What are Some Entry-Level Career Options in Pediatrics?
Some entry-level career options in pediatrics include medical assistant, licensed practical nurse and physician's assistant. These jobs can be found in a variety of pediatric settings, including private practices, general hospitals and surgical centers.
Entry-Level Careers in Pediatrics
Many schools offer programs that train individuals to work in pediatrics though a variety of occupations that may cover clerical and clinical tasks. Some of these jobs call for training programs of two years or fewer, while others may require a 4-year degree and additional training. Here is a look at the education requirements and job duties for several occupations.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutEntryLevelCareerOptionsInPediatrics"> Important Facts About Entry-Level Career Options in Pediatrics</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><th> </th><th> Pediatric Medical Assistant </th><th> Pediatric Licensed Practical Nurse </th><th> Pediatric Physician's Assistant</th></tr>
<tr><td> Professional Certification / Licensure </td><td> Voluntary, but preferred by employers; the Institute for Credentialing Excellence offers five different certification options </td><td> Mandatory; the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) </td><td> Mandatory; provided by the National Commission on Certification of Physicians Assistants (NCCPA)</td></tr>
<tr><td> Key Skills </td><td> Analytical thinking; attention to detail; computer competency; social nuance </td><td> Empathy; patience; physical stamina; clear communication </td><td> Clear communication; problem solving; attention to detail; empathy</td></tr>
<tr><td> Work Environment </td><td> Full-time; some evening, weekend, or holidays shifts may be required </td><td> Typically full-time with some nights, weekends, or holidays required </td><td> Typically full-time with some shifts during nights, weekends, holidays, or on-call as needed</td></tr>
<tr><td> Similar Occupations </td><td> Dental assistants; occupational therapy assistants and aides; pharmacy technicians </td><td> Physical therapist assistants and aides; psychiatric technicians and aides; surgical technologists </td><td> Physicians and surgeons; speech-language pathologists; physical therapists</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---PediatricMedicalAssistant">Pediatric Medical Assistant</h3><p>Medical assistants are responsible for both clerical and clinical duties. Though they are occasionally trained on the job, most medical assistants complete 1- or 2-year diploma or degree programs. After graduating, they might work in a variety of health care settings, although private practice physicians employ the majority of pediatric medical assistants. Answering phones, scheduling appointments and billing insurance companies are just a few of the administrative tasks completed by medical assistants. Clinical duties are limited by state law but might include:
</p><ul><li>Collecting lab samples
</li><li>Recording vital signs
</li><li>Maintaining exam rooms
</li></ul><h3 id="section---CareerOutlookAndSalary">Career Outlook and Salary</h3><p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), <i>www.bls.gov</i>, jobs for medical assistants were expected to grow by 16% from 2021-31, much faster than the average for other professions. The BLS said the median annual wage for medical assistants was $37,190 as of May 2021.
</p><h3 id="section---PediatricLicensedPracticalNurse">Pediatric Licensed Practical Nurse</h3><p>Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) work under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses. In a pediatric practice, LPNs assist in the care of children and adolescents. They must complete a medical training program, usually lasting about a year, and earn licensure through their state board of nursing. Pediatric LPNs typically work in doctors' offices or the pediatric wings of hospitals. Their duties might include:
</p><ul><li>Giving injections
</li><li>Dressing wounds
</li><li>Monitoring vital signs
</li></ul><h3 id="section---CareerOutlookAndSalary-2">Career Outlook and Salary</h3><p>Jobs for all LPNs were predicted by the BLS to increase by 6% from 2021-31, faster than for other occupations. The BLS noted that the median annual wage for this occupation was $48,070 as of May 2021.
</p><h3 id="section---PediatricPhysicianSAssistant">Pediatric Physician's Assistant</h3><p>Physician's assistants work under the direct supervision of practicing doctors. Entering the field requires an undergraduate degree and completion of a 2-year postgraduate physician assistant program. Some facilities also may require previous health care experience.
</p><p>In clinic settings where doctors are in-office only a few days a week, physician's assistants may act as primary care providers. State law largely dictates duties assigned to physician's assistants, but typical jobs may include:
</p><ul><li>Interpreting laboratory tests
</li><li>Taking medical histories
</li><li>Treating minor injuries
</li></ul><h3 id="section---CareerOutlookAndSalary-3">Career Outlook and Salary</h3><p>Jobs for all physician's assistants were expected by the BLS to increase by 28% from 2021-31, much faster than other jobs. The BLS reported the median annual wage for this profession was $121,530 as of May 2021.</p>