Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/743370
October, 2016 l Working World l WorkingWorld.com 11 improve muscle function, build strength, enhance the immune system, and much more. This job is growing at an exceedingly high rate, with an estimated 41% increase in available positions between 2010 and 2020. With minimal training, this job practically guarantees work options in the future. (BLS) • Annual salary, hourly wage: $42,290 a year, $20.25 an hour • Suggested education: Associate of Science in Physical Therapy, Trade school or technical college training • Number of jobs in the U.S.: 155,970 20. SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST Speech-language pathologists diagnose and treat patients with communication disorders, such as lisps and stutters. They may also help patients with swallowing disorders by teaching them how to identify and utilize the muscles in their mouths. Many workers in this profession are employed at elementary schools and private daycare facilities, but work is also available in hospitals and clinics offering speech therapy. (BLS) • Annual salary, hourly wage: $72,730 a year, $33.59 an hour • Suggested education: Master of Science in Speech Pathology, Doctor of Speech Pathology • Number of jobs in the U.S.: 121,690 21. RESPIRATORY THERAPIST Respiratory therapists help patients who have difficulty breathing. This is usually the result of a respiratory disorder, like asthma or emphysema. Respiratory therapists may work with patientson a regular basis, or they may respond to emergency situations. For instance, a patient sufering from a heart attack or stroke may need a respiratory therapist to regain breathing abilities after the event. (BLS) • Annual salary, hourly wage: $57,200 a year, $26.86 an hour • Suggested education: Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapist • Number of jobs in the U.S.: 116,960 22. FAMILY PRACTITIONER Family practitioners take care of patients on a general level, aiding the elderly, infants, and adults alike. Family care doctors work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They treat and diagnose diseases and injuries that patients commonly come across such as influenza and stomach viruses. For specialized conditions, family practitioners will recommend specialists for patients to see. (BLS) • Annual salary, hourly wage: $180,850 a year, $82.70 an hour • Suggested education: Doctor of Medicine • Number of jobs in the U.S.: 110,050 23. DENTIST Dentists diagnose, treat, and prevent problems in a patient's mouth, focusing on the teeth and gums. Dentists are trained to identify prevalent oral conditions so patients can receive treatment as quickly as possible. Many of them perform dental surgeries, and they are all capable of filling cavities and removing teeth in their offices. Dentists may hold their own practices, or they may work with other dentists in a joint practice. (BLS) • Annual salary, hourly wage: $166,910 a year, $71.79 an hour • Suggested education: Doctor of Dentistry • Number of jobs in the U.S.: 109,570 24. NURSE PRACTITIONER Nurse practitioners take on many of the tasks physicians are given, such as diagnosing patients and prescribing medications. In many states, nurse practitioners are allowed to open their own medical practice without the supervision of a doctor. Nurse practitioners are required to earn a master's degree to practice in most states, and they can choose to work in research, education, nurse leadership, or diagnostics. Some NPs are also allowed to perform minor surgeries. (BLS) • Annual salary, hourly wage: $91,450 a year, $43.25 an hour • Suggested education: Master of Science in Nursing • Number of jobs in the U.S.: 105,780 25. OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST An occupational therapist is a health care professional who helps patients recover from injuries and disabilities, through the use of everyday activities. Occupational therapists show patients how they can use the movements they make every day to get better, stronger, and faster in a short period of time. This job has a high growth rate, with a 33% increase in available jobs between 2010 and 2020. 48% of occupational therapists work in physical therapy offices, while others work in schools, home health services, and nursing homes. (BLS) • Annual salary, hourly wage: $76,400 a year, $36.25 an hour • Suggested education: Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, Doctor of Occupational Therapy • Number of jobs in the U.S.: 105,540 26. PHLEBOTOMIST Phlebotomists draw blood for donations, transfusions, tests, and research. They must understand how blood drawing equipment operates, but they do not have to spend long in school to do this. Many LVNs and RNs will work as phlebotomists while earning their degrees. Phlebotomists must have good people skills because they have to work with patients directly. (BLS) • Annual salary, hourly wage: $30,910 a year, $14.29 an hour • Suggested education: Trade school or technical college training • Number of jobs in the U.S.: 100,380 27. SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST Surgical technologists, also called operating room technicians or OR techs, provide assistance during surgical procedures. They work alongside surgeons and other surgical staff members to ensure a surgery goes smoothly. They arrange equipment, prepare operating rooms, and standby during surgeries for times when their help is needed. They may also continued on page 14