Careers in Healthcare

Healthcare providers often work as part of a team to diagnose, treat, and assist patients with their physical wellbeing. As such, the healthcare career path includes a variety of both lucrative and rewarding job specializations. Due to their complexities, each healthcare specialization typically requires its own set of educational experiences, state licenses, and supervised internships.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for careers in the healthcare field are projected to rise at nearly twice the average for all jobs in the U.S. between the years 2018 and 2028.

Speech Pathologist

Speech pathologists are responsible for evaluating, diagnosing, and treating disorders related to either speech, verbal language, and upper aerodigestive functions. Due to nationwide shortages, speech pathologists are some of the most in-demand healthcare professionals in the healthcare industry.

Physical Therapist

Physical therapists create and facilitate programs to help patients reduce pain, recover from injury, increase mobility, and improve overall physical function. Candidates are required to hold a state license and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Due to the aging population, the demand for physical therapists is high and projected to continue to rise.

Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists work to support patients to perform the functions and skills needed for their everyday lives. Their services benefit those with disabilities, injuries, or other debilitating conditions. While there are some similarities between occupational therapy and physical therapy, occupational therapists can practice in most states without a doctoral degree - a master’s degree is sufficient.

Nurse Midwife

Nurse midwives specialize in many aspects of women’s health including gynecological, prenatal, postnatal, family planning, and even primary care. They are able to participate in delivery as well as assist in surgical procedures related to labor. Midwifery requires a master’s degree as well as a specialization certificate that must be maintained every five years.

Nurse Practitioner

Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) that possess the education, training, and licensure to perform a wide array of medical diagnostics, tests, and treatments. In many states they can work independently of a physician to serve as primary caregivers and even prescribe medication. As outpatient care centers continue to rise in popularity, so does the demand for new APRNs to join the field.