Health Science Career

Careers in Healthcare Key Terms

1. Health Science Education (HSE)​- Programs that prepare a student for immediate
employment in many health care careers or for additional education after graduation.

2. Associate’s Degree-​ Degree awarded by a vocational-technical school or community
college after successful completion of a two-year course of study or its equivalent

3. Bachelor’s Degree​- Degree awarded by a college or university after a person has
completed a four-year course of study or its equivalent

4. Master’s Degree-​ Degree awarded by a college or university after completion of one or
more years of prescribed study after a bachelor’s degree

5. Doctorate or Doctoral Degree​- Degree awarded by a college or university after
completion of a prescribed course of study beyond a bachelor’s or master’s degree: also
called doctoral degree

6. Certification-​ The issuing of a statement or certificate by a professional organization to
a person who has met the requirements of education and/or experience and who meets
the standards set by the organization

7. Registration-​ Process whereby a regulatory body in a given health care area
administers examinations and/or maintains a list of qualified personnel

8. Licensure-​ Process by which a government agency authorizes individuals to work in a
given occupation

9. Continuing Education Units (CEUs)-​ Are required to renew licenses or maintain
certification or registration in many states.

10. Multicompetent or Multiskilled Worker-​ workers who can perform a a variety of health
care skills.

11. Entrepreneur​- Individual who organizes, manages, and assumes the risk of a business

Health Science Pathways and Sample Career Specialties

1. Therapeutic Services-​ specify the knowledge and skills required of workers in health
care careers that are involved in changing the health status of the patient over time;
include interacting with patients, communicating with team members, collecting
information, planning treatment, implementing procedures, monitoring patient status, and
evaluating patient response to treatment.
a. Chiropractor, Dentist, Mortician, Registered Nurse, Veterinarian

2. Diagnostic Services-​ specify the knowledge and skills required of workers in health
care careers that are involved in creating a picture of the health status of the patient at a
single point in time; include communicating oral and written information, assessing
patient’s health status, moving and positioning patients safely and efficiently, explaining
procedures and goals, preparing for procedures, performing diagnostic procedures,
evaluating test results and reporting required information.
a. Physical Therapist, Genetic Counselor, Phlebotomist, Nutritionist, Audiologist

3. Health Informatics-​ specify the knowledge and skills required of workers in health care
careers that are involved with the documentation of patient care; include communicating
information accurately within legal boundaries; analyzing information; abstracting and
coding medical records and documents; designing and/or implementing effective
information systems; documenting information; and understanding operations to enter,
retrieve, and maintain information.
a. Utilization Manager, Medical Librarian, Clinical Coder, Health Educator,
Epidemiologist

4. Support Services-​ specify the knowledge and skills required of workers in health care
careers that are involved with creating a therapeutic environment to provide direct or
indirect patient care; include developing and implementing the administration, quality
control, and compliance regulations of a health care facility; maintaining a clean and safe
environment through aseptic techniques; managing resources; and maintaining an
aesthetically appealing environment
a. Dietary Aide, Transport Technician, Materials Manager, Interpreter, Health Care
Administrator

5. Biotechnology Research and Development​- specify the knowledge and skills required
of workers in health care careers that are involved in bioscience research and
development; include comprehending how biotechnology contributes to health and the
quality of life, developing a strong foundation in math and science principles, performing
biotechnology techniques, understanding and following laboratory protocols and
principles, working with product design and development, and complying with bioethical
policies.
a. Biochemist, Toxicologist, Research Scientist, Microbiologist, Geneticist

Nurse Anesthetist

● Average Salary: ​$176,546
● Educational Requirement: ​First, you must obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Degree, and then get your RN License. Then, you must earn a Master of Science in
Nursing Degree in Nurse Anesthesia o​ r​ a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree o​ r​ a
Ph.D. in Nursing. Finally, you must attain your Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
(APRN) License by passing a credentialing exam and attain certification in your
specialty.
● Licensure and/or Certifications: N​ u​ rses who are in an expanded role must pass a
national certification examination in their area of specialty in order to practice in their
role.
● Job Description:​ ​Nurse Anesthetists work as registered nurses who can administer
anesthetics. Nurse anesthetists work with patients to ensure that they receive
appropriate levels of these important drugs before surgeries or other procedures. Nurse
anesthetists are not only responsible for the administration of the anesthetics before the
procedure, but they must monitor the patient throughout the patient’s anesthesia to
ensure that the patient is handling the drugs appropriately. Nurse anesthetists must alter
the amount of the drug and the speed at which it’s administered as necessary
throughout the surgery so that the patient is kept in the best possible care.
● Occupational Outlook: ​31%
● Personal Characteristic/Abilities:
● Advantages: ​Pay, Ability to help others, Autonomy, Professional respect
● Disadvantages: ​Responsibility, Long Hours, Boredom, Competition
● Working Conditions: N​ urse anesthetists practice in every setting in which anesthesia is
delivered: traditional hospital surgical suites and obstetrical delivery rooms; critical
access hospitals; ambulatory surgical centers; the offices of dentists, podiatrists,
ophthalmologists, plastic surgeons and pain management specialists; and military,
Veterans Affairs’ and Public Health Service health care facilities.
● Would I be suited for this Job:

