Outlook, Earnings, and Education Requirements for Specific Job Types

The following healthcare career paths are presented in alphabetical order.

Career Path Employment Growth through 2008 Median Salary Education Requirements
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians Average $35,770 Associate’s or bachelor’s degree
Health Service Managers Faster than average $48,870 Master’s degree in health services administration, long-term care administration, health sciences, public health, public administration, or business administration
Home Health and Personal Care Aides One of the fastest growing $7.58/hour On-the-job training
Licensed Practical Nurses Average $26,940 Graduate of LPN program (usually one year)
Medical Assistants Much faster than average $20,680 Certificate
Nuclear Medical Technologists Average $39,610 Associate’s or bachelor’s degree
Nursing and Psychiatric Aides Faster than average $7.99/hour None, on-the-job training, or vocational training
Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides Much faster than average $32,200 OT$28,690 OTA Assistants = associate’s degree or certificate program from an accredited community college or technical school; Aides = on the job
Pharmacy Technicians and Assistants Average $8.54/hour Certificate and on-the-job training
Physical Therapists Faster than average $56,600 Master’s degree or better
Physical Therapy Assistants and Aides Much faster than average $21,870 Assistants = associate’s degree or certificate program from an accredited community college or technical school; Aides = on the job
Physician Assistants Much faster than average $47,090 Bachelor’s degree plus certificate
Physicians Faster than average $164,000 Graduate (M.D.) degree
Podiatrists Average $79,530 Bachelor’s degree and DPM degree
Radiologic Technologists Average $32,880 Certificate, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree. Two-year associate’s degree programs predominate.
Registered Nurses Faster than average $40,690 Associate’s (RDN) or bachelor’s (ADN) degree
Respiratory Therapists Much faster than average $34,830 Associate’s or bachelor’s degree
Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Much faster than average $43,080 Master’s degree or equivalent

Information comes from the 2001-2002 edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook. See detailed tables with updated adjustments in new browser window here.

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