Featured Article
Interesting Health Careers You Probably Didn't Know About
September 9, 2005
Love the idea of working in health but dread the prospect
of 7 to 10 years of medical school and residency? Consider one of these lesser-known
alternatives and find yourself on a rewarding career path faster than your classmates
can say "MCAT."
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.
Certified Nurse Midwife
Nurse midwives are usually present in their patients' lives from the early stages
of pregnancy until well after the baby is born. They are skilled health practitioners
who provide consultation on issues such as nutrition, and anxiety and pain control. They
are trusted, often beloved confidantes to the families who rely upon them.
The majority of certified nurse midwives work in hospitals, but many make house
calls and a fair number work in private practice. In order to become a nurse
midwife one must pursue a bachelor's degree in nursing, but many schools offer
accelerated BSN/CNM programs.
All salary information is from salary.com
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