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See Available Ergonomist Schools
An ergonomist relies on the principles of ergonomics, which state that one must arrange the environment to fit the person in it. The human body is only capable of handling so much stress, and ergonomists test the limits of the body and study the results to make working environments more beneficial and safe. It was determined that many employee accidents or injuries in the workplace were the result of repetitive actions. These injuries are caused by excessive and repeated physical stress on the musculoskeletal system, which consists of the hands, wrists, elbow, shoulders, neck, and back. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common result of these repetitive injuries. Using the information gleaned from these tests, ergonomists apply it along with the principles of ergonomy to reduce the possibility of injury. This is accomplished by designing tasks, work spaces, controls, displays, tools, lighting, and equipment to fit the employee’s physical capabilities and limitations.
Ergonomists are employed by factories and other places of industry, as well as manufacturing companies who produce items that follow ergonomic principles. The outlook for this industry is great, as more people are becoming aware of the stress even a simple thing like typing or stapling can put on the body if it is a continuous part of the job. It is expected to grow comparably with the average growth of other related industries. The average salary for ergonomists ranges from $30,000 to $70,000 per year, depending upon the capacity in which they are employed.
An ergonomist has a strong academic background in the physical and psychological human science and has learned how to systematically apply this knowledge to the assessment and solution of ergonomic problems. The theoretical and practical knowledge required can be obtained through industrial engineering or psychology programs, and courses in ergonomics are popping up everywhere. There are also several universities in Canada and England that offer a degree program in ergonomics. Professional ergonomists are certified by the BCPE, and many are also certified through OSHA.
California Schools
Academy
of Professional Careers* (Boise, San Diego) - Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, Holistic Health Practitioner,
Massage Therapy, Optical Technician, Administrative Medical/Dental Assistant
Golden
State College - (Bakersfield)* - Holistic Health Practitioner
Maric
College (Vista)*
- Holistic Health Practitioner
National
Holistic Institute (SF
Bay Area) - Massage Therapist and Health Educator
Silicon
Valley College* (Emeryville, Fremont, San
Jose , Walnut
Creek ) - Holistic Health Practitioner, Massage Therapy
Idaho Schools
Academy
of Professional Careers (Boise)
- Administrative Medical/Dental Assistant, Dental Assisting, Holistic Health
Practitioner, Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician
Oregon Schools
Ashmead
College (Tigard)
- Massage Therapy, Spa & Aromatherapy
Washington Schools
Ashmead
College* (Seattle, Fife, Vancouver , Everett)
- Fitness Trainer, Massage Therapy, Spa and Aromatherapy
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