FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT THEUPMC CENTER FOR INCLUSION

www.upmc.com/inclusion

LEARN MORE ABOUT HEALTH CAREERSwww.upmc.com/careersatupmc/career-pathways | www.thePartnershipCouncil.org

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CAREERS REQUIRING LESS THAN A2 YEAR DEGREE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

CAREERS REQUIRING AT LEAST A2 YEAR DEGREE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

CAREERS REQUIRING AT LEAST A4 YEAR DEGREE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

Emergency Medical ServicesEnvironmental ServicesPhlebotomistFacilities and Engineering (Maintenance)Patient Access ProfessionalSecurity Officer

Community ServicesClinical EngineerGrant Writer or Project CoordinatorDietitianMarketing and Public RelationsHealth Information ManagementNurseMedical Lab Technician or Medical TechnologistRadiology TechnologistOccupational orPhysical Therapist AssistantSurgical TechnicianRespiratory Therapist

Care ManagementHospital AdministratorPhysicianOccupational Therapist orPhysical TherapistHuman Resources ProfessionalSpeech TherapistPharmacist or Pharmacy Technician

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MYTH: I’ll have to work with blood.

FACT: In the health care sector, you can help people without ever seeing blood. Many jobs that do not work with blood include; Biomedical Equipment Technician, Health Educator, Health Information Technician, Pharmacist and Speech Language Pathologist.

MYTH: I will be in school forever.

FACT: Sure, it does take a long time to become a doctor, but there are other professions available in the health sector that require less years of training. Please review the less than 2 years section in this booklet.

MYTH: Health care is only for extroverts.

FACT: Health care jobs vary widely in responsibilities and working conditions, so whether you’re extroverted or introverted, you can find a good fit for your personality in the health care field.

MYTH: Career testing will tell me exactly what occupation is right for me.

FACT: Test results can provide you with additional information that may be helpful as a part of the career planning process. No test, however, can provide infallible predictions. Tests take a sample of certain kinds of knowledge or attitudes and draw conclusions based on the sample. Test results can be confounded by many things: cultural differences, unrepresentative samples, and unintentionally biased items, to name a few. Use tests with caution and critically examine test results in terms of your own experience and knowledge. Source: Edamerica

MYTH: I will only have one career in my lifetime.

FACT: Career planning is an ongoing process. You will probably readdress your career plans several times during your life. At this time in history, the typical person entering the work force will have as many as five or six different occupations by the time he or she retires. Important as it is to find an occupation that will be rewarding, it is not likely to be a final decision. Many occupations that will be available within your lifetime may not even exist yet!

TOP 10 MYTHS ABOUTHEALTH CARE CAREERS

MYTH: If I only attend a two-year college, I won’t be a real nurse.

FACT: “Today, there are hundreds of different opportunities for clinicians outside of standard clinical roles,” Marshall says. “Many pharmaceutical companies are looking for clinicians in a variety of roles. Consulting companies are always looking for seasoned clinicians. Management always beckons for those willing to acquire advanced education and gain the necessary skill sets.”

MYTH: There is one perfect occupation waiting for me out there.

FACT: Many occupations have the potential to satisfy your career goals. Once you have more clearly defined what you are looking for in a career, you will find that there are a number of occupations that match these criteria. For example, you may narrow down your search to health care professions. You must still choose among dozens of occupations in this career field (e.g., physician, nurse, physical therapist, respiratory therapist, medical lab technologist, veterinarian, and pharmacist). As you explore each option further, you can compare what they offer in terms of advantages and disadvantages.

MYTH: Once I become a clinician, I will be stuck in my role.

FACT: “Today, there are hundreds of different opportunities for clinicians outside of standard clinical roles,” Marshall says. “Many pharmaceutical companies are looking for clinicians in a variety of roles. Consulting companies are always looking for seasoned clinicians. Management always beckons for those willing to acquire advanced education and gain the necessary skill sets.” Source: Common Healthcare Career Myths, Jennifer LeClaire

MYTH: I should choose an occupation based on my strongest skills.

FACT: It is risky to consider only your skills for a career decision because skills are only one of the components of a full self-evaluation; interests and values are equally as important in the decision-making process. Just because you are good at something does not mean that you will enjoy doing that activity for a living. Also, relying on your current skills does not take into account the skills you may have in areas to which you have not yet been exposed. Source: Edamerica

MYTH: I can trust in fate to bring me to the right occupation.

FACT: Most people can benefit from a systematic investigation and consideration of different occupations. You won’t just “run into” the occupation that will match your skills, be compatible with your interests, or reward you in terms of your values. The more information you gather about yourself and the occupations you are considering, the more likely it is you will make a wise career decision.Source: Edamerica

As a student, when you are exploring a new career, it is importantfor you to think about your:

STRENGTHS, INTERESTS, & pERSONALITY TRAITS

HOw wOULD YOU ANSwER SOME OFTHE FOLLOwING QUESTIONS? •Doyouprefertoworkindependentlyorwithotherpeople? •Doyoulikehavingagreatdealofresponsibility? •Doyouenjoylearningnewthings? •Doyoulikeworkingwithallagesofpeople?Doyou preferworkingwithbabies,childrenorseniors? •Areyoudetail-orientedandorganized? •Doyouworkwellinafast-pacedenvironment? •Areyouabletomanagestress? •Areyounurturingandfriendlywithpeople? •Areyouflexibleandadaptable? •Areyouabletoputothersneedsaboveyourown?

Identifying your skill sets and knowing your individual personality traits will help you in the process of choosing a career path that you will both excel at and enjoy. Keep your answers to the questions above in mind while reading through the health care careers on the following pages.

EXPLORING ACAREER IN HEALTH CARE

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and Paramedics provide medical care and transportation to sick and injured people. The job can be both physically and mentally challenging. You act as the eyes and ears of the Physician. EMT’s provide basic care while Paramedics provide more of the advanced life support skills. Some of these skills include starting IVs, advanced airway management, administration of medications, as well as reading a cardiac monitor. The job is a 24/7/365 setting. The shifts may be 8 hours, 12 hours, 16 hours or even 24-hour shifts.

CARE

ER p

REp:

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

You would need to be the type of person who is action-oriented and in good physical shape. To train as an EMT, you must be 16 years of age and complete approximately 150 to 200 hours of classroom training, then work on an ambulance to gain field experience. Once you have your high school diploma and are 18 years old, you can apply to a paramedic program. This program includes over 2,000 hours of classroom, clinical and field training. After this is completed, you will need to work under the direct supervision of a precepting paramedic and also under the direction of a Medical Director. Each year, 18 hours of continuing education are required. If you work in a hospital as a tech, you are still required to keep all of your field requirements up-to-date. If your job in a hospital is in an administrative role, additional training such as management training, teaching skills and a good knowledge of the EMS laws and requirements would be necessary.

Staying in excellent shape, both physically and mentally, is mandatory to excel at a career in Emergency Medical Services.

6

Careers that RequireLESS THAN A 2-YEAR DEGREE

AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

The men and women who work in Environmental Services are responsible for keeping the hospital clean and orderly. This is extremely important in helping to eliminate germs that can cause infections and other health-related problems to patients.

Environmental Service Technicians prepare rooms for patients coming to the hospital, are responsible for all bedding and patient supplies, make sure all the public areas of the hospital are clean and neat, and are the “hospital movers,” moving office furniture when needed.

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

Environmental Service Professionals must be able to work independently and as part of a team to maintain impeccable cleanliness as a mechanism to reduce infection.

7

CARE

ER p

REp: Right now, it is important to work hard in all of your

classes in school and earn your high school diploma. An Environmental Services career requires you to demonstrate the ability to work well on your own or in a team setting. You also must be reliable and dependable, and show thatyou can be a hard worker.

A phlebotomist is the first point of contact for our clinical lab team. This skilled professional draws blood from adults and children and processes it to begin the analysis for the discovery of disease.

