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Health Sciences

Programs and majors in Health Sciences can lead to careers in nursing, dental services, sonography, eye care, animal care, medical offices and patient therapy.

Do any of these things interest you?

  • Helping people in need.
  • Working with animals.
  • Caring for the sick, injured or disabled.
  • Record keeping.
  • Designing glasses.

If so, take a look at careers in Health Sciences below.

Careers in Health Sciences

Clinical Medical Assistant

Similar Job Titles:
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Chiropractor Assistant, Clinical Assistant, Doctor's Assistant, Medical Assistant (MA), Medical Office Assistant, Ophthalmic Technician, Optometric Assistant, Optometric Technician, Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)

Description
Perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by physician.

Clinical Medical Assistants typically: Record patients' medical history, vital statistics, or information such as test results in medical records.  Prepare treatment rooms for patient examinations, keeping the rooms neat and clean.  Interview patients to obtain medical information and measure their vital signs, weight, and height.  Show patients to examination rooms and prepare them for the physician.  Prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician.

HourlySalary Current Employment Job Growth

$15.61

$32,480

5,810

▲24%

Regional

Regional

Regional

Regional

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2017 wage data and 2016-2026 employment projections

Projections: This occupation currently employs 5,810 people in the state. In the next ten years, employment for this occupation in Nevada is expected to increase by 24%.

Visit the Medical Assisting Program webpage

Learn more about a career as a Clinical Medical Assistant

Wage Disclaimer: Wage estimates are based on Occupational Employment Statistics and the American Community Survey. Wage estimates are also affected by county-level Economic Modeling Specialists Intl. (EMSI) earnings by industry. Required education level for indicated wage and employment trends available from O*NET OnLine.

Medical Coder

Similar Job Titles
Coder, Health Information Clerk, Health Information Specialist, Health Information Technician (Health Information Tech), Medical Records Analyst, Medical Records Clerk, Medical Records Coordinator, Medical Records Director, Medical Records Technician (Medical Records Tech), Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

Description
Compile, process, and maintain medical records of hospital and clinic patients in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements of the health care system. Process, maintain, compile, and report patient information for health requirements and standards in a manner consistent with the healthcare industry's numerical coding system.

Medical Coders typically: Protect the security of medical records to ensure that confidentiality is maintained.  Review records for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with regulations.  Retrieve patient medical records for physicians, technicians, or other medical personnel.  Assign the patient to diagnosis-related groups (DRGs), using appropriate computer software.  Process patient admission or discharge documents.

HourlySalary Current Employment Job Growth

$18.83

$39,180

1,570

▲18%

Regional

Regional

Regional

Regional

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2017 wage data and 2016-2026 employment projections

Projections: This occupation currently employs 1,570 people in the state. In the next ten years, employment for this occupation in Nevada is expected to increase by 18%.

Visit the Health Information Technology Program webpage

Learn more about a career as a Medical Coder

Wage Disclaimer: Wage estimates are based on Occupational Employment Statistics and the American Community Survey. Wage estimates are also affected by county-level Economic Modeling Specialists Intl. (EMSI) earnings by industry. Required education level for indicated wage and employment trends available from O*NET OnLine.

Certified Radiation Therapist

Similar Job Titles
Chief Radiation Therapist (Chief RT), Computed Tomography Simulation Therapist (CT Simulation Therapist), Dosimetrist, Lead Radiation Therapist, Medical Dosimetrist, Radiation Therapist, Radiation Therapy Technologist (RTT), Registered Radiation Therapist, Senior Radiation Therapist, Staff Radiation Therapist

Description
Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.

Certified Radiation Therapists typically: Position patients for treatment with accuracy, according to prescription. Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards. Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others. Review prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and identification. Conduct most treatment sessions independently, in accordance with the long-term treatment plan, and under the general direction of the patient's physician.

HourlySalary Current Employment Job Growth

$38.73

$80,570

70

▲18%

Regional

Regional

Regional

Regional

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2017 wage data and 2016-2026 employment projections

Projections: This occupation currently employs 70 people in the state. In the next ten years, employment for this occupation in Nevada is expected to increase by 18%.

Visit the Radiation Therapy Program webpage

Learn more about a career as a Certified Radiation Therapist

Wage Disclaimer: Wage estimates are based on Occupational Employment Statistics and the American Community Survey. Wage estimates are also affected by county-level Economic Modeling Specialists Intl. (EMSI) earnings by industry. Required education level for indicated wage and employment trends available from O*NET OnLine.

