Healthcare Careers in Southwest Pennsylvania RIGHT TIME, RIGHT PLACE! February, 2006

1,320 Physicians & Surgeons $127,560 / yr Who’s Employed in the Healthcare Industry of SWPA? Medical Secretaries $24,420 / yr 26,260 Registered Nurses $49,780 / yr 40 Anesthesiologists $105,700 / yr 3,560 EMT & Paramedics $22,970 / yr

1,940 Radiology Technicians $37,260 / yr 1,350 Medical Records & Health Information Technicians $27,220 / yr 6,370 Licensed Practical Nurses $32,840 / yr 1,320 Physicians & Surgeons (including Radiologists) $127,560 / yr Who’s Employed in the Healthcare Industry of SWPA?

The Healthcare Industry’s Temperature

Where is the Healthcare Industry Going? Healthcare is a booming industry, with 2x faster growth than any other sector 2x faster By 2008, 15% increase in U.S. 15% in U.S. By 2008, 21% increase in PA 21% in PA

Healthcare Industry Health care careers are evolving: cutting edge technology and skills High Earnings Potential Exciting Career Pathways

Healthcare Industry is a Major Regional Employer The health sector employs 15.4% (160,000) of the entire labor force in SWPA

Why Do We Need More Healthcare Workers? Demographics Aging baby boomers Longevity Innovative technologies New drugs/therapies

Healthcare Growth Areas Account for 90,000 Jobs There are 160,000 employed in the healthcare industry of SWPA. …90,000 are employed in areas expected to grow 9% (7,000 jobs by 2010)

Western Pennsylvania’s 2005 Top 10 Most Wanted List Physical Therapist Assistant 15.2 Staff Registered Pharmacist 10.7 Nurse Practitioner 9.8 Nuclear Medicine Technologist 8.5 Physician Assistant 8.2 Staff Physical Therapist 8.1 Nursing Aide/Nursing Assistant 7.2 Staff Registered Nurse 6.9 Pharmacy Technician 6.2 Staff Medical Technologist 6.0

Show Me the Money!

What Do Healthcare Workers Earn? 1% Less than $15,000/yr 39% Between $15,000 and $25,000 15% Between $25,000 and $35,000 33% Between $35,000 and $50,000 9% Between $50,000 and $75,000 3% Greater than $75,000

What’s available… for less than $25,000 EMT / Paramedic $22,970 / year 3,560 employed H.S. and certification Massage Therapist $14,100 / year 540 employed H.S. and certification Dental Assistant $25,090 / year 970 employed H.S. and certification 40% Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics: Pittsburgh MSA

What’s available… for $25,000 - $35,000 Medical Transcriptionist $27,810 / year 1,700 employed Post-secondary education Physical Therapist Assistant $33,020 / year 410 employed Associate’s degree and certification Medical Lab Technicians $32,430 / year 2,120 employed Associate’s degree and license 15% Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics: Pittsburgh MSA

What’s available… for $35,000 - $50,000 Respiratory Therapist $40,050 / year 1,000 employed Associates or Bachelor’s degree Athletic Trainer $37,000 / year 170 employed Bachelor’s degree Registered Nurse $49,780 / year 26,260 employed Associate degree and license 33% Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics: Pittsburgh MSA

What’s available… for $50,000 or more Physician Assistant $57,460 / year 540 employed Bachelor’s degree and 2 year accredited program Physical Therapist $58,080 / year 1,640 employed Master’s degree and license Pharmacist $79,610 / year 2,140 employed Pharm. D. and license 12% Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics: Pittsburgh MSA

Characteristics of Healthcare Occupations 66% require only 2 years of training/education Many entry points Math and science at different levels Embedded Career Progress Technologically Oriented

Health Career Snapshots Registered Nurse $50,000/yr Promote health, prevent disease, and help patients cope with illness Observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress in patients Assist physicians, administer medications, and develop and manage nursing care plans Pharmacy Technician $20,000/yr Pharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists provide medication and other healthcare products to patients Prepare prescribed medication for patients, such as counting tablets and labeling bottles. Prepare coverage claims with health insurance providers Radiology Technician $37,000/yr Take x-rays Administer non-radioactive materials into patients’ bloodstreams for diagnostic purposes Keep patient records and adjust and maintain equipment.

Example of a Healthcare Pathway: Registered Nurse Nursing Assistant $22,000 / year On the job training Frontline workers in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Work directly with patients. Licensed Practical Nurse $33,000 / year Typically 1-year training program and licensure Provide basic bedside care such as take vital signs, give injections, apply dressings and insert catheters. Those employed in nursing homes may also evaluate residents’ needs, develop care plans, and supervise nursing aides. RN $50,000 / year Associates degree and licensure Nursing is a very diverse profession with a wide array of roles, but all work toward a common goal of: promoting health, preventing disease and serving the patient.

The Healthcare Career Offer Progressive and long career path, family-sustaining wages and transferable skill sets Career control Career portability Financial incentives i.e.: loan forgiveness, scholarships, and tuition reimbursement/employer paid education

Hot Links PA Health Careers Center for Health Careers- Hospital Council of Western PA Southwest Area Health Education Center Health Careers Futures Health Opportunities for Today and Tomorrow Human Capital Policy Initiative

5. The healthcare sector is a major employer in SWPA 4. The healthcare sector offers many occupational opportunities 3. The healthcare sector offers high earnings potential 2. The healthcare sector offers many career pathways and the number one thing to know… 1. The healthcare sector offers lifetime employability and portability

“Real success is finding your lifework in the work that you love” ~ David McCullough