Your Journey Starts Here

At ProvidenceReady, we understand the importance of preparing for the future, and we're here to help you explore the many exciting areas of healthcare careers that might be perfect for you.

From hands-on patient care roles to innovative positions in medical technology, the possibilities are truly endless. Discover the career that aligns with your passions and skills.

Take a look around this page to learn more about various healthcare careers and see which ones spark your interest!

(Career information is sourced from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics: www.bls.gov)

Career Areas

Whether you are interested in working in a physician's office, hospital, laboratory, or operating room, there's one thing you can be sure of: collaboration amongst a dedicated team of healthcare professionals. Click the career areas below to learn more about each of the roles contributing to positive patient experiences. You may just find the right career for you!

Allied Health Careers

Diagnostic Imaging Careers

Emergency Department Careers

Labor & Delivery Careers

Career Profiles

Dive into the details of what makes each health care career unique—understand the day-to-day responsibilities, required skills, and the impact you can make in each role. Whether you're drawn to the fast-paced environment of an emergency room or the meticulous world of medical research, there's a path waiting for you.

Anesthesiologist

Fast Fact PDF

Roles and Responsibilities:

Focus on the care of surgical patients and pain relief.

Typical Duties:

Administer drugs (anesthetics) that reduce or eliminate the sensation of pain during an operation or another medical procedure
Adjust the amount of anesthetic as needed and monitor the patient's heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, and breathing
Provide pain relief for patients in intensive care, for women in labor, and for patients suffering from chronic pain

Work Environments:

Anesthesiologists work in clinical settings and spend most of their time in sterile environments. Most work full time, which may include long shifts, irregular schedules, overnight hours, or being on call.

Education and Licensing:

Doctoral degree (M.D. or D.O)
Residency
State licensure and board certification

Skills and Qualities:

Communication, detail oriented, leadership, organization, patience, physical stamina, and problem solving.

Pay:

National median annual wage: $339,470 (2023).

Job Outlook:

Employment projected to grow 3% from 2022 to 2032.
Approximately 1,000 job openings per year expected due to replacement needs and demand from an aging population (10,000 openings over the next 10 years).

Certified Medical Assistant

Fast Fact PDF

Medical Assistants complete a variety of administrative and clinical tasks, such as scheduling appointments and taking patients' vital signs. They typically work in physicians’ offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and other healthcare facilities in collaboration with various healthcare professionals.

Roles and Responsibilities

Provide patient care
Complete clinical and administrative tasks

Typical Duties:

Interview patients and record their medical history
Measure patients' vital signs, such as their blood pressure and weight
Help physicians with patient examinations
Give patients injections or medications as directed by physicians and as permitted by state law
Schedule patient appointments
Collect and prepare samples of blood and other specimens for laboratory tests
Enter patient information, such as their vital signs and test results, into medical records
Maintain inventory of medical and office supplies

Work Environments:

Medical assistants work in a variety of settings, including physicians' offices (56%), hospitals (15%), outpatient centers (9%), and other healthcare offices (8%).
Most work full time. Some work evenings, weekends, or holiday shifts.

Education and Licensing:

High school diploma
Post-secondary education (Associates degree or certificate program)

Skills and Qualities:

Analytical skills, communication, compassion, detail oriented, interpersonal skills.

Pay:

National median annual wage: $42,000 per year (2023).

Job Outlook:

Employment projected to grow 14% from 2022 to 2032.
Approximately 114,600 job openings per year expected due to replacement needs and demand from an aging population (1,146,000 openings over the next 10 years).

Certified Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Certified Nurse Anesthetist

Fast Fact PDF

Roles and Responsibilities:

Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia and provide care before, during, and after surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, and obstetrical procedures. They also provide pain management and some emergency services.

Typical Duties:

Administer drugs (anesthetics) that reduce or eliminate the sensation of pain during an operation or another medical procedure
Adjust the amount of anesthetic as needed and monitor the patient's heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, and breathing
Provide pain relief for patients in intensive care, for women in labor, and for patients suffering from chronic pain

Work Environments:

Nurse anesthetists work primarily in physicians’ offices (47%), hospitals (25%), and outpatient centers (9%).
Most work full time, and are often on their feet. In physicians’ offices, they typically work normal business hours. In hospitals and other healthcare facilities, they may work irregular schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays to provide around-the-clock care.

Education and Licensing:

Registered Nurse (RN) license
Completion of accredited Nurse Anesthetist program
Must pass the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA)’s National Certification Examination

Skills and Qualities:

Communication skills, critical thinking, compassion, detail oriented, interpersonal skills, leadership skills, and resourcefulness.

Pay:

National median annual wage: $212,650 (2023).

Job Outlook:

Employment projected to grow 9% from 2022 to 2032.
Approximately 4,500 job openings per year expected due to replacement needs and demand from an aging population (45,000 openings over the next 10 years).

