These professionals use precise doses of radiation to capture high-resolution images of bones, organs, and foreign objects inside the body
Rad Tech
You have to love chemistry to work in health care
Myth!
Answers: Ability to make an impact, great starting salaries, flexibility, job security
What exam do you need to pass to become a registered nurse?
NCLEX
Name 2 places outside of a hospital that health care professionals work
Answer: community centers, schools, correctional facilities, home health care, etc
These professionals analyze blood, tissue samples, and fluids under high-powered microscopes to hunt for everything from leukemia cells to antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Med lab scientists
Fun fact: Up to 70% of all regular medical decisions are based on the work of these behind-the-scenes scientists.
Nearly half of health care workers in hospitals have jobs that do NOT involve direct patient care
Fact!
Name one reason why there is an increase in demand for health care workers in Wisconsin
Answers: aging populations need more care and longer term care, new technology, rise in chronic illness, retiring professionals
Name two health care careers you can begin with a 2-year degree
Answer: nurse, diagnostic medical sonographer, radiologic technologist
True or False: All countries require a 4-year degree before medical school
False! European medical programs are typically 5 to 6 years total from start to finish, completely bypassing the traditional American "pre-med" college route!
These high-demand experts who work everywhere from schools and hospitals to corporate settings helping executives improve their public speaking
Speech language pathologists
To earn a salary of $100,000+ working in health care, you need to be a doctor
Myth!
This healthcare career earns about $80,000 per year and is one of the most in-demand professions because every hospital relies on these professionals to analyze blood, tissue, and other lab samples
Med Lab Scientist
RN
This profession might use virtual reality (VR) and video game technology to help pateints recover from strokes, brain injuries and surgeries
Occupational therapists or physical therapists
If a patient is struggling to brush their teeth, type on a computer, or cook a meal after a stroke or injury, this therapist steps in. They modify environments and use specialized tools to help people regain the skills needed for "the job of living."
Occupational Therapists
Many major hospitals and health networks in Wisconsin will help pay for your college tuition if you agree to work for them after graduation.
Fact! Because healthcare workers are in such high demand, many local hospital systems offer "tuition reimbursement," scholarships, or sponsorship programs.
Travel versions of these allied health professions let you work short-term contracts across the country, often earning $100k + per year. Name one type of travel health profession
Answers: travel nurse, PT, or rad tech
True or false: Medical schools require an undergraduate degree in biology or chemistry
This healthcare career combines emergency medicine with aviation, providing lifesaving care to critically ill or injured patients while flying in a helicopter.
Flight paramedic
This healthcare profession combines engineering, medicine, and technology to invent artificial organs, robotic surgery equipment, and life-saving medical devices
Biomedical engineer
Once you choose a specific health care track, you are locked in to that role for life.
Myth! A healthcare background is incredibly flexible. Medical professionals are regularly hired by medical device companies, tech startups, insurance firms, and public health agencies.
In the past decade, employment in Wisconsin hospitals has increased by what percent? Guess within 10% :)
23%
This healthcare career often requires a bachelor's or master's degree in healthcare administration or business. Professionals in this role oversee hospital departments, manage budgets, and help improve patient care.
Health care administrator
This health care professional has full autonomy in nearly 30 states, allowing them to open their own clinics and prescribe medication independently. In many European and Asian countries, they can only assist doctors.
Nurse Practitioner