Health Science Careers
The following Career Pathways fall under the Health Science Career Cluster representing the largest and fastest-growing industry in the US employing over 10 million workers in more than 200 careers:
The following Career Pathways fall under the Health Science Career Cluster representing the largest and fastest-growing industry in the US employing over 10 million workers in more than 200 careers:
- Biotechnology Research and Development
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
- Sports Medicine
Biotechnology & research development* Career Pathway (IB)
Why Biotechnology Research & Development?
Healthcare is one of the fastest growing industries in the US, and the need for professionals in healthcare has never been greater. The Biotechnology Research & Development Career Pathway is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of careers in this vital field. Allied Health careers make up the largest healthcare occupations and students interested in Allied Health and related healthcare career fields, including medical doctors, will have excellent job opportunities. Those considering a healthcare career should have a strong desire to help others, a genuine concern for the welfare of patients and clients and an ability to deal with people of diverse backgrounds in stressful situations.
Choosing this pathway will lead you to a career (among many options) as any of the following:
Healthcare is one of the fastest growing industries in the US, and the need for professionals in healthcare has never been greater. The Biotechnology Research & Development Career Pathway is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of careers in this vital field. Allied Health careers make up the largest healthcare occupations and students interested in Allied Health and related healthcare career fields, including medical doctors, will have excellent job opportunities. Those considering a healthcare career should have a strong desire to help others, a genuine concern for the welfare of patients and clients and an ability to deal with people of diverse backgrounds in stressful situations.
Choosing this pathway will lead you to a career (among many options) as any of the following:
• Scientist
• Forensic DNA Analyst • Bioinformatics Specialist • Pharmaceutical Scientist • Medical Scientist • Biological Technician • Medical and Clinical Lab Technologist and Technician • Biochemist and Biophysicist • Biomedical Engineer • Microbiologist |
• Epidemiologist
• R&D and Process Development Scientist • Regulatory QA/QC Bio-manufacturing Specialist • Bio-production Operator • Biological Scientist • Clinical Data Manager • Clinical Research Coordinator • Lab Technician • Bio-statistician |
Post-Secondary Institutes to Study BioTechnology
• Athens Technical College
• Auburn University • Central Georgia Technical College • DeVry University • Emory University • Georgia Gwinnett College • Georgia Institute of Technology |
• Gwinnett Technical College
• Kennesaw State University • Mercer University • University of Alabama Huntsville • University of Central Florida • Wesleyan College |
certified nursing assistant* Career Pathway (IB)
Why Certified Nursing Assistant?
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are important members of medical teams of varying sizes, depending upon the place of employment. They typically work alongside doctors, nurses and other medical professionals to deliver and ensure quality patient care. Duties may range from caring for the hygienic needs of patients to preparing patients for various types of therapy to setting up medical equipment. The Certified Nursing Assistant’s job is rarely the same from one day to the next. If you’d enjoy performing a variety of tasks throughout the day – and if you would love working with people – the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program could be your first step toward a rewarding career! This certification is also typically required in order to apply for a Registered Nurse (RN) program of study. Here are some qualities and skills exhibited by successful Certified Nursing Assistants:
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are important members of medical teams of varying sizes, depending upon the place of employment. They typically work alongside doctors, nurses and other medical professionals to deliver and ensure quality patient care. Duties may range from caring for the hygienic needs of patients to preparing patients for various types of therapy to setting up medical equipment. The Certified Nursing Assistant’s job is rarely the same from one day to the next. If you’d enjoy performing a variety of tasks throughout the day – and if you would love working with people – the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program could be your first step toward a rewarding career! This certification is also typically required in order to apply for a Registered Nurse (RN) program of study. Here are some qualities and skills exhibited by successful Certified Nursing Assistants:
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Clear communication
- Precise documentation
- Ability to follow detailed directions
- Teamwork
- Ability to operate some medical equipment
- Physical stamina
Post-Secondary Institutes to Study Certified Nursing Assistant
• Albany State University
• Armstrong Atlantic State University • Brenau University • Chattahoochee Technical College • Clark Atlanta University • Clayton State University • Coastal Georgia Community College • Emory University • Everest Institute • Georgia Medical Institute |
• Georgia Perimeter College
• Georgia Southern University • Georgia State University • Kennesaw State University • Medical College of Georgia • Medix School • Mercer University • University of Georgia |
emergency medical responder* Career Pathway (IB)
Why Emergency Medical Responder?
Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) workers save lives on a daily basis. They are usually the first line of defense for victims of serious and life-threatening medical trauma. Responders must react quickly to varying situations to ensure patients arrive to a medical facility in a stable condition. Teamwork is valued because responders usually work in pairs. One looks after the patient while the other responder drives to the medical facility. Responders use special equipment and training to ensure the patient arrives safely. Some of the basic skills used include advanced first aid (including bleeding control and performing emergency diagnostic and treatment procedures during ambulance ride), cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and automated external defibrillator (AED) usage. Physical, mental, and emotional strength are needed by individuals striving for a career as an Emergency Medical Responder.