Certified Nursing Assistant

Fast Fact PDF

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) provide basic care to help patients with the daily activities of living. They primarily work in residential and nursing care facilities and hospitals alongside a team of healthcare professionals.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Provide patient care.
Offer emotional support to patients and families.
Work under the supervision of Licensed Practical Nurses, Licensed Vocational Nurses, and Registered Nurses.

Typical Duties:

Clean and bathe patients
Help patients use the toilet and dress
Turn, reposition, and transfer patients between beds and wheelchairs
Listen to and record patients’ health concerns and report that information to nurses
Measure patients’ vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature
Serve meals and help patients eat

Work Environments:

CNAs can work various settings including hospitals (33%), nursing and residential care facilities (33%), continuing care retirement communities and assisted living facilities (11%), home healthcare services (6%), and government facilities (4%).
Certified nursing assistants' roles can be physically strenuous, with much of their time spent on their feet, moving patients, or completing other physically demanding tasks.

Education and Licensing:

CNAs must complete a state-approved education program that includes both instruction on the principles of nursing and supervised clinical work. These programs are available in high schools, community colleges, vocational and technical schools, hospitals, and nursing homes.
All nurse assistants must complete on the job training, pass a certification exam, and meet state-specific requirements.

Skills and Qualities:

Communication, compassion, patience, and physical stamina.

Pay:

National median annual wage: $48,060 (2023).
Wage varies by industry, e.g., government ($43,410) and home healthcare services ($35,350).

Job Outlook:

Employment projected to grow 4% from 2022 to 2032.
Approximately 209,400 job openings per year expected due to replacement needs and demand from an aging population (2,094,000 openings over the next 10 years).

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Fast Fact PDF

Occupational therapy assistants help occupational therapists provide treatments and procedures to clients. They assist occupational therapists to help clients develop, improve, and maintain everyday skills. These assistants help to coordinate client care by monitoring activities to make sure that clients do them correctly, recording client progress, and providing feedback. They also collaborate with occupational therapists so that the therapist can modify the client’s plan as needed. They work primarily in occupational therapists’ offices, hospitals, and nursing care facilities.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Provide treatments and procedures to clients
Assist occupational therapists to help clients develop, improve, and maintain everyday skills

Typical Duties:

Guide clients in therapeutic activities, such as exercises to improve motor skills and functional abilities
Lead children who have disabilities in play activities that promote coordination, socialization, and meeting developmental milestones
Teach clients new ways of accomplishing everyday tasks
Instruct clients in the use of special equipment—for example, showing a client with Parkinson’s disease how to use adaptive devices to simplify meal preparation
Record clients’ progress, report to occupational therapists, and do other administrative tasks

Work Environments:

Occupational therapy assistants work in the offices of other health practitioners (40%), hospitals (28%), and nursing care facilities (10%).
Most work full-time, but part-time work is common. Their schedules may include work in the evenings or on weekends to accommodate client schedules.
Constant kneeling and stooping are part of the job, as is the occasional need to lift clients.

Education and Licensing:

Associates degree from an accredited program
State licensure
Must pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam

Skills and Qualities:

Adaptability, compassion, detail oriented, interpersonal skills, physical stamina and strength .

Pay:

National median annual wage: $67,010 (2023).

Job Outlook:

Employment projected to grow 24% from 2022 to 2032.
Approximately 10,800 job openings per year expected due to replacement needs and demand from an aging population (108,000 openings over the next 10 years).

Clinical Laboratory Technologist

Fast Fact PDF

Clinical laboratory technologists (also known as medical laboratory scientists) perform medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. Most work full-time in healthcare settings such as hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, and doctor’s offices.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Perform complex medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

Typical Duties

Test and analyze body fluids, such as blood, urine, and tissue samples
Operate laboratory equipment, such as microscopes and automated cell counters
Use automated equipment that analyzes multiple samples at the same time
Record data from medical tests and enter results into a patient’s medical record
Discuss results and findings of laboratory tests and procedures with physicians

Work Environments:

Clinical laboratory technologists work in hospitals (44%), medical and diagnostic laboratories (21%), physicians’ offices (9%), colleges and universities (5%), and outpatient centers (3%)
Most work full-time, with schedules that may include nights, weekends, or holidays.

Education and Licensing:

Bachelors degree

Skills and Qualities:

Analytical skills, detail oriented, dexterity, interpersonal skills, physical stamina.

Pay:

National median annual wage: $60,780 (2023).

Job Outlook:

Employment projected to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032.
Approximately 24,000 job openings per year expected (240,000 openings over the next 10 years).

