Career Options

CRNAs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who specialize in anesthesia. To become a CRNA, you’ll need to first earn a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) and gain about a year of practical experience. Afterward, you can enter a nurse anesthesia program, which typically takes three to four years to complete.   

In contrast, anesthesiologists earn a bachelor’s degree, attend medical school and then complete a four-year residency in anesthesiology. While anesthesiologists are medical doctors who often lead anesthesia care teams, CRNAs are specialists who focus on providing anesthetic care. They can work independently or as part of a care team under the supervision of an anesthesiologist.   

Despite these differences, CRNAs and anesthesiologists share many of the same responsibilities, including:   

• Developing anesthesia care plans tailored to each patient   
• Administering different types of anesthesia   
• Monitoring patients’ vitals and adjusting anesthesia levels as required   
• Overseeing a patient’s recovery after a procedure  
• Providing follow-up care instructions to patients   
• Performing epidural and spinal anesthesia for patients in labor   

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurse anesthetists earn a median yearly salary of $129,480. Due to an increased demand for healthcare services from an aging population, approximately 31,900 jobs are expected each year in the role through 2033, reflecting an impressive growth rate of 40%.

Whether your passion for teeth goes beyond daily flossing or you’ve simply always imagined owning your own dentistry practice, you’ll play a crucial role in countless lives as a dentist, from children to the elderly. Dentists ensure the health and integrity of our oral hygiene, treating our teeth and gums to ensure they’re functioning at their best.     

To become a dentist, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree and take the dental admission test before being admitted into a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) program. After completing your education, you’ll take part in a two- to four-year residency program related to your specialty, such as orthodontics, pediatrics, endodontics or periodontics.   

While your responsibilities will differ depending on your specialty, some of your tasks may include:   

• Conducting dental examinations to determine a patient’s oral health   
• Developing treatment plans to treat dental issues   
• Supervising dental hygienists and dental assistants   
• Addressing dental emergencies   
• Performing regular teeth cleanings, filling cavities, repairing fractured teeth and performing root canals  

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median salary for dentists is $170,910 per year. The job outlook is projected to grow by 5% through 2033.

As a medical writer, you can leverage your understanding of the human body and your writing skills to convey complex medical and scientific information. By obtaining a graduate credential in medical physiology and pharmacology, you’ll gain the essential knowledge and expertise needed to translate intricate medical concepts into accessible content tailored for diverse audiences, including healthcare professionals, patients and the general public.   

Some of the types of documents you can expect to create include:  

• Regulatory documents  
• Scientific publications  
• Educational materials  
• Marketing and promotional materials  
• Clinical trial documentation 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that technical writers (including medical writers) make a median yearly salary of $80,050. The job outlook for this role is promising, with a growth rate of 4% predicted through 2032.

If you’re a nurse who’s interested in expanding your skillset and providing more comprehensive patient care, a career as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), otherwise known as a nurse practitioner, might be an ideal choice for you. 

In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to work in healthcare settings from hospitals to primary care practices, completing a wide variety of daily responsibilities, including:   

• Performing physical exams on patients  
• Creating patient care plans

Do you envision yourself in a hands-on role where you can assess and treat patients in your chosen specialty? As a physician assistant (PA), you’ll have a role very similar to that of a doctor but with significantly less schooling required.   

Unlike doctors, who complete a longer educational path, physician assistants can typically earn a master’s degree from an accredited PA program in about two to three years. In contrast, doctors must attend medical school for four years before completing several years of residency training in their chosen specialty. As a PA, you’ll work under the supervision of a doctor, but you’ll have plenty of autonomy over patient care and treatment decisions.   

Whether you work in a hospital, family practice or another healthcare setting, here are some of the responsibilities you can expect in this role:   

• Conducting patient exams   
• Diagnosing and treating injuries and illnesses   
• Creating treatment plans   
• Ordering diagnostic tests and prescribing medications   
• Documenting accurate patient information using electronic health records   

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that physician assistants earn a median yearly salary of $130,020. In addition, the job outlook for this career is expected to grow by 28% through the year 2033, a rate much higher than the national average.

