Health Careers

Due to rising demand for personnel, jobs in many health-related professions will jump by 30 percent or more between 2002 and 2008. Among the specialists in greatest demand are physical and respiratory therapists, physician assistants, medical and dental assistants. Prerequisites for admission into training programs for these jobs and the number of years of education required for certification to practice vary widely.

Starting salaries often reflect length of education and can range from $16 and hour for dental or medical assistants up to 65,000 a year for physician assistants.

"Right now hospitals are begging for and even offering to pay the tuition for trained vascular technologists. Respiratory therapists are being snapped up. Dental hygienists and emergency medical technicians have no problem getting jobs, and demand is high for dental assistants," says Dr. David Gibson, Dean of SHRP at University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey. Vascular technologists principally use ultrasound to examine patients for detection of diseases of the veins and arteries.

The marketplace isnt always predictable, however. In the mid-90s, for example, some respiratory therapy graduates couldnt find jobs in New Jersey, but found employment in Maryland and Delaware. Physical therapy, sizzling a few years ago, has cooled somewhat due to managed care reimbursement policies. Jobs are still available, but not before graduation as they used to be, according to the SHRP dean. "There are signs the market may now be picking up again," Gibson says.

SHRP PROFESSIONS IN HOT DEMAND

1. Physical therapist. Manipulates the body to restore or maintain appropriate body movement functions (such as muscle strength).
2. Respiratory therapist. Deals with pulmonary (breathing) problems post surgically, nursing homes and home care.
3. Physician assistant. Provides health care screenings, diagnosis, and treatments, including physical exams.
4. Dental assistant. Assists the dentist chairside, prepares dental materials, and takes X-rays.
5. Dental hygienist. Handles cleanings, other oral health procedures, and patient education.

Provided by the Office of Public Affairs, University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey.