Health Career Study Guide PDF
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The Health Career Study Guide offers a comprehensive overview of various healthcare professions, covering roles, educational prerequisites, and salary expectations. It provides valuable insights into entry-level, associate degree, bachelor's degree, and advanced degree healthcare careers. Key topics covered include clinical roles, job descriptions, and the skills sought after in the medical field, making it a useful resource for anyone considering a career in healthcare.
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Health Career Study Guide Health Careers Study Guide: 30 Health Careers & Salary Ranges Entry-Level Healthcare Jobs (Less than 2 Years of Education) 1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Role: Provides basic patient care, assists with daily activities, and supports nurses. Educa...
Health Career Study Guide Health Careers Study Guide: 30 Health Careers & Salary Ranges Entry-Level Healthcare Jobs (Less than 2 Years of Education) 1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Role: Provides basic patient care, assists with daily activities, and supports nurses. Education Required: State-approved training program and certification exam. Work Environment: Hospitals, nursing homes, home health care. Salary Range: $30,000 - $40,000 annually. 2. Pharmacy Technician Role: Assists pharmacists in dispensing medications and managing prescriptions. Education Required: Pharmacy technician certification and on-the-job training. Work Environment: Pharmacies, hospitals. Salary Range: $35,000 - $50,000 annually. 3. Medical Assistant Role: Performs administrative and clinical tasks to support physicians and other healthcare professionals. Education Required: Certificate or diploma from a medical assistant program. Work Environment: Doctor's offices, clinics, hospitals. Salary Range: $35,000 - $48,000 annually. 4. Phlebotomist Role: Draws blood for tests, donations, or research. Education Required: Phlebotomy certification and training. Work Environment: Hospitals, labs, clinics. Salary Range: $35,000 - $45,000 annually. 5. Dental Assistant Role: Supports dentists during procedures, handles patient care, and maintains dental equipment. Education Required: Dental assistant program and certification (optional). Work Environment: Dental offices. Salary Range: $38,000 - $50,000 annually. 6. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Role: Provides emergency medical care and transports patients to healthcare facilities. Education Required: EMT training program and certification. Work Environment: Ambulances, hospitals, fire stations. Salary Range: $40,000 - $55,000 annually. 7. Sterile Processing Technician Role: Cleans and sterilizes medical equipment used in healthcare settings. Education Required: Certification in sterile processing. Work Environment: Hospitals, surgical centers. Salary Range: $38,000 - $52,000 annually. 8. Personal Care Aide/Home Health Aide Role: Assists patients with daily living activities, including bathing, dressing, and eating. Education Required: On-the-job training, no formal certification required. Work Environment: Private homes, nursing homes. Salary Range: $28,000 - $38,000 annually. Associate Degree or Certificate Healthcare Careers 9. Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) Role: Works under physical therapists to help patients recover movement and manage pain. Education Required: Associate's degree in physical therapy assisting. Work Environment: Hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers. Salary Range: $50,000 - $65,000 annually. 10.Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Role: Assists occupational therapists in helping patients develop skills for daily living. Education Required: Associate's degree in occupational therapy assisting. Work Environment: Hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics. Salary Range: $55,000 - $70,000 annually. 11.Radiologic Technologist Role: Performs diagnostic imaging procedures such as X-rays and MRIs. Education Required: Associate's degree in radiologic technology. Work Environment: Hospitals, outpatient clinics. Salary Range: $55,000 - $75,000 annually. 12.Surgical Technologist Role: Assists in surgeries by preparing operating rooms, sterilizing instruments, and supporting surgeons. Education Required: Associate's degree in surgical technology. Work Environment: Hospitals, surgical centers. Salary Range: $50,000 - $72,000 annually. 13.Respiratory Therapist Role: Treats patients with breathing problems such as asthma, COPD, and pneumonia. Education Required: Associate's degree in respiratory therapy. Work Environment: Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes. Salary Range: $55,000 - $80,000 annually. 14.Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Role: Provides basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses. Education Required: Practical nursing program and licensure. Work Environment: Hospitals, nursing homes, clinics. Salary Range: $48,000 - $60,000 annually. 15.Dental Hygienist Role: Cleans teeth, examines patients for oral diseases, and educates patients on dental care. Education Required: Associate's degree in dental hygiene. Work Environment: Dental offices. Salary Range: $75,000 - $100,000 annually. Bachelor’s Degree Healthcare Careers 16.Registered Nurse (RN) Role: Provides and coordinates patient care, educates patients about health conditions, and offers support. Education Required: Bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) and licensure. Work Environment: Hospitals, clinics, outpatient centers. Salary Range: $70,000 - $110,000 annually. 17.Clinical Laboratory Technologist Role: Analyzes laboratory samples to diagnose diseases and conditions. Education Required: Bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science. Work Environment: Hospitals, diagnostic labs. Salary Range: $60,000 - $85,000 annually. 18.Dietitian/Nutritionist Role: Provides dietary counseling and creates nutrition plans for patients. Education Required: Bachelor's degree in dietetics or nutrition. Work Environment: Hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools. Salary Range: $60,000 - $85,000 annually. 19.Sonographer (Ultrasound Technician) Role: Uses ultrasound equipment to create images of internal organs and tissues for medical diagnosis. Education Required: Bachelor's degree or specialized training in sonography. Work Environment: Hospitals, outpatient clinics. Salary Range: $70,000 - $100,000 annually. 20.Exercise Physiologist Role: Develops exercise programs to help patients manage chronic conditions or improve fitness. Education Required: Bachelor's degree in exercise science or a related field. Work Environment: Rehabilitation centers, hospitals, gyms. Salary Range: $50,000 - $75,000 annually. 21.Health Informatics Specialist Role: Manages healthcare data and technology systems to improve patient care and services. Education Required: Bachelor's degree in health informatics. Work Environment: Hospitals, healthcare IT companies. Salary Range: $60,000 - $95,000 annually. 22.Radiation Therapist Role: Administers radiation treatments to patients with cancer or other diseases. Education Required: Bachelor's degree in radiation therapy. Work Environment: Hospitals, cancer treatment centers. Salary Range: $80,000 - $110,000 annually. Advanced Degrees & Specialties 23.Physical Therapist (PT) Role: Helps patients improve mobility and manage pain through physical rehabilitation. Education Required: Doctoral or professional degree in physical therapy. Work Environment: Hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers. Salary Range: $80,000 - $110,000 annually. 24.Occupational Therapist (OT) Role: Assists patients in recovering or improving skills needed for daily living and work. Education Required: Doctoral or professional degree in occupational therapy. Work Environment: Hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics. Salary Range: $80,000 - $105,000 annually. 25.Speech-Language Pathologist Role: Diagnoses and treats speech, language, and communication disorders. Education Required: Master's degree in speech-language pathology. Work Environment: Hospitals, schools, outpatient clinics. Salary Range: $75,000 - $110,000 annually. 26.Pharmacist Role: Dispenses prescription medications and provides healthcare advice to patients. Education Required: Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) and licensure. Work Environment: Pharmacies, hospitals. Salary Range: $110,000 - $140,000 annually. 27.Nurse Practitioner (NP) Role: Provides primary and specialized care to patients, including diagnosing and treating conditions. Education Required: Master's or Doctoral degree in nursing and licensure. Work Environment: Hospitals, clinics, private practices. Salary Range: $100,000 - $135,000 annually. 28.Physician Assistant (PA) Role: Works under the supervision of physicians to diagnose and treat medical conditions. Education Required: Master's degree in physician assistant studies. Work Environment: Hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices. Salary Range: $110,000 - $150,000 annually. 29.Anesthesiologist Role: Administers anesthesia to patients before surgery or medical procedures. Education Required: Doctoral or professional degree in anesthesiology. Work Environment: Hospitals, surgical centers. Salary Range: $300,000 - $450,000 annually. 30.Surgeon Role: Performs surgery to treat medical conditions, injuries, and diseases. Education Required: Doctoral or professional degree in medicine and surgical residency. Work Environment: Hospitals, surgical centers. Salary Range: $300,000 - $500,000+ annually.