Nurse Practitioner

● Average Salary: ​$93,650
● Educational Requirement: A​ Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is the minimum

degree required. Some require a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
● Licensure and/or Certifications: ​Nu​ rses who are in an expanded role must pass a

national certification examination in their area of specialty in order to practice in their
role.
● Job Description: A​ nurse practitioner is an advanced practice nurse that helps with all
aspects of patient care, including diagnosis, treatments and consultations. They may
work in both inpatient and outpatient situations and can perform independently or as part
of a treatment team. Generally, nurse practitioners perform the important task of
educating patients about preventative care and the prescribed treatments. They may
also conduct physicals, order tests and serve as a patient’s primary healthcare provider.
Some nurse practitioners are also able to prescribe medications.
● Occupational Outlook: 3​ 1%
● Personal Characteristic/Abilities:
● Advantages: H​ elp many people, Diverse job, Pay, Autonomy
● Disadvantages: ​Extensive education, Long hours, Risk of contracting diseases, Stress,
Legal Risk, Responsibility
● Working Conditions:​ ​working in clinics, office practices, managed care organizations
and hospitals, nurse practitioners deliver care in rural areas, urban community health
centers, college campuses, worksite employee health centers and other locations. Nurse
practitioners also work for health care technology companies, perform health care
research, teach in schools and universities and serve in governmental agencies.
● Would I be suited for this Job:

Physician

● Average Salary: $​ 157,865
● Educational Requirement: p​ hysician must complete a premedical program at an

accredited college or university. These programs are four years in length and are very
rigorous. Students must then pass the Medical CollegeAdmissions Test (MCAT) and get
accepted into a school of medicine. This may require a personal interview, additional
applications, or further testing. Once admitted into medical school, a student must
graduate this four-year program,which is very difficult and expensive. Upon graduation, a
student then begins a period of post-graduate training called a residency, which can last
3 to 8 years.
● Licensure and/or Certifications: T​ o practice medicine in Mississippi, physicians and
resident physicians must have a license through the Mississippi State Board of Medical
Licensure. During residency training, physicians generally work toward obtaining
certification from one of the many approved medical specialty boards.
● Job Description: ​They diagnose illnesses and prescribe and administer treatment for
people suffering from injury or disease. Physicians examine patients; obtain medical
histories; and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests. They counsel patients on
diet, hygiene, and preventive health care.
● Occupational Outlook:​ 14%
● Personal Characteristic/Abilities:
● Advantages: G​ ood pay, Help people, Respectable career, Autonomy
● Disadvantages: T​ iring, Lengthy education, Responsibility, Stressful
● Working Conditions:
● Would I be suited for this Job:

Physician Assistant

● Average Salary: $​ 91,497
● Educational Requirement: ​Most programs require at least four years of undergraduate

study and some work experience in the health care field, but educational programs vary
from state to state.
● Licensure and/or Certifications: ​U​Upon completion of an accredited PA program, students
must pass an examination given by the NationalCommission for Certification of Physician
Assistants. After certification, they must apply for a license from theMississippi State Board of
Medical Licensure to practice in this state. Due to changing requirements, contact the Board for
up-to-date licensing requirements.
●
● Job Description: ​make clinical decisions and provide a broad range of diagnostic,
therapeutic, preventive and health maintenance services. The clinical role of PAs
includes primary and specialty care in medical and surgical practice settings. PA practice
is centered on patient care and may include educational, research, and administrative
activities.
● Occupational Outlook: ​30%
● Personal Characteristic/Abilities: ​intelligence, sound judgment, intellectual honesty,
appropriate interpersonal skills, and the capacity to react to emergencies in a calm and
reasoned manner. An attitude of respect for self and others,adherence to the concepts
of privilege and confidentiality in communicating with patients, and a commitment to the
patient’s welfare are essential attributes of the graduate PA.
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Anesthesiologist

● Average Salary: ​$157,960
● Educational Requirement: ​must complete a pre-medical program at an accredited

college or university. These programs are four years in length and are very rigorous.
Students must then pass the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) and get
accepted into a school of medicine. Upon graduation from an accredited medical school,
individuals must complete a four-year anesthesiology residency program.
● Licensure and/or Certifications: ​physicians and resident physicians must have a
license through the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure. During residency
training, anesthesiologists generally work toward obtaining certification from the
American Society of Anesthesiologists or the American Board of Anesthesiology.
● Job Description: A​ nesthesiologists are physicians who focus on surgical patients and
pain relief. They administer anesthetics, which are medicines to prevent patients from
feeling pain and sensations; closely monitor patients’ vital signs during surgery and
adjust anesthetics accordingly; monitor patients through the first recovery stages after an
operation; and administer appropriate medications during recovery. In addition to helping
patients through surgery, anesthesiologists may also help treat patients with conditions
causing chronic pain.
● Occupational Outlook: 1​ 3%
● Personal Characteristic/Abilities:
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Psychologist

