Healthcare
Always dreamed of a career in medicine? Interested in learning more about the wide range of occupations in this growing field? Get started here.
Career Pathways
The healthcare field has five general career pathways:
- Therapeutic Services: Individuals who deal directly with patients, such as doctors, nurses, dentists, and physical therapists.
- Diagnostic Services: Individuals who perform a wide range of tests, such as clinical and lab technicians.
- Health Informatics: Individuals who manage hospitals and healthcare facilities or manage patient information and records.
- Biotechnology Research and Development: Individuals who study diseases to develop treatments and medications to prevent and cure illness.
- Support Services: Individuals who focus on creating a comfortable experience for patients, such as dieticians.
Meta-Major: Health Sciences
Are you interested in healthcare but not sure what you want to do? Check out the health sciences meta-major at your local state college. A meta-major is a collection of associate degree programs aligned to a general career area, such as health sciences. Because all programs under the meta-major have common courses, you can pursue a relevant course of study before deciding on a specific degree program.
Education-Career-Income Connection
While most jobs require some education after high school, many don't require a four-year, bachelors degree. Some require an Associate Degree, a two-year college degree program, or a certificate, a technical program which vary in length but are generally less than two years.
| Training, Certificate or Associate's Degree | Bachelor's Degree | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Health Aide | $24,200 | Mental Health Counselor | $47,790 |
| Pharmacist Technician | $32,700 | Substance Abuse Counselor | $47,790 |
| Medical Assistant | $33,610 | Bioinformatics Technician | $48,330 |
| Phlebotomist | $34,480 | Cytogenetic Technologist | $52,330 |
| Medical Secretary | $35,760 | Medical and Clinical Technologist | $52,330 |
| Optician, Dispensing | $37,010 | Registered Nurse | $71,730 |
| Massage Therapist | $41,420 | Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse | $71,730 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $46,240 | Acute Care Nurse | $71,730 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technician | $52,330 | Critical Care Nurse | $71,730 |
| Cardiovascular Technologist | $56,850 | Informatics Nurse Specialist | $88,740 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $58,040 | Biomedical Engineer | $88,550 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $60,280 | Medical Services Manager | $99,730 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $72,510 | Physician Assistant | $108,610 |
| Dental Hygienist | $74,820 | Pharmacist | $126,120 |