How can the Health Careers Resource Guide help me?

This resource guide is a comprehensive guide to 70 health careers, which includes career descriptions, educational requirements, professional associations, salary averages and the locations of training programs in Kentucky.
 

Why should I consider a health care profession?

The November 1999, Monthly Labor Review, "Employment outlook: 1998-2008: Occupational employment projections to 2008" issue states that "fourteen of the 30 fastest growing occupations are related to health care. Health care occupations have grown rapidly in the past and will continue to do so in the coming period. This growth is mainly due to several factors, such as an aging population that requires more health care, wealthier population that can afford better health care, and advances in medical technology that increase the demand for health care professionals. However, efforts to cut the rapid growth of spending on health care, both by private medical insurers and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and government efforts to reduce the growth of medicare and medicaid reimbursements, will act to restrict the growth of health care occupations."
 
 

I don't like the sight of blood; is there a health career for me?

Yes. As a matter of fact, many health careers listed in this resource guide never come in contact with blood and some don't even have direct contact with patients.
 
 

Do all health-related careers require a college degree?

No. Educational requirements vary according to profession and an employer's needs. Some professions require a high school diploma and a few months of training, while others require a doctoral degree.
 
 

What kind of classes should I take while I'm in high school?

Classes such as chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology will help prepare you for your college curriculum. They will give you a head start in your particular field of study.
 
 

How much money do health care workers make?

Salaries vary greatly, depending on the education required, length of service, experience and on the location of your employer. Available salary information for careers listed in this guide is included. Many practicing health professionals say that the reward from helping and working with others is a greater compensation than any monetary benefit.
 
 

I can't afford to pay for education or training. Is financial aid available?

Many sources of financial aid are available to potential students. Colleges and universities award scholarships and grants as well as offering other assistance programs. For additional information, contact your guidance counselor and the financial aid office of the educational institution you are interested in attending.
 
 

Is it possible to gain experience or "try-out" a career, before I decide to pursue one?

Volunteering for health-related institutions or organizations is an excellent way to explore a range of health careers. Contact local area hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, health departments or pharmacies and ask to become a volunteer. Volunteering affords the opportunity to observe health care professionals as well as facility operations. In addition to volunteering, some professionals will allow you to "shadow" for a specified period of time.
 
 

How can I get more information on specific careers?

Review the job descriptions in this guide for addresses, phone numbers and web sites of organizations and associations.

Last updated: November 15, 2000