Did you know this about… Health Careers

Did you know? More choices than just nurse or doctor!! Doctors in rural areas are in high demand! People live longer, need more health care workers. Taking care of the “baby boomers” will present a challenge to our health care system

Multi-skilled health professionals A multi-skilled worker is one who is trained in 2 or more traditional health occupations Team work is essential for good health care Computer skills will be important for health care workers More services will be delivered in the home setting Rural areas will have largest need for preventive care that can be done by CRNP, PA, or Health Educators

Brief orientation to some Health Careers

Perfusionist Monitors Blood Circulation during surgery Operates heart-lung bypass machine 2008 average starting salary - $86,000

Occupational Therapist Assist patients to regain ADL’s (Activities of Daily Living) after an accident or illness Work with fine motor skills 2008 average starting salary - $54,000 (35,000 for OTA)

Audiologist Evaluates patients hearing Does hearing screen tests on infants 08 average starting salary - $50,000

Phlebotomist Collects blood samples from patients Runs some lab tests on blood Average 2008 starting salary - $24,000

Nurse Anesthetist A RN with an additional 2 years of schooling in anesthesia Can insert epidurals, spinals, anesthesia for patients during surgery 08 average starting salary - $103,000

Doctor of Osteopathy A medical doctor who focuses on care for the musculoskeletal system in combination with medical treatment Uses a holistic approach to treatment Average salary - $80 - $125,000

Medical Secretary Belongs to the Health information cluster of careers May take dictation from the doctor Manage office records and assist with basic patient care Average salary $27,900

Pharmacist Dispenses prescribed drugs Provides education about medications to customers Average salary - $89,000

Biomedical Engineer May invent a new type of heart pacemaker Investigates, designs, and researchers new medical devices and equipment Average salary - $66,400

Prosthetist/Orthotist Makes false legs/hands, etc. and braces for patients to help them with ADL’s Average salary - $55,300

Dietitian Supervises dietary personnel, plans hospital menus, manages budgets, plans special dietary menus for specific diseases Salary - $42,800

Optician Helps patients select eyeglasses Make work in vision care centers Salary - $31,000 Optometrist is a doctor who examines eyes- salary $86,000

Health Care Administrator Oversees the running of a hospital or nursing facility The “head honcho” Average salary - $95,000-$250,000

Counselor Helps families work through conflicts Educates families to improve communication and relationships Salary - $37,000 Psychologist - $63,000

Health Educator Writes educational materials concerning health care Produces public information reports, and writes grant proposals Salary - $42,000

Physician Assistant Provides routine patient care under the supervision of a physician. Salary - $68,000

Respiratory Therapist Assists in treating and evaluating patients with breathing problems Salary - $40,000

Athletic Trainer Supervises treatment and rehabilitations of injuries in athletes. Salary - $42,000

Different Degrees College Prep diploma Certificate Associate Degree Bachelor Degree Masters Degree Doctorate Degree

How do I pay for college? Grant – gift assistance based on need Scholarship – based on merit or need Loan – financial aid that requires interest and repayment KHESLC

Medical Story Telling Time Think of a time when you needed medical attention. How many different health care professionals attended to you?