Exploring Health Care Careers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the health care industry will have the largest growth in jobs compared to all other industries. In the next few years 26% of all new jobs will be created in the health care and social assistance industry. This includes jobs in public and private hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities, individual care, and family services. That equals an estimated 4 million new job opportunities.
Below is a short list of some of the many health care occupations that will experience growth. Using your Interest code from Assess Yourself, you can begin exploring some of these occupations.
| Occupation |
Interest code |
Education |
Average annual salary |
Average annual job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Health Aide | SRC | High school diploma | $19,100 | 780 |
|
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer |
ISR |
Associate's degree and training |
$59,400 | 70 |
|
Medical Scientists |
IRA | Doctoral degree | $69,300 | 30 |
|
Personal Care Aides |
SRC | High School diploma | $18,100 | 510 |
|
Mental Health Counselor |
SIA |
Master's degree and licensure |
$38,500 | 130 |
|
Medical Secretary |
CS |
Some college courses and training |
$29,800 | 780 |
| Dental Hygienist | SRC |
Associate's degree and training |
$64,200 | 350 |
|
Radiologic Technologist |
RS |
Associate's degree and training |
$51,100 | 300 |
|
Respiratory Therapist |
SIR |
Associate's degree and training |
$50,200 | 180 |
|
Physical Therapy Assistant |
SRC |
Associate's degree and training |
$51,400 | 50 |
|
Physician Assistant |
SIR |
Master's degree and training |
$85,700 | 140 |
|
Registered Nurse |
SIC |
Associate's degree and training |
$61,700 | 3340 |
|
Emergency Medical Technician |
SIR |
Some college specific to healthcare |
$29,500 | 270 |
| Dental Assistant | CRS |
Some college and training |
$34,100 | 430 |
|
Medical Assistant |
SCR |
Some college and training |
$28,200 | 630 |
To continue to explore health care occupations you can go to the Virtual Career Network. This site will provide you with occupational descriptions, tasks, required education, average annual salary, and other resources to help you get started.
