The American population over 65 is expected to double by 2030. This means that the demand for educated and compassionate health care professionals is growing stronger by the day. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of health care workers will grow at a staggering 14% from 2018 to 2028, adding about 1.9 million new job opportunities to the market.
What’s great is there are a lot of interesting and respected positions in the medical field where you can make a great income without spending a decade of your life in school like a doctor. Several of these careers take less than two years to complete at Carrington College. Let’s check them out.
Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory Therapists (RT) use a variety of machines, such as ventilators and nebulizers, to care for patients who have trouble breathing. These patients may have a chronic respiratory disease like emphysema or be suffering from an infection like pneumonia. Some patients have contagious diseases such as influenza or COVID-19. Others may have a chronic progressive neurological disease that interferes with breathing or their ability to breathe may be compromised due to trauma. RTs work closely with doctors and nurses in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that the national median annual wage for Respiratory Therapists was $61,330 ($29.48 per hour) in May 2019. They estimate that employment for RTs will grow by 21% between 2018 and 2028.1
Carrington offers an Associate of Science Degree in Respiratory Care in as few as 19 months.
Carrington students receive an in-depth, hands-on education in Respiratory Care in as few as two years that prepares them to care for patients in hospitals and outpatient settings. Learn more about Carrington’s Respiratory Care program. https://carrington.edu/program/respiratory-care/
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurses (RN) care for patients, consult with doctors, and communicate with patient’s families. They have many duties, including checking vital signs, administering medications, and educating patients. They make up the largest health care job in the United States and work in a wide variety of inpatient and outpatient settings with diverse and plentiful career opportunities available to them.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that the national median annual wage for Registered Nurses was $73,300 per year ($35.24 per hour) in May 2019. They estimate that employment for RNs will grow by 12% between 2018 and 2028.2
Carrington offers an Associate of Science Degree in Registered Nursing in as few as 23 months.
Carrington students receive a rigorous, hands-on education in Registered Nursing that can be completed less than two years that will prepare them to find employment in physicians’ offices, hospitals, home health care, and nursing care facilities. Many others work in outpatient clinics and schools. https://carrington.edu/program/registered-nursing/
Dental Hygienist
Dental Hygienists perform examinations on patients to detect signs of oral disease. They clean all surfaces of the teeth using dental instruments in order to remove calculus and plaque. Radiographic images (x-rays) are often taken by Dental Hygienists and it is common for them to take dental impressions or apply preventative materials like fluoride and sealant. Teaching patients oral hygiene is also an important part of their job.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that the national median annual wage for Dental Hygienists was $76,220 ($36.65 per hour) in May 2019. They estimate that employment will grow by 11% between 2018 and 2028.3
Carrington offers an Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene in as few as 16 months.
Carrington students receive a rigorous, hands-on education in Dental Hygiene that prepares them to start working in dental clinics that can be completed in as few as two years. Learn more about our Dental Hygienist program. https://carrington.edu/program/dental-hygiene/
Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA) work directly with patients under the supervision of physical therapists. They help patients with injuries and disabling conditions manage their pain and regain movement through a variety of therapeutic exercises and techniques that often include equipment and medical devices. Documenting patient progress and communicating treatment plans are another important part of a PTA’s job.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that the national median annual wage for Physical Therapist Assistants was $58,790 in May 2019. They estimate that employment for PTAs will grow by 27% between 2018 and 2028.4
Carrington offers an Associate of Science Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant in as few as 19 months.
Carrington students can train in the intensive, hands-on Physical Therapist Assistant program that can be completed in less than 2 years and start working in hospitals or physical therapy offices. Learn more about Carrington’s PTA program. https://carrington.edu/program/physical-therapist-assistant/
Surgical Technologist
Surgical Technologists (ST) prepare the operating room for surgery, set up equipment and supplies, and assist surgeons from a variety of specialties during operations and procedures. Pre-operatively, they often help the doctor put on their gown and gloves. They also often place sterile drapes on the patient, pass surgical instruments, handle specimens, and provide care pre-, intra-, and post-operatively. STs work in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that the national median annual wage for Surgical Technologists was $48,300 ($23.22 per hour) in May 2019. They estimate that employment for Surgical Technologists will grow by 9% between 2018 and 2028.5
Carrington offers an Associate of Science Degree in Surgical Technology in as few as 15 months.
Carrington students receive a thorough, hands-on education in Surgical Technology that prepares them to assist surgeons in operating rooms in less than two years. Learn more about Carrington’s Surgical Technology program. https://carrington.edu/program/surgical-technology/
You clearly don’t need to spend 10+ years in school like a medical doctor to become part of the rapidly growing health care workforce. Instead, you can choose to become a Surgical Technologist, Respiratory Therapist, Registered Nurse, Radiologic Technologist, Dental Hygienist, or Physical Therapist Assistant through one of Carrington’s programs and be fast on your way to an exciting new career in less than two years!
Carrington College is here to answer questions that you may have about any of our programs. Request information today https://carrington.edu/start-now/ or give us a call at 877-206-2106.
Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Respiratory Therapists, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm (visited August 25, 2020). Data reflects a national projected percentage change in employment from 2018-2028 and may not reflect local economic conditions.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical Assistants, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm (visited August 25, 2020). Data reflects a national projected percentage change in employment from 2018-2028 and may not reflect local economic conditions.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Dental Hygienists, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-hygienists.htm (visited August 25, 2020). Data reflects a national projected percentage change in employment from 2018-2028 and may not reflect local economic conditions.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm (visited August 25, 2020). Data reflects a national projected percentage change in employment from 2018-2028 and may not reflect local economic conditions.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Surgical Technologists, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm (visited August 25, 2020). Data reflects a national projected percentage change in employment from 2018-2028 and may not reflect local economic conditions.
