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Narrator: Part of what makes healthcare
such an exciting field
is the vast number of ways
into the industry with jobs
for virtually every academic degree level.
Several support roles such as phlebotomists, paramedics,
and scribes can get started
with just a high school degree
and the successful completion
of an accredited training program.
More advanced technical roles
such as dental hygienist,
radiologist, and sonographer
require an associate's degree.
Not only is this is relatively quick path
into the workplace,
these positions typically rank among the highest paid roles
for associate's degree holders across all industries.
A registered nurse can enter the industry
with either an associate's
or a bachelor's degree in nursing.
Although nurses with a bachelor's may have a better chance
of finding themselves in a supervisory role.
Advancement to a nurse practitioner
is possible with the addition of a master's degree.
Entering the field as a physician assistant
will require a bachelor's degree
as well as the completion of a two
to three-year master's-level physician assistant program
making this an ideal position
for someone who wants to have the core responsibilities
of a physician with an expedited academic path.
Advanced medical providers,
such as physicians, surgeons and dentists
require the longest medical training.
A bachelor's degree in science,
a doctor of medicine
from an accredited four-year medical school,
completion of a three to five-year residency program
and certification from their residing state.
The necessary practical skills will vary depending
on your role and will typically be taught
via a hands-on certification program
or a post-secondary education.
However, virtually all healthcare professionals
require the following set of soft skills.
Written and verbal communication.
Adaptability and flexibility.
Analytical thinking.
Working on a team.
Dealing with pressure.
And time management.
And above all else, the number one requirement
for all careers in healthcare is empathy.
Not only does empathy strengthen interpersonal connection
and communication,
it also has the power to build trust,
reduce anxiety and empower the patient
to improve their own health outcomes.
The employment of healthcare careers
will be growing strong for the foreseeable future.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects
the employment of healthcare occupations
to grow 18% over the next decade,
outperforming every other job sector in America
by adding over 2.4 million new jobs.
Physician assistants lead the industry
with an expected job growth of 37%.
Physicians and surgeons currently lead the industry
with median incomes of over $208,000
followed by dentists with median incomes
of over 156,000.
A registered nurse averages 77,000
while both the nurse practitioner
and a physician assistant
can expect around 110,000.
Post-secondary non-degree roles such as paramedics
and dental assistants
have a median income of over $34,000.
For the most current healthcare growth
and outlook data, please visit www.bls.gov.