Doctors and nurses are only two of the types of health care industry jobs.
The health care industry has many different types of jobs available. However, you do not need to go to medical school in order to work in the health care field. Instead, the variety of jobs make it possible for many people to work in the industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the number of total jobs to grow by 22 percent by 2018.
Nurses
The field of nursing continues to grow rapidly and will do so until 2018, according to BLS projections. Many different types of nursing jobs exist within the health care industry. Registered nurses are licensed professionals with either an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing who serve as primary care providers for patients recovering from surgery or various illnesses. According to the BLS, registered nurses commanded a median salary of $62,450 per year in May 2008.
Vocational or practical nurses assist professional nurses by completing various tasks, such as taking vital signs and administering medicines when authorized to do so. These nurses usually obtain their license by completing a certificate or diploma program and by passing a licensing exam. The BLS notes that practical nurses made a median salary of $39,030 in May 2008.
Doctors
Doctors play a significant role in the health care industry. Becoming a doctor requires dedication and extensive education. You can expect to complete four years of college, four years of medical school and another four to six years working as a resident to become a doctor. Within the health care industry there are various types of positions and roles that doctors fulfill. Some work as primary care physicians in clinics, while others have their own private practice. These doctors typically provide general health care services. Other types of doctors include surgeons who may specialize in one or more types of surgery, anesthesiologists who specialize in administration of pain-relieving medicine before and during surgery, and other doctors who specialize in a specific medical practice. Some of these areas include gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, neurology and dermatology. According to the BLS, general practice physicians made $186,044 in median annual salaries in May 2008, while doctors with specialized practice made $339,738.
Administrative jobs
Another major area of work within the health care industry is administrative. These positions include health services managers, hospital administrators, ambulatory care managers and other administrators, such as nursing directors. These various types of administrators organize the day-to-day activities of health care professionals and facilities. They might be responsible for hiring and firing new personnel and establishing facility and departmental budgets. Requirements for these types of positions can vary but usually require a master's degree in health administration or business. Some nurses attain administrative positions by obtaining a master's degree in nurse leadership. Pay for administrators vary by the type of facility. The BLS notes that median pay ranged from $71,190 to $87,040 in May 2008.
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