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Appendix A: Tables
Table A1: Biotechnology Research and Development Occupations
| Occupation | Description | Entry-Level Education | Credentialing Requirements | Median Wage | Job Outlook (2021-31) | Skills |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers | Combine engineering principles with sciences to design and create equipment, devices, computer systems, and software. | Bachelor’s | None | $97,410 | 10% increase | Analytical skills Communication skills Creativity Math skills Problem-solving skills |
| Medical Scientists | Conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. Often use clinical trials and other investigative methods to reach their findings. | Doctorate or medical degree | Licensure required for some roles | $95,310 | 17% increase | Communication skills Critical-thinking skills Data-analysis skills Decision-making skills Observation skills |
Table A2: Diagnostic Services Occupations
| Occupation | Description | Entry-Level Education | Credentialing Requirements | Median Wage | Job Outlook (2021-31) | Skills |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians | Create images and conduct tests involving the heart and lungs. | Associate’s | Varies by state | $60,570 | 5% increase | Communication skills Detail-oriented Hand-eye coordination Physical stamina Technical skills |
| Clinical Laboratory Technicians | Collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances. | Associate’s | Varies by state | $57,800 | 7% increase | Ability to use technology Detail-oriented Dexterity Physical stamina |
| Clinical Laboratory Technologists | Perform more complex tests and laboratory procedures than technicians. | Bachelor’s | Varies by state | $57,800 | 7% increase | Ability to use technology Detail-oriented Dexterity Physical stamina |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | Specialize in creating images, known as sonograms or ultrasounds, that depict the body’s organs and tissues. | Associate’s | Varies by state | $77,740 | 15% increase | Communication skills Detail-oriented Hand-eye coordination Physical stamina Technical skills |
| Epidemiologists | Public health workers who investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury. | Master’s | None | $78,830 | 26% increase | Communication skills Critical-thinking skills Detail-oriented Leadership skills Math and statistical skills |
| MRI Technologists | Operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images. | Associate’s | Licensure required in a few states | $77,360 | 7% increase | Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills Math skills Physical stamina Technical skills |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologists | Prepare radioactive drugs and administer them to patients for imaging or treatment. | Associate’s | Varies by state | $78,760 | 2% increase | Ability to use technology Analytical skills Compassion Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills Physical stamina |
| Radiologic Technologists | Perform x-rays and other diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. | Associate’s | Licensure or certification required in most states | $61,370 | 6% increase | Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills Math skills Physical stamina Technical skills |
Table A3: Health Informatics Occupations
| Occupation | Description | Entry-Level Education | Credentialing Requirements | Median Wage | Job Outlook (2021-31) | Skills |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars | Advise organizations on computerized healthcare systems and analyze clinical data. | Associate’s | None; certification may be preferred by employers | $55,600 | 17% increase | Analytical skills Detail-oriented Integrity Interpersonal skills Problem-solving skills |
| Medical Records Specialists | Compile, process, and maintain patient files. | Postsecondary nondegree award | None; certification may be preferred by employers | $46,660 | 7% increase | Analytical skills Detail-oriented Integrity Interpersonal skills |
| Medical Transcriptionists | Use electronic devices to convert voice recordings from physicians and other healthcare workers into formal reports. | Postsecondary nondegree award | None; certification available | $30,100 | 7% increase | Computer skills Critical-thinking skills Listening skills Time-management Writing skills |
Table A4: Support Services Occupations
| Occupation | Description | Entry-Level Education | Credentialing Requirements | Median Wage | Job Outlook (2021-31) | Skills |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical and Health Services Managers and Administrators | Plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services. They may manage an entire facility, a specific clinical area or department, or a medical practice for a group of physicians. | Bachelor’s | Varies by state | $101,340 | 28% increase | Analytical skills Communication skills Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills Leadership skills Technical skills |
| Orderlies | Transport patients and clean treatment areas. | High school diploma or equivalent | None | $29,990 | 5% increase | Communication skills Compassion Patience Physical stamina |
