Health Care Careers

Uundergraduate career opportunities in health care are increasing rapidly, despite the economy. Due to the increasing number of aging baby boomers, health care is an area where there is a shortage of qualified professionals. Therefore, if you are hard working and determined to obtain the education and skills needed, you will more than likely be able to get a job in health care fairly easily. When people think of health care careers, they may think of a nurse or a doctor. However, there are many more options. There are many health care jobs that require only a bachelor's degree. If those don't interst you, you may want to consider one of the health care careers mentioned below.

Optometrists are health care professionals who focus on treating eye problems. They test patients’ vision by performing eye tests and they help correct minor vision problems by prescribing glasses or contact lenses. To practice as an optometrist, a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree is required. In the United States, there are only 16 optometry schools.

Occupational therapists focus on providing therapy for those with disabilities. Therapy involves helping patients learn daily tasks and living skills so they can live independently. Occupational therapists may also help patients learn to live without an important function, such as a limb, eyesight or hearing. These health care careers require a master’s degree.

Audiologists assess patients’ hearing and diagnose hearing problems. They also may perform research and training. health care careers in audiology require patience, as audiologists work with patients of all ages, from children to senior citizens. Good communication skills are also required, as audiologists often work with physicians and speech pathologists in order to put together treatment plans. The minimum education is a Ph.D.

Medical laboratory technologists are health care professionals that focus on administering lab tests to patients. They analyze body fluids, such as urine and blood, to check blood types and look for abnormalities. This career requires curiosity, analysis and a love of science.