Healthcare Schools and Programs

Is One Degree or Program the Best Route to a Healthcare Career?

You may think a job in health care requires years of medical school and training, but that's simply not true. Yes, if you want to perform brain surgery, then you have more than ten years of training ahead of you. But, many of the fastest growing healthcare specialties only require a certificate or associate’s degree. These include registered nursing and dental hygiene. Home health aides receive on-the-job training; while licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses complete one-year training programs. Physician assistants generally need a master's degree.

HealthCare Career Overview and Outlook

If you're looking for a stable career, consider working in healthcare. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLM) predicts 22 percent overall employment growth in the field from 2008-2018. That's 3.2 million new jobs. Ten of the 20 fastest growing jobs in the U.S. are in healthcare services. Registered nursing is the largest field within the health care industry, employing 2.6 million people as of 2008. Employment opportunities for physician assistants rank among the fastest growing, with 39 percent job growth expected from 2008-2018.

Your Potential Salary in a Healthcare Career

Since the health care field is so large, salaries within the industry vary widely. A home health aide earned a median salary of $20,480 annually, while surgeons averaged $219,770--most healthcare careers fall somewhere in-between. For instance, licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses earn a median annual salary of $39,820. Registered nurses earn $63,750, while physician assistants enjoyed a median wage of $84,420.

Healthcare Career Options

The health care industry includes everything from social workers to medical billing clerks, physical therapists, and paramedics. You could work at a hospital, physician's office, or patients' homes. No matter your interests, with such a range of opportunities, you can easily find the right healthcare job for you.