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: Massage Therapist
History of the profession chosen: The practice of massage therapy dates back thousands of years and has been used in various cultures around the world. It has roots in ancient Chinese, Egyptian, and Greek civilizations. In more recent history, Swedish physician Per Henrik Ling developed the Swedish massage technique in the early 19th century, which became the foundation of modern massage therapy.
Job description of selected career: Massage therapists use touch to manipulate the soft tissues of the body to provide relaxation, pain relief, and overall therapeutic benefits. They may specialize in various modalities, such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, or prenatal massage, among others. Massage therapists assess clients' needs, develop treatment plans, and perform the massages accordingly.
Typical work environment(s): Massage therapists can work in a variety of settings, including spas, wellness centers, hospitals, chiropractic offices, fitness centers, or even as independent practitioners with their own private practice. The work environment typically consists of a comfortable and relaxing massage room with a massage table, equipment, and soothing ambiance.
Typical weekly/daily work hours for your career: The work hours for massage therapists can vary depending on their employment setting and personal preferences. They may work full-time, part-time, or on a flexible schedule. On average, massage therapists work around 15-30 hours per week, often including evenings and weekends to accommodate client schedules.
How many years of education is required: The education required to become a massage therapist varies by state and can range from a few months to two years. Most states require a minimum of 500-600 hours of education from an accredited massage therapy program. Additionally, massage therapists need to pass a licensing exam to practice.
Diploma/Degrees required: To become a massage therapist, a Diploma or Certificate in Massage Therapy is typically required. However, some individuals may also choose to pursue an Associate's Degree in Massage Therapy or a related field.
Colleges/Universities that offer this career (minimum 3):
1. Cortiva Institute: https://www.cortiva.edu/
2. Pacific College of Health and Science: https://www.pacificcollege.edu/
3. National Holistic Institute: https://nhi.edu/
Tuition cost of those institutions chosen (including out of state): The tuition costs for massage therapy programs can vary depending on the school and location. It is recommended to visit the websites of the above-listed institutions or contact them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Entry, median, and maximum level salary: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2020, the median annual wage for massage therapists was $43,620. The lowest 10% earned less than $22,470, while the highest 10% earned more than $81,130.
For your career, list 3 job postings (with salaries) that you can be employed:
1. Massage Therapist at a Spa: Salary range $35,000-$50,000 per year (source: indeed.com)
2. Massage Therapist at a Chiropractic Office: Salary range $40,000-$55,000 per year (source: careerbuilder.com)
3. Massage Therapist at a Wellness Center: Salary range $35,000-$60,000 per year (source: simplyhired.com)