Physical therapists (PTs) plan and administer physical therapy treatments for patients suffering from injuries or disease affecting neurological, musculoskeletal, sensory, respiratory, and cardiac systems with the purpose of restoring function and relieving pain. PTs also provide education to patients, families and medical professionals.
Bachelor's degree | Starting salary: $49,800
Social workers collaborate with the health care team to take care of the psychological and social aspects of an illness or injury. They provide clinical consultation and therapeutic services to patients and families on an outpatient basis. They may assist individuals and families to enhance or restore the patient’s capacity to function socially or help to transition patients to new environments appropriate for their life goals.
Associate degree | Starting salary: $58,572
Respiratory therapists (RTs) administer care and life support to patients with cardiopulmonary conditions, under supervision of a physician and by prescription. They determine the best method of administering inhalants, set up and operate devices such as mechanical ventilators, operate equipment to carry out treatments, and monitor the patient’s responses to therapies.
Associate degree | Starting salary: $52,290
Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic and radiographic imaging procedures to assist physicians in the diagnosis of disease and injuries. They work directly to position patients safely for procedures, adjust machinery to obtain optimum images for the physician, explain procedures to patients, and practice radiation protection techniques to minimize radiation exposure to the patient and staff.
Associate and/or bachelor’s degree | Starting salary: $58,572
Registered nurses (RNs) in a hospital setting care for a group of patients for a designated time frame. RNs assess and collect data on the patient’s physiological and cognitive status, formulate a prioritized and goal-directed plan of care, evaluate outcomes and patient progress, and record patient information in a timely, accurate manner. They may also supervise teams of LPNs and medical assistants.
“When I was in high school, I knew I wanted to work with people and I wanted to work in the medical profession, but I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do. Maybe it was because I enjoyed my science classes, or that I played sports, had injuries, and watched others recover from injuries. I honestly can’t remember exactly what triggered me to go this direction, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized helping people makes me feel energized and gives me a sense of purpose.
"I always knew I wanted to help people. After high school, I went to Hutchinson Community College and was a full-time firefighter for 10 years. Then, a motorcycle accident kept me from firefighting. I had to endure a lot of surgeries and I realized I wanted to make a greater impact, so I decided to try nursing. My wife is a nurse, as well as my grandmother.
Surgical technologists handle instruments, supplies, and equipment before, during, and after a surgical procedure. The technologist has an understanding of the procedure being performed, anticipates the needs of the surgeon, and has the necessary knowledge to ensure quality patient care during a surgery.
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide professional nursing care, under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician, including administering medications and treatments, assisting with exams and procedures, triaging patient calls, clarifying medication orders and refills with pharmacies, coordinating patient tests and procedures, providing patient education, and documenting medical information.
Medical assistants help physicians and nurses maintain smooth working order of offices, provide continuity of patient care, and ensure client satisfaction. These professionals often obtain patient vitals and key information such as medication lists, allergies and medical histories. They also often perform tests of visual acuity, hearing, peak flow, and pulse oximetry.