Independent Optical Practitioner

Similar Job Titles
Certified Optician, Contact Lens Technician, Dispensing Optician, Licensed Dispensing Optician (LDO), Licensed Optician, Ophthalmic Dispenser, Optical Technician, Optician, Optometric Assistant, Optometric Technician

Description
Design, measure, fit, and adapt lenses and frames for client according to written optical prescription or specification. Assist client with inserting, removing, and caring for contact lenses. Assist client with selecting frames. Measure customer for size of eyeglasses and coordinate frames with facial and eye measurements and optical prescription. Prepare work order for optical laboratory containing instructions for grinding and mounting lenses in frames. Verify exactness of finished lens spectacles. Adjust frame and lens position to fit client. May shape or reshape frames. Includes contact lens opticians.

Independent Optical Practitioners typically: Evaluate prescriptions in conjunction with clients' vocational and avocational visual requirements.  Recommend specific lenses, lens coatings, and frames to suit client needs.  Verify that finished lenses are ground to specifications.  Measure clients' bridge and eye size, temple length, vertex distance, pupillary distance, and optical centers of eyes, using measuring devices.  Sell goods such as contact lenses, spectacles, sunglasses, and other goods related to eyes in general.

HourlySalary Current Employment Job Growth

$17.43

$36,250

430

▲12%

Regional

Regional

Regional

Regional

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2017 wage data and 2016-2026 employment projections

Projections: This occupation currently employs 430 people in the state. In the next ten years, employment for this occupation in Nevada is expected to increase by 12%.

Visit the Ophthalmic Technology Program webpage

Learn more about a career as an Independent Optical Practitioner

Wage Disclaimer: Wage estimates are based on Occupational Employment Statistics and the American Community Survey. Wage estimates are also affected by county-level Economic Modeling Specialists Intl. (EMSI) earnings by industry. Required education level for indicated wage and employment trends available from O*NET OnLine.

Registered Nurse

Similar Job Titles
Charge Nurse, Director of Nursing (DON), Emergency Department RN (Emergency Department Registered Nurse), Oncology RN (Oncology Registered Nurse), Operating Room Registered Nurse (OR RN), Public Health Nurse (PHN), Registered Nurse (RN), School Nurse, Staff Nurse, Staff RN (Staff Registered Nurse)

Description
Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.

Registered Nurses typically: Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.  Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.  Record patients' medical information and vital signs.  Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients' conditions.  Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.

HourlySalary Current Employment Job Growth

$33.65

$70,000

16,660

▲20%

Regional

Regional

Regional

Regional

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2017 wage data and 2016-2026 employment projections

Projections: This occupation currently employs 16,660 people in the state. In the next ten years, employment for this occupation in Nevada is expected to increase by 20%.

Visit the Nursing Program webpage

Learn more about a career as a Registered Nurse

Wage Disclaimer: Wage estimates are based on Occupational Employment Statistics and the American Community Survey. Wage estimates are also affected by county-level Economic Modeling Specialists Intl. (EMSI) earnings by industry. Required education level for indicated wage and employment trends available from O*NET OnLine.

Dental Assistant

Similar Job Titles
Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), Certified Registered Dental Assistant, Dental Assistant (DA), Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA), Expanded Function Dental Assistant, Oral Surgery Assistant, Orthodontic Assistant (Ortho Assistant), Orthodontic Technician, Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), Surgical Dental Assistant

Description
Assist dentist, set up equipment, prepare patient for treatment, and keep records.

Dental Assistants typically: Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.  Record treatment information in patient records.  Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.  Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.  Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.

HourlySalary Current Employment Job Growth

$18.09

$37,630

2,280

▲12%

Regional

Regional

Regional

Regional

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2017 wage data and 2016-2026 employment projections

Projections: This occupation currently employs 2,280 people in the state. In the next ten years, employment for this occupation in Nevada is expected to increase by 12%.

Visit the Dental Assisting Program webpage

Learn more about a career as a Dental Assistant

Wage Disclaimer: Wage estimates are based on Occupational Employment Statistics and the American Community Survey. Wage estimates are also affected by county-level Economic Modeling Specialists Intl. (EMSI) earnings by industry. Required education level for indicated wage and employment trends available from O*NET OnLine.

Veterinary Technician

Similar Job Titles
Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), Emergency Veterinary Technician, Internal Medicine Veterinary Technician, Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), Medical Technologist, Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Laboratory Technician (Veterinary Lab Tech), Veterinary Nurse, Veterinary Technician (Vet Tech)

Description
Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. Prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines. May assist a veterinarian during surgery.