Phlebotomists must be steady-handed and like challenges. They also have the opportunity to talk to patients every day and make them feel better about the blood drawing experience. This is a rewarding career for anyone who likes a challenge and enjoys making others feel better.

pHLEBOTOMIST

CARE

ER p

REp: In many cases you can obtain a phlebotomy position by

attending one of the phlebotomy or medical assistant training programs available in your community. These programs can be less than a year in length, or for advanced programs, they could be up to two years. After just a few months of in-classroom training, most programs will finish with you completing hours of on-the-job, internship work.

To be successful in this career path, an individual must enjoy working with people, work well under pressure and have excellent hand-eye coordination.

8

The men and women who work in the Facilities and Engineering Department are responsible for all building services which include carpentry, plumbing, painting, heating and cooling, generally taking care of the entire building.

CARE

ER p

REp: Focus especially on math and science now. They are

important in all aspects of building maintenance. In high school, look for opportunities to help in projects around your home, school, and community. You will need to achieve a high school diploma, and then consider enrolling in a trade school.

FACILITIES & ENGINEERING

(MAINTENANCE)

The role of a facilities engineer requires on-the-job problem- solving and troubleshooting capabilities to ensure that the structural aspects of the facility are working optimally.

9

Patient Access Professionals are often the frontline to the patient’s hospital experience. They provide customer service, insurance clarification, and assist with financial arrangements, billing questions, and payment problems. They also coordinate registration activities for inpatient, outpatient, and emergency department patients.

This job requires strong verbaland written communication skills in order to effectively work with all patients.

10

CARE

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REp:

pATIENT ACCESS pROFESSIONAL

Computer skills and typing are important in this career path. You should focus on math now through high school and concentrate on developing good listening as well as writing and speaking skills. A high school diploma is necessary with additional business courses in medical terminology and specific computer applications such as Microsoft Excel and word. An associate’s or bachelor’s degree is required to advance to a management position.

The men and women of our Security Department provide safety for patients, visitors and workers in and around the hospital. Security Officers patrol the hospital both inside and outside, respond to calls for assistance throughout the hospital, and help people with directions. A large part of a Security Officer’s job includes the use of high-tech tools such as security cameras, metal detectors, and computers to keep the hospital safe.

SECURITY OFFICER

This position demands a high-degree of integrity and an ability to relate well with people of diverse cultures. You must be able to stand or walk during the entire work shift, as well as withstand weather extremes for external assignments.

CARE

ER p

REp: Right now, it is important to have respect for authority

and stay out of trouble. You will need to achieve your high school diploma. After high school, you should attend college and focus on a major in criminal justice. A requirement for almost all hospital security jobs is completing the pA Act 235 course. This is a 2-weekend course that is offered by several local Security Officer Training Schools and teaches the basics about security officer employment.

11

Careers that RequireAT LEAST A 2-YEAR DEGREE

AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

The Community Services person oversees programs running from the hospital into the community, focusing on community wellness, prevention of disease, and elimination of health disparities in our community. Programs and educational opportunities such as the right treatment for asthma and how to manage diabetes are specially-designed to address the needs and concerns of community residents.

CARE

ER p

REp: Right now, you need to have a strong interest in English,

and you should focus on this subject while in high school. You will need to develop proficient writing and speaking skills, and you should also be skilled with computers. Upon obtaining your high school diploma, you will need a bachelor’s degree in public health or a related field.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

This career requires a passion for delivering the highest quality health care and for providing accessible services for everyone in the community.

13

There is special equipment located in every department throughout the hospital. These pieces of equipment are tools that doctors, nurses, therapists, and everyone on the health care team uses to help a patient get better. The Clinical Engineer makes sure that all of that equipment works well and safely. The equipment can range from blood pressure cuffs that nurses use to monitors that allow doctors and nurses to keep an eye on a patient’s heartbeat. The equipment can be big or small, expensive and complicated, or very simple. It’s all important and depends on the skill of the Clinical Engineer (sometimes called Biomedical Engineer).

CLINICAL ENGINEER

CARE

ER p

REp: Right now, it’s important to work with your hands while

focusing on math and science classes in school. You must have your high school diploma and then continue your studies to include at least a two-year associate’s degree (and preferably a four-year bachelor’s degree) in either biomedical engineering or electrical engineering.

The Clinical Engineer often functions as the technology manager for medical equipment systems.

14

The hospital’s Grant Writer is the person who writes and coordinates all aspects of grant applications in order to get funding for the hospital. Grants need to be submitted and followed through according to specific requirements. In managing grants, the Grant Writer must also oversee the budget for the grant. Written and communication skills are very important in this position as well as excellent computer and typing skills. The Grant Writer must also be very organized and detail-oriented.

CARE

ER p

REp: You should have a strong interest in English. Right now, you

should focus on improving your math, writing and speaking skills because they will help you be successful in this field. You must also be skilled with computers. Upon obtaining your high school diploma, you will need a bachelor’s degree in English, Communications or a related field.

GRANT wRITER or

pROJECT COORDINATOR

You must be prepared for hard work and extensive research to craft a successful proposal.

15

Food is an important part of everyone’s life. That’s even more important for someone who is having a health problem. Good nutrition is an important part of being healthy, and a Dietitian works to make sure that we’re eating as healthy as possible. Dietitians work as part of the health care team to make sure that patients eat the right kind and amount of food to help them get better and stay healthy. They educate patients and their families about good nutrition and help them to plan meals that will keep them healthy and active.

DIETICIAN

This career requires an interest in preventing and treating illnesses by promoting healthy eating habits and recommending dietary modificationsto patients.

CARE

ER p

REp: paying attention to how and what you eat even now is a

good start to becoming a Dietitian. In school, focus on math and science classes especially, even throughout high school (with an emphasis on biology and physical science). Become interested in cooking, as how foods are prepared is as important as what foods are prepared. Following high school, you must work to achieve a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Dietetics and Nutrition.

16

The hospital’s Marketing and Public Relations professional is always busy planning and managing all communication for the hospital by writing press releases, coordinating community outreach events, writing advertisements for newspapers, writing the weekly employee newsletter, a monthly physician newsletter, organizing community health fairs, and being the spokesperson for the hospital. Marketing and Public Relations requires a person to be outgoing and get along with all types of people. You must be creative and imaginative if you’re writing a press release orcreatingaflyer,andyoucan’tbeafraidtospeakinfrontofgroupsof people.

CARE

ER p

REp: You should have a strong interest in English. Right now,

you should focus on improving your math, writing and speaking skills. You must also be skilled with computers. Upon obtaining your high school diploma, you would need a bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing or a related field to get a job in Marketing/public Relations.

MARKETING &

pUBLIC RELATIONS

An outgoing personality and wide-range of communication skills are the foundation for a successful marketing professional.

17

The role of the Health Information Management professional involves direct cooperation with physicians, nurses, administrative staff, other health professionals, and also the public. Health Information Management deals with creating and maintaining your health history record.

CARE

ER p

REp:

Right now, focus on developing communication and computer skills in addition to focusing on your current school classes. An interest in science, law and computers will be helpful in high school. Entry-level positions require a high school diploma and additional study in Health Information Management. Management positions require a bachelor’s degree from a college/university in a related field as well as registration as a Health Information Technician (RHIT) or Health Information Administrator (RHIA).

HEALTH INFORMATIONMANAGEMENT

Prepare for lifelong learning and continued professional development as health care advances and technologies evolve.

18

Nurses take care of sick and injured people. They give people medicine and treat their wounds. They also give emotional support to patients and their families. In a hospital setting, there are many types of nursing positions, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Operating Room Nurse, a Registered Nurse, a Licensed Practical Nurse, Certified Nursing Assistant, and a Patient Care Technician to name a few. Each position requires a different educational background. Nurses perform many different jobs, such as taking a patient’s vital signs, drawing blood, keeping detailed records, and educating patients about their health and how to better take care of themselves.

CARE

ER p

REp: In addition to wanting to help people, you should be getting

good grades in math and science. when you move into high school, biology, chemistry and math will be important classes to take on your nursing career path. Once you have earned your high school diploma, nursing programs can be from two years to four years and require passing a state license test. Nursing technician and Nursing assistant positions are a shorter period of time between 3–9 months.

NURSE

Education and preparation as a nurse may include certificate, diploma, Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral preparation.

