What's the hottest job in health care?

Physician's Assistant, according to US News & World Report.
"The volume of jobs is expected to grow by 29,200, or 39 percent, by 2018, among the fastest occupational growth rates projected by the Labor Department...Median annual earnings for physician assistants in 2009 were $84,420. The lowest paid 10 percent earned less than $55,880, while the highest paid 10 percent earned more than $115,000...The path to a physical assistant job first requires completion of a two-year program at a school of allied health, a medical school, or four-year college. After graduating from an accredited school, you'll need to pass a Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination."
More here.

Sterile Processing Technician

Sterile processing technicians ensure that instruments used by medical personnel are kept free of germs and other contaminants...this is a high growth field, and the entry requirements are within reach (and means) of most interested job-seekers. For more, see "How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician".

Great Careers: Genetic Counselor

Great Careers: Physician Assistant

Hot Healthcare Job: Occupational Therapist Assistant

Here's a great combination:  a job that features the opportunity to make a direct impact upon patients and excellent job opportunities and compensation to boot.

Occupational Therapist Assistant

"Occupational therapist assistants and aides work under the supervision of occupational therapists to provide rehabilitative services to persons with mental, physical, emotional, or developmental impairments. The ultimate goal is to improve clients' quality of life and ability to perform daily activities. For example, occupational therapist assistants help injured workers re-enter the labor force by teaching them how to compensate for lost motor skills or help individuals with learning disabilities increase their independence...Employment is expected to grow much faster than average as demand for occupational therapy services rises and as occupational therapists increasingly use assistants and aides. Job prospects should be very good for occupational therapist assistants."  http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos166.htm

According to the Occupational  Employment Statistics from the US government, the median (middle) salary for occupational therapist assistant is $55,830 (as of 2009).

Nurses and Physician Assistants Fill the Gap

In Arizona and elsewhere, nurses, physician assistants, and other healthcare workers fill the gap left by a ahortage of primary care doctors.

Primary-care doctors in short supply in Arizona, nation

Nurses Who are Doctors

From the Philadelphia Inquirer:

Nurses who are doctors
More are earning the doctor of nursing practice degree.

Read more: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/business/20100808_Nurses_who_are_doctors.html#ixzz0wac2DvAO

Pharmacists Take Larger Role on Health Team

From the New York Times (free login may be required to view)

Pharmacists Take Larger Role on Health Team
By REED ABELSON and NATASHA SINGER
Published: August 13, 2010
Drugstore pharmacists are taking on more responsibility for monitoring patients with long-term illnesses.
Link

Pharmacists Outside the Pharmacy

If you think pharmacists only work behind counters in drugstores and supermarkets, this video may surprise you.

Job openings for healthcare workers start to fall

Healthcare has been one of the few growth areas for employment in the U.S. recently.  Things may be changing, however:
http://www.healthleadersmedia.com/content/PHY-254594/Healthcare-Online-Job-Postings-Slip##

Allied Health Careers with the VA

There's a lot to be said about working for the federal government.  The Veterans Administration hires allied health professionals.  Check out their page here:
http://www.vacareers.va.gov/vacareers_You_Students_Allied.cfm

Healthcare jobs in demand

Demand for health information technology graduates on the rise | ajcjobs.com

Demand for health information technology graduates on the rise | ajcjobs.com


"Health information technology is a field that fits both high school graduates and older workers who want to retrain for a career that will provide steady employment..."

How to Become an Orthoptist

Orthoptists treat muscle imbalances of the eye that cause problems with proper binocular vision and eye movement.  This is a relatively little-known occupation, but one that is immensely rewarding. Employment prospects are excellent.  Most orthoptists work with children, because binocular disorders are normally found and treated at a young age.  Many patients come to the orthoptist with strabismus -- where the eyes appear crossed -- or amblyopia -- commonly known as "lazy eye".  Orthoptists work in a variety of settings -- in hospitals, university medical centers, or private clinics.  They often work with and under the supervision of opthamologists, doctors who specialize in diseases of the eye. 