Coder

Medical Coder

Fast Fact PDF

Medical coders enter treatment plans into data systems for billing through insurance companies at hospitals, physicians’ offices, and outpatient clinics.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Perform coding audits and review of provider services to support compliance for a medical group
Support multiple specialties across a medical group with coding for evaluation, management, and procedural services
Work side-by-side with outpatient providers, giving ongoing feedback, coaching, and support with the code entry process

Typical Duties

Review patients’ records for timeliness, completeness, and accuracy
Use classification systems to assign clinical codes for patients’ diagnoses, procedures, medical services, and related information
Maintain and retrieve records for insurance reimbursement and data analysis
Electronically record data for collection, storage, analysis, retrieval, and reporting
Ensure confidentiality of patients’ records

Work Environments:

Medical coders mostly work in hospitals (27%) and physicians’ offices (19%).
The majority of medical coders work full time, typically spending most of their day on computers.

Education and Licensing:

High school diploma or equivalent
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) certified coding credential
2 years work experience in a medical office, physician billing office, or equivalent office experience

Skills and Qualities:

Analytical skills, detail oriented, integrity, interpersonal skills.

Pay:

National median annual wage: $48,780 (2023).

Job Outlook:

Employment projected to grow 8% from 2022 to 2032.
Approximately 15,000 job openings per year expected (150,000 openings over the next 10 years).

Echocardiographer

Fast Fact PDF

Echocardiographers (also known as cardiac sonographers) are diagnostic imaging professionals who specialize in using ultrasound technology to create images of the heart. They typically work in high-stress medical facilities.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Operate special equipment to create images or conduct tests
Work closely with physicians and surgeons, who view images and test results to assess and diagnose conditions

Typical Duties

Prepare patients by explaining the procedure to them and answering their questions
Prepare exam rooms and maintain diagnostic imaging equipment
Properly situate patients for imaging
Operate equipment to obtain diagnostic images or to conduct tests
Review images or test results to check for quality and adequate coverage of the areas needed for diagnoses
Analyze results for abnormalities and other diagnostic information and provide a summary of findings to physicians
Record findings and keep track of patients’ records

Work Environments:

Echocardiographers work primarily in hospitals (76%) and physicians’ offices (12%).
Most work full-time, but part-time work is common. Their schedules may include evening, weekend, and holiday shifts.

Education and Licensing:

Associates or bachelors degree in sonography, cardio, and vascular technology
One-year certificate programs available at some hospitals
State licensure
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

Skills and Qualities:

Communication, detail oriented, hand-eye coordination, physical stamina, and technical skills.

Pay:

National median annual wage: $81,350 (2023).

Job Outlook:

Employment projected to grow 4% from 2022 to 2032.
Approximately 2,200 job openings per year expected (22,000 openings over the next 10 years).

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Paramedic

Fast Fact PDF

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics assess injuries and illnesses, provide emergency medical care, and may transport patients to medical facilities. Their work is physically strenuous, and they spend much of their time standing or moving. Their work also may be stressful, especially when it involves life-or-death situations. Some paramedics must fly on helicopters or airplanes as part of an air ambulance flight crew.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Respond to emergency calls for the sick or injured
Provide emergency medical care in the field and during transport to hospital

Typical Duties

Patient assessment
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation/automated external defibrillator use, bleeding control, bandaging/splinting, and patient extrication
IV therapy
Advanced airway management/ interventions
Administration of life-saving medications, pharmacology, and the use of cardiac monitors/ pacemakers
Care for patients with cardiac, respiratory and medical emergencies
Assist with emergency childbirth, behavior emergencies and multisystem trauma patients

Work Environments:

EMTs work primarily in ambulance services (46%), local government (26%), hospitals (18%)
Paramedics work in ambulance services (39%), local government (37%), and hospitals (17%)
Both EMTs and Paramedics work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions, spending considerable time kneeling, bending, and lifting while caring for and moving patients
Most work full-time, with some working more than 40 hours a week. As they must be available in emergencies, their schedules may include nights, weekends, and holidays. Some work extended shifts, lasting from 12-24 hours

Education and Licensing:

MT- Basic certification requires a high school diploma and successful completion of a state approved EMT course, with a passing score on both cognitive and psychomotor exams
WMT- Advanced certification requires an EMT- Basic License and successful completion of a state-approved Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course
Paramedic- Associates degree

Skills and Qualities:

Communication, compassion, interpersonal skills, physical strength, and problem solving skills

Pay:

EMT national median annual wage: $38,930 (2023)
Paramedic national median annual wage: $53,180 (2023)

Job Outlook:

Employment projected to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032
Approximately 1,800 job openings per year expected (18,000 openings over the next 10 years)

Healthcare Administrator

Fast Fact PDF

Healthcare administrators plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of healthcare providers. They may manage an entire facility, a specific clinical area or department, or a medical practice for a group of physicians. Medical and health services managers must adapt to changes in healthcare laws, regulations, and technology.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Manage personnel in hospitals, clinics, and outpatient centers

Typical Duties

Develop goals and objectives related to efficiency and quality of healthcare services
Ensure that the facility in which they work complies with laws and regulations
Prepare and monitor budgets and manage finances, including patient fees and billing
Recruit, train, and supervise staff members
Create work schedules
Represent the facility or department at investor meetings or on governing boards
Keep and organize records of facility services, such as the number of inpatient beds used

Work Environments:

Healthcare administrators work primarily in hospitals (30%), physicians' offices (12%), and nursing facilities (9%)
Most work full-time, with some working more than 40 hours a week. Evening or weekend work may be required in healthcare settings that operate around the clock, such as hospitals and nursing homes. Medical and health services managers may need to be on call in case of emergencies.

