1. Clinical Social Worker Social workers can find employment in a variety of settings, but clinical social workers find their home in hospitals, schools, and clinics, providing mental health services to patients. Clinical social workers aid in the diagnosis and treatment of mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders, as well as helping families and patients cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Clinical social workers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree, but many jobs require an advanced degree, such as Master’s in Social Work. Social workers must also have a state license, which is acquired through a minimum number of hours of supervised experience. There are also various certification courses to aid in career advancement. Employment of clinical social workers in expected to increase by 24% over the next ten years. Aging Baby Boomers will create greater demand for all health workers, particularly in assisted-living communities and nursing homes. 2. Athletic Trainer Athletic trainers help to prevent and treat injuries for everyone from Olympic athletes to industrial workers. Athletic trainers are often the first ones one the scene when an athlete is injured. They must be able to assess the situation and provide immediate care. Many athletic trainers are also involved in rehabilitation and reconditioning. Athletic trainers work in many different environments – they are on the playing field, in the hospital, and at the gym. Athletic trainers must be able to have frequent interaction with a variety of people, from clients to physicians. They may work 60 hours weeks, or teach just a few hours a day. Athletic training typically calls for at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college. Most athletic trainers have a master’s degree with broad knowledge of health and medicine. Almost every state requires athletic trainers to be licensed or registered through the Board of Certification. Employment is expected to grow faster than the average career, roughly 24% by 2016. Most of the new jobs will be in hospitals and health practitioner offices, as well as fitness centers. There is also a greater emphasis on sports medicine, leading to greater acceptance of athletic trainers as healthcare professionals. 3. Art Therapist Art therapists use creative materials like paint, crayons, and chalk to help patients express themselves. Based in traditional psychotherapeutic theories, art therapy uses the creative process to evoke emotions and improve mental well-being. Art-based assessments are used to test of psychiatric disorders and delve deeper in the psyche. Art therapists must be board certified and registered in order to practice. Art therapists typically hold a Master of Art Therapy degree, but may also have a education background in psychology, such as a Master of Family Therapy. 4. Informatics Specialist An informatics specialist works to organize large amounts of dating, turning it into usable content. By processing information, informatics specialists can see trends such as cancer prevalence across the years. These specialists also develop software and electronic tracking systems. Informatics specialists are often found in labs, at universities, or at private corporations. Informatics specialists need an advanced degree in biology or genetics, with a lot of experience in computer languages and programming. As the healthcare industry develops, the need for informatics specialists will increase due to the amount of new knowledge obtained. Informatics is the ideal place for a number-cruncher who is interested in health. 5. Interpreter Medical interpreters do more than translate. In order to thoroughly communicate the complexity of healthcare, interpreters must fully understand the subject matter they work with. There are two types of interpretation: simultaneous and consecutive. Simultaneous interpretation requires interpreters to listen and speak (or sign) at the same time. In simultaneous interpretation, the interpreter begins to convey a sentence being spoken while the speaker is still talking. Ideally, simultaneous interpreters should be so familiar with a subject that they are able to anticipate the end of the speaker’s sentence. Because they need a high degree of concentration, simultaneous interpreters work in pairs, with each interpreting for 20- to 30-minute periods. This type of interpretation is required at international conferences and is sometimes used in the courts. Medical interpreters do not require advanced degrees, but must be fluent in their native language and their second language. A strong grasp of the health industry and medical practices is also necessary. As more second-language-speakers enter the United States, the need for medical interpreters will grow. Employment is estimated to increase 24% by 2016, driven by the high demand for medical interpreters. The best cities for jobs lie in urban areas like Washington, DC, New York, and Los Angeles. 6. Medical Illustrator One of the most creative jobs in healthcare, medical illustrators combine knowledge of the body with artistic talent. Medical illustrators create graphic representations of bodies, or body parts, for textbooks, posters, and legal proceedings. Today, medical illustrators use computer programs to help develop their art, so knowledge of graphic design programs in imperative. Illustrations are often three-dimensional and extremely detailed, and some medical illustrators choose to specialize in one area of the body because of this. Medical illustrators must have detailed knowledge of both biological sciences and fine art. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement, but most employers will want a Master’s in Medical Illustration. Unfortunately, there are only five accredited master’s degree programs in the US, and they are all very competitive. You much have excellent grades and a deep understanding of art and science to be considered. Employment is expected to grow 10 to 25% by 2016. As computer programs become more advanced, there will be a greater need for those who understand this type of software and can teach it to others. 7. Forensic Scientist Forensic scientists do more than investigate DNA left on at the scene of a crime. These problem-solvers are also found in the field of healthcare, interpreting medical facts and presenting them to courts, or studying the human body to establish time of death. There are many facets of forensic science, including: • Forensic Medicine • Forensic Pathology • Forensic Toxicology • Forensic Pathology • Forensic Anthropology • Forensic Serology • Forensic Odontology The path to forensic science in healthcare involves at least two years as an intern after medical school, and possibly a master’s degree in your area of specialization. An advanced degree is mandatory. Employment is expected to grow 12% by 2016. Forensic scientists who work for the government should expect favorable employment prospects because of job growth that is much faster than average. 8. Travel Nurse Don’t want to by tied down to one place? Travel nursing might be for you! Travel nurses are contracted to move from place to place depending on an areas need for healthcare professionals. Oftentimes, moving costs and housing are covered, and overall salary is higher than a permanent staffing position. Travel nurses get the rewards of a nursing career, on top of the ability to see the country and explore. Most travel nurses must be RNs. There is less job availability for LPNs as travel nurses. Because of the nursing shortage, RNs are in demand, and there is the change to make great use out of your degree. Employment for registered nurses is expect to grow by 23% by 2016. Travel nursing continues to be a lucrative career choice because shortages vary from state to state. Overall, job prospects are expected to be excellent for nurses willing to pack their bags to relocate every few months. 9. Environmental Health Director Caring for the environment doesn’t just mean worrying about the oceans and the o-zone. Environmental health directors consider how the health of the planet is affecting the health of the people living on it. Environmental health professionals deal with sanitation, sewage, and public facility issues. They investigate public health problems, and try to find solutions. If the world is a cleaner place, everyone will be healthier. Work in environmental health involves at least a bachelor degree in public health, environmental health or science, or a related field. For some jobs, an advanced degree, such as a Master of Public Health, is required. Anyone interested in this field must have knowledge of the environment and public health. As concern for the climate grows, so should employment opportunities for environmental health directors. 10. Substance Abuse Counselor Substance abuse counselors work with individuals who are addicted to drugs, alcohol, gambling, or eating disorders. They help people understand their addictions and the problems related to substance abuse. Counseling can be done one-on-one or in groups. Substance abuse counselors also see family members of those who are affected by additions. This is a demanding and stressful job that involves intense emotions and years of recovery. Substance abuse counselors require an advanced degree, such as a Master of Substance Abuse Counseling, Master of Family Therapy or Doctorate in Psychology. Individuals interested in this job should have a background in counseling and psychology, as well as clinical experience. In order to practice, substance abuse counselors must be licensed in their state of practice, which involves a master’s degree and roughly 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. Employment is expected to grow by 23% by 2016. The number of people who need counseling is expected to grow as well, meaning more counselors will be needed in places like rehabilitation centers and hospitals. Opportunities will be best in rural and urban areas. Source