Orthoptists, together with opthamologists, develop treatment plans for patients that may include exercises, surgery, or drugs.  The orthoptist trains the patient in eye exercises.

Orthoptists earn around $50,000 per year.  Certified orthoptists are almost guaranteed employment, as jobs outnumber qualified applicants.

To become an orthoptist, you will need a bachelor's degree, preferably in a scientific subject area, followed by specialized training.

1. Determine if this is the right field for you.  Do a self-assessment.  Do you like working with children?  Do you see yourself working with patients who may have disabilities that extend beyond vision impairment?  If so, you can further explore this field through the American Association of Certified Orthoptists.

2. Obtain a bachelor's degree in science.  Check Peterson's online or in your library for a suitable program.

3. Obtain post-bachelor's training in orthoptics.  This is done by a 24-month fellowship in an accredited orthoptics program, capped by written and practical exams.    The American Orthoptics Council has a list of these.  There are fellowship programs in California, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Wisconsin, as well as four Canadian provinces.

The Highest Paying Allied Health Job is...

...Anesthesiologist Assistant, with a starting salary of $95,000 to $120,000, according to the American Medical Association.

Some other high paying medical jobs that don't require an MD, along with their starting salary ranges:

Pharmacist.  $77,390 to $106,410.

Physician's Assistant.  $76,232 to $89,987.

Audiologist. $62,000 to $73,000.

Perfusionist. $60,000 to $75,000.

Source: American Medical Association: Health care career income ranges.  Accessed May 2010.

How to Become a Kinesiotherapist

Kinesiotherapists apply principles of physical exercise to increase the mobility, stamina, and strength of people who have physical limitations, and those who require extensive physical conditioning.  Kinesiotherapy is the study of human movement.  It is considered an allied health profession, much like medical assisting or pharmacy.  Kinesiotherapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, medical centers, sports medicine centers, schools, universities, and centers for the disabled, among others.  They help people become more mobile (ambulatory), help them maximize the use of prosthetic devices,  learn to drive and work, and with other functions related to physical movement.  Training in kinesiotherapy includes physical education, nutrition, anatomy, human growth & development, therapeutic movement, and psychology.  The average starting salary for a kinesiotherapist is around $36,000, but experienced kinesiotherapists can earn much more, depending on location and type of facility.  Job prospects are excellent, with an aging population and the desire to remain active and working late in life.


1. Decide if this is the right career for you.  A good place to start your exploration is the American Kinesiotherapy Association website.  To decide if you want to become a kinesiotherapist, you might also want to contact a working kinesiotherapist to arrange an informational interview.

2. Obtain a bachelor of science degree from a program accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).  You can find these programs on the CAAHEP website, or in the annual American Medical Association (AMA) publication, "Health Care Careers Directory."  Your education will include an internship.

3. Get registered.  Once you have graduated, you can become certified by the American Kinesiotherapy Association.  This registration, which includes an examination, carries many benefits to you, as a working kinesiotherapist.

Lesser Known Allied Health Careers

Everyone knows that allied health is a booming field, even with a recession. But some allied health jobs are well-kept secrets.  Here are some promising careers that are under the radar (meaning more opportunity for you!)

Paraoptometric. Like a paramedic, except that the paraoptometric works with optometrists.  How to Become a Paraoptometric.

Health Informatician.  Informaticians work with data in the healthcare setting.  Like computers? You may want to become a health informatician.

Healthcare Reimbursement Specialist. This job is all about making sure that insurance companies and agencies pay their fair share. How to Become a Healthcare Reimbursement Specialist.

Radiologist Assistant. This is one of the higher-paying allied health jobs. Radiologist Assistants, well, they assist radiologists! They perform many radiology tasks under supervision.  Check out this guide on becoming a radiologist assistant.