19

Medical Lab Techs & Medical Technologists are laboratory scientists who are part of the medical team that work together to determine the presence, extent or absence of disease. Medical technologists perform laboratory tests using sophisticated, state-of-the-art equipment, such as microscopes and computers, and combine that expertise with their knowledge of diseases to provide accurate testing to find out what is wrong with a patient to begin the healing process.

CARE

ER p

REp:

Right now and through high school, a strong interest in math and science will help prepare you for a career as a medical technologist. After earning your high school diploma, you will need to attend either a 2-year clinical lab science or medical lab technician program or a 4-year program, majoring in biological, chemical, or physical science. Many of the 2-year Medical Lab Tech or Clinical Lab Science programs are available at your local community college. Most major universities and colleges have majors in biology, chemistry or similar degrees. Once you have obtained your degree, you can further your career by specializing in microbiology, molecular diagnostics, histology, cytology, or virology just to name a few. The opportunities are endless and are waiting for you.

MEDICAL LAB TECHNICIANor MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST

This career path requires patience and precision, and the ability to work well under pressure.

20

Using a wide variety of high-tech computers and imaging machines, Radiology Technologists can look at almost every organ in the human body. They produce images of body parts to help detect disease or injury of a patient.

CARE

ER p

REp: Right now, a strong interest in math and science followed

by algebra and physics in high school will help prepare you for a career as a radiology technologist. After earning your high school diploma, you will attend a 2-year program consisting of class work followed by hands-on clinical assignments in a hospital setting.

RADIOLOGY TECHNOLOGIST

Employment opportunities in this field are projected to grow faster than average.

21

Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA) work with patients to follow a rehabilitation plan developed under the supervision of an occupational therapist.

Physical Therapy Assistants (PTA) provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of a Physical Therapist.

(See page 29 for a description of Physical and Occupational Therapists.)

CARE

ER p

REp: Following high school graduation, OTA’s must complete a

two-year associate’s degree and be licensed, certified, or registered in most states.

Following high school graduation, pTA’s must complete a two-year associate’s degree and be licensed, certified, or registered in most states.

OCCUpATIONAL or pHYSICALTHERApIST ASSISTANT

Physical Therapists work with all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, who have illnessesor injuries that limit their ability to move.

22

Surgical Technicians work alongside surgeons in the operating room to make the patient’s surgery goes smoothly and safely. The Surgical Technician handles the instruments, supplies, and equipment used during the surgery, making sure that everything is sterile and germ-free. They assist the surgeon in many ways, handing the instruments and maintaining all of the supplies necessary to help make the surgery successful.

CARE

ER p

REp: Right now, you need to focus on developing good hand-eye

coordination and communication skills while doing well in all school subjects. Continue to work hard throughout high school to obtain your high school diploma, and then complete a program at a Community College or Career School in preparation for becoming a Surgical Technician.

SURGICAL TECHNICIAN

The work environment is clean, well-lighted and cool, but the technician must be able to stand for a long time and remain totally alert.

23

Respiratory Therapists help patients of all ages who suffer from breathing problems. In addition to administering treatments, a respiratory therapist analyzes and performs diagnostic testing as well as sets up equipment and machines needed to assist or monitor a patient’s breathing. The majority of respiratory therapist jobs are located in the hospital, however many therapists also work in-home care or nursing care facilities.

RESpIRATORY THERApIST

CARE

ER p

REp: Now through high school, you will want to concentrate

in the areas of math, algebra, science, physics, anatomy and computers. After earning your high school diploma, you will need to obtain an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy from an accredited education program. Along earning a degree, you must pass the initial certification and then registry in order to obtain a state license.

Respiratory therapists are trained to work with gases under pressure and must adhere to safety precautions and regular maintenance and testing of equipment.

24

Care Management works with the patient, physician, nurses and the health care team to make sure the patient receives the best possible care during their hospital stay and after they return home. Care Managers make sure the patient has the medical equipment, supplies, and additional care needed to continue their recovery in their home.

