Degrees In Health Care

Jumping into a profession in the healthcare field is an exciting and rewarding decision. However, it can be a tough decision to decide exactly which career is right for you. Check out our list below of The Top 10 HealthCare Careers for 2011 to determine exactly which profession is right for you. You may also want to check out these other Top Health Careers for 2011 to get even more information on the possibilities within the healthcare field!

With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to determine the one that is perfect for you. This list may help you narrow down your search!

The Top 10 Healthcare Careers for 2011:

1. Physical Therapist- A Physical Therapist works with patients who have medical problems or other health-related conditions, illnesses, or injuries that limits their ability to move and function in their daily lives. After examining patients, Physical Therapists develop a plan to promote the ability to move, decrease pain, restore function, and prevent disability.

• Stats: Median annual wages of physical therapists were $72,790 in May 2008, according to the BLS. It is also expected to see a growth of 30% in the next decade.

2. Nursing- Nursing is one the most sought-after professions in the field. It is also one of the fastest growing and most stable careers in healthcare. Nurses have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings such as: hospitals, specialty care facilities, homes, schools, community centers and more.

• Stats: The median annual salary in 2008 was $62,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). It also reported a projected growth of 581,500 new jobs in the next decade, as well as hundreds of thousands of jobs opening from retiring nurses.

3. Massage Therapist- If you are passionate about promoting the health and wellness of patients, consider becoming a massage therapist and help reduce others stress and tension.

• Stats: Median hourly wages of massage therapists, including gratuities, were $16.78 in May 2008, according to the BLS. A 19% rise in demand for this field in the next decade is projected.

4. Dental Specialist- Imagine going to work everyday to provide people with a whiter, brighter, healthier smile? Dental Assistants and Dental Hygienists assist the Dentist in the daily operations of the practice.

• Facts: Median annual wages of dental assistants were $32,380 in May 2008, according to the BLS. There is an unbelievable 36% expected growth in demand in the next decade.

5. Healthcare Administration and Management- The healthcare industry needs to be run efficiently just like any other business. This profession works to plan, direct, coordinate, and supervise the delivery of ever-important healthcare.

• Stats: Jobs in the Healthcare Administration and Management field are expected to increase 16 percent in the next decade. The annual median wage and salary for Medical and Health Services Managers was $80,240 in May 2008, according to the BLS.

6. Psychologist- Psychologists study mental processes and human behavior to counsel patients in order to help them achieve mental health and wellness.

• Stats: Median annual wage and salary for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists were $64,140 in May 2008, according to the BLS. This field has a faster than average growth rate expected for the next decade with 12 percent.

7. Radiologic Technician- Radiologic Technicians operate x-ray machines among other complex imaging procedures in order to assist doctors in diagnosis.

• Stats: The median annual wage of Radiologic Technologists was $52,210 in May 2008, according to the BLS. A promising expected growth of 17% is projected for the next decade.

8. Chiropractor- Chiropractors focus their practice on the human body and its relation to the spine. They work through physical manipulation of the spine to bring the body back into proper alignment for improved health and well-being.

• Stats: With an expected 20% increase in demand over the next decade, this growing profession is one of the highly desired occupations in the field. The median annual salary in 2008 was $67,000. However, a survey by Chiropractic Economics reports an average salary of $95,000. Many Chiropractors make well over $100,000 after several years of experience.

9. Personal Fitness (Personal Trainer) - Imagine going to work everyday with one goal: to help others live healthier, better lives. As a Personal Trainer you will be in charge of guiding people who are looking to improve their health and fitness.

• Stats: With the recent health craze in our society, it’s no wonder that the profession is expected to 29% in the next decade. The median annual salary in 2008 was $30,000, with an average range of $20,000-$60,000 and more, according to the BLS.

10. Health Records Technicians- Responsible for the assembling of patients’ health records like test results, medical history, etc., Health Records Technicians are at the forefront of the transformation of the profession as we switch to an electronic records system.

• Stats: The median annual salary in 2008 was $30,000. Employment growth is also expected to increase 20% over the next decade.

Armed with this information you can now see the opportunities that lie within the healthcare field.  Do some research, figure out your career goals and begin your new career today!