Health Care Positions & Salaries
The health care industry has a diverse number of opportunities available for people needing an educational direction after high school or those seeking a new career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, health care-related jobs account for seven out of the 20 fastest-growing occupations. Once in the medical field, you can choose from a vast amount of specialties, including pediatrics, geriatrics, cardiology, family medicine, home health care, orthopedics, emergency medicine.
Nursing
The two types of nurses are registered nurses (RN) and licensed vocational nurses (LVN). Both types work under the direction of physicians. LVNs additionally work under the supervision of RNs. Nurses provide many services, including performing treatments prescribed by physicians, educating patients about their medical conditions and medications, administering medications, documenting patient care and monitoring patients vital signs. Nurses report abnormal findings to physicians.
The educational requirements to become a RN range from an associate's degree all the way to a doctoral degree, and a LVN degree requires about one year of vocational school. The mean annual salary for a RN is $65,130. The mean annual salary for a LVN is $40,110.
Physician and Surgeons
Physicians and surgeons order diagnostic tests, administer and prescribe treatment, examine patients and diagnose illnesses. The educational requirements to become a doctor, depending on specialty, can be up to 16 years of college. The mean annual salary of a physician depends on their specialty and years in practice, but can range from $139,953 to $321,686.
Physician Assistant
Physician assistants (PAs) work under the supervision of surgeons and physicians. Their duties include examining and treating patients, ordering diagnostic tests, diagnosing patients and prescribing some medications. The educational requirements to become a PA are approximately four years, including the required prerequisites and the physician assistant program. The annual mean salary for physician assistants is approximately $81,610.
Radiology Technologists
Radiologic technologists, while following physician orders, take X-rays, perform computed tomography (CT) scans, perform magnetic resonance (MRI) imaging, perform mammograms and administer non-radioactive material into patient's veins for diagnostic purposes. Length of training to become a radiology technologist takes about one to four years, depending on if you are seeking a certificate, associate's degree or a bachelor's degree. The mean annual salary for this position is approximately $53,230.
Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory therapists, while under physician direction, evaluate and treat patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary conditions. They can provide treatment in emergency and non-emergency settings. Respiratory therapists use different treatments to treat patients including oxygen and aerosol medications. The educational requirements to become a respiratory therapist range from an associates degree to a master's degree. The mean annual salary for a respiratory therapist is approximately $53,150.
Physical Therapist
The goals of physical therapy are to relieve pain, improve mobility, restore function and limit or prevent permanent physical disabilities in patients suffering form disease or injuries. Physical therapists evaluate patients and develop a plan of treatment, which can include exercise, increasing strength or endurance and increasing flexibility. Educational requirements range from a master's to a doctoral degree. The mean annual wage for a physical therapist is approximately $74,410.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists help patients recover, develop or maintain skills related to their daily living or work. These skills can include using a computer, dressing, eating and cooking. Education requirements to become an occupational therapist range from a master's to a doctoral degree. The mean annual salary for an occupational therapist is approximately $67,920.
Tags: mean annual, annual salary, mean annual salary, range from, requirements become, degree mean, degree mean annual