Veterinary Technicians typically: Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery.  Maintain controlled drug inventory and related log books.  Administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals' responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted.  Restrain animals during exams or procedures.  Administer emergency first aid, such as performing emergency resuscitation or other lifesaving procedures.

HourlySalary Current Employment Job Growth

$16.06

$33,400

580

▲19%

Regional

Regional

Regional

Regional

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2017 wage data and 2016-2026 employment projections

Projections: This occupation currently employs 580 people in the state. In the next ten years, employment for this occupation in Nevada is expected to increase by 19%.

Visit the Veterinary Technology Program webpage

Learn more about a career as a Veterinary Technician

Wage Disclaimer: Wage estimates are based on Occupational Employment Statistics and the American Community Survey. Wage estimates are also affected by county-level Economic Modeling Specialists Intl. (EMSI) earnings by industry. Required education level for indicated wage and employment trends available from O*NET OnLine.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Similar Job Titles
Cardiac Sonographer, Cardiac/Vascular Sonographer, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Medical Sonographer, Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS), Sonographer, Staff Sonographer, Ultrasonographer, Ultrasound Technician (Ultrasound Tech), Ultrasound Technologist (Ultrasound Tech)

Description
Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers typically: Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required.  Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort.  Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.  Select appropriate equipment settings and adjust patient positions to obtain the best sites and angles.  Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape, and composition of blood, organs, tissues, or bodily masses, such as fluid accumulations.

HourlySalary Current Employment Job Growth

$34.33

$71,410

620

▲28%

Regional

Regional

Regional

Regional

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2017 wage data and 2016-2026 employment projections

Projections: This occupation currently employs 620 people in the state. In the next ten years, employment for this occupation in Nevada is expected to increase by 28%.

Visit the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program webpage

Learn more about a career as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Wage Disclaimer: Wage estimates are based on Occupational Employment Statistics and the American Community Survey. Wage estimates are also affected by county-level Economic Modeling Specialists Intl. (EMSI) earnings by industry. Required education level for indicated wage and employment trends available from O*NET OnLine.

Respiratory Therapist

Similar Job Titles
Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Respiratory Therapist, Cardiopulmonary Technician and EEG Tech (Cardiopulmonary Technician and Electroencephalogram Technician), Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT), Clinical Coordinator of Respiratory Therapy, Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP), Respiratory Therapist (RT), Respiratory Therapy Director, Staff Respiratory Therapist, Staff Therapist

Description
Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.

Respiratory Therapists typically: Provide emergency care, such as artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, or assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.  Monitor patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, or blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur.  Set up and operate devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, or aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.  Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses, or other healthcare professionals to manage patient care by assisting with medical procedures or related duties.  Maintain charts that contain patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.

HourlySalary Current Employment Job Growth

$28.71

$59,710

730

▲33%

Regional

Regional

Regional

Regional

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2017 wage data and 2016-2026 employment projections

Projections: This occupation currently employs 730 people in the state. In the next ten years, employment for this occupation in Nevada is expected to increase by 33%.

Visit the Cardiorespiratory Sciences Program webpage

Learn more about a career as a Respiratory Therapist

Wage Disclaimer: Wage estimates are based on Occupational Employment Statistics and the American Community Survey. Wage estimates are also affected by county-level Economic Modeling Specialists Intl. (EMSI) earnings by industry. Required education level for indicated wage and employment trends available from O*NET OnLine.

Surgical Technologist

Similar Job Titles
Certified Surgical Tech/First Assistant, Certified Surgical Technician, Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), Operating Room Surgical Technician (OR St), Operating Room Technician (OR Tech), Operating Room Technologist (OR Tech), Surgical Scrub Technician, Surgical Scrub Technologist (Surgical Scrub Tech), Surgical Technician, Surgical Technologist (Surgical Tech)

Description
Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeon's assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

Surgical Technologists typically: Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.  Count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after operation.  Scrub arms and hands and assist the surgical team to scrub and put on gloves, masks, and surgical clothing.  Provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses, or anesthesiologists.  Prepare patients for surgery, including positioning patients on the operating table and covering them with sterile surgical drapes to prevent exposure.

HourlySalary Current Employment Job Growth

$22.16

$46,310

710

▲18%

Regional

Regional

Regional

Regional

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2017 wage data and 2016-2026 employment projections

Projections: This occupation currently employs 710 people in the state. In the next ten years, employment for this occupation in Nevada is expected to increase by 18%.

Visit the Surgical Technology Program webpage

Learn more about a career as a Surgical Technologist

Wage Disclaimer: Wage estimates are based on Occupational Employment Statistics and the American Community Survey. Wage estimates are also affected by county-level Economic Modeling Specialists Intl. (EMSI) earnings by industry. Required education level for indicated wage and employment trends available from O*NET OnLine.

