Occupational Outlook Handbook > Healthcare > Healthcare Occupations PRINTER-FRIENDLY EN ESPAÑOL Employment of healthcare occupations is projected to grow 18 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 2.4 million new jobs. Healthcare occupations are projected to add more jobs than any of the other occupational groups. This projected growth is mainly due to an aging population, leading to greater demand for healthcare services. The median annual wage for healthcare practitioners and technical occupations (such as registered nurses, physicians and surgeons, and dental hygienists) was $64,770 in May 2017, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations in the economy of $37,690. Healthcare support occupations (such as home health aides, occupational therapy assistants, and medical transcriptionists) had a median annual wage of $28,710 in May 2017, lower than the median annual wage for all occupations in the economy. OCCUPATIONJOB SUMMARYENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION 2017 MEDIAN PAY Athletic TrainersAthletic trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses. Bachelor's degree$46,630AudiologistsAudiologists diagnose, manage, and treat a patient’s hearing, balance, or ear problems. Doctoral or professional degree$75,920ChiropractorsChiropractors treat patients with health problems of the neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They use spinal adjustments and manipulation, as well as other clinical interventions, to manage patients’ health concerns, such as back and neck pain. Doctoral or professional degree$68,640Dental AssistantsDental assistants perform many tasks, ranging from providing patient care and taking x rays to recordkeeping and scheduling appointments. Their duties vary by state and by the dentists’ offices where they work. Postsecondary nondegree award$37,630Dental HygienistsDental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for signs of oral diseases such as gingivitis, and provide other preventive dental care. They also educate patients on ways to improve and maintain good oral health. Associate's degree$74,070DentistsDentists diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth. They provide advice and instruction on taking care of the teeth and gums and on diet choices that affect oral health. Doctoral or professional degree$158,120Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians, Including Vascular TechnologistsDiagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including vascular technologists, also called diagnostic imaging workers, operate special imaging equipment to create images or to conduct tests. The images and test results help physicians assess and diagnose medical conditions. Associate's degree$65,620Dietitians and NutritionistsDietitians and nutritionists are experts in the use of food and nutrition to promote health and manage disease. They advise people on what to eat in order to lead a healthy lifestyle or achieve a specific health-related goal. Bachelor's degree$59,410EMTs and ParamedicsEmergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics care for the sick or injured in emergency medical settings. People’s lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care provided by these workers. EMTs and paramedics respond to emergency calls, performing medical services and transporting patients to medical facilities. Postsecondary nondegree award$33,380Exercise PhysiologistsExercise physiologists develop fitness and exercise programs that help patients recover from chronic diseases and improve cardiovascular function, body composition, and flexibility. Bachelor's degree$49,090Genetic CounselorsGenetic counselors assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. They provide information and support to other healthcare providers, or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions. Master's degree$77,480Home Health Aides and Personal Care AidesHome health aides and personal care aides help people with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or cognitive impairment by assisting in their daily living activities. They often help older adults who need assistance. In some states, home health aides may be able to give a client medication or check the client’s vital signs under the direction of a nurse or other healthcare practitioner. High school diploma or equivalent$23,130Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational NursesLicensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) provide basic nursing care. They work under the direction of registered nurses and doctors. Postsecondary nondegree award$45,030Massage TherapistsMassage therapists treat clients by using touch to manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of the body. With their touch, therapists relieve pain, help heal injuries, improve circulation, relieve stress, increase relaxation, and aid in the general wellness of clients. Postsecondary nondegree award$39,990Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and TechniciansMedical laboratory technologists (commonly known as medical laboratory scientists) and medical laboratory technicians collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances. See How to Become One$51,770Medical AssistantsMedical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Their duties vary with the location, specialty, and size of the practice. Postsecondary nondegree award$32,480Medical Records and Health Information TechniciansMedical records and health information technicians, commonly referred to as health information technicians, organize and manage health information data. They ensure that the information maintains its quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security in both paper files and electronic systems. They use various classification systems to code and categorize patient information for insurance reimbursement purposes, for databases and registries, and to maintain patients’ medical and treatment histories. Postsecondary nondegree award$39,180Medical TranscriptionistsMedical transcriptionists, sometimes referred to as healthcare documentation specialists, listen to voice recordings that physicians and other healthcare workers make and convert them into written reports. They also may review and edit medical documents created using speech recognition technology. Transcriptionists interpret medical terminology and abbreviations in preparing patients’ medical histories, discharge summaries, and other documents. Postsecondary nondegree award$35,250Nuclear Medicine TechnologistsNuclear medicine technologists prepare radioactive drugs and administer them to patients for imaging or therapeutic purposes. Associate's degree$75,660Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse PractitionersNurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners, also referred to as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), coordinate patient care and may provide primary and specialty healthcare. The scope of practice varies from state to state. Master's degree$110,930Nursing Assistants and OrderliesNursing assistants, sometimes called nursing aides, help provide basic care for patients in hospitals and residents of long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes. Orderlies transport patients and clean treatment areas. See How to Become One$27,510Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and TechniciansOccupational health and safety specialists and technicians collect data on and analyze many types of work environments and work procedures. Specialists inspect workplaces for adherence to regulations on safety, health, and the environment. Technicians work with specialists in conducting tests and measuring hazards to help prevent