Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and nursing are all popular career options for students who are interested in health. But what about those other health careers? The following is a short list of options that you may also want to consider. As you can see, the salaries are competitive and training time is usually manageable:
Genetic Counselor
This is a job for somebody with scientific acumen and exceptional interpersonal skills. Genetic counselors help identify families at risk for genetic disorders and educate them about their reproductive options and how to cope with existing disorders. They also act as advocates, offering community resource information to their clients and providing ongoing emotional support. A burgeoning field, the need for genetic counselors will grow considerably in the next decade. Most genetic counselors work in teaching or private hospitals, though a small number also work in HMOs and private practice. Training programs typically require two years of full-time study.
Physician's Assistant
No, they aren't medical assistants. Physician's assistants or "PAs" work much in the same capacity as physicians, taking medical histories, diagnosing illnesses, and prescribing medications under a doctor's supervision. The majority of positions are available in private offices, but PAs also work in hospitals and outpatient care centers.
Audiologist
Audiologists evaluate, diagnose and treat hearing problems, and educate other medical professionals and patients about hearing loss prevention. Additionally, audiologists test noise levels in school or work settings and provide lip reading training. This job can be especially fun for people who like to work with gadgets (you get to use a lot of nifty diagnostic equipment and fit cochlear implants); and those who crave security will be satisfied - with a growing elderly population, there will be plenty of jobs available.
Occupational Therapist
People struggling with disabilities ranging from spinal bifida to carpal tunnel syndrome turn to occupational therapists to learn how to carry out personal and work-related tasks independently. According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, OTs teach their clients "skills for the job of living" such as using computers, dressing and eating, and in some cases they also help clients improve abstract reasoning and perceptual skills. Most occupational therapists work in hospitals, public and private educational facilities and nursing homes. A smaller number work in private practice.
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