Health Professions
Proper health care is a central part of our lives, and patients need people around them — not to mention the infrastructure around the support workers — to keep them healthy. Health professions can include those front-line workers who come to mind when you think of a job in the medical professions — nurse, doctor, or medical assistant. It might also include a medical coder analyzing clinical statements. Or a supply chain specialist ordering medical supplies.
Whether you are trying to get healthier, avoid being sick, or recovering from injury, in some way you’re relying on someone in the medical field. If you want to join those ranks, read on to see what your options are in this field — which also happens to be Montana’s largest industry.
Wondering what else is out there? Take our Career Interest Quiz if you’re not sure which pathway is for you.
Healthy Hands-On Training
Associate Degree/Certificate
Medical Assistant
- Average Salary: $40,780
- Job Growth (10 yr): Very fast
Dental Hygienist
- Average Salary: $84,520
- Job Growth (10 yr): Fast
Bachelor’s Degree
Registered Nurse (two- or four-year degree)
- Average Salary: $78,350
- Job Growth (10 yr): Average
Medical Laboratory Technologist
- Average Salary: $63,400
- Job Growth (10 yr): Average
Doctoral Degree
Nurse Practitioner
- Average Salary: $119,960
- Job Growth (10 yr): Very fast
Pharmacist
- Average Salary: $125,220
- Job Growth (10 yr): Average
Room to Grow
Make Your Way Into the Health Field
You can start exploring health careers as early as high school. What are you taking for electives? When you have options for science courses, what are you choosing? Consider some of the following:
- Exploration of Health Careers
- Nursing Assistant
- Care of Athletes
- Health Care Occupations (also available on MT Digital Academy)
- EMT
- Healthcare Work Experience
- Project Lead the Way - Principles of Biomedical Science
- Senior Year Math
- Psychology
- Chemistry
- Career Planning
- Biology
- Computer Tech Skills
All of our 16 MUS schools offer some type of degree in the medical field. Depending on what your goals are — maybe it’s staying close to home, maybe it’s going to get a four-year degree, or maybe it’s to get a certificate — you can find the best fit for you. Here are just a few programs that might suit you. Use our Program Finder to explore in more detail.
- Biomedical Sciences
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Clinical Laboratory Science
- Medical Assistant
- Health Administration
- Dental Hygiene
- Medical Claims Specialist
- Surgical Technology
- Health Information Technology
- Medical Reception
Work-based learning provides opportunities for you to get in the field and see what it’s like working in your chosen profession. See what opportunities are available in the health professions field.
- CPR/First Aid Certification
- Registered Apprenticeships - Certified Nursing Assistant, CT Tech, Medication Aide, Health Administration, Pharmacy Tech, Medical Claims
- Job Shadow at a Medical Facility
- Mentorship
- Regional Area Health Education Centers - Medstart Summer Camp, AHEC Montana
The number and variety of medical professions crosses a wide gamut, from medical coders to doctors to dental hygienists. Here are just a few that could interest you.
- Medical Doctor
- Nurse
- Physical Therapist
- Health Information Technology
- Medical Coder
- Dentist
- Healthcare Administration
- Athletic Trainer
- Radiologist
- Psychiatrist
- Surgical Tech
Related Pathways