| Pharmacy Technicians | Help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to customers or health professionals. | High school diploma or equivalent | Varies by state | $36,740 | 5% increase | Customer-service skills Detail-oriented Listening skills Math skills Organizational skills |
| Phlebotomists | Draw blood for purposes such as tests, research, or donations. | Postsecondary nondegree award | Varies by state | $37,380 | 10% increase | Communication skills Compassion Detail-oriented Dexterity Interpersonal skills Physical stamina |
Table A5: Therapeutic Services Occupations
| Occupation | Description | Entry-Level Education | Credentialing Requirements | Median Wage | Job Outlook (2021-31) | Skills |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainers | Specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses. Not to be confused with fitness trainers and instructors. | Master’s | Licensure or certification required in most states | $48,420 | 17% increase | Compassion Decision-making skills Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills |
| Audiologists | Diagnose, manage, and treat patients who have hearing, balance, or related problems. | Doctorate or professional degree | Licensure required in all states | $78,950 | 10% increase | Communication skills Compassion Critical-thinking skills Interpersonal skills Patience Problem-solving skills |
| Behavior Analysts* | Observe and analyze the behavior of individuals in order to develop treatment plans that improve skill repertoires, safety, and quality of life. Includes Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs) and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). | Bachelor’s (BCaBA); Master’s (BCBA) | Certification required in all states; Licensure required in some states | $50,000 (BcaBA), $90,130 (BCBA) | 10% increase | Active listening Complex problem solving Critical thinking Instructing Reading comprehension Social perspectives |
| Chiropractors | Evaluate and treat patients’ neuromusculoskeletal system using spinal adjustments and manipulation, as well as other clinical interventions. | Doctorate or professional degree | Licensure required in all states | $75,000 | 10% increase | Communication skills Decision-making skills Detail-oriented Dexterity Empathy Interpersonal skills |
| Dental Assistants | Provide patient care, take x-rays, keep records, and schedule appointments. | Postsecondary nondegree award | Varies by state | $38,660 | 8% increase | Detail-oriented Dexterity Interpersonal skills Listening skills Organizational skills |
| Dentists | Diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth. | Doctorate or professional degree | Licensure required in all states | $163,220 | 6% increase | Communication skills Detail-oriented Dexterity Leadership skills Organizational skills Patience Problem-solving skills |
| Occupation | Description | Entry-Level Education | Credentialing Requirements | Median Wage | Job Outlook (2021-31) | Skills |
| Dietitians and Nutritionists | Plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to help people lead healthy lives. | Bachelor’s | Varies by state | $61,650 | 7% increase | Analytical skills Compassion Listening skills Organizational skills Problem-solving skills Speaking skills |
| Exercise Physiologists | Develop fitness and exercise programs that help patients recover from chronic diseases and improve cardiovascular function, body composition, and flexibility. Not to be confused with fitness trainers and instructors or athletic trainers. | Bachelor’s | Licensure required in Louisiana | $47,940 | 9% increase | Compassion Decision-making skills Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills |
| Genetic Counselors | Assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. | Master’s | Licensure required in most states | $80,150 | 18% increase | Communication skills Compassion Critical-thinking skills Interpersonal skills Organizational skills |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | Monitor the condition of people with disabilities or chronic illnesses and help them with daily living activities. | High school diploma or equivalent | Varies by state | $29,430 | 25% increase | Detail oriented Emotional skills Integrity Interpersonal skills Physical stamina |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Work under the direction of registered nurses and doctors to provide basic medical care. | Postsecondary nondegree award | Licensure required in all states | $48,070 | 6% increase | Compassion Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills Patience Physical stamina Speaking skills |
| Medical Assistants | Complete administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Not to be confused with physician assistants. | Postsecondary nondegree award | None; certification may be preferred by employers | $37,190 | 16% increase | Analytical skills Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills Technical skills |
| Occupation | Description | Entry-Level Education | Credentialing Requirements | Median Wage | Job Outlook (2021-31) | Skills |
| Nurse Anesthetists† | Administer anesthesia and provide care before, during, and after surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, and obstetrical procedures. | Master’s | Varies by state | $123,780 | 12% increase | Communication skills Critical-thinking skills Compassion Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills Leadership skills Resourcefulness |
| Nurse Midwives† | Provide care to women, including gynecological exams, family planning services, and prenatal care. | Master’s | Varies by state | $123,780 | 7% increase | Communication skills Critical-thinking skills Compassion Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills Leadership skills Resourcefulness |
| Nurse Practitioners† | Serve as primary and specialty care providers, delivering advanced nursing services to patients and their families. | Master’s | Varies by state | $123,780 | 46% increase | Communication skills Critical-thinking skills Compassion Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills Leadership skills Resourcefulness |
| Nursing Assistants | Provide basic care and help patients with activities of daily living. | State-approved education program | Varies by state | $30,310 | 5% increase | Communication skills Compassion Patience Physical stamina |
| Occupational Therapists | Treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. | Master’s | Licensure required in all states | $85,570 | 14% increase | Adaptability Communication skills Compassion Interpersonal skills Patience |
| Occupation | Description | Entry-Level Education | Credentialing Requirements | Median Wage | Job Outlook (2021-31) | Skills |
| Occupational Therapy Aides | Perform support activities to help patients develop, recover, and improve. | High school diploma or equivalent | None | $33,560 | 14% increase | Adaptability Compassion Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills Physical strength |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | Provide therapy to help patients develop, recover, and improve. | Associate’s | Varies by state | $61,730 | 25% increase | Adaptability Compassion Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills Physical strength |
| Opticians | Help fit eyeglasses and contact lenses and help customers decide which eyeglass frames or contact lenses to buy. | High school diploma or equivalent | Licensure required in most states | $37,570 | 4% increase | Business skills Communication skills Customer-service skills Decision-making skills Dexterity |
| Optometrists | Examine the eyes and other parts of the visual system. | Doctorate or professional degree | Licensure required in all states | $124,300 | 10% increase | Decision-making skills Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills Speaking skills |
| Orthotists and Prosthetists | Design and fabricate medical supportive devices, such as artificial limbs, and measure and fit patients for them. | Master’s | Varies by state | $75,440 | 17% increase | Communication skills Detail-oriented Patience Physical dexterity Physical stamina Problem-solving skills |
| Pharmacists | Dispense prescription medications to patients and offer expertise in the safe use of prescriptions. | Doctorate or professional degree | Licensure required in all states | $128,570 | 2% increase | Analytical skills Communication skills Computer skills Detail-oriented Managerial skills |
| Physical Therapists | Help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain. | Doctorate or professional degree | Licensure required in all states | $95,620 | 17% increase | Communication skills Compassion Detail-oriented Dexterity Physical stamina Resourcefulness Time-management skills |
| Occupation | Description | Entry-Level Education | Credentialing Requirements | Median Wage | Job Outlook (2021-31) | Skills |
| Physicians Assistants | Examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the supervision of a physician. | Master’s | Licensure required in all states | $121,530 | 28% increase | Communication skills Compassion Detail-oriented Emotional stability Interpersonal skills Problem-solving skills |
| Physicians and Surgeons | Diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and address health maintenance. | Doctorate or professional degree | Licensure required in all states | ≥$208,000‡ | 3% increase‡ | Communication skills Compassion Detail-oriented Dexterity Leadership skills Organizational skills Patience Physical stamina Problem-solving skills |
| Podiatrists | Diagnose illnesses, treat injuries, and perform surgery for people with foot, ankle, and lower leg problems. | Doctorate or professional degree | Licensure required in all states | $145,840 | 2% increase | Communication skills Compassion Critical-thinking skills Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills |
| Psychiatric Aides | Help patients who have a mental illness or developmental disabilities in their daily activities and ensure a safe and clean environment. | High school diploma or equivalent | None | $30,260 | 5% increase | Compassion Interpersonal skills Observational skills Patience Physical stamina |