CARE MANAGEMENT

CARE

ER p

REp: performing community service in your neighborhood would

be a good way to prepare for a career in Care Management. Concentrate on developing good listening, writing and speaking skills in addition to all high school classes. Upon receiving your high school diploma, you would need to obtain a master’s degree in Social work from a graduate school accredited by the Council on Social work Education.

This role is generally provided by a registered nurse or someone who has a working knowledge of primary care.

26

Careers that RequireAT LEAST A 4-YEAR DEGREE

AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

Hospital Administrators manage hospitals, outpatient clinics, hospices and other types of health care facilities. They oversee the day-to-day operations of all departments and activities within the hospital. Administrators make sure hospitals operate efficiently and provide adequate medical care to patients. They need to keep up with advances in medicine, computerized diagnostic and equipment for treatment, data processing technology, government regulations, health insurance changes, and financing options.

HOSpITAL ADMINISTRATORCA

REER

pRE

p: Right now, be involved in as many activities and projects to give yourself a wide range of knowledge and experience. All your classes are important, and writing and communications skills are a must. After earning your high school diploma, a master’s degree in health services administration, public administration or business administration would be required.

You must be able to act as a mediator between governing boards, medical staff and heads of departments to ensure they function as a whole.

27

Doctors help sick people get better and keep us all healthier. They must figure out the cause of someone being sick and then figure out the right treatments and medicines to help that person get better. Doctors use science to figure out what makes people sick. They look at the results of lots of tests and studies to help them find the answer to the mystery and make a plan to help the patient back to good health. Some doctors may be surgeons who perform operations to repair bones and organs inside the body. Others may be specialists who deal in certain kinds of sicknesses that require special knowledge and experience.

CARE

ER p

REp: Caring about people and how they feel is important right

now and throughout your life. In school, you must focus on doing well in all of your courses, but most especially in science. Becoming a doctor requires more training than most other jobs. It takes at least 11 years after graduating high school to become a doctor: four years of college; four years of medical school; and three years of residency working in a hospital.

Many physicians and surgeons work very long and irregular hours.

pHYSICIAN

28

Occupational Therapists work with individuals with physical and mental challenges in order to help the patient live an independent and productive life. They enable patients to help themselves with daily tasks like getting dressed, eating, and bathing. Once these skills are in place, a program is developed to help the patient perform more advanced tasks such as getting an education, taking care of a family/home, and seeking and maintaining a job.

Physical Therapists diagnose and treat patients with medical problems that limit their ability to move freely. They use treatments that help reduce pain and restore physical movement. Much of the equipment used in physical therapy is very much like the equipment you would find in a gymtohelpincreasestrengthandflexibility.

CARE

ER p

REp: You must have patience, understanding and compassion for

others. Concentrate on health and science and develop good communication skills. For either degree, a high school diploma is required. For Occupational Therapy, a master’s degree from an accredited occupational therapy program is required. Forphysical Therapy, a graduate degree from an accredited physical therapy program and national licensure examinationis required.

OCCUpATIONAL orpHYSICAL THERApIST

Occupational Therapists promote inclusion for thosewith physical and mental challenges.

29

The hospital is only as good as the people who work there. The hospital’s employees get their jobs, advance in their professions, and receive their benefits through the work of Human Resources Professionals. Human Resources screens applicants for all hospital positions, ensures that each person is qualified for his or her job, and works with them to make sure that they are happy in what they are doing in their jobs. Human Resources Professionals help to make sure that employees grow in their jobs and receive recognition for their accomplishments.

CARE

ER p

REp: Doing well in all of your classes in school is important in

getting ready for a career in Human Resources. Communication and listening skills are very important, and you will be using a computer for your work. After you’ve received your high school diploma, you will need to go on to college to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources. Many Human Resources professionals also have a master’s degree.

Human Resource professionals must have strong communication skills and a personality that ensures trust and confidence in their fellow employees in order to be successful in this field.

HUMAN RESOURCESpROFESSIONAL

30

Speech Therapists (sometimes called Speech/Language Pathologists) assess and treat patients with speech, language, and voice disorders. They also work to help people who have problems with their mouth and throat that may cause eating and swallowing problems. These problems often happen when patients are very young or from birth, but they can also becaused in older people by medical problems such as strokes. They use written and oral tests as well as special instruments to understand the cause of the problem and provide therapy and support to allow the patient to improve his or her speech to be the best it can be.

