Explore Healthcare Careers
Healthcare offers many different educational and career pathways. Explore programs available at SRJC, learn about additional healthcare professions, and connect with resources that can help you identify the path that is right for you.
Whether you are preparing to enter the workforce, transfer, or apply to a healthcare specialty program, your next step can start here.
Explore SRJC Health Sciences Programs
Learn more about healthcare specialty programs available at SRJC.
Associate Degree Nursing
Explore SRJC's Associate Degree Nursing program and learn more about requirements, preparation, and the ADN pathway.
Radiologic Technology
Learn about SRJC's Radiologic Technology program, program requirements, and preparation for a career in imaging.
Dental Hygiene
Explore the SRJC Dental Hygiene program and learn about preparation for a career in preventive oral healthcare.
Explore More Healthcare Careers
Compare healthcare occupations, job responsibilities, education requirements, and wage information.
| Occupation | What They Do | Entry-Level Education | 2021 Median Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainers | Prevent, diagnose, and treat muscle and bone injuries and illnesses. | Master's degree | $48,420 |
| Audiologists | Diagnose, manage, and treat hearing, balance, and related conditions. | Doctoral or professional degree | $78,950 |
| Chiropractors | Evaluate and treat conditions involving the neuromusculoskeletal system. | Doctoral or professional degree | $75,000 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technologists & Technicians | Perform medical laboratory tests used to diagnose, treat, and prevent disease. | Bachelor's degree | $57,800 |
| Dental Assistants | Provide patient care, take x rays, maintain records, and support dental offices. | Postsecondary nondegree award | $38,660 |
| Dental Hygienists | Examine patients for oral disease and provide preventive care. | Associate's degree | $77,810 |
| Dentists | Diagnose and treat conditions affecting teeth, gums, and the mouth. | Doctoral or professional degree | $163,220 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographers & Cardiovascular Technologists | Operate specialized equipment to create diagnostic images and conduct tests. | Associate's degree | $75,380 |
| Dietitians & Nutritionists | Plan and provide nutritional programs that support health and wellness. | Bachelor's degree | $61,650 |
| EMTs & Paramedics | Assess injuries and illness and provide emergency medical care. | Postsecondary nondegree award | $36,930 |
| Exercise Physiologists | Develop exercise programs that help injured or ill patients recover. | Bachelor's degree | $47,940 |
| Genetic Counselors | Assess risks for inherited conditions and provide genetic information and guidance. | Master's degree | $80,150 |
| Health Information Technologists & Medical Registrars | Work with computerized healthcare systems and analyze clinical information. | Associate's degree | $55,560 |
| Home Health & Personal Care Aides | Assist people with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and daily living activities. | High school diploma or equivalent | $29,430 |
| Licensed Practical & Vocational Nurses | Provide basic nursing and medical care. | Postsecondary nondegree award | $48,070 |
| Medical Assistants | Complete clinical and administrative tasks in healthcare settings. | Postsecondary nondegree award | $42,000 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologists | Prepare and administer radioactive drugs for imaging and treatment. | Associate's degree | $78,760 |
| Advanced Practice Registered Nurses | Provide and coordinate advanced patient care in specialized roles. | Master's degree | $123,780 |
| Nursing Assistants & Orderlies | Provide basic care and assist patients with activities of daily living. | Varies | $30,290 |
| Occupational Therapists | Help patients build or regain skills needed for daily living and independence. | Master's degree | $85,570 |
| Optometrists | Diagnose and treat conditions of the eye and visual system. | Doctoral or professional degree | $124,300 |
| Pharmacists | Dispense medications and educate patients about medication use. | Doctoral or professional degree | $128,570 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | Assist pharmacists with preparing and dispensing medications. | High school diploma or equivalent | $36,740 |
| Phlebotomists | Draw blood for medical tests, transfusions, research, and donations. | Postsecondary nondegree award | $37,380 |
| Physical Therapists | Help injured or ill patients improve movement and manage pain. | Doctoral or professional degree | $95,620 |
| Physician Assistants | Examine, diagnose, and treat patients in healthcare settings. | Master's degree | $121,530 |
| Physicians & Surgeons | Diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries and provide preventive care. | Doctoral or professional degree | $208,000+ |
| Radiation Therapists | Administer radiation treatments to patients with cancer and other diseases. | Associate's degree | $82,790 |
| Radiologic & MRI Technologists | Perform diagnostic imaging examinations and operate imaging equipment. | Associate's degree | $61,980 |
| Registered Nurses | Provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients about health conditions. | Bachelor's degree | $77,600 |
| Respiratory Therapists | Care for patients who have difficulty breathing. | Associate's degree | $61,830 |
| Speech-Language Pathologists | Assess and treat people with communication and swallowing disorders. | Master's degree | $79,060 |
| Surgical Assistants & Technologists | Support surgical teams before, during, and after operations. | Postsecondary nondegree award | $48,510 |
Career & Healthcare Education Resources
Explore SRJC healthcare training programs and additional resources to help you identify career options, education pathways, and your next step in healthcare.
SRJC Career Training Programs
Looking for a way to enter healthcare, gain experience, or build skills before continuing into another health sciences pathway? Explore these career-focused programs at SRJC.
Dental Assisting
Registered Dental Assistant Pathway
Prepare to work as part of a dental healthcare team through classroom, laboratory, and clinical training.
Certified Nursing Assistant
CNA
Build foundational patient-care skills while gaining hands-on experience that can support future nursing and healthcare education.
Medical Assisting
Clinical & Administrative Medical Assisting
Prepare for clinical and administrative work in medical offices, clinics, and outpatient healthcare settings.
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technician Pathway
Prepare to support pharmacists in retail, hospital, and other healthcare settings while developing skills in medications and pharmacy operations.
Wage information represents California median annual wages from 2024 occupational employment data and is provided for career exploration only. Actual earnings vary by employer, region, experience, certification, and other factors.
Additional Career Exploration Resources
Use these resources to learn more about healthcare professions, nursing pathways, education requirements, and career opportunities.
National Consortium for Health Science Education
Explore health science education resources and materials for students preparing for healthcare careers.
California HOSA
Explore healthcare leadership, career development, competitions, and educational opportunities.
Health & Medical Sciences Pathway
Learn about California's Health Science and Medical Technology career pathway.
ExploreHealthCareers.org
Explore healthcare professions, education requirements, career options, and national career-planning resources.
UC Davis Health Library
Explore health sciences information and research resources available through the UC Davis Library.
Health Research & Training Resources
Explore training and education resources available through the Alcohol Research Group.
RN to BSN Resources
Explore guides and information for registered nurses considering RN-to-BSN education and continued nursing preparation.
Pre-Licensure BSN Programs
Learn more about pre-licensure BSN pathways, online program considerations, and nursing education options.
Scholarships for Healthcare Students
Explore scholarship opportunities that may help with tuition, books, supplies, certification costs, and other educational expenses.
Scholarship opportunities are updated as new information becomes available. Review eligibility requirements, deadlines, and award information directly with each scholarship provider.
Need Help Finding the Right Resource?
HOPE can help you explore healthcare pathways, identify your next steps, and connect with SRJC programs and resources. Contact us at hopecenter@santarosa.edu .