Healthcare Careers Research
Directions: Select a healthcare career of your choice from the examples provided below. You will then use that career to research the following information. You will examine the careers based on where you see yourself in the future as well as the facts that you will learn from your research. The goal of this research is to begin planning towards your future; It is closer than you think. Your explorations should include the following topics and will be contained in a written format to be turned in.
Career Name
History of the profession chosen (one paragraph)
Job description of selected career
Typical work environment(s)
Typical weekly/daily work hours for your career
How many years of education is required
Diploma/Degrees required (possible multiples)
Colleges/Universities that offer this career (minimum 3)
Tuition cost of those institutions chosen (including out of state)
Entry, median, and maximum level salary
For your career, list 3 job postings (with salaries) that you can be employed
Websites: www.bls.gov, www.careeronestop.org, www.explorehealthcareers.org, www.medicaljobs.org, (another site must be approved first). You will need to go to professional organizational sites as well as sites for higher education institutions such as www.uab.edu, www.ua.edu, or www.samford.edu. The project should include pictures that properly illustrate the profession and especially show the parts of the career that make it interesting to you the most. A cover/title sheet is required - a sample has been provided below for you to copy/paste. Effort and professionalism will affect your grade. If you wish to research a career not listed on the document, check with your instructor for approval before continuing.
***Extra credit will be considered for those that reach out to a college/university to begin networking, gather information, or scheduling an on campus visit.
Athletic Trainer
Audiologists
Chiropractors
Dental Assistants
Dental Hygienists
Dentist
Dietician & Nutritionist
EMT and Paramedics
Exercise Physiologist
Forensic Science Technician
Massage Therapist
Medical Assistant
Medical Coding
Nurse (RN/LPN)
Nurse Practitioner
Patient Care Technician/Nurse Aid
Occupational Therapist/Assistant
Optometrist
Orthotists and Prosthetists
Nurse Anesthetist
Pharmacist/Pharmacy technician
Phlebotomists
Physical Therapy Technician
Physical Therapy Assistant
Physical Therapist
Physician Assistant
Physicians (surgical/non-surgical)
Podiatrists
Psychologist
Psychiatrists
Radiologic and MRI Technologist
Recreational Therapists
Respiratory Therapists
Speech Language Pathologists
Sociologist
Surgical Assistant/Technologists
Veterinarian Assistants
Veterinarians
OTHER (non-medical)
Personal Trainer/Group Exercise Instructor
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Coach/Scout
Umpire/Referee
Career Name: Nurse Practitioner
History of the profession chosen: The role of nurse practitioners (NPs) began in the 1960s as a response to the shortage of primary care physicians. NPs are advanced practice nurses who have completed additional education and training to provide comprehensive healthcare services. Over the years, the scope of practice for NPs has expanded, and they now play a crucial role in providing primary care, preventive care, and specialized care in various healthcare settings.
Job description of selected career: Nurse practitioners collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses. They conduct physical examinations, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and provide patient education and counseling. NPs may specialize in areas such as family practice, pediatrics, geriatrics, women's health, or mental health.
Typical work environment(s): Nurse practitioners can work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, community health centers, schools, and long-term care facilities.
Typical weekly/daily work hours for your career: Nurse practitioners usually work full-time, with typical work hours ranging from 40 to 50 hours per week. However, schedules can vary depending on the healthcare facility and patient needs.
How many years of education is required: Becoming a nurse practitioner requires several years of education and training. Generally, it takes about 6-8 years to become an NP. This includes completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, obtaining a registered nurse (RN) license, gaining clinical experience as an RN, and then completing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a specialization in nurse practitioner.
Diploma/Degrees required: Nurse practitioners must have at least a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with a specialization in nurse practitioner. However, many NPs nowadays pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, which is becoming the standard for advanced nursing practice.
Colleges/Universities that offer this career (minimum 3): Some examples of colleges/universities that offer nurse practitioner programs include:
1. Duke University School of Nursing
2. University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
3. University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing
Tuition cost of those institutions chosen (including out of state): Tuition costs vary between institutions and can also differ for in-state and out-of-state students. A rough estimate of tuition costs for these institutions is:
1. Duke University School of Nursing: $50,000 per year (in-state and out-of-state)
2. University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing: $45,000 per year (in-state and out-of-state)
3. University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing: $35,000 per year (in-state), $55,000 per year (out-of-state)
Entry, median, and maximum level salary: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for nurse practitioners as of May 2020 was $117,670. The entry-level salary can vary but is typically around $80,000, while experienced NPs can earn over $150,000 annually.
Three job postings (with salaries) for nurse practitioners:
1. Hospital-based NP in New York City, NY - Salary: $120,000-$130,000 per year
2. Family Nurse Practitioner in Dallas, TX - Salary: $95,000-$105,000 per year
3. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Seattle, WA - Salary: $130,000-$140,000 per year
Please note that the salaries provided are approximate and can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the employing organization. It's always recommended to research current job openings and salary information for accurate and up-to-date details.