The life of a surgeon extends far beyond what you might see in medical dramas like “Grey’s Anatomy.” While the path entails attending medical school, completing a surgical residency and working long hours, becoming a surgeon is immensely rewarding, and you’ll play a pivotal role in saving the lives of patients with a wide range of health conditions.    

As a surgeon, you can specialize in various fields, such as pediatrics, cardiothoracic, urology and neurosurgery. Moreover, you can choose from a variety of work environments, including private practice, institutional practices or hospitals.  

As the leader of the surgical team, your responsibilities may include:   

• Examining patients and making diagnoses  
• Developing preoperative and postoperative care plans for patients  
• Performing surgeries and managing the surgical team  
• Reviewing surgery results with patients 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), surgeons and physicians make approximately $229,300 per year. The job outlook for this esteemed career is expected to grow at a pace of 3% through 2032.

Interested in other potential career ideas in the medical field? Numerous interesting possibilities are waiting to be discovered, including: 

• Biostatistician 
• Health Educator 
• Medical Scientist 
• Clinical Research Coordinator 
• Biotechnologist 
• Regulatory Affairs Specialist 
• Biotechnology or Pharmaceutical Sales Manager

If you enjoy managing medical operations and guiding teams in the healthcare field, a strong foundation in medical physiology is essential for becoming an effective medical services manager.

In this role, you’ll be able to oversee medical services and ensure smooth coordination between medical staff and administration in various healthcare settings, including: 

• Hospitals 
• Clinics 
• Private medical practices 
• Government health agencies 

Responsibilities for a medical services manager include, but are not limited to: 

• Overseeing daily operations of healthcare services and departments
• Ensuring compliance with health regulations and standards 
• Developing and implementing healthcare policies and procedures 
• Managing budgets and resources for medical services 
• Coordinating with medical professionals to improve patient care 
• Analyzing healthcare data to improve efficiency and outcomes 
• Training and managing staff to ensure the highest level of care 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical services managers can expect to earn a median annual salary of approximately $110,680, with a projected job growth rate of 29% through 2033, reflecting the increasing demand for healthcare management professionals.

If conducting research that advances our understanding of health, disease and the lifespan is appealing to you, an online master’s degree in medical physiology and aging may be the key to becoming a successful medical scientist.  

In this role, you’ll work to improve medical treatments, explore new therapies and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in healthcare across a variety of settings, including: 

• Research institutions 
• Pharmaceutical companies 
• Hospitals and clinical settings 
• Government health agencies 

Responsibilities for a medical scientist include: 

• Designing and conducting research studies to investigate medical conditions and potential treatments 
• Analyzing and interpreting data to develop new medical solutions or treatments 
• Collaborating with healthcare professionals, other scientists, and government agencies to advance research 
• Publishing research findings in scientific journals and presenting them at conferences 
• Securing funding for research projects and managing research budgets 
• Ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines in research studies 
• Contributing to the development of new medical technologies and therapies 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical scientists can expect to earn a median annual salary of approximately $100,890, with a job outlook growth of 11% through 2033, driven by the growing need for innovative medical research to address public health challenges.

If you’re committed to promoting safe and healthy workplaces and facilities, an occupational health and safety specialist may be the career for you.

In this role, you’ll safeguard individuals by identifying and addressing health hazards and unsafe conditions across diverse industries, including: 

• Manufacturing
• Construction
• Healthcare
• Government agencies

Responsibilities for an occupational health and safety specialist include: 

• Identifying hazards and assessing risks to health and safety 
• Developing and implementing safety policies, procedures, and protocols 
• Conducting regular inspections and audits to ensure compliance with safety regulations 
• Providing training and education on safety practices to employees 
• Investigating accidents and incidents to determine causes and recommend preventive measures 
• Ensuring the workplace meets local, state and federal safety standards 
• Preparing reports and maintaining records on workplace safety activities and compliance

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Health and Safety Specialists earn a median annual salary of approximately $77,580, with a job outlook growth of 14% through 2033 driven by the increasing demand for safer work environments across industries.

