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Nursing and Direct Patient Care
High School Plus Training
Licensed Practical Nurse - Provides basic bedside care, under the supervision of an RN, in hospitals and nursing homes. Average salary $31,010/yr. Job opportunity increase of 12% within 10 years.
Home Health Aide/Certified Nurse Assistant - Helps elderly, convalescent, or disabled persons live in their own homes instead of in a health facility. Average salary $23,880/yr. Job opportunity increase of 31% within 10 years.
Nursing Assistant - Answers patients’ call lights; delivers messages; serves meals; makes beds; and helps patients to eat, dress, and bathe. Average wage $10/hr.
EMT 1-2 and Paramedics - EMTs and paramedics care for and transport the sick or injured to a medical facility. EMTs generally work 45-60 hours/week. Average salary $24,030/yr.
Patient Transporter - Performs a variety of activities related to the transportation of patients, specimens and equipment. Average wage $10/hr.
Cardiology Technicians - Cardiovascular technicians who obtain EKGs are known as electrocardiograph (or EKG) technicians. EKG technicians with advanced training perform Holter monitor and stress testing. Average salary $38,690/yr.
Pharmacy Technician - Help licensed pharmacists provide medication and other health care products to patients by preparing prescribed medication for patients. Average salary $21,500/yr.
Unit Secretary - Performs general clerical duties, acts as receptionists, and directs visitors and other personnel. No wage/salary data available.
Monitoring Technician - Monitors patients' heart rhythms and informs nurses of important physiological changes. Average wage $10/hr.
Two Years of Education or an Associates Degree
Surgical Technician - Helps prepare the operating room and get patients ready for surgery. Average salary $28,360/yr. Job opportunity increase of 20% within 10 years.
Cardiovascular Technologist - Assists physicians in treating cardiac (heart) and peripheral vascular (blood vessel) ailments. Average salary $37,419/yr.
Massage Therapist - Uses therapeutic massage techniques to aid in recovery from injury, stress relief and relaxation, and as treatment for illness or pain. Average salary $33,130/yr.
Bachelors Degree or Higher
Registered Nurse - Assesses a patient’s needs and develop an interdisciplinary care plan. Supervises LPNs and nursing aides. Average salary $50,660/yr. Job opportunity increase of 11% within 10 years.
Nurse Anesthetists - Specially trained RNs who administer anesthetics to patients. Average salary $103,200/yr. Job opportunity increase of 21-35% within 10 years
Certified Nurse Midwife - A registered nurse with advanced academic and clinical training to provide care for normal, healthy women before, during, and after childbirth. Average salary $40,000-$110,000/yr.
Physician Assistant - Provides diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive health care services. Average salary $69,410/yr.
Cardiovascular Perfusionist - Adjust oxygen levels, change body temperatures, correct electrolyte imbalances and manipulate blood flow to meet each patient’s metabolic need. Average salary $45,000-$65,000/yr.
Respiratory Therapist - Helps people who have difficulty breathing, treating them using ventilators, CPR and other procedures. Average salary $43,410/yr. Job opportunity increase of 29% within 10 years.
Nurse Practitioner - A registered nurse with advanced academic and clinical experience, which enables him or her to diagnose and manage most common ailments and many chronic illnesses. Average salary $40,000-$110,000/yr.
* All wages and salaries based on 2002-2004 statistics.