SpEECH THERApISTCA

REER

pRE

p:

patience and compassion are important traits for a Speech Therapist. These are traits that you can work to develop right now at home, at play, and at school. Focus on doing well in all of your subjects in school, but most especially in math and science. In high school, you’ll need to develop good communication skills and do well in biology and the other sciences. After you receive your high school diploma, you will need to go to college and graduate school to obtain a master’s degree in speech language pathology or audiology.

An important part of a speech therapist’s work is the counseling and support of individuals and families on speech disorders and how to cope with the stress associated with these problems.

31

Pharmacists give medicine to people when a doctor prescribes it, and they tell people how to use the medicine properly. They are experts in medicine and its side effects, and they work closely with doctors to choose just the right medicine to give to a patient. Pharmacists must be prepared to answer many questions about the medications they give, and people rely on them as an important part of the health care team.Pharmacy Technicians assist the pharmacist in preparing and filling prescriptions under a pharmacist’s direction.

pHARMACIST orpHARMACY TECHNICIAN

CARE

ER p

REp:

Right now, you should focus on attention to detail in everything you do. Focus on all of your classes at school, most especially math and science, and you’ll have to really do well in biology and chemistry. You should also work on developing good communication skills. After high school, you will need to enter a pharmacy program in college. This is a 6-year program that also requires an internship in a pharmacy. Following graduation, you must pass a State Board exam to become licensed. pharmacy Technicians must have a high school diploma and attend a pharmacy Technician certification program. This takes 6-12 months of school after high school.

Since pharmacists formulate and dispense medications, they must be prepared to be an educational resource for the patient.

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A career in health care is not limited to being a doctor or a nurse. The list below will give you a good idea of the variety of health care careers that are available.

ALLIED HEALTH•Radiology&Imaging •Pharmacy•Laboratory •RespiratoryCare

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH•Counselors •Psychologists•SocialWorkers •Psychiatrists

NURSING•NurseLeadership •RNs•NursingSupport

pHYSICIANS & pHYSICIAN ExTENDERS•Hospitalists •PhysicianAssistants/CRNPs•RadiationOncologists

pHYSICAL, OCCUpATIONAL & SpEECH THERApY•PhysicalTherapists •SpeechLanguagePathologists•OccupationalTherapists •RehabAides

pROFESSIONAL pATHwAYS•Finance •Marketing&Communications•HumanResources •SupplyChainManagement•InformationTechnology •QualityImprovement

SERVICE wORKERS•FoodServiceWorkers •EnvironmentalServicesAides•PatientTransporters

For a complete list of careers or more information on the career paths listed above, visit www.upmc.com/careersatupmc/career-pathways.

CAREER pATHwAYS

THE pARTNERSHIp COUNCIL. . . is a consortium of greater Pittsburgh organizations committed to workforce development while creating inclusive and healthy communities. Together, we are partnering to make a differencein communities where we live and work.www.thePartnershipCouncil.org

THE wORKFORCE DEVELOpMENT INITIATIVES. . .promote health careers and education through partnership with community colleges, vocational technical (vo-tech) schools, community organizations, and government agencies. Our goal is to address regional health care workforce needs through proactive workforce planning by raising career awareness and providing tools to assist with career development.www.upmc.com/workforcedevelopment

K–12 INITIATIVES. . . promote academic achievement and health awareness for our region’s youth by offering students in grades K–12 opportunities to explore the world of health care. Our goal is to increase the number of students interested in (and prepared for) health care careers prior to graduation through presentations, educational activities, hospital and facility tours, on-site work experience and mentorships. In addition, weengagestudentsinDignity&RespectforYouthandK–12healthy initiatives.

PARTNERING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCEUPMC Center for Inclusion

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT THEUPMC CENTER FOR INCLUSION

www.upmc.com/inclusion

LEARN MORE ABOUT HEALTH CAREERSwww.upmc.com/careersatupmc/career-pathways | www.thePartnershipCouncil.org