harm to workers, property, the environment, and the general public. See How to Become One$67,720Occupational TherapistsOccupational therapists treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. Master's degree$83,200Occupational Therapy Assistants and AidesOccupational therapy assistants and aides help patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. Occupational therapy assistants are directly involved in providing therapy to patients; occupational therapy aides typically perform support activities. Both assistants and aides work under the direction of occupational therapists. See How to Become One$56,690OpticiansOpticians help fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, following prescriptions from ophthalmologists and optometrists. They also help customers decide which eyeglass frames or contact lenses to buy. High school diploma or equivalent$36,250OptometristsOptometrists examine the eyes and other parts of the visual system. They also diagnose and treat visual problems and manage diseases, injuries, and other disorders of the eyes. They prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses as needed. Doctoral or professional degree$110,300Orthotists and ProsthetistsOrthotists and prosthetists design and fabricate medical supportive devices and measure and fit patients for them. These devices include artificial limbs (arms, hands, legs, and feet), braces, and other medical or surgical devices. Master's degree$66,240PharmacistsPharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients and offer expertise in the safe use of prescriptions. They also may conduct health and wellness screenings, provide immunizations, oversee the medications given to patients, and provide advice on healthy lifestyles. Doctoral or professional degree$124,170Pharmacy TechniciansPharmacy technicians help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to customers or health professionals. High school diploma or equivalent$31,750PhlebotomistsPhlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, research, or blood donations. Some explain their work to patients and provide assistance when patients have adverse reactions after their blood is drawn. Postsecondary nondegree award$33,670Physical Therapist Assistants and AidesPhysical therapist assistants, sometimes called PTAs, and physical therapist aides work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists. They help patients who are recovering from injuries and illnesses regain movement and manage pain. See How to Become One$46,920Physical TherapistsPhysical therapists, sometimes called PTs, help injured or ill people improve their movement and manage their pain. These therapists are often an important part of the rehabilitation, treatment, and prevention of patients with chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries. Doctoral or professional degree$86,850Physician AssistantsPhysician assistants, also known as PAs, practice medicine on teams with physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare workers. They examine, diagnose, and treat patients. Master's degree$104,860Physicians and SurgeonsPhysicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses. Physicians examine patients; take medical histories; prescribe medications; and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests. They counsel patients on diet, hygiene, and preventive healthcare. Surgeons operate on patients to treat injuries, such as broken bones; diseases, such as cancerous tumors; and deformities, such as cleft palates. Doctoral or professional degreeThis wage is equal to or greater than $208,000 per year.PodiatristsPodiatrists provide medical and surgical care for people with foot, ankle, and lower leg problems. They diagnose illnesses, treat injuries, and perform surgery involving the lower extremities. Doctoral or professional degree$127,740Psychiatric Technicians and AidesPsychiatric technicians and aides care for people who have mental illness and developmental disabilities. Technicians typically provide therapeutic care and monitor their patients’ conditions. Aides help patients in their daily activities and ensure a safe, clean environment. See How to Become One$29,330Radiation TherapistsRadiation therapists treat cancer and other diseases in patients by administering radiation treatments. Associate's degree$80,570Radiologic and MRI TechnologistsRadiologic technologists, also known as radiographers, perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as x rays, on patients. MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images. Associate's degree$60,070Recreational TherapistsRecreational therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based treatment programs for people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses. These therapists use a variety of modalities, including arts and crafts; drama, music, and dance; sports and games; aquatics; and community outings to help maintain or improve a patient’s physical, social, and emotional well-being. Bachelor's degree$47,680Registered NursesRegistered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members. Bachelor's degree$70,000Respiratory TherapistsRespiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing—for example, from a chronic respiratory disease, such as asthma or emphysema. Their patients range from premature infants with undeveloped lungs to elderly patients who have diseased lungs. They also provide emergency care to patients suffering from heart attacks, drowning, or shock. Associate's degree$59,710Speech-Language PathologistsSpeech-language pathologists (sometimes called speech therapists) assess, diagnose, treat, and help to prevent communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults. Speech, language, and swallowing disorders result from a variety of causes, such as a stroke, brain injury, hearing loss, developmental delay, Parkinson’s disease, a cleft palate, or autism. Master's degree$76,610Surgical TechnologistsSurgical technologists, also called operating room technicians, assist in surgical operations. They prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and help doctors during surgeries. Postsecondary nondegree award$46,310VeterinariansVeterinarians care for the health of animals and work to improve public health. They diagnose, treat, and research medical conditions and diseases of pets, livestock, and other animals. Doctoral or professional degree$90,420Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal CaretakersVeterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers care for animals by performing routine tasks under the supervision of scientists, veterinarians, and veterinary technologists and technicians. High school diploma or equivalent$26,140Veterinary Technologists and TechniciansVeterinary technologists and technicians perform medical tests under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian to assist in diagnosing the injuries and illnesses of animals. Associate's degree$33,400 Biographies:20 doctors and nurses who changed the world http://www.biography.com/news/groundbreaking-doctors-and-nurses Florence Nightingale: Nurse Jonas Salk: Polio Vaccine Elizabeth Blackwell Charles Drew: Blood Banks Edward Jenner: Smallpox Vaccine Raymond Damadian: MRI Scanner Virginia Apgar: Newborn Baby Evaluation John Snow: father of modern epidemiology Mary Eliza Mahoney: Civil War Nurse Henrietta Lacks: HeLa cells Games: Anatomy Arcade: http://www.anatomyarcade.com/games/games.html UEN Interactives Health: http://www.uen.org/7-12interactives/health.shtml
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AuthorJr. High Librarian at Ogden Preparatory Academy Archives
September 2022
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