| Psychiatric Technicians | Provide therapeutic care and monitor the conditions of patients with mental illness or developmental disabilities. | Postsecondary nondegree award | Licensure required in some states | $36,570 | 11% increase | Compassion Interpersonal skills Observational skills Patience Physical stamina |
| Psychiatrists | Diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental disorders. | Post-doctoral training or doctorate | Licensure and certification | $226,880 | 10% | Critical thinking Detail-oriented Integrity Interpersonal communication Listening skills Problem-solving skills |
| Radiation Therapists | Administer doses of radiation to patients who have cancer or other serious diseases. | Associate’s | Varies by state | $82,790 | 6% increase | Compassion Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills Technical skills |
| Occupation | Description | Entry-Level Education | Credentialing Requirements | Median Wage | Job Outlook (2021-31) | Skills |
| Recreational Therapists | Plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based medical treatment programs to help maintain or improve patients’ physical, social, and emotional well-being. | Bachelor’s | Licensure or certification required in some states | $47,940 | 4% increase | Communication skills Compassion Leadership skills Listening skills Patience Resourcefulness |
| Registered Nurses | Provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families. | Bachelor’s | Licensure required in all states | $77,600 | 6% increase | Critical-thinking skills Communication skills Compassion Detail-oriented Emotional stability Organizational skills Physical stamina |
| Respiratory Therapists | Care for patients who have conditions that cause them to have trouble breathing. | Associate’s | Licensure required in all states except Alaska | $61,830 | 14% increase | Compassion Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills Patience Problem-solving skills |
| Speech-Language Pathologists | Assess and treat people who have speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. | Master’s | Licensure required in all states | $79,060 | 21% increase | Analytical skills Communication skills Compassion Critical-thinking skills Detail-oriented Listening skills |
| Surgical Assistants | Help surgeons with tasks such as making incisions, placing clamps, and closing surgical sites. | Associate’s or postsecondary nondegree award | None; certification may be preferred by employers | $48,320 | 6% increase | Communication skills Detail-oriented Dexterity Integrity Listening skills Physical stamina Stress-management skills |
| Surgical Technologists | Prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and help doctors and first assistants during surgeries. | Associate’s or postsecondary nondegree award | None; certification may be preferred by employers | $48,530 | 6% increase | Communication skills Detail-oriented Dexterity Integrity Listening skills Physical stamina Stress-management skills |
*Information on Behavior Analysts contributed by Sarah Kent.
†Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners are also known as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).
‡The median wage and employment outlook for physicians and surgeons vary by specialty. See the Occupational Handbook for more information.
Table A6: Other health-related occupations
Note that additional health-related career paths exist, such as those in public health and social services. See the table below for a selection of occupations.
| Occupation | Description | Entry-Level Education | Credentialing Requirements | Median Wage | Job Outlook (2021-31) | Skills |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community Health Workers | Act as intermediaries between residents and healthcare and social services providers. | High school diploma | None | $46,590 | 16% increase | Communication skills Instructional skills Interpersonal skills Problem-solving skills |
| Emergency Management Directors | Prepare plans and procedures for responding to natural disasters and other emergencies. | Bachelor’s | Varies by state | $76,730 | 3% increase | Communication skills Critical-thinking skills Decision-making skills Interpersonal skills Leadership skills |
| Health Education Specialists | Teach people about behaviors that promote wellness. | Bachelor’s | Certification may be preferred by employers | $60,600 | 8% increase | Analytical skills Communication skills Instructional skills Interpersonal skills Problem-solving skills |
| Psychologists | Study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how people relate to one another and to their environments. | Doctorate | Licensure required in most states | $81,040 | 6% increase | Analytical skills Communication skills Integrity Interpersonal skills Observational skills Patience Problem-solving skills |
| Social Workers | Help individuals, groups, and families prevent and cope with problems in their everyday lives. | Bachelor’s or master’s | Licensure | $50,390 | 9% increase | Communication skills Compassion Interpersonal skills Organizational skills Problem-solving skills |
Annotate
Education and Preparation for Health Careers