Demand for health care services is on the rise.

Post-COVID, an increasing number of people are making the choice to focus more fully on their health. According to a survey conducted by The Harris Poll for the Samueli Foundation in May 2020, 80% of people reported that they would try to concentrate more on self-care after the COVID-19 pandemic. Sixty-four percent reported that they were concentrating on their mental health more than they had before.

People are also getting older and living longer. As baby boomers age, they need more medical care to accommodate health problems such as chronic conditions. At the same time, many of the doctors who can treat these patients are reaching retirement age. The Census Bureau reports that 1 in 6 people in the United States were 65 and older in 2020. By 2034, the Association of American Medical Colleges estimates the country will be short 37,800 to 124,000 physicians.

Vivian Health gathered information about health programs across the nation, looking to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to outline the timelines, prerequisites, and potential jobs and earnings for six different educational programs in health care.

The health care field encompasses a wide array of professions, such as pharmacy, optometry, medical transcription, EMT, and paramedics. Other careers in health care include dietitians and nutritionists, dentists, and podiatrists, along with many others. Some careers in the health care field require only minimal schooling, such as a diploma or certification.

If you're interested in a career in the health care industry, continue reading to learn more about possible jobs in this field.

Medical doctorate

- Time to complete: 4 years
- Typical prerequisites: Bachelor's degree
- Typical job: Physician ($227,180 median annual earnings)

A medical doctorate is one option for students interested in the health care field. Medical school involves myriad training, including courses in psychology and biochemistry, and rotations later in the program. A physician must finish about three to seven years of residency training and become licensed in the state where they plan to practice. There are various kinds of doctors, such as family medicine physicians and emergency medicine physicians.

Nursing degree (associate or bachelor's)

- Time to complete: 2-4 years
- Typical prerequisites: Diploma or GED
- Typical job: Registered Nurse ($81,220 median annual earnings)

Another possible path for students wishing to enter the medical field is pursuing a nursing degree. Students can earn an associate degree, a bachelor's degree, or a diploma through a nursing program. Students in these programs can expect to take classes such as microbiology, psychology, and anatomy. A registered nurse must be licensed and can also get certified in a particular specialty, such as gerontology or ambulatory care.

Radiologic technology degree (associate or bachelor's)

- Time to complete: 2-4 years
- Typical prerequisites: Diploma or GED
- Typical job: Radiologic technologist/technician ($65,140 median annual earnings)

Students may wish to pursue a radiologic technology degree, which they can earn through an associate's or bachelor's degree. This program includes classes in image evaluation and pathology. In the majority of states, a radiologic technologist or technician must be certified or licensed. The career is expected to see 6% growth between 2022 and 2032.

Health information technology (certification or associate)

- Time to complete: 9 months-2 years
- Typical prerequisites: Diploma or GED
- Typical job: Health information technologist/medical registrar ($58,250 median annual earnings)

A certification or associate's degree in health information technology is another educational path students can take. Courses in the program include medical terminology and medical ethics. A health information technologist or medical registrar might need a certification for this type of work. The job outlook for this career has a notable estimated growth of 16% between 2022 and 2032.

Diploma in practical nursing

- Time to complete: 1 year
- Typical prerequisites: Diploma or GED
- Typical job: Licensed practical/licensed vocational nurse ($54,620 median annual earnings)

Some prospective students may wish to earn a diploma in practical nursing. An LPN/LVN program includes classes such as nursing fundamentals and pharmacology, and students receive monitored clinical experience. Licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses provide basic health care treatment to patients, such as monitoring vital signs and maintaining medical records.

Medical assisting (diploma or associate)

- Time to complete: 10-20 months
- Typical prerequisites: Diploma or GED
- Typical job: Medical assistant ($38,270 median annual earnings)

A diploma or associate's degree in medical assisting is another possible educational path. Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical duties, such as scheduling appointments at the front desk and taking patients' vitals in the test room. A medical assistant may need to be certified, and the job outlook for this career is estimated to grow 14% between 2022 and 2032.

Story editing by Shannon Luders-Manuel. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick.

This story originally appeared on Vivian Health and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.

A paramedic has a level of knowledge, skill, and treatment capabilities that are significantly beyond those of an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and which can dramatically Boost a patient’s outcome at the hospital. In response to the need for these uniquely trained emergency medical care professionals, the University of New Haven developed its paramedicine program. This program will prepare you to become a new breed of first responder – one who holds dual certification as both a firefighter and as a paramedic.

Hands-on learning will be a major part of your education. You’ll ride along with ambulance services and take patients’ vitals. You’ll practice doing chest compressions and starting IV lines on high-fidelity mannequins. You’ll become part of teams who care for patients in whatever medical emergency unfolds. The goal of the paramedicine program is to make your education as real-world as it gets.

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PROVIDENCE – Police are investigating three reports of aggravated assault at two Lifespan Corp. hospitals last month, according to a report from WPRI-TV CBS 12.

The incidents occurred at both Rhode Island and Hasbro Children’s hospitals.

The first occurred at Rhode Island Hospital on Dec. 23. Ashley Tallo, 31, who was a visitor in the emergency department, allegedly pepper-sprayed a department technician after the employee refused to bring a wheelchair to help her husband get from the parking garage to the hospital, according to Providence police.

Tallo was arrested later at The Miriam Hospital after fleeing the scene. She was charged with a felony of assault on health care providers/emergency services medical personnel.

On Dec. 25, a patient assaulted a Rhode Island Hospital nurse while being moved to another room by security, police told WPRI-TV.

Then on Dec. 29, a patient at Hasbro Children’s Hospital assaulted a staff member after refusing to put on a hospital gown, according to police.

Dr. Dean Roye, interim president of Rhode Island and Hasbro Children’s hospitals, said the hospitals are doing everything within their control to support patients and staff. But ultimately, “we need additional resources in the community that head-off crises before they occur.

“It’s a very challenging time in health care. They are seeing more people come to their hospitals amidst a behavioral health crisis than they have traditionally,” Roye said. “We cannot afford to lose anymore health care workers due to violence or otherwise. Our health care workers deserve to be recognized for the outstanding care they provide their communities.”

United Nurses and Allied Professionals President Lynn Blais told WPRI-TV that the union has worked for years to push legislation and hospital policies that keep nurses safe, including the 2021 Workplace Violence Act, but there’s still work to be done.

“There must be significantly stronger enforcement of their laws and recognition that there will be harsh penalties for those who commit acts of violence against nurses and other health care workers,” Blais said.

This was the not the first time a Lifespan health care worker was assaulted. In September, a patient attacked a male nurse in the psychiatric department at Rhode Island Hospital.