Emergency Medical Responders work for hospitals, private and public ambulance services, and local governments. The job outlook is favorable for Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics. In Georgia, the job outlook for this field is expected to increase by 30.4% between 2012 and 2022 for an average of 2.7% per year through 2022. This is much faster than the average for all occupations. Occupations will include:
Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) workers save lives on a daily basis. They are usually the first line of defense for victims of serious and life-threatening medical trauma. Responders must react quickly to varying situations to ensure patients arrive to a medical facility in a stable condition. Teamwork is valued because responders usually work in pairs. One looks after the patient while the other responder drives to the medical facility. Responders use special equipment and training to ensure the patient arrives safely. Some of the basic skills used include advanced first aid (including bleeding control and performing emergency diagnostic and treatment procedures during ambulance ride), cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and automated external defibrillator (AED) usage. Physical, mental, and emotional strength are needed by individuals striving for a career as an Emergency Medical Responder.
Emergency Medical Responders work for hospitals, private and public ambulance services, and local governments. The job outlook is favorable for Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics. In Georgia, the job outlook for this field is expected to increase by 30.4% between 2012 and 2022 for an average of 2.7% per year through 2022. This is much faster than the average for all occupations. Occupations will include:
• Emergency Medical Responder
• Emergency Medical Technician – Basic • Emergency Medical Technician – Intermediate • Paramedic • Critical Care Paramedic • Emergency Management Director |
• Flight Paramedic
• Emergency Management Director • Physician Assistant • Firefighter • Police Officer • Sheriffs and Deputy Firefighter |
Numerous job openings will stem from employment growth in the healthcare and governmental areas of the economy. Some of the growth in the healthcare industry can be attributed to an aging population and increases in the average lifespan.
Post-Secondary Institutes to Study Emergency Medical Responder
• Atlanta Technical College
• Bainbridge College • Central Georgia Technical College • Chattahoochee Technical College • Metro Atlanta EMS Academy |
• Darton State College
• Fortis College • Georgia Northwestern Technical College • North Georgia Technical College |
Sports MEdicine* Career Pathway (IB)
Why Sports Medicine?
Occupations in the Health Sciences represent the largest and fastest growing industry in the United States employing over 10 million workers in more than 200 careers. The Sports Medicine Career Pathway can help you become a part of this exciting profession and set you on the road to a great career. Workers in sports medicine focus on improving the body’s performance, recovering from injury, and preventing future injuries. Sports medicine is one of the fastest growing areas of health care, providing specialized help to many “regular” people, as well as athletes.
Sports medicine professionals treat patients who participate in sports just for fun or want to get better results from their exercise program, patients who suffered injuries and want to regain full function, and people who have disabilities and want to increase their mobility and capabilities. Many careers in this field require degrees, and certification may improve chances to find a job.
Choosing this pathway will lead you to a career (among many options) as any of the following:
Occupations in the Health Sciences represent the largest and fastest growing industry in the United States employing over 10 million workers in more than 200 careers. The Sports Medicine Career Pathway can help you become a part of this exciting profession and set you on the road to a great career. Workers in sports medicine focus on improving the body’s performance, recovering from injury, and preventing future injuries. Sports medicine is one of the fastest growing areas of health care, providing specialized help to many “regular” people, as well as athletes.
Sports medicine professionals treat patients who participate in sports just for fun or want to get better results from their exercise program, patients who suffered injuries and want to regain full function, and people who have disabilities and want to increase their mobility and capabilities. Many careers in this field require degrees, and certification may improve chances to find a job.
Choosing this pathway will lead you to a career (among many options) as any of the following:
• Athletic Trainer
• Physical Therapist • Exercise Physiologist • Kinesiotherapist • Orthoptist |
• Occupational Therapist
• Medical Services Manager • Health Services Manager • Orthopaedics |
Most Health Science occupations require additional education after high school and require that potential employees acquire the appropriate certification and/or licensing. Workers in the Health Science industry must have a solid background in math, science, communications, and technical skills, be knowledgeable in their subject area, have the ability to communicate with others, and inspire trust and confidence.
Based on an aging population and a retiring workforce, the demand for health care workers will remain high through 2020. As the roles of careers and Therapeutic Services change, professionals in this pathway will find increased opportunities to work independently. Additionally, an increasing number of career opportunities are becoming available outside of the traditional hospital setting.
Based on an aging population and a retiring workforce, the demand for health care workers will remain high through 2020. As the roles of careers and Therapeutic Services change, professionals in this pathway will find increased opportunities to work independently. Additionally, an increasing number of career opportunities are becoming available outside of the traditional hospital setting.
Post-Secondary Institutes to Study Emergency Medical Responder
• Albany State University
• Armstrong Atlantic State University • Brenau University • Chattahoochee Technical College • Clark Atlanta University • Clayton State University • Coastal Georgia Community College • Emory University • Everest Institute • Georgia Medical Institute |
• Georgia Perimeter College
• Georgia Southern University • Georgia State University • Kennesaw State University • Medical College of Georgia • Medix School • Mercer University • University of Georgia |
affiliated organizations
Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) is a national student organization endorsed by the US Department of Education and the Healthcare Science Technology Education division of ACTE. HOSA’s two-fold mission is to promote career opportunities in the healthcare industry and to enhance the delivery of quality healthcare to all people. HOSA provides a unique program of leadership development, motivation and recognition exclusively for secondary, postsecondary, adult and collegiate students enrolled in HSTE programs.