● Average Salary: ​$74,180
● Educational Requirement: ​Psychologists are generally required to obtain a Ph.D., a

Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology), or an Ed.S. (EducationalSpecialist) degree in order to
practice psychology. A doctoral degree will qualify an individual to conduct research,
conduct clinical counseling, and teach a variety of topics in schools and universities. In
order to specialize, two years of post-doctoral study is required. Individuals with a
master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree can work under the supervision of a psychologist
as a psychological assistant. This allows them to conduct research, perform
administrative duties, and conduct psychological evaluations.
● Licensure and/or Certifications: ​Licensure is required by the Mississippi Board of
Psychology. To be licensed, an individual must graduate from a program approved by
the American Psychological Association, complete an internship of post-doctoral work
experience, and pass a series of state and national examinations.
● Job Description: ​Psychologists study the human mind and human behavior. Research
psychologists investigate the physical, cognitive, emotional, or social aspects of human
behavior. Clinical psychologists—who constitute the largest specialty— work most often
in counseling centers, independent or group practices, hospitals, or clinics. They help
mentally and emotionally disturbed clients adjust to life and may assist medical and
surgical patients in dealing with illnesses or injuries. Some clinical psychologists work in
physical rehabilitation settings, treating patients with spinal cord injuries, chronic pain or
illness, stroke, arthritis, and neurological conditions. Others help people deal with times
of personal crisis, such as divorce or the death of a loved one.
● Occupational Outlook: 1​ 9%
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Registered Nurse (Associate & Baccalaureate)

● Average Salary: ​$68,450
● Educational Requirement: T​ h​e title Registered Nurse (RN) means that a person has

graduated from an approved School of Nursing, passed the national licensing
examination for registered nurses, and paid a fee to practice nursing in the state. The
practice of nursing is defined by law and regulated by the Mississippi Board of Nursing.
● Licensure and/or Certifications: U​ pon completion of an accredited school of nursing,
both associate degree and baccalaureate degree graduates must take and pass the
National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and obtain
licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) from the Mississippi Board of Nursing.
● Job Description: R​ egistered Nurses provide a variety of care services that include
treating patients, educating patients and the public about various medical conditions,
and providing advice and emotional support to patients’ family members. RNs record
patients’ medical histories and symptoms, help to perform diagnostic tests and analyze
results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications,and help with
patient follow-up and rehabilitation. RNs teach patients and their families how to manage
illness or injury, including post-treatment home care needs, diet and exercise programs,
and self-administration of medication and physical therapy. Some RNs also are
educated to provide grief counseling to family members of critically ill patients.
● Occupational Outlook: ​16%
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Pharmacist

● Average Salary: ​$127,122
● Educational Requirement:​ A​ pharmacy degree program requires at least 2 to 4 years

of specific pre-professional (undergraduate) coursework followed by 4 years of
professional study in an accredited school of pharmacy.
● Licensure and/or Certifications: T​ o become a licensed pharmacist, a student must
graduate from an accredited school of pharmacy, pass a state board examination, and
serve an internship under a licensed pharmacist in a community or hospital pharmacy.
Most states, including Mississippi, require continuing education for license renewal.
● Job Description: P​ harmacists provide information to patients about medications and
their use and distribute drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners .
They advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection,dosages,
interactions, and side effects of medications.Pharmacists also monitor the health and
progress of patients in response to drug therapy to ensure the safe and effective use of
medication. Pharmacists must understand the use,clinical effects, and composition of
drugs, including their chemical, biological, and physical properties.
● Occupational Outlook: 3​ %
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Gynecologist

● Average Salary: $​ 281,400
● Educational Requirement:
● Licensure and/or Certifications:
● Job Description: G​ ynecologists​ provide medical treatment to women, focusing on

issues related to the reproductive system. They may perform annual testing and exams,
diagnose illnesses and infections, treat hormonal abnormalities, prescribe medication
and counsel patients about birth control or fertility options.
● Occupational Outlook: ​16%
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Obstetrician

● Average Salary: ​$275,152
● Educational Requirement: ​you must earn your bachelor’s degree and then apply to get

admitted into a medical school. Medical schools do require you to have a high GPA and
take an Medical College Admission tests (MCAT). Once you have accepted you will
attends an additional 4 years on academics and then complete a residency at a medical
facility. This can take anywhere for 3-7 years pending on where you are.
● Licensure and/or Certifications:
● Job Description: ​An obstetrician is a medical doctor that focuses primary on pregnancy
and the birthing of infants. They specialize in obstetric which is the birthing process and
everything that is associated with pregnancy; therefore includes the female reproductive
system, fetal development, and birthing. They often times are confused with a
gynecologist because they also provide medical care to females; however the primary
difference is an obstetrician can perform surgery and their primary focus is on labor and
delivery. However, they also can specialize in gynecology, thus being a OB/GYN doctor.
● Occupational Outlook: ​13%
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