When
you ask children what they want to be when they grow up, a common
answer is "doctor." But when those children grow up, many find those
dreams shift to another field in healthcare as they learn doctor is just one of many career paths.
With the aging boomers, the health-care
field is growing fast. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the
health-care and social assistance sector is projected to gain the most
jobs over any other sector between 2010 and 2020.
If you're interested in the world of health and medicine, but becoming
a doctor just isn't for you, consider one of these nine health-care
occupation alternatives:
What they do: Cardiovascular technologists perform tests via
imaging technology on the heart and vascular system to help physicians
detect and diagnose heart and blood vessel conditions in patients. Most
workers who enter this field receive an associate degree. Some
technologists and technicians do get on-the-job training, but many
employers also require professional certification.
- Projected job growth between 2010-20: 29 percent (much faster than average)
- Median annual pay: $49,410
What they do: These technicians and technologists perform
various tasks in a clinical lab, such as collecting samples and
performing tests to analyze body fluids, tissue and other substances. In
2010, 52 percent of medical laboratory technologists and technicians
worked in hospitals.
- Projected job growth between 2010-20: 13 percent (about as fast as average)
- Median annual pay: $46,680
What they do: Dental assistants help dentists with patients in a
variety of ways. Tasks include making patients comfortable before
procedures, sterilizing equipment, teaching patients about proper dental
hygiene and scheduling appointments. Almost all dental assistants work
in dental offices.
- Projected job growth between 2010-20: 31 percent (much faster than average)
- Median annual pay: $33,470
4. Dietitians and nutritionists
What they do: As food and nutrition experts, dietitians and
nutritionists advise patients on what to eat in order to lead a healthy
lifestyle or reach certain weight goals. Most workers in this field have
a bachelor's degree and have participated in supervised on-the-job
training. Many states require dietitians and nutritionists to be
licensed.
- Projected job growth between 2010-20: 20 percent (faster than average)
- Median annual pay: $53,250
What they do: Dispensing opticians fit patients with eyeglasses
and contact lenses. Opticians typically have a high-school diploma or
equivalent and some form of on-the-job training. Training may include
technical instruction and sales and office management practices.
Twenty-three states require opticians to be licensed. Depending on the
state, opticians may also need to pass a state written exam, a state
practical exam and/or certification exams.
- Projected job growth between 2010-20: 29 percent (much faster than average)
- Median annual pay: $32,940
What they do: The responsibilities of health information and
medical records technicians include collecting and organizing health
data, updating national cancer registries and coding medical bills for
insurance reimbursement. The job outlook for this occupation is strong,
given that more hospitals are transitioning to electronic health
records.
- Projected job growth between 2010-20: 21 percent (faster than average)
- Median annual pay: $32,350
What they do: As the elderly population grows, the need for
home health and personal care aides increases. These workers
specifically help elderly, disabled or ill patients who aren't able to
care for themselves independently. They help with everything from
bathing and dressing to light housekeeping to dispensing medication.
While most aides work in a client's home, others may work in group homes
or care communities.
- Projected job growth between 2010-20: 70 percent (much faster than average)
- Median annual pay: $20,170
What they do: Pharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists
dispense prescription medication. They also perform administrative tasks
in pharmacies. While most technicians hold a high-school diploma or
equivalent, some states require the completion of a formal training
program and the passing of an exam. These technicians may work either
full or part time in grocery or drugstore pharmacies or in hospitals.
- Projected job growth between 2010-20: 32 percent (much faster than average)
- Median annual pay: $28,400
What they do: Speech-language pathologists, also known as
speech therapists, help people with communication and swallowing
disorders caused by anything from stroke to hearing loss to emotional
problems. In this role, workers assess, diagnose and treat patients.
Some pathologists choose to work with specific age groups, or they may
focus on treatments for specific communication or swallowing problems.
- Projected job growth between 2010-20: 23 percent (faster than average)
- Median annual pay: $66,920
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