Licensed Practical Nurse

Similar Job Titles
Charge Nurse; Clinic Licensed Practical Nurse (CLINIC LPN); Clinic Nurse; Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN); Licensed Practical Nurse, Clinic Nurse (LPN, Clinic Nurse); Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN); Office Nurse; Pediatric Licensed Practical Nurse (PEDIATRIC LPN); Private Duty Nurse; Triage Licensed Practical Nurse (TRIAGE LPN)Charge Nurse; Clinic Licensed Practical Nurse (CLINIC LPN); Clinic Nurse; Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN); Licensed Practical Nurse, Clinic Nurse (LPN, Clinic Nurse); Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN); Office Nurse; Pediatric Licensed Practical Nurse (PEDIATRIC LPN); Private Duty Nurse; Triage Licensed Practical Nurse (TRIAGE LPN)

Description
Care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required.

Licensed Practical Nurses typically: Administer prescribed medications or start intravenous fluids, noting times and amounts on patients' charts.  Observe patients, charting and reporting changes in patients' conditions, such as adverse reactions to medication or treatment, and taking any necessary action.  Answer patients' calls and determine how to assist them.  Measure and record patients' vital signs, such as height, weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse, or respiration.  Provide basic patient care or treatments, such as taking temperatures or blood pressures, dressing wounds, treating bedsores, giving enemas or douches, rubbing with alcohol, massaging, or performing catheterizations.

HourlySalary Current Employment Job Growth

$21.65

$45,030

2,360

▲14%

Regional

Regional

Regional

Regional

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2017 wage data and 2016-2026 employment projections

Projections: This occupation currently employs 2,360 people in the state. In the next ten years, employment for this occupation in Nevada is expected to increase by 14%.

Visit the Practical Nursing Program webpage

Learn more about a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse

Wage Disclaimer: Wage estimates are based on Occupational Employment Statistics and the American Community Survey. Wage estimates are also affected by county-level Economic Modeling Specialists Intl. (EMSI) earnings by industry. Required education level for indicated wage and employment trends available from O*NET OnLine.

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.

Degrees & Certificates in This Area of Study

Cardiorespiratory Sciences (Associate of Applied Science)

Cardiorespiratory Sciences (Bachelor of Applied Science)

Dental Assisting (Certificate of Achievement)

Dental Hygiene (Associate of Science)

Dental Hygiene (Bachelor of Science)

Dental Hygiene: Education Specialist (Bachelor of Science)

Dental Hygiene: Public Health Specialist (Bachelor of Science)

Dental Science (Associate of Science)

Diagnostic Medical Sonography: Cardiac/Vascular Ultrasound Track (Associate of Applied Science)

Diagnostic Medical Sonography: General/Vascular Ultrasound Track (Associate of Applied Science)

Health Information Technology (Associate of Applied Science)

Healthcare Documentation Specialist (Certificate of Achievement)

Medical Assisting (Certificate of Achievement)

Medical Coding (Certificate of Achievement)

Medical Laboratory Scientist (Bachelor of Applied Science)

Medical Laboratory Technician (Associate of Applied Science)

Nursing Assistant (Skills Certificate)

Nursing: LPN to RN (Associate of Applied Science)

Nursing: RN to BSN (Bachelor of Science)

Nursing (Associate of Applied Science)

Ophthalmic Technology: Ophthalmic Dispensing Technician (Associate of Applied Science)

Ophthalmic Technology: Contact Lens Technician (Skills Certificate)

Ophthalmic Technology: Ophthalmic Dispensing Technician (Skills Certificate)

Optical Laboratory Technician (Skills Certificate)

Phlebotomy (Skills Certificate)

Phlebotomy: National Healthcareer Association Certificate Preparation (Skills Certificate)

Physical Therapist Assistant (Associate of Applied Science)

Practical Nursing (Certificate of Achievement)

Practical Nursing: Military Medic/Corpsman to LPN (Certificate of Achievement)

Radiation Therapy Technology (Associate of Applied Science)

Sterile Processing Technology/Technician Certification (Skills Certificate)

Surgical Technology (Associate of Applied Science)

Veterinary Nursing (Associate of Applied Science)

NOTE: Associate of Arts, Business, and Science degrees are intended for transfer to another NSHE institution. Associate of Applied Science degrees are for a specific occupation, intended to respond to the needs of the workforce and may transfer to a NSHE institution offering a Bachelor of Applied Science degree.