Professions & Pathways
Every healthcare profession and pathway is crucial to allowing the healthcare system to function and provide quality care to patients. Understanding different pathways and their importance is part of our mission in Womxn in Medicine as we believe healthcare is not defined by the one but the many.
Physicians & Advanced Practice Providers
Physician (MD/DO)
Avg Salary: ~$230,000
Physicians diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases across a wide range of patient populations. They complete extensive training including medical school and residency, allowing them to specialize in different areas of medicine.
Scope of Practice : Full authority to diagnose, prescribe medications, and perform procedures.
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Avg Salary: ~$120,000
Nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses who provide many of the same services as physicians. They often focus on patient education and preventive care.
Scope of Practice : Diagnose, treat, prescribe medications (depending on state laws).
Physician Assistant (PA)
Avg Salary: ~$125,000
Physician assistants work under physicians to diagnose and treat patients. They are trained in a medical model similar to doctors and can work in many specialties.
Scope of Practice : Perform exams, diagnose, assist in surgery, prescribe medications.
Nursing & Patient Care
Registered Nurse (RN)
Avg Salary: ~$80,000
Registered nurses provide direct patient care and coordinate treatment plans alongside physicians and other healthcare professionals. They play a key role in patient education and monitoring.
Scope of Practice : Administer medications, monitor patients, assist in procedures.
Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurse (LVN/LPN)
Avg Salary: ~$55,000
LVNs/LPNs provide basic nursing care under the supervision of RNs and physicians. They support patient comfort and assist with daily healthcare needs.
Scope of Practice : Take vitals, assist with hygiene, administer some medications.
Nurse Midwife
Avg Salary: ~$120,000
Nurse midwives specialize in pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. They emphasize natural birth and patient-centered care.
Scope of Practice : Deliver babies, provide prenatal/postnatal care.
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Avg Salary: ~$200,000
CRNAs are advanced practice nurses who administer anesthesia and manage pain. They often work independently in surgical settings.
Scope of Practice : Deliver anesthesia, monitor patients, manage recovery.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Avg Salary: ~$110,000
CNSs are advanced nurses who focus on improving patient outcomes and healthcare systems. They often specialize in a specific area of care.
Scope of Practice : Provide expert consultation, improve practices, educate staff.
Home Health Nurse
Avg Salary: ~$80,000
Home health nurses provide care to patients in their homes, often for chronic or recovering conditions. They promote independence and comfort.
Scope of Practice : Monitor health, administer meds, educate patients.
Hospice Nurse
Avg Salary: ~$80,000
Hospice nurses care for patients at the end of life, focusing on comfort and quality of life. They also support families emotionally.
Scope of Practice : Pain management, emotional support, end-of-life care
Dentist & Oral Health
Dentist
Avg Salary: ~$160,000
Dentists diagnose and treat conditions affecting teeth and gums. They also focus on preventive oral health care.
Scope of Practice : Perform procedures, prescribe treatments, educate patients.
Dental Hygienist
Avg Salary: ~$80,000
Dental hygienists clean teeth and help prevent oral diseases. They also educate patients on proper dental care.
Scope of Practice : Clean teeth, take X-rays, provide preventive care.
Dental Assistant
Avg Salary: ~$45,000
Dental assistants support dentists during procedures and manage patient preparation. They ensure smooth clinic operations.
Scope of Practice : Assist procedures, sterilize tools, manage records.
Maxillofacial Surgeon
Avg Salary: ~$350,000
Maxillofacial surgeons are highly specialized surgeons who diagnose and treat conditions affecting the mouth, jaw, face, and neck.
Scope of Practice : Perform complex surgeries, administer anesthesia, manage oral diseases
Allied Health & Diagnostics
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Avg Salary: ~$65,000
These professionals analyze blood and tissue samples to help diagnose diseases. Their work is essential for accurate medical decisions.
Scope of Practice : Perform lab tests, interpret results, ensure quality control.
Radiologic Technologist
Avg Salary: ~$65,000
Radiologic technologists perform imaging procedures like X-rays. They help physicians diagnose injuries and illnesses.
Scope of Practice : Operate imaging equipment, position patients, ensure safety.
Respiratory Therapist
Avg Salary: ~$70,000
Respiratory therapists treat patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary disorders. They are critical in emergency and ICU settings.
Scope of Practice : Manage ventilators, provide oxygen therapy, assess lung function.
Physical Therapist
Avg Salary: ~$95,000
Physical therapists help patients regain movement and reduce pain after injury or illness. They design personalized rehabilitation programs.
Scope of Practice : Develop exercise plans, improve mobility, prevent injury.
Occupational Therapist
Avg Salary: ~$90,000
Occupational therapists help patients develop or regain skills needed for daily living. They focus on independence and quality of life.
