In academia, the days vary between research, teaching, and service. I spend a lot of time writing grants and papers to get funding for our research. I meet with other collaborators. I also train new up and coming scientists.
CAREER
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$99,090
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+20.5% (much faster than the average)
Most Common Level of Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary Do
Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.
Other Job Titles Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary May Have
Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Clinical Professor, Instructor, Lecturer, Occupational Therapy Professor, Pharmacology Professor, Physical Therapy Professor, Professor, Public Health Professor
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
My day is a mix of teaching, clinical practice, and research. I engage with medical students, translating complex research into practical lessons they can apply in their future careers. My role as an educator is deeply fulfilling, allowing me to advocate for health equity and inspire the next generation of leaders. I also spend time in the clinic, both at Stanford and in community health centers in East Oakland, adapting my approach to meet the unique needs of each patient population.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- Supervise laboratory sessions.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Doctoral or professional degree (47%)
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Doctoral or professional degree
Other*
*All other responses combined for clarity.
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
Bachelor
Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
Graduate
Business Administration and Management, General
Graduate
Livestock Management
Doctorate
Organizational Leadership
Suggested Path
Bachelor
BS
Graduate
MPH
Doctorate
PhD
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
If you want to practice medicine in the U.S., you need to be strong-willed and ready to advocate for your patients. Be willing to contradict and question the answers you're given, especially when there are conflicts of interest. Humility is also key. Be humble and willing to admit ambiguity or uncertainty. The field of medicine also needs people who are inquisitive and creative. It's by asking questions and not taking the gospel that big discoveries have been made.
Multi-tasking and prioritization skills have been some of the most important skills I've used in my role.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
College Students
Reach out for mentorships, internships, and volunteer opportunities to gain experience. When doing so, be very thoughtful in how you're crafting your request. Craft it in a way that the person receiving it feels like they can't say no to you. And if they do say no, don't let that discourage you. It's likely that they're saying no because they already have a full load of trainees and can't give you the attention you deserve. There are other opportunities out there to learn—just try again.
Really think about what role in health seems most comfortable for you. Doctors used to be the end all be all but the field of medicine is changing. We need to realize that other roles—like public health and social work—are just as important. Before committing, think, "Why medical school?" If you want to be a doctor, go for it. But if you would actually rather do social work, try that. It doesn't mean you're closing the door on becoming a physician—that option will still be there in the future.
I recommend trying out a healthcare role first to see if it's right for you. There are so many different jobs within healthcare and not all of them are for everyone. Try an entry-level clinical role like an EKG tech or a certified nursing assistant. The hands-on experience will be great for helping you decide if it's right for you.
Everyone
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
