equivalent, and a certificate, diploma, or associate degree from an accredited surgical technology program, and state registration from the Department of Health Professions.

Medical Laboratory Technician MLT

Average Salary: $62,870
Uses lab equipment, tests and procedures to determine the health of human tissues and blood samples. They work in clinical, diagnostic or hospital laboratories under the supervision of physicians, laboratory technologists and laboratory managers.

Required Education/Licensure
High school diploma, completion of an accredited associate degree program in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) or a related field, and often, passing a national certification exam like the MLT (ASCP) or AMT’s MLT certification for most employers, with some states also requiring licensure

NURSE ANESTHETIST

Average Salary: $179,180
Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia and provide care before, during, and after surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, and obstetrical procedures. They also provide pain management and some emergency services. Before a procedure begins, nurse anesthetists discuss with patients any medications the patient is taking as well as any allergies or illnesses the patient may have, so that anesthesia can be safely administered. Nurse anesthetists then give a patient general anesthesia to put the patient to sleep so they feel no pain during surgery or administer a regional or local anesthesia to numb an area of the body. During the procedure, they monitor the patient’s vital signs and adjust the anesthesia, as necessary.

Required Education
A minimum of a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) degree, a current nursing license, and one year’s experience as a registered nurse in critical care required for admission to a nursing anesthesia program; A master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited educational program. All programs will be required to graduate students at the doctoral level by 2025.

Required Licensure
Required registered nurse license from the Virginia Board of Nursing, and required registered nurse practitioner license from the Virginia Board of Nursing, and required national certification from the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists for the CRNA credential

Radiology + Imaging Techs

Average Salary: $78,980
Radiologic technologists play a crucial role in the healthcare system by providing essential imaging services that aid in patient diagnosis and treatment. Their expertise ensures that medical professionals have the necessary information to make informed decisions about patient care. Radiologic Technologists operate imaging equipment such as X-ray machines, CT scanners, and MRI machines to create images of patient’s internal structures. They work closely with radiologists and other healthcare professionals to ensure high-quality imaging.

Required Education/Licensure
Completion of an associate’s degree from an accredited program. RTs must pass a national certification exam from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Some states in the U.S. require RTs to earn and maintain a state license.

Areas of Specialization
RTs can specialize in cardiology, orthopedics, oncology, pregnancy care, pediatrics, and vascular medicine. Many technologists choose to specialize in areas such as mammography, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

LICENSED PROFESSIONAL NURSE

Average Salary: $47,410
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) work under the supervision of a physician or a registered nurse to provide nursing care. Their duties may include collecting specimens for laboratory tests, changing dressings, evaluating patient needs, and implementing care plans. LPNs often check vital signs such as temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. In some states, they may administer prescribed injections, medications, and intravenous fluids. They also observe patients and chart their reaction to medications and treatments

Required Education/Licensure
Completion of two years of high school or its equivalent, and Completion of an approved practical nursing program, and Pass a written examination; and, state licensure from the Virginia Board of Nursing

RESPIRATORY
THERAPIST

Average Salary: $59,380
Respiratory therapists treat patients who have breathing difficulties due to cardiopulmonary (heart-lung) problems. The field of respiratory therapy has been transitioning from its roots in technology to a role that more closely resembles disease management. Treatments include temporary or long-term therapy for lung disorders such as asthma, COPD (emphysema and chronic bronchitis), lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, or pneumonia, and emergency care for those with heart failure, chest injuries, stroke, shock, premature birth or post-surgical complications.

Required Education/Licensure
A minimum of an associate degree and graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, and must pass a national exam administered by the National Board for Respiratory Therapy to earn a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential, and have required state licensure from the Virginia Board of Medicine. Graduates are eligible to earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.

OCCUPATIONAL
THERAPIST

Average Salary: $95,170
Occupational therapists (OTs) help people of all ages lead independent, productive, and satisfying lives. Many of their clients have physical, developmental, social, or emotional conditions that impact their ability to engage in everyday activities such as self-care, education, work, and play. OTs enable them to function in their chosen environments, including home, work, school, and community, by teaching new skills and/or design splints, special devices, and assistive technology to promote and maintain independent functioning.

Required Education/Licensure
A master’s or doctoral degree including field work from an accredited educational program, and Required state licensure from the Virginia Board of Medicine and Required national certification from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (www.nbcot.org) for the Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR) credential.

Areas of Specialization
Driving and community mobility; Environmental modification; Feeding, eating, and swallowing; Gerontology; Low vision; Mental health; Pediatrics; Physical rehabilitation; School systems

PHLEBOTOMIST

Average Salary: $37,430
Phlebotomists are trained to draw blood without increasing possible anxiety and discomfort to the patient. They have a great deal of patient contact and help calm nervous patients before beginning the blood collection process. Because they risk exposure to diseases, phlebotomists are trained in laboratory safety and careful collection of blood. They are usually supervised by a clinical laboratory scientist.

Required Education/Licensure
A high school diploma or equivalent, and Completion of a certificate program (preferred). There are currently no licensure or certification standards for phlebotomists in Virginia but voluntary certification through national associations are available (optional)

Registered Nurse

Average Salary: $74,380
Nursing is a challenging and highly rewarding career that will continue to be in high demand well into the future. Registered nurses (RNs) work closely with physicians and other professionals as part of a healthcare team. RNs use a broad knowledge base to assess and understand problems, administer treatments, and make decisions about patient care.

Required Education/Licensure
2-or-4 year degree from an accredited program, and state licensure from the Virginia Board of Nursing

Areas of Specialization
There are many work environments, patient populations, and medical conditions in which an RN can specialize, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, psychiatric/mental health, maternal health, public health nursing, and informatics.