The health industry offers opportunities to contribute to the care of individuals with various needs from all walks of life. The COVID-19 pandemic has illustrated the importance of skilled healthcare workers to the health and well-being of us all, but how access to quality care is not equal for everyone. In addition to the need for skilled nursing and medical technicians, the region needs healthcare advocates to help address issues related to inequitable access to healthcare.
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Top jobs that Require Community College Credentials
How much will I make per hour?
Registered Nurses
Job openings per year:
2,057How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $52.46/hr.
- Median: $65.94/hr.
- Experienced: $81.46/hr.
Medical Assistants
Job openings per year:
1,460How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $20.83/hr.
- Median: $29.39/hr.
- Experienced: $32.27/hr.
Nursing Assistants
Job openings per year:
1,168How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $18.18/hr.
- Median: $19.27/hr.
- Experienced: $22.11/hr.
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Job openings per year:
1,064How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $18.21/hr.
- Median: $22.46/hr.
- Experienced: $27.30/hr.
Dental Assistants
Job openings per year:
667How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $21.80/hr.
- Median: $23.79/hr.
- Experienced: $26.91/hr.
Social and Human Service Assistants
Job openings per year:
597How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $18.55/hr.
- Median: $21.93/hr.
- Experienced: $24.86/hr.
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Job openings per year:
516How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $29.66/hr.
- Median: $31.94/hr.
- Experienced: $37.44/hr.
Pharmacy Technicians
Job openings per year:
296How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $18.77/hr.
- Median: $23.44/hr.
- Experienced: $30.57/hr.
Dental Hygienists
Job openings per year:
215How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $47.74/hr.
- Median: $48.97/hr.
- Experienced: $50.29/hr.
Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other
Job openings per year:
159How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $21.96/hr.
- Median: $26.49/hr.
- Experienced: $36.10/hr.
Medical Records Specialists
Job openings per year:
130How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $21.66/hr.
- Median: $29.86/hr.
- Experienced: $38.12/hr.
Emergency Medical Technicians
Job openings per year:
119How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $16.65/hr.
- Median: $18.30/hr.
- Experienced: $29.52/hr.
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
Job openings per year:
118How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $38.28/hr.
- Median: $50.68/hr.
- Experienced: $64.71/hr.
Respiratory Therapists
Job openings per year:
95How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $39.54/hr.
- Median: $50.86/hr.
- Experienced: $58.40/hr.
Psychiatric Aides
Job openings per year:
24How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $17.83/hr.
- Median: $19.53/hr.
- Experienced: $21.99/hr.
Top Employers & Skills
Employers
- Sutter Health
- UC Davis Health
- Kaiser Permanente
- CommonSpirit Health
- Adventist Health
- DaVita Kidney Care
- ProMedica
- Marshall Medical Center
- Wellpath
- Tahoe Forest Hospital
- Evergreen Technologies
- State of California
- Maxim Healthcare Services
- CVS Health
- Mercy San Juan Medical Center
- Medely
- Walgreens Boots Alliance
- Sutter Medical Center
- Barton Memorial Hospital
- Elevance Health
Specialized skills
- Nursing
- Medical Records
- Medical Terminology
- Nursing Care
- Electronic Medical Record
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Direct Patient Care
- Vital Signs
- Acute Care
- Medication Administration
Technology & software skills
- Microsoft Office (Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word)
- Epic EMR
- Dentrix
- Patient Management Software
- Clinic Management Systems
- Google Workspace
- Homeless Management Information System
- Zoom (Video Conferencing Tool)
- Open Dental
- eClinicalWorks (ECW)
Employability skills
- Communications
- Customer Service
- Management
- Interpersonal Communications
- Leadership
- Planning
- Coordinating
- Scheduling
- Problem Solving
- Accountability
Source: Lightcast 2023.3; QCEW, non-QCEW, Self-Employed. Compiled by the North/Far North Center of Excellence for Labor Market Research.
Registered Nurses
Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.
Sample of reported job titles:
Certified Operating Room Nurse (CNOR), Charge Nurse, Emergency Department RN (Emergency Department Registered Nurse), Oncology RN (Oncology Registered Nurse), Operating Room Registered Nurse (OR RN), Psychiatric RN (Psychiatric Registered Nurse), Relief Charge Nurse, School Nurse, Staff Nurse, Staff RN (Staff Registered Nurse)
Tasks:
- Record patients’ medical information and vital signs.
- Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
- Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
- Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients’ conditions.
- Provide health care, first aid, immunizations, or assistance in convalescence or rehabilitation in locations such as schools, hospitals, or industry.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Record patient medical histories.
- Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities.
- Administer non-intravenous medications.
- Maintain medical facility records.
- Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care.
Work Context:
- Face-to-Face Discussions – 96% responded “Every day”
- Telephone – 96% responded “Every day”
- Work With Work Group or Team – 91% responded “Extremely important”
- Contact With Others – 91% responded “Constant contact with others”
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled – 83% responded “Every day”
Medical Assistants
Perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by physician.
Sample of reported job titles:
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Chiropractor Assistant, Clinical Medical Assistant, Doctor’s Assistant, Health Assistant, Ophthalmic Assistant, Ophthalmological Assistant, Optometric Assistant, Outpatient Surgery Assistant, Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
Tasks:
- Interview patients to obtain medical information and measure their vital signs, weight, and height.
- Clean and sterilize instruments and dispose of contaminated supplies.
- Record patients’ medical history, vital statistics, or information such as test results in medical records.
- Explain treatment procedures, medications, diets, or physicians’ instructions to patients.
- Prepare treatment rooms for patient examinations, keeping the rooms neat and clean.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Assess physical conditions of patients to aid in diagnosis or treatment.
- Clean medical equipment.
- Dispose of biomedical waste in accordance with standards.
- Interview patients to gather medical information.
- Record vital statistics or other health information.
Work Context:
- Contact With Others – 100% responded “Constant contact with others”
- Exposed to Disease or Infections – 68% responded “Every day”
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled – 91% responded “Every day”
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets – 81% responded “Every day”
- Work With Work Group or Team – 14% responded “Very important”
Nursing Assistants
Provide or assist with basic care or support under the direction of onsite licensed nursing staff. Perform duties such as monitoring of health status, feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, or ambulation of patients in a health or nursing facility. May include medication administration and other health-related tasks. Includes nursing care attendants, nursing aides, and nursing attendants.
Sample of reported job titles:
Certified Medication Aide (CMA), Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), Certified Nurses Aide (CNA), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA), Nurses’ Aide, Nursing Aide, Nursing Assistant, Patient Care Assistant (PCA), State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA)
Tasks:
- Turn or reposition bedridden patients.
- Answer patient call signals, signal lights, bells, or intercom systems to determine patients’ needs.
- Feed patients or assist patients to eat or drink.
- Measure and record food and liquid intake or urinary and fecal output, reporting changes to medical or nursing staff.
- Provide physical support to assist patients to perform daily living activities, such as getting out of bed, bathing, dressing, using the toilet, standing, walking, or exercising.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Adjust positions of patients on beds or tