From 2000 to 2010, the National Center for Education Statistics noted an astounding 42 percent increase in college students over the age of 25. What’s more, researchers at Northeastern University reported that adults in the 30-64 age range were most likely to hold advanced degrees. In short: Going back to school is more common than ever for those who don’t fit the traditional student mold. Here are five careers in health care you may want to consider:
Veterinary Technician
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for veterinary technicians between 2010 and 2020 is expected to increase by 52 percent, which is much higher than average. Entry level requires just an associate’s degree, with no related work experience necessary. PayScale reports that a vet tech with no experience working in New York City can earn a median salary of over $33,000. Online vet tech programs at Penn Foster cost 71 percent less than online and traditional schools, which can ensure that your investment starts paying off sooner.
Health Information Manager
The U.S. Department of Labor reports that health information managers can earn a median salary of $93,670. All you need is a bachelor’s degree in health care administration, which includes classes in health care finance, health care ethics and accounting. As a health information manager, you would have less of the hands-on patient care responsibilities and more focus on managing patient records and verifying reports.
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Working as a pharmaceutical sales representative could earn you an annual salary of $79,000, according to Indeed.com. You probably won’t go anywhere near an operating room, but this job is crucial for ensuring the best treatment for every patient. You’ll work with doctors, hospital staff and patients to determine the most effective medical products and pharmaceuticals for each individual case. Only a bachelor’s degree is needed.
Registered Nurse
If you prefer a more hands-on career that actively works in caring for others, you can use an associate’s degree in nursing to enter the field, according to the Department of Labor. The average salary for a registered nurse is $64,690, with a projected job increase of 22 percent between 2008 and 2018. As a registered nurse, your job will be to make a record of patient histories, perform tests, analyze results, apply treatments and monitor the patient’s improvement.
Dental Assistant
If you are passionate about dental health, you could work as a dental assistant with just a certificate or associate’s degree in dental assisting. The average salary of a dental assistant starts out at $34,140, but there are plenty of opportunities to build experience and learn new skills to boost your income. A typical workday as a dental assistant will include prepping both patients and instruments for the dentist, assisting with procedures, organizing medical records and working in the laboratory.
