Part Two Exploring Career Options
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The health science career cluster offers
many opportunities for employment in
careers that promote health, wellness, and
diagnosis as well as treat injuries and diseases.
Jobs are available in hospitals, clinics, and
nursing homes. Other workplaces include
laboratories, dentists’ offices, and pharmacies.
Workers in this cluster help people
recover from illness or injury and stay
healthy. Dietitians help people meet their
nutritional needs. Dentists and orthodontists
focus on keeping teeth healthy. Podiatrists
specialize in the care of feet. Optometrists
and ophthalmologists are concerned with
proper vision and good eye care.
Because the health field is so broad,
there are jobs at all levels. Entry-level jobs
include those of orderlies and stockroom
attendants. Paraprofessionals are trained
aids, with one to three years of advanced
training, who assist professionals. Many
of their jobs require licensing. Examples of
workers at this level are dental hygienists,
medical data analysts, physical therapists,
practical nurses, paramedics, laboratory
assistants, and X-ray technicians. Advanced
degrees are usually needed for professions
in specialty areas such as pharmacists and
registered nurses. Professions, such as physi-
cian or dentist, require a doctoral degree.
Health care is the largest and fastest-
growing industry in the United States.
Based on an aging population and
increased use of technology, the demand
for health care workers will grow.