Healthcare Careers
A career in health care can be one of the most rewarding jobs for people with the right personality. With so many fields to choose from, there is a job for everyone. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, seven of the 20 fastest-growing occupations in 2006 were related to health care.
Is It Right for Me?
Before embarking on your path of education, which can be anywhere from a few months to six years--and even beyond--ask yourself some basic questions:
Do you like dealing with people? Unless you are a researcher or analyst in a lab, a career in health care requires contact with people. Are you comfortable in hospital or clinic settings? Are you a team player?
Are you strong in science? Science is a building block in health care careers, so you likely will study the sciences extensively.
Are you prepared to continue learning throughout your career? Health care professions require you to stay up to date in your field. Your education does not stop when you receive your degree or certificate.
Employment Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 14 million people were employed in health care as of 2006. Furthermore, the Bureau projects that more than 3 million new wage and salary jobs will be created in various health care fields through 2016.
Careers and Education
Whatever profession you choose, a career in health care requires formal training and usually an internship.
General medicine includes general practitioners (physicians) for adults and children, nursing, optometry, dentistry, emergency room medicine, sports medicine and specialities within those fields, such as ear, nose and throat, geriatrics, and audiology. Education typically requires four to eight years.
Complementary and alternative medicine would include osteopathy, naturopathy, chiropractic, Oriental medicine, acupuncture, massage therapy, aromatherapy and homeopathy. Education can be from six months to six years.
Therapy-based careers include physical therapy, athletic training, dietitian/nutritionist, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Education is typically two to four years.
Allied health includes X-ray technicians; emergency medical technicians; paramedics; anesthesiologists; physical, medical and nursing assistants; medical coders; and blood bank technicians. Education ranges from two months to four years.
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