Health Science Technology
Are you interested in becoming a doctor or nurse?
Consider a career in Health Science Technology.
Healthcare has changed dramatically over the last decade. Advancements in technology, research and devolvement, medication, and health prevention have allowed people to live longer, healthier lives.
Additionally, the aging baby boomer generation will live longer over the next 30 years, creating an even higher demand for healthcare workers than currently exists today.
The Health Science Technology career field includes patient care such as nursing and personal caregivers, technical career paths such as radiologists and pharmacy technicians, and behind the scenes career paths like researchers and scientists.
All of these career paths re rewarding in their own ways, adding to the betterment of patients and society, and helping people when they most need it.
Direct Patient Care
The primary focus of healthcare workers is to directly help their patients, treating them for their injuries or illness, or making them feel more comfortable and living better lives. Physicians and therapists examine their patients, diagnose their symptoms and treat them with medicine, surgery, or advice. Nurses are responsible for assisting their doctor partners, performing medical treatments, monitoring vital signs, or simply making sure their patients are well fed and taken care of.
Jobs In Demand:
- Certified Nurse Assistant
- Dentist
- Home Health Aide
- Physician
- Registered Nurse
- Surgeon
Next Ten Years
- 9.7% Job Growth
- 10,060 New Job Openings
- Source: WORKnet Wisconsin
Annual Salary Range
| Experience Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $73,773 |
| Average | $98,505 |
| Experienced | $113,557 |
| Source: WORKnet Wisconsin | |
Research & Development
Healthcare, medicine, and medical treatments are constantly changing, due to advancements in technology, science, and research. Workers in this field explore new pharmaceutical drugs and procedures to treat illness, disease, cancer, and disabilities. Usually working behind the scenes in laboratories or research facilities, the work done here makes its way to the general public once proven and approved.
Jobs In Demand:
- Biomedical Engineer
- Laboratory Technician
- Medical Scientist
- Pathologist
- Researcher
Next Ten Years
- 7.4% Job Growth
- 721 New Job Openings
- Source: WORKnet Wisconsin
Annual Salary Range
| Experience Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $27,380 |
| Average | $43,690 |
| Experienced | $68,287 |
| Source: WORKnet Wisconsin | |
Support & Informatics
Healthcare makes up one-sixth of the US economy, so it's little wonder that the healthcare industry employs millions of support staff. Career pathways include health care and information specialists that manage patient data and records between doctor's offices, hospitals, and insurance companies. Medical assistants and receptionists typically manager paperwork, appointments, and general office work.
Jobs In Demand:
- Dental Assistant
- Dietitian
- Healthcare Administrator
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Billing
- Medical Receptionist
- Pharmacy Technician
Next Ten Years
- 9.1% Job Growth
- 12,959 New Job Openings
- Source: WORKnet Wisconsin
Annual Salary Range
| Experience Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $27,371 |
| Average | $37,752 |
| Experienced | $52,566 |
| Source: WORKnet Wisconsin | |
Pathway Specific Courses
| Course Number | Course Name | Department | Pathway | Prerequisite | Suggested Grade Level(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5500 | Anatomy & Physiology TC | Science | Health Science Technology | Biology | 11, 12 |
| 6520 A/B | AP Psychology | Social Studies | Health Science Technology | 11, 12 | |
| 5501 | Introduction to Health Careers | Science | Health Science Technology | 10, 11, 12 | |
| 5502 | Medical Terminology TC | Science | Health Science Technology | Biology | 11, 12 |
| 6500 | Psychology A | Social Studies | Health Science Technology | 11, 12 | |
| 6510 | Psychology B AS | Social Studies | Health Science Technology | Student completed Psychology A with a grade of C or better | 11, 12 |