If you’re driven to influence public policy and create meaningful change, a solid background in research, political science and data analysis is crucial to thriving as a policy analyst.

In this role, you’ll study, evaluate and interpret policies to offer recommendations that guide decision-making in government, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector, including: 

• Government agencies
• Think tanks and research organizations
• Nonprofit organizations
• Consulting firms

Responsibilities for a policy analyst include: 

• Conducting thorough research on current policies and potential legislative changes 
• Analyzing data and trends to assess the effectiveness of existing policies 
• Writing reports, policy briefs and recommendations for stakeholders and lawmakers 
• Collaborating with government officials, organizations, and advocacy groups to develop policy solutions 
• Monitoring political, economic and social trends to anticipate policy impacts 
• Presenting findings and policy recommendations to decision-makers in clear, actionable formats 
• Advocating for policy changes that address public needs and improve societal outcomes 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Policy Analysts can expect to earn a median annual salary of approximately $132,350, with a job outlook growth of 3% through 2033, reflecting the increasing demand for professionals who can shape policies based on research and analysis.

If enhancing lives through recreational activities, mastering therapeutic techniques, medical physiology and psychology sounds appealing, a recreational therapist may be the career for you.

In this fulfilling role, you’ll leverage recreation and leisure activities to support the physical, emotional and social well-being of patients in diverse settings, including: 

• Hospitals
• Rehabilitation centers
• Nursing homes
• Community organizations

Responsibilities for a recreational therapist include: 

• Assessing patients’ needs and designing personalized therapeutic programs 
• Using activities such as sports, art, music and games to enhance patients’ physical and mental health 
• Helping patients regain their independence and improve their social skills 
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive treatment plans 
• Monitoring patient progress and adjusting activities to meet evolving needs 
• Educating patients and families about the benefits of recreation therapy
• Advocating for the inclusion of recreational therapy in healthcare settings 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Recreational Therapists can expect to earn a median annual salary of approximately $57,120 with a job outlook growth of 4% through 2033, reflecting the growing recognition of the therapeutic value of recreational activities.

If you’re excited by the prospect of analyzing data and uncovering insights to shape decision-making, developing expertise in research methods, data analysis and statistics is vital for becoming an effective research analyst. In this role, you’ll collect and analyze data to empower organizations with informed choices across various industries, including: 

• Market research firms
• Government agencies
• Healthcare organizations
• Corporations

Responsibilities for a research analyst include: 

• Designing and conducting research studies to collect data and insights 
• Analyzing and interpreting data to identify trends, patterns and actionable insights
• Presenting findings in reports, presentations or visual formats for stakeholders 
• Collaborating with other departments to understand research needs and objectives 
• Utilizing statistical software and tools to conduct complex analyses 
• Monitoring industry trends and adjusting research strategies as needed 
• Providing recommendations based on data to influence business strategies or policy decisions 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), research analysts can expect to earn a median annual salary of approximately $74,680, with a job outlook growth of 8% through 2033, driven by the increasing demand for data-driven decision-making across industries.

If you are passionate about improving the well-being of individuals and communities, a solid foundation in social services, community outreach, and program management is essential for becoming a successful social and community service manager.  

In this role, you’ll manage programs that directly impact communities, ensuring access to vital services in settings such as:  

• Nonprofit organizations
• Government agencies
• Healthcare facilities
• Community centers

Responsibilities for a social and community service manager include:

• Overseeing and coordinating social service programs and community outreach efforts 
• Developing and implementing strategies to meet the needs of vulnerable populations 
• Managing budgets and resources for community programs 
• Supervising and supporting staff to ensure the effective delivery of services 
• Collaborating with other organizations and agencies to enhance community impact 
• Evaluating the effectiveness of programs and making improvements 
• Advocating for policies that promote social welfare and community development 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Social and Community Service Managers earn a median annual salary of approximately $77,030, with a projected job growth rate of 8% through 2033, reflecting the increasing demand for professionals to lead and support community-focused programs.

