Registered Nurse (RN)
Registered nurses are required to carry almost all nursing duties. They organize patient care as well as provide emotional support to patients and their families. This job does not require a bachelor's degree, but having a four year degree does increase your chances of being hired. Having additional schooling can help increase your pay at a quicker rate.
Average Salary: $67,000 per year
Schooling: Bachelor Degree; Associate Degree
Number of Jobs in USA: 2,857,000
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
A nursing assistant is trusted with aiding higher ranked nurses get through their work day. CNA classes are offered at many community colleges and can be taken as early as high school. Once CNA classes are completed jobs can be acquired in nursing homes, hospitals, and clinics.
Average Salary: $26,000 per year
Schooling: High school; CNA Class
Number of Jobs in USA: 1,420,020
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
An LPN is a step below an RN and requires less schooling. LPNs are in charge of basic care of patients such as drawing blood, observing symptoms, and administering medicine. An LPN does not take on as much responsibility as an RN, so the job causes less stress.
Average Salary: $43,000 per year
Schooling: Associate Degree; Diploma of Nursing
Number of Jobs in USA: 719,000
Medical Assistant
This is one of the fastest growing jobs in the medical field. Medical assistants prepare patients for their visit with the doctor. They do things such as asking about symptoms, asking medical history questions, and taking blood pressure.
Average Salary: $31,000 per year
Schooling: Certified Medical Administrative Assistant Exam (optional)
Number of Jobs in USA: 554,000
Dental Assistant
A dental assistant can be required to do anything from filling out dental records and billing to preparing a patient for a cleaning. It is a fast growing field with high demand for workers to fill new jobs. This job may require good communication skills.
Average Salary: $35,000 per year
Schooling: Associate Degree
Number of Jobs in USA: 300,100
Pharmacist
A pharmacist must have knowledge in sciences such as chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and biology. Common tasks include measuring and dispensing prescriptions as well as researching medications. Facilities of employment include drug stores, hospitals, and pharmacies.
Average Salary: $115,000 per year
Schooling: Doctor of Pharmacy
Number of Jobs in USA: 282,000
Occupational Therapy Aide
Occupational therapy aides work along side physical therapists to rehabilitate injured and ill patients. They assist with therapeutic practices in order to enhance muscle function, strength, and the immune system. This job requires minimal training before entering the work force.
Average Salary: $43,000 per year
Schooling: Associate Degree
Number of Jobs in USA: 156,000
Speech-Language Pathologist
This occupation involves diagnosing patients with communication disorders. This often includes treating children with breathing problems, lisps, and stutters. Many facilities that offer careers in speech therapy include elementary schools, private daycares, and hospitals/clinics.
Average Salary: $73,000 per year
Schooling: Doctorate Degree; Master Degree
Number of Jobs in USA: 121,700
Physical Therapist
With the suggestion of a physician, physical therapists help rehabilitate patients with illnesses or injuries. In this occupation, physical therapists use their hands in special equipment to strengthen weak parts of a patients body. Common places of employment include clinics and rehabilitation centers.
Average Salary: $81,000 per year
Schooling: Doctorate Degree; Master Degree
Number of Jobs in USA: 192,000
General Practitioner
Family practitioners care for patients ranging from infants to elderly persons. They diagnose common diseases and injuries as well as refer patients to specialized doctors. They are commonly employed by hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
Average Salary: $181,000
Schooling: Doctorate Degree
Number of Jobs in USA: 110,000