Education and Licensing:

Some employers may require a Bachelors degree in a relevant field
Work experience in a clinical or administrative role

Skills and Qualities:

Analytical skills, communication, detail-oriented, leadership skills, technical skills

Pay:

National median annual wage: $110,680 (2023)

Job Outlook:

Employment projected to grow 28% from 2022 to 2032
Approximately 54,700 job openings per year expected (547,000 openings over the next 10 years)

Home Health Aide

Fast Fact PDF

Home health and personal care aides monitor the condition of people with disabilities or chronic illnesses and help them with daily living activities. They work in a variety of settings, including clients’ homes, group homes, and day services programs. Most aides work full time, although part-time work is common. Work schedules may vary.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Assist patients with daily living activities.
Provide some basic health-related services—such as checking a client’s pulse, temperature, and respiration rate—depending on the state in which they work
Help with simple prescribed exercises and with giving medications
Occasionally, they change bandages or dressings, give massages, care for skin, or help with braces and artificial limbs
With special training, experienced home health aides also may help with medical equipment, such as ventilators to help clients breathe

Typical Duties

Assist clients in their daily personal tasks, such as bathing or dressing
Perform housekeeping tasks, such as laundry, washing dishes, and vacuuming
Help to organize a client’s schedule and plan appointments
Arrange transportation to doctors’ offices or other outings
Shop for groceries and prepare meals to meet a client’s dietary specifications
Keep clients engaged in their social networks and communities

Work Environments:

Home health aides work in individual and family services (49%), home healthcare services (24%), and residential facilities (7%)

Education and Licensing:

High school diploma or equivalent
Some states require licensure or certification

Skills and Qualities:

Detail oriented, emotional intelligence, integrity, interpersonal skills, and physical stamina

Pay:

National median annual wage: $33,530 (2023)

Job Outlook:

Employment projected to grow 22% from 2022 to 2032
Approximately 684,600 job openings per year expected (68,460,000 openings over the next 10 years)

Laboratory Technician

Fast Fact PDF

Laboratory technicians perform medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

Roles and Responsibilities

Perform medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

Typical Duties

Test and analyze body fluids, such as blood, urine, and tissue samples
Operate laboratory equipment, such as microscopes and automated cell counters
Use automated equipment that analyzes multiple samples at the same time
Record data from medical tests and enter results into a patient’s medical record
Discuss results and findings of laboratory tests and procedures with physicians

Work Environments:

Laboratory technicians work in hospitals (44%), medical and diagnostic laboratories (21%), physicians’ offices (9%), colleges and universities (5%), and outpatient centers (3%)
Most work full-time, with schedules that may include nights, weekends, or holidays.

Education and Licensing:

Associates degree in clinical laboratory science

Skills and Qualities:

Analytical skills, detail oriented, dexterity, interpersonal skills, and physical stamina.

Pay:

National median annual wage: $60,780 (2023)

Job Outlook:

Employment projected to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032
Approximately 24,000 job openings per year expected (240,000 openings over the next 10 years)

Licensed Practical/ Vocational Nurse (LPN/ LVN)

Licensed Practical and Vocational Nurse

Fast Fact PDF

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) provide basic medical care. They work in a variety of settings, including nursing and residential care facilities, hospitals, physicians’ offices, and private homes. Most work full time.

Roles and Responsibilities

Provide basic medical care to ill, injured, or convalescing patients or to persons with disabilities.

Typical Duties

Monitor patients’ health by checking their blood pressure, body temperature, and other vital signs
Provide basic patient care and comfort, including changing bandages and helping with bathing or dressing
Discuss care with patients and listen to their concerns
Report patients’ status and concerns to registered nurses, advanced practice nurses, or physicians
Document patient care and maintain health records

Work Environments:

LPNS and LVNs work in nursing facilities (35%), hospitals (15%), home health services (13%), physicians offices (12%), and government (6%)
Most work full-time, with schedules that may include nights, weekends, or holidays.

Education and Licensing:

Complete a state-approved certification program
Must pass the NCLEX-PN exam

Skills and Qualities:

Compassion, communication, detail oriented, interpersonal skills, multitasking skills, and physical stamina.