If you’re driven to make a difference for the aging population by building expertise in social services, psychology and community resources, a career in social work may be a great option.

In this impactful role, you’ll enhance the lives of vulnerable populations by offering counseling, support and essential resources across various settings, including: 

• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Government agencies
• Nonprofit organizations
• Schools and community centers

Responsibilities for a social worker include: 

• Assessing clients’ needs and creating personalized treatment or service plans 
• Providing counseling and support to individuals and families coping with challenges such as addiction, mental health or abuse
• Connecting clients to community resources and advocating for their needs 
• Collaborating with other professionals, such as healthcare providers and legal teams, to ensure comprehensive care 
• Monitoring clients’ progress and adjusting services as needed 
• Educating clients about their rights and available services 
• Advocating for social policies that promote well-being and protect vulnerable groups 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Social Workers can expect to earn a median annual salary of approximately $58,380 with a job outlook growth of 7% through 2032, reflecting the increasing need for social services and support for individuals and families.

Interested in other potential career ideas in the medical field? Numerous interesting possibilities are waiting to be discovered, including: 

• Nurse Practitioner 
• Health Educator 
• Surgeon 
• Medical Writer 
• Physician Assistant 
• Dentist 
• Counselor 
• Occupational Therapist 
• Dietician or Nutritionist

If you enjoy educating others about the different parts of the body and their physiological processes, a foundation in anatomical sciences will provide the knowledge needed to become a well-rounded health educator. In this role, you can teach in a variety of settings depending on your audience, including:    

• Universities  
• Community centers  
• Government agencies  
• Hospitals  

If you have your eyes set on a rewarding teaching career in higher education, you can’t go wrong teaching anatomy. With our online master’s degree in anatomical sciences education program, you’ll gain the expertise and confidence to step into a classroom and share your knowledge with students.   

From community colleges to major universities, there are numerous opportunities to teach anatomy. However, regardless of the teaching position you find yourself in, your responsibilities will likely include: 

• Developing detailed course outlines 
• Planning lessons and assignments that inspire learning 
• Teaching anatomy courses with care and enthusiasm 
• Assessing students’ progress through grading and feedback 
• Guiding students toward achieving their academic goals  

The job outlook for postsecondary teachers is expected to grow by 8% through 2033, faster than average for all occupations. Salaries are just as promising. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that biological science teachers earn a median annual salary of $83,920, while health specialties teachers bring home about $105,650 per year.

Interested in other potential career ideas in the medical field? Numerous interesting possibilities are waiting to be discovered, including: 

• Nurse Practitioner 
• Health Educator 
• Surgeon 
• Medical Writer 
• Physician Assistant 
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)  
• Dentist

• Median salary: $48,860 per year
• Employment growth through 2031: 12%

• Median salary: $101,340 per year
• Employment growth through 2031: 28%

• Median salary: $95,310 per year
• Employment growth through 2031: 17%

• Median salary: $78,570 per year
• Employment growth through 2031: 4%

• Median salary: $76,480 per year
• Employment growth through 2031: 4%

• Median salary: $63,920 per year
• Employment growth through 2031: 19%

• Median salary: $47,940 per year
• Employment growth through 2031: 4%

• Median salary: $74,000 per year
• Employment growth through 2031: 12%

• Median salary: $50,390 per year
• Employment growth through 2031: 9%

• Median salary: $81,040 per year
• Employment growth through 2031: 6%

• Median salary: $61,650 per year
• Employment growth through 2031: 7%

• Median salary: $123,780 per year
• Employment growth through 2031: 40%

• Median salary: $85,570 per year
• Employment growth through 2031: 14%

• Median salary: $208,000 per year
• Employment growth through 2031: 3%

• Median salary: $121,530 per year
• Employment growth through 2031: 28%