Medical Fields & Degrees

The medical field is very large and contains a whole range of professions, from those that only take several months of education for a certificate to a physician who specializes in a particular area and goes to school for many years. Since the need for health care specialists is ongoing, you should look at your personal interests, abilities and future goals to decide what route to take. Surely, you will be able to find a rewarding career, since the U.S. government reports that about three million people will be hired in health care by 2016.

Nursing

The United Stated Department of Labor has listed those medical careers that will be most in need in the next decade. The first of these is nurses. Registered nursing, alone, is expected to increase by 25 percent. The degree a nurse pursues will determine the position availability. Many nurses get a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing or BSN at a college or university. This 4-year degree prepares someone to be a registered nurse or supervisory position. Others go for 2 or 3 years and receive their Associate's Degree in nursing or ADN or in a hospital setting for a diploma and become a Licensed Practical Nurse, who has responsibilities in the medical center or doctor's office, such as taking vitals, giving injections and providing bedside care.

Support and Administration

Medical support and administrative positions also offer a large number of opportunities. About 20 percent of all health care jobs are in the support area and many do not require an undergraduate degree. Medical office managers have responsibility over the office activities and support the medical staff. They handle everything from transcribing dictation to making appointments. A 1-year certificate or 2-year associate degree is recommended. With a bachelor's degree and master's degree preferred, someone can pursue a career as a health services/care administrator and be responsible for managing a health care facility, such as a nursing home or medical center.

In-Home Care

Because of the aging population, the number of in-home hospice care and home health aides is growing by 50 percent. Home health care employees provide care of patients in their home either for a few hours or 24 hours per day. In some cases, the care is needed to restore health after an operation or accident, while at other times it is to offer comfort, as in hospice care. Home health care may provide both medical and the personal support of patients and families. Although some go into this field with a high school degree, others go on to get their associate's degree or a diploma.

Medical Technicians

A medical technician can work in diverse fields and normally trains in a specialized field after high school. The term "medical technician" covers people working in x-ray labs, dental offices or labs, surgery centers, pharmacies and veterinaries, to name a few places. Medical and clinical laboratory technicians usually have an associate's degree from a community college or a diploma from a hospital, technical school or the Armed Forces. A few technicians learn on the job.

Physicians

Although it is becoming increasingly more difficult to become a physician due to number of years of medical school, difficulties with managed care, growing litigation and cost of education, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, doctors continue to have the highest earning potential for all health care providers. Surgeons and specialists have the highest incomes, sometimes over half a million dollars annually. The number of physicians is projected to grow by 17 percent by the year 2016.