$36,780($17.68/hr)
Postsecondary nondegree award
-
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions. They can administer eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct the patient in care and use of corrective lenses.
$65,500 ($31.49/hr)
Associate's degree
None
Occupational Therapy Assistants help patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. They are directly involved in providing therapy to patients and work under the direction of occupational therapists.
$61,340 ($29.49/hr)
Associate's degree
None
Physical Therapist Assistants, sometimes called PTAs, work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists. They help patients who are recovering from injuries and illnesses to regain movement and manage pain. Physical therapist assistants are involved in the direct care of patients. Physical therapist aides often have tasks that are indirectly related to patient care, such as cleaning and setting up the treatment area, moving patients, and doing clerical duties.
$52,000 ($25.00/hr)
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Hearing Aid Specialists select and fit hearing aids for customers, administer and interpret tests of hearing, and assess hearing instrument efficacy. They also take ear impressions and prepare, design, and modify ear molds.
$64,390 ($30.96/hr)
Associate's degree
None
Respiratory Therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing; for example, because of conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Their patients range from premature infants with undeveloped lungs to older adults whose lungs are diseased.
$60,440 ($29.06/hr)
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Occupational T Ades help patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. Occupational Therapy Aides typically perform support activities and work under the direction of occupational therapists.
$77,480 ($37.25/hr)
Associate's degree
None
Diagnostic medical sonographers operate special equipment to create images or conduct tests. They work closely with physicians and surgeons, who view the images and test results to assess and diagnose medical conditions.
$44,180 ($21.24/hr)
Postsecondary nondegree award
Less than 5 years
Paramedics care for the sick or injured in emergency medical settings. People's lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care provided by these workers. They respond to emergency calls, performing medical services and transporting patients to medical facilities.
A 911 operator sends EMTs and paramedics to the scene of an emergency, where they often work with police and firefighters
$81,730 ($39.29/hr)
Associate's degree
None
Radiation Therapists administer doses of radiation to patients who have cancer or other serious diseases.
$51,300 ($24.66/hr)
Postsecondary nondegree award
None
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) provide basic medical care to ill, injured, or convalescing patients or to persons with disabilities. Responsibilities for LPNs and LVNs are nearly identical; their title depends on the state in which they work.
$45,200 ($21.73/hr)
Postsecondary nondegree award
None
Medical Records Specialists compile, process, and maintain patient files. They also may classify and enter patients' medical information into the healthcare industry's numerical coding system.
$79,200 ($38.08/hr)
Associate's degree
None
Dental Hygienists examine patients for signs of oral diseases, such as gingivitis, and provide preventive care, including oral hygiene. They also educate patients about oral health.
$49,220 ($23.67/hr)
Postsecondary nondegree award
None
Surgical Technologists help with surgical operations. Sometimes called operating room technicians, they prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and help doctors and first assistants during surgeries.
$62,460 ($30.03/hr)
Associate's degree
None
Radiologic Technologists, also known as radiographers, perform x rays and other diagnostic imaging examinations on patients.
$46,140 ($22.18/hr)
Postsecondary nondegree award
None
Dental Assistants have many tasks, including patient care, recordkeeping, and appointment scheduling. Their duties vary by state and by the dentists' offices in which they work.
$61,700 ($29.66/hr)
Associate's degree
None
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians operate special equipment to create images or conduct tests. They work closely with physicians and surgeons, who view the images and test results to assess and diagnose medical conditions.
$77,530 ($37.27/hr)
Associate's degree
Less than 5 years
MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images.
$75,920 ($36.50/hr)
Associate's degree
None
Nuclear Medicine Technologists prepare radioactive drugs and administer them to patients for imaging or treatment. They provide technical support to physicians or others who diagnose, care for, and treat patients and to researchers who investigate uses of radioactive drugs. They also may act as emergency responders in the event of a nuclear disaster.
