Occupation Job Duties ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION  2012 MEDIAN PAY  

  Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants help provide basic care for patients in hospitals and residents of long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes.

 Postsecondary non-degree award  $24,010 

  Occupational Therapists Occupational therapists treat patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.

 Master’s degree  $72,320 

  Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides Occupational therapy assistants and aides work under the direction of occupational therapists in treating patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.

  $47,490 

  Optometrists Optometrists perform eye exams to check for vision problems and diseases. They prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses as needed.

 Doctoral or professional degree  $94,990 

  Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides Physical therapist assistants and physical therapist aides work under the direction of physical therapists. They help patients who are recovering from injuries, illnesses, and surgeries regain movement and manage pain.

   $37,710 

  Physical Therapists Physical therapists help people who have injuries or illnesses improve their movement and manage their pain. They are often an important part of rehabilitation and treatment of patients with chronic conditions or injuries.

 Doctoral or professional degree  $76,310 

  Physician Assistants Physician assistants, also known as PAs, practice medicine under the direction of physicians and surgeons. They are formally trained to examine patients, diagnose injuries and illnesses, and provide treatment.

 Master’s degree  $86,410 

  Physicians and Surgeons Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses in patients. Physicians examine patients, take medical histories, prescribe medications, and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests. Surgeons operate on patients to treat injuries, such as broken bones; diseases, such as cancerous tumors; and deformities, such as cleft palates.

 Doctoral or professional degree  This wage is equal to or greater than $166,400 per year. 

  Podiatrists Podiatrists provide medical and surgical care for people suffering foot, ankle, and lower leg problems. They diagnose illnesses, treat injuries, and perform surgery.

 Doctoral or professional degree  $118,030 

  Psychiatric Technicians and Aides Psychiatric technicians and aides care for people who have mental illness and developmental disabilities. The two occupations are related, but technicians typically provide therapeutic care, and aides help patients in their daily activities and ensure a safe, clean environment.

 See How to Become One  $26,880 

  Registered Nurses Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members.

 Associate’s degree  $64,690 

  Surgical Technologists Surgical technologists, also called operating room technicians, assist in surgical operations. They prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and help doctors and nurses during surgeries.

 Postsecondary non-degree award  $39,920