HEALTH Science

Did you know that healthcare careers encompass much more than just doctors and nurses? Within the healthcare sector, individuals utilize their scientific knowledge and problem-solving skills to develop new medications, discover cures for diseases, offer comfort to the sick, and utilize advanced technology to diagnose and treat illnesses. Picture yourself at the forefront of patient care, diagnosing ailments and administering treatments that enhance the quality of life. Whether your aspirations lie in becoming a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or medical researcher, the healthcare field provides abundant avenues to truly make a difference and contribute to the welfare of others.

Questions
  • Are you passionate about caring for others?
  • Are you interested in how the human body works?
  • Do you have an eye for detail?
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.
What It Takes
Chemistry flask and gear
Strong Math and Science Skills
Four hands overlapping
Teamwork & Coordination
A pair of hands holding a heart
Empathy
Two speech bubbles with lines instead of text
Communication Skills
Unbalanced scale
Ethics
Education-Career-Income: Health Science
occupation
required education
Salary Range
Dentist
Doctorate Degree
$121,730 - $195,250
Pharmacist
Doctorate Degree
$107,240 - $127,520
Surgeon
Doctorate Degree
$134,990 - $194,510
Veterinarian
Doctorate Degree
$75,210- $120,480
Nurse Practitioner
Master's Degree
$90,940 - $121,010
Occupational Therapist
Master's Degree
$75,490 - $95,620
Medical and Health Services Managers
Bachelor's Degree
$65,037- $146,758
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Bachelor's Degree
$56,797 - $120,331
Respiratory Therapists
Associate Degree
$56,142 - $74,999
Registered Nurses
Bachelor's Degree
$60,057 - $89,833
Dental Hygienists
Associate Degree
$63,813 - $82,245
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Associate Degree
$59,921 - $81,202
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
Associate Degree
$46,587 - $70,116
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Associate Degree
$29,553 - $42,307
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Associate Degree
$54,899 - $73,314
Physical Therapist Assistants
Associate Degree
$50,455 - $74,097
Pharmacy Technicians
Certificate
$31,891 - $41,455
Surgical Technologists
Certificate
$40,917 - $57,883
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
Certificate
$31,256 - $49,014
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Certificate
$43,036 - $59,145
Medical Records Specialists
Certificate
$32,690 - $54,635
Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars
Certificate
$36,183 - $76,113
Dental Assistants
Certificate
$35,223 - $46,365
Medical Assistants
Certificate
$31,795 - $40,909
Phlebotomists
Certificate
$31,809 - $40,463
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Some College, No Degree
$30,312 - $41,133
Certified Nursing Assistant
Certificate
$29,120 - $43,680
Source: 2024 Florida CareerSource
For more information, visit Florida Department of Education CTE Frameworks