{"id":7966,"date":"2020-11-23T10:13:25","date_gmt":"2020-11-23T15:13:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/?p=7966"},"modified":"2024-12-16T17:18:09","modified_gmt":"2024-12-16T22:18:09","slug":"patient-care-careers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/patient-care-careers\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Patient Care Career Options for Those Just Starting Out"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you looking to launch a career that really makes a difference? Do you want to work in healthcare, and have a direct role working with patients? You may think of doctors and nurses when you first consider this field. But the truth is, there are many other patient care careers.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re wondering what alternative career options are out there, you\u2019ve come to the right place. Read on, as we explore five of the most rewarding patient care careers that go beyond hospital walls.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Child Development Specialist<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    If you are interested in a role that involves working with children, you may be perfect for the role of child development specialist. In a healthcare setting, these professionals help children and families understand and cope with a child\u2019s treatment experience. This may involve encouraging play or self-expression in a clinical facility, and for parents this may be educational or emotional support. They also assess what the child and family need, and fill the gap between medical care and everyday lives. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a> (BLS), child life specialists earned a median annual salary of $60,380 in 2017.<\/p>\n

    In order to land a career as a child development specialist, you must first earn a bachelor\u2019s degree. For example, the Public Health program<\/a> at Goodwin University provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to reach success in this role.<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Dental Hygienist<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      If you\u2019re looking for a patient care role with flexibility and great pay, you may consider dental hygiene. This healthcare career ranks among the top jobs for work-life balance<\/a>. These professionals enjoy standard office hours and have the freedom to choose part-time or full-time work. Every day, dental hygienists ensure patients maintain good oral health. They clean teeth, take X-Rays, and assist dentists with complicated dental procedures. Dental hygienists enjoy a comfortable work life as well as a comfortable salary, earning over $76,000 per year, according to the BLS<\/a>.<\/p>\n

      A Dental Hygiene Program can prepare you for this hands-on and rewarding career. As part of the curriculum at Goodwin<\/a>, students participate in clinical rotations and community service activities. They also enjoy:<\/p>\n