Some of the Most Rewarding Healthcare Careers

Some of the Most Rewarding Healthcare Careers
Students are drawn to the healthcare industry not only because of multiple career opportunities
associated with this field, but because it gives you a chance to touch the lives of the others and make
them better. And although challenging, the career options within this industry are meaningful and
rewarding in every sense of the word. Let's take a look at some healthcare career options you can
choose from.
Medical and Health Services Managers
Medical and health services managers, also called healthcare administrators, plan, coordinate, and
supervise the activities of a specific department within a healthcare facility or an entire facility, depending
on level of education and years of experience.
Educational qualifications: To become a medical and health services manager you need to
at least have a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration or a related field, such as health
services management. You then always have the option of pursuing a master's degree in healthcare
administration.
Expected salary range: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salaries of
medical and health services managers was $84,270, depending on experience, education, and location.
The top 10 percent earned more than $144,880 in a year.1
Respiratory Therapists
Respiratory therapists provide medical attention to patients suffering from respiratory diseases. They
examine patients with breathing disorders, run diagnostic tests, work out a treatment plan, and educate
patients on how to use treatments.
Educational qualifications: To become a respiratory therapist you need to at least have an associate's
degree in respiratory therapy. A bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy prepares you for management
level positions and allows you to specialize in a particular area within respiratory care.
Expected salary range: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary
of respiratory therapists was $54,280, depending on experience, education, and location. The top 10
percent earned more than $73,410 in a year.2
Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists help patients recover from illnesses or cope with injuries and disabilities through
the use of daily activities. They can work in hospitals, nursing care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and the
private practices of physical, occupational, and speech therapists.
Educational qualifications: To become an occupational therapist, you need to have a master's degree
in occupational therapy. Many occupational therapists choose to take the National Board for Certification
of Occupational Therapists (NBOT) in order to earn the title of Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR).
Expected salary range: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of
occupational therapists was $72,320, depending on experience, education, and location. The top 10
percent earned more than $102,520 in a year.3
Registered Nurses (RNs)
Registered nurses (RNs) are responsible for delivering patient care to the sick and injured in a variety
of healthcare establishments such as hospitals and nursing homes, public health agencies, schools,
independent doctor's offices, and more.
Educational qualifications: To become an RN you need to have either an associate's degree or

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bachelor's degree in nursing. These degree programs prepare students to take the National Council
Licensure Examination in order to become a licensed registered nurse (NCLEX-RN). You can always
choose to return to school and pursue a master's degree in nursing, if you ever feel the need.
Expected salary range: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of
registered nurses was $64,690, depending on location, education, and experience. The top 10 percent
earned more than $95,130 in a year.4
Where should you go to college?
Luckily, with the advancement of technology, these healthcare degrees can be earned through accredited
online colleges. Before you decide on a college, read up on student reviews and testimonials, which
can help give you a pretty good idea of what to expect from the college. For instance, Independence
University is an example of an accredited online college. Student reviews of Independence University
gives you insight into the school's financial aid assistance programs, student services, and accreditation.
If you wish to find out more about the college, you can read a student review of Independence
University here.
We hope this article was successful in helping you decide one meaningful, rewarding career in the
healthcare industry.
Resources:
1.
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Management/Medical-and-health-services-managers.htm#tab-5
2.
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Respiratory-therapists.htm#tab-5
3.
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Occupational-therapists.htm#tab-5
4.
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Registered-nurses.htm#tab-5

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