Scope of Practice : Teach daily skills, adapt environments, rehabilitation.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Avg Salary: ~$85,000
These specialists treat communication and swallowing disorders. They work with patients of all ages.
Scope of Practice : Diagnose speech issues, provide therapy, improve communication.
Phlebotomist
Avg Salary: ~$40,000
Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, and research. They ensure patient comfort and proper sample handling.
Scope of Practice : Collect blood, label samples, maintain safety standards.
EKG Technician
Avg Salary: ~$45,000
EKG technicians perform tests that measure heart activity. They assist in diagnosing cardiovascular conditions.
Scope of Practice : Conduct EKGs, monitor heart rhythms, assist physicians.
Pharmacy & Medications
Pharmacist
Avg Salary: ~$130,000
Pharmacists ensure medications are used safely and effectively. They counsel patients and collaborate with healthcare providers.
Scope of Practice : Dispense medications, provide guidance, monitor drug interactions.
Pharmacy Technician
Avg Salary: ~$40,000
Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications. They help manage inventory and patient records.
Scope of Practice : Fill prescriptions, handle payments, support pharmacists.
Mental & Behavioral Health
Clinical Psychologist
Avg Salary: ~$90,000
Clinical psychologists assess and treat mental health disorders using therapy and behavioral interventions. They do not prescribe medication in most states.
Scope of Practice : Provide therapy, conduct assessments, develop treatment plans.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Avg Salary: ~$60,000
LPCs help individuals cope with emotional, mental, and behavioral challenges. They often work in outpatient or community settings.
Scope of Practice : Provide counseling, develop coping strategies, support mental health.
Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Avg Salary: ~$65,000
Clinical social workers support patients with mental health and social challenges. They connect individuals to resources and provide therapy.
Scope of Practice : Counseling, case management, resource coordination.
Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT)
Avg Salary: ~$60,000
MFTs focus on relationships and family dynamics. They help individuals and families improve communication and resolve conflicts.
Scope of Practice : Provide therapy, address relationship issues, guide interventions.
Behavioral Health Technician
Avg Salary: ~$40,000
These technicians support patients with mental health conditions under supervision. They assist in daily care and therapeutic activities.
Scope of Practice : Monitor behavior, assist therapy sessions, support care plans.
Public Health & Policy
Epidemiologist
Avg Salary: ~$80,000
Epidemiologists study patterns of disease in populations. Their work helps guide public health decisions and interventions.
Scope of Practice : Analyze data, track outbreaks, inform policy.
Public Health Analyst
Avg Salary: ~$75,000
Public health analysts evaluate programs and policies to improve community health outcomes. They work with data and research.
Scope of Practice : Analyze trends, develop reports, recommend improvements.
Health Policy Analyst
Avg Salary: ~$85,000
These professionals examine healthcare laws and policies to improve systems. They often work with governments or organizations.
Scope of Practice : Research policy, advocate changes, analyze impact.
Biostatistician
Avg Salary: ~$95,000
Biostatisticians apply statistical methods to medical and public health research. They help interpret complex data.
Scope of Practice : Analyze datasets, design studies, support research.
Community Health Worker
Avg Salary: ~$45,000
Community health workers connect individuals to healthcare services and resources. They often serve underserved populations.
Scope of Practice : Outreach, education, resource coordination.
Global Health Specialist
Avg Salary: ~$80,000
These professionals address health issues on an international scale. They work on disease prevention and health equity worldwide.
Scope of Practice : Program development, research, policy implementation.
Research & Genetics
Biomedical Scientist/Researcher
Avg Salary: ~$90,000
Biomedical researchers study diseases and develop new treatments. Their work advances medical knowledge and innovation.
Scope of Practice : Conduct experiments, publish research, develop therapies.
Clinical Research Coordinator
Avg Salary: ~$65,000
Coordinators manage clinical trials and ensure compliance with protocols. They bridge research and patient care.
Scope of Practice : Recruit patients, manage data, ensure regulations.
Genetic Counselor
Avg Salary: ~$85,000
Genetic counselors help patients understand genetic risks and conditions. They guide decision-making about testing and treatment.
Scope of Practice : Interpret genetic tests, counsel patients, assess risk.
Research & Genetics
Healthcare Administrator
Avg Salary: ~$100,000
Administrators manage healthcare facilities and ensure efficient operations. They oversee staff, budgets, and policies.
Scope of Practice : Leadership, budgeting, policy implementation.
Health Information Manager
Avg Salary: ~$85,000
These professionals manage patient data and health records systems. They ensure accuracy, privacy, and compliance.
Scope of Practice : Oversee records, ensure data security, manage systems.
Medical Assistant
Avg Salary: ~$40,000
Medical assistants perform both clinical and administrative tasks in healthcare settings. They are often the first point of contact for patients.
Scope of Practice : Take vitals, assist exams, schedule appointments.