Pay:

National median annual wage: $59,730 (2023)

Job Outlook:

Employment projected to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032
Approximately 54,400 job openings per year expected (544,000 openings over the next 10 years)

Medical Scribe

Fast Fact PDF

Medical scribes or transcriptionists use electronic devices to convert voice recordings from physicians and other healthcare workers into formal reports. Many work for hospitals, physicians' offices, and third-party transcription companies that provide services to healthcare establishments. Most are full time, but part-time work is common.

Roles and Responsibilities

Use electronic devices to convert voice recordings from physicians and other healthcare workers into formal reports.
Edit medical records for accuracy and return documents for review and approval.

Typical Duties

Listen to the recorded dictation of a physician or other healthcare worker
Interpret and transcribe the dictation for medical reports, such as patient histories, discharge summaries, and physical examinations
Review and edit drafts prepared by speech recognition software, making sure that the transcription is accurate, complete, and consistent in style
Translate medical abbreviations and jargon into the appropriate long form
Identify inconsistencies, errors, and missing information in a report that could compromise patient care
Submit reports to physicians and other healthcare providers for review and approval
Follow patient confidentiality guidelines and legal documentation requirements
Enter medical reports into electronic health records (EHR) systems

Work Environments:

Medical scribes work in administrative and support services (37%), hospitals (12%), and physicians offices (34%)
Most medical transcriptionists are full time, but part-time work is common. Medical transcriptionists who work from home may work outside typical business hours and may have flexibility in determining their schedules.

Education and Licensing:

High school diploma or equivalent
Some employers prefer to hire scribes with a post-secondary certificate in medical transcription

Skills and Qualities:

Computer skills, critical thinking, listening, time management skills, and writing skills.

Pay:

National median annual wage: $37,060 (2023)

Job Outlook:

Employment projected to decline 4% from 2022 to 2032
Despite declining employment, approximately 8,100 openings for medical transcriptionists are projected each year (81,000 openings over the next 10 years)

Nurse Midwife

Fast Fact PDF

Nurse midwives (CNMs) provide care to women, including gynecological exams, family planning services, and prenatal care. They deliver babies, manage emergency situations during labor, repair lacerations, and may provide surgical assistance to physicians during cesarean births. Nurse midwives may act as primary maternity care providers for women. They also provide wellness care, educating their patients on how to lead healthy lives by discussing topics such as nutrition and disease prevention. Nurse midwives also provide care to their patients’ partners for sexual or reproductive health issues.

Roles and Responsibilities

Coordinate patient care and may provide primary and specialty healthcare.

Typical Duties

Assist people through pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care.
Deliver babies in low-risk pregnancies and work closely with gynecologists to assess and diagnose chronic illnesses of pregnant people.
Create patient care plans or contribute to existing plans
Diagnose various health problems
Analyze test results or changes in a patient’s condition and alter treatment plans, as needed
Give patients medicines and treatments
Evaluate a patient’s response to medicines and treatments
Consult with doctors and other healthcare professionals, as needed
Counsel and teach patients and their families how to stay healthy or manage their illnesses or injuries

Work Environments:

Nurse midwives primarily work in physicians' offices (47%), hospitals (25%), and outpatient centers (9%)
Most nurse midwives work full time. In physicians’ offices, they typically work during normal business hours. In hospitals and other healthcare facilities, they may work in shifts—including nights, weekends, and holidays—to provide round-the-clock patient care. Nurse midwives also may need to be on call to help deliver babies.

Education and Licensing:

Registered Nurse (RN) license
Masters degree in Advanced Nursing Specialty
Completion of midwifery program
Midwifery certification

Skills and Qualities:

Compassion, communication, critical thinking, detail oriented, interpersonal skills, leadership skills, and resourcefulness.

Pay:

National median annual wage: $129,650 (2023)

Job Outlook:

Employment projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032
Approximately 500 job openings per year expected (5,000 openings over the next 10 years)

Nurse Practitioner

Fast Fact PDF

Nurse practitioners (NPs) serve as primary and specialty care providers, delivering advanced nursing services to patients and their families. They assess patients, determine how to improve or manage a patient’s health, and discuss ways to integrate health promotion strategies into a patient’s life. Nurse practitioners typically care for a certain population of people. For instance, NPs may work in adult and geriatric health, pediatric health, or psychiatric and mental health.

Roles and Responsibilities

Coordinate patient care and may provide primary and specialty healthcare.

Typical Duties

Take and record patients' medical histories and symptoms
Perform physical exams and observe patients
Create patient care plans or contribute to existing plans
Perform and order diagnostic tests
Operate and monitor medical equipment
Diagnose various health problems
Analyze test results or changes in a patient’s condition and alter treatment plans, as needed
Give patients medicines and treatments
Evaluate a patient’s response to medicines and treatments
Consult with doctors and other healthcare professionals, as needed
Counsel and teach patients and their families how to stay healthy or manage their illnesses or injuries

Work Environments:

Nurse practitioners primarily work in physicians' offices (47%), hospitals (25%), and outpatient centers (9%)
Most NPs work full time. In physicians’ offices, NPs typically work during normal business hours. In hospitals and other healthcare facilities, they may work in shifts—including nights, weekends, and holidays—to provide round-the-clock patient care. Some NPs, especially those who work in critical care or those who deliver babies, also may need to be on call.

