Careers in health care hold promising prospects for individuals.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, health care will generate 3.2 million new wage and salary jobs between 2008 and 2018. Many health care jobs will make up the fastest growing segment of wage and salaries in the medical field, as baby boomers reach retirement age and place higher demands on health care. The burgeoning demand for health care services taxes the industry and provides opportunities for individuals considering this field of work.
Registered Nurses
Critical to the health care industry, registered nurses provide treatment, care and education. They also act as support for doctors and other medical professionals, and possess a broad range of knowledge about patient care. Three educational paths lead to a career as a registered nurse. A Bachelor's of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) takes about four years to complete at a college or university, while an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or diploma in nursing takes two or three years at a junior or community college. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the median annual wage of registered nurses was $62,450 in 2008.
Nurse Practitioners
Nurse practitioners have moved beyond nursing and obtained an advanced level of education, in order to diagnose health problems and prescribe medications. In addition to meeting the educational requirements for registered nurses, nurse practitioners must also possess a master's degree. The average nurse practitioner earns approximately $70,000 per year, with many earning $90,000 or more.
Doctors
With the high costs of malpractice insurance and pending lawsuits, enrollment in medical schools has fluctuated in the early 21st century. Education for doctors remains demanding and lengthy--four years of undergraduate school, four years of medical school, and three to eight years of internship and residency, depending on specialty. Compensation ranges from $186,000 in primary care, to $340,000 for medical specialties and surgeons.
Pharmacists
Pharmacists dispense medications, educate patients, help patients make health care choices, and provide various levels of preventive information. Pharmacists must earn a Pharm.D. degree from an accredited college or school of pharmacy, which requires at least two years of study in addition to three or more years at a college or university before moving on to the Pharm.D. program. Pharmacists earn about $106,000 per year.
Radiology Technicians
Radiology technicians assist in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of patients, working closely with doctors to conduct X-ray procedures that enable doctors to prescribe effective treatment methods. Training for radiology technicians includes a certificate, a bachelor's degree or an associate degree (the most common). Radiology technicians earn about $52,000 annually.
Physical Therapists
Physical therapists help patients regain control of physical functionality and offer support and encouragement for optimal recovery. The BLS states that physical therapists must have a master's degree or higher to enter the profession. Physical therapists make about $73,000 per year.
Personal and Home Care Aides
Personal and home care aides provide personal medical care for patients in their home. They may also offer assistance with homemaking and day-to-day chores. The required education level varies from state to state, based on the skill level required for specific assignments, the type of home services agency and funding sources. Training typically takes place on the job, by registered nurses, licensed practical nurses or experienced aides. Compensation, usually based on hourly wages, remains low, at $10.00 per hour, the BLS reports.
Health Educators
An increased focus on prevention and disease avoidance puts health educators at the forefront of health care. Health educators promote a healthy lifestyle that helps individuals avoid illness or injury. They can offer support for smoking cessation, exercise promotion, nutritional counseling and chronic disease management. Health educators must have at least a bachelor's degree for entry-level jobs, with a master's degree required for some positions, and report average earnings of about $44,000.
Medical Informatics Statisticians
Medical informatics professionals focus on evaluating health care data and information to determine the effectiveness of treatment methods. They use data to guide decision-making for health care professionals, and help doctors and others understand use information to improve and advance medical treatments and technology. Employers typically require at least a master's degree in statistics or mathematics education, the BLS reports. Annually, they earn about $73,000, with some statisticians making in excess of $120,000.
Social Workers
Social workers assist families and individuals with issues related to medical decisions and choices. They may also conduct research, advocate for improved health services, negotiate on behalf of patients, and become involved in planning and policy development. Most employers want candidates to have a bachelor's degree in social work, but some public and private agencies require a master's degree, and teaching and research jobs require a doctorate. Earnings vary based on education and treatment setting, with median annual earnings of approximately $40,000. Some social workers earn in excess of $67,000.
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