Education and Licensing:

Registered Nurse (RN) license
Masters degree in Advanced Nursing Specialty
There are several different certifications for nurse practitioners, including those available from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB), the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB). Each of these certifications requires periodic renewal./li>

Skills and Qualities:

Compassion, communication, critical thinking, detail oriented, interpersonal skills, leadership skills, and resourcefulness.

Pay:

National median annual wage: $126,260 (2023)

Job Outlook:

Employment projected to grow 9% from 2022 to 2032
Approximately 4,500 job openings per year expected (45,000 openings over the next 10 years)

Obstetrician/ Gynecologist (OB/GYN)

Fast Fact PDF

Provide care and counsel to women regarding pregnancy, childbirth, and the female reproductive system. They also diagnose and treat health issues specific to women, such as cervical cancer, ovarian cysts, and symptoms related to menopause.

Roles and Responsibilities

Examine patients
Take medical histories
Prescribe medications
Order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests

Typical Duties

Assist people through pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care
Deliver babies
Assess and diagnose chronic illnesses of pregnant people
Create patient care plans or contribute to existing plans
Diagnose various health problems
Analyze test results or changes in a patient’s condition and alter treatment plans, as needed
Give patients medicines and treatments
Evaluate a patient’s response to medicines and treatments
Consult with doctors and other healthcare professionals, as needed
Counsel and teach patients and their families how to stay healthy or manage their illnesses or injuries

Work Environments:

Most OB/GYNs work full time. Some work more than 40 hours per week.
Many work long shifts, which may include irregular and overnight hours or being on call. They may travel between their offices and the hospital to care for patients.

Education and Licensing:

Doctoral degree (M.D. or D.O.)
Residency

Skills and Qualities:

Compassion, communication, detail oriented, dexterity, interpersonal skills, leadership skills, organizational skills, patience, and physical stamina.

Pay:

National median annual wage: $278,660 (2023)

Job Outlook:

Employment projected to grow 2% from 2022 to 2032
Approximately 500 job openings per year expected (5,000 openings over the next 10 years)

Occupational Therapist

Fast Fact PDF

Occupational therapists evaluate and treat people who have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities to help them with vocational, daily living, and other skills that promote independence.

Roles and Responsibilities

Evaluate and treat clients

Typical Duties

Evaluate clients' conditions by reviewing their medical history, interviewing them, and observing them perform various tasks
Develop and implement treatment plans that have specific activities to help clients work toward their goals
Help clients relearn and perform daily living tasks, such as teaching a person who has had a stroke how to get dressed
Demonstrate exercises—for example, stretching the joints for arthritis relief—to help relieve clients’ pain
Evaluate a client’s home, school, or workplace to identify potential accessibility improvements, such as labeling kitchen cabinets for an older person with poor memory
Educate a client’s family about how to accommodate and care for them
Recommend special equipment, such as mobility aids and eating aids, and instruct clients and families on how to use it
Assess and record clients’ activities and progress for client evaluations, billing, and other purposes

Work Environments:

Occupational therapists primarily work in hospitals (29%), offices of physical or speech therapists (28%), elementary or secondary schools (12%), home health care (8%), and nursing facilities (7%).
Most occupational therapists work full time, but part-time work is common. They may work nights or weekends, as needed, to accommodate clients’ schedules.

Education and Licensing:

Masters degree in Occupational Therapy
Must pass the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
State licensure

Skills and Qualities:

Adaptability, compassion, communication, interpersonal skills, patience, and physical stamina.

Pay:

National median annual wage: $96,370 (2023)

Job Outlook:

Employment projected to grow 12% from 2022 to 2032
Approximately 9,600 job openings per year expected (96,000 openings over the next 10 years)

Pediatrician

Fast Fact PDF

Provide care for infants, children, teenagers, and young adults. They specialize in diagnosing and treating problems specific to younger people. Most pediatricians administer vaccinations and treat common illnesses, minor injuries, and infectious diseases. Some pediatricians specialize in serious medical conditions that commonly affect younger patients, such as autoimmune disorders.

Roles and Responsibilities

Examine patients
Take medical histories
Prescribe medications
Order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests

Typical Duties

Provide care for infants, children, teens, and young adults
Administer vaccinations
Treat common illnesses, minor injuries, and infectious diseases
Create patient care plans or contribute to existing plans
Analyze test results or changes in a patient’s condition and alter treatment plans, as needed
Give patients medicines and treatments
Evaluate a patient’s response to medicines and treatments
Counsel and teach patients and their families how to stay healthy or manage their illnesses or injuries

Work Environments:

Most pediatricians work full time. Some work more than 40 hours per week.
Many work long shifts, which may include irregular and overnight hours or being on call. They may travel between their offices and the hospital to care for patients.

Education and Licensing:

Doctoral degree (M.D. or D.O.)
Residency

Skills and Qualities:

Compassion, communication, detail oriented, dexterity, interpersonal skills, leadership skills, organizational skills, patience, and physical stamina.

Pay:

National median annual wage: $205,860 (2023)

Job Outlook:

Employment projected to grow 1% from 2022 to 2032
Approximately 300 job openings per year expected (3,000 openings over the next 10 years)

Pharmacist

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Dispense prescription medications and provide information to patients about the drugs and their use.

Roles and Responsibilities

Dispense medications
Inform patients on proper use and side affects

Typical Duties

Fill prescriptions to the proper amount based on physicians’ instructions
Check patients’ allergies, medical conditions, and other drugs they are taking to ensure that the newly prescribed medication does not cause adverse reaction
Instruct patients on proper use, side effects, and storage of prescribed medicine
Administer vaccinations, such as flu shots
Advise patients about general health topics, such as exercise and managing stress, and on other issues, such as what equipment or supplies would be best to treat a health problem
Work with insurance companies to resolve billing issues
Supervise the work of pharmacy technicians and pharmacists in training (interns)
Maintain patient and pharmacy records
Educate other healthcare workers about proper medication therapies for patients

Work Environments:

Pharmacists primarily work in pharmacies (42%), hospitals (27%), retailers (6%), and ambulatory care facilities (6%).
Most pharmacists work full time. In hospitals and other facilities that are open 24 hours, pharmacists may work nights, weekends, and holidays.

Education and Licensing:

Doctor of Pharmacy degree (Pharm.D)
Residency
Must pass North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX)
State licensure

Skills and Qualities:

Analytical skills, compassion, communication, detail oriented, interpersonal skills, managerial skills.

Pay:

National median annual wage: $136,030 (2023)

Job Outlook:

Employment projected to grow 3% from 2022 to 2032
Approximately 13,400 job openings per year expected (134,000 openings over the next 10 years)

Pharmacy Technician

Fast Fact PDF

Help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to customers or health professionals.

Roles and Responsibilities

Dispense medications
Inform patients on proper use and side affects

Typical Duties

Collect information needed to fill a prescription from customers or health professionals
Measure amounts of medication for prescriptions
Package and label prescriptions
Organize inventory and alert pharmacists to any shortages of medications or supplies
Accept payment for prescriptions and process insurance claims
Enter customer or patient information, including any prescriptions taken, into a computer system
Answer phone calls from customers
Arrange for customers to speak with pharmacists if customers have questions about medications or health matters

Work Environments:

Pharmacy technicians primarily work in pharmacies (52%) and hospitals (16%).
Most pharmacy technicians work full time. Pharmacies may be open at all hours. Therefore, pharmacy technicians may have to work nights or weekends.

Education and Licensing:

High school diploma or equivalent
Pharmacy technician training program

Skills and Qualities:

Customer service skills, detail oriented, listening skills, math skills, and organizational skills.

Pay:

National median annual wage: $40,300 (2023)

Job Outlook:

Employment projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032
Approximately 44,900 job openings per year expected (449,000 openings over the next 10 years)

Phlebotomist

Fast Fact PDF

Draw blood for tests, transfusions, research, or blood donations. They are employed in a variety of settings, including hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, blood donor centers, and doctors’ offices.

Roles and Responsibilities

Draw blood
Ease patient anxiety

Typical Duties

Draw blood from patients or blood donors
Explain their work to help relax patients or donors who feel nervous about having blood drawn
Verify a patient’s or donor’s identity
Label the collected blood for testing or processing
Label sterile containers for other samples, such as urine, and instruct patients on proper collection procedures
Enter sample information into a database
Assemble, maintain, and dispose of medical instruments such as needles, test tubes, and blood vials
Keep work areas and equipment clean and sanitary

Work Environments:

Pharmacy technicians primarily work in hospitals (34%), medical or diagnostic imaging laboratories (34%), ambulatory care facilities (15%), physicians' offices (7%), and outpatient care centers (2%).
Most phlebotomists work full time. Phlebotomists who work in hospitals and labs may need to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

Education and Licensing:

High school diploma or equivalent
Phlebotomist training program

Skills and Qualities:

Communication, compassion, detail oriented, dexterity, interpersonal skills, and physical stamina.

Pay:

National median annual wage: $41,810 (2023)

Job Outlook:

Employment projected to grow 8% from 2022 to 2032
Approximately 19,500 job openings per year expected (195,000 openings over the next 10 years)

Physical Therapy Assistant

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Physical therapist assistants are supervised by physical therapists to help patients regain movement and manage pain after injuries and illnesses.

Roles and Responsibilities

Assist physical therapists in providing treatments to clients

Typical Duties

Observe patients before, during, and after therapy, noting the patient’s status and reporting it to a physical therapist
Help patients do specific exercises as part of the plan of care
Treat patients using a variety of techniques, such as massage and stretching
Use devices and equipment, such as walkers, to help patients
Educate patients and family members about what to do after treatment

Work Environments:

Physical therapy assistants primarily work in offices of physical, occupational, and speech therapists (64%), hospitals (18%), and physicians' offices (10%).
Most physical therapist assistants and aides work full time, although part time work is common. Some work nights and weekends because many physical therapy offices and clinics have extended hours to accommodate patients’ schedules.

Education and Licensing:

Associates degree in Physical Therapy
Must pass the National Physical Therapy Exam for physical therapist assistants
State licensure

Skills and Qualities:

Compassion, detail oriented, dexterity, interpersonal skills, and physical stamina.

Pay:

National median annual wage: $64,080 (2023)

Job Outlook:

Employment projected to grow 19% from 2022 to 2032
Approximately 24,300 job openings per year expected (243,000 openings over the next 10 years)

Physical Therapist

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Physical therapists Physical therapists help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain.

Roles and Responsibilities

Provide treatment to clients to help them manage pain, recover from operations, and improve mobility.

Typical Duties

Review patients’ medical history and referrals or notes from doctors, surgeons, or other healthcare workers
Diagnose patients’ functions and movements by observing them stand or walk and by listening to their concerns
Develop individualized plans of care for patients, outlining the patients’ goals and the expected outcomes of the plans
Use exercises, stretching maneuvers, hands-on therapy, and equipment to ease patients’ pain, help them increase their mobility, prevent further pain or injury, and facilitate health and wellness
Evaluate and record a patients’ progress, modifying the plan of care and trying new treatments as needed
Educate patients and their families about what to expect from the recovery process and how to cope with challenges throughout the process

Work Environments:

Physical therapy assistants primarily work in offices of physical, occupational, and speech therapists (35%), hospitals (28%), home health care services (10%), and nursing facilities (5%).
Most physical therapists work full time, although part time work is common. They usually work during normal business hours, but some work evenings or weekends.

Education and Licensing:

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree
Must pass the National Physical Therapy Exam
State licensure

Skills and Qualities:

Compassion, communication, detail oriented, dexterity, interpersonal skills, physical stamina, resourcefulness, and time management skills.

Pay:

National median annual wage: $99,710 (2023)

Job Outlook:

Employment projected to grow 15% from 2022 to 2032
Approximately 13,900 job openings per year expected (139,000 openings over the next 10 years)

Registered Nurse

Fast Fact PDF

Registered nurses (RNs) play a crucial role in the healthcare system, providing and coordinating patient care, educating patients and the public on health issues, and offering emotional support to patients and their families. They are essential in various medical settings, including hospitals, outpatient care centers, and residential care facilities.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Provide and coordinate patient care.
Educate patients and the public on health conditions.
Offer advice and emotional support to patients and families.

Typical Duties:

Assess patient conditions, record medical histories, and observe patients.
Administer medications and treatments.
Develop or contribute to patient care plans.
Collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals.
Operate medical equipment and conduct diagnostic tests.
Teach patients and families about managing health at home.

Work Environments:

RNs can work in various settings including hospitals (59%), ambulatory healthcare services (18%), nursing and residential care facilities (6%), government (5%), and educational services (3%).
Roles and titles vary based on work environment and patient population, e.g., oncology, pediatric, or critical care nurses.
Travel may be required, especially for public health and home health nurses.

Specialized Nursing Areas:

Nurses can specialize in areas like addiction, cardiovascular, critical care, genetics, neonatal, nephrology, public health, and rehabilitation.

Education and Licensing:

Paths to becoming an RN: bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), or a diploma from an approved program.
Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) need a master’s degree and often more experience.
All RNs must pass the NCLEX-RN exam and meet state-specific requirements.

Skills and Qualities:

Critical-thinking, communication, compassion, attention to detail, emotional stability, organizational skills, and physical stamina.

Pay:

National median annual wage: $86,070 (2023).
Wage varies by industry, e.g., government ($99,840) and educational services ($71,550).

Job Outlook:

Employment projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032.
Approximately 193,100 job openings per year expected due to replacement needs and demand from an aging population (1,931,000 opening over the next 10 years).

Advanced Careers in Nursing:

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Nurse Anesthetist
Nurse Educator
Nurse Administrator/Manager
Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)
Nurse Researcher

Virtual Job Shadow

Medical Assistant Virtual Job Shadow

The Medical Assistant (MA) works under the delegation of a licensed practitioner to perform duties as directed to assist in providing patient care to assigned patients. A Medical Assistant performs all aspects of the MA role and is fully competent in the clinical needs/functions for assigned clinic/location of work. An MA is expected to perform in accordance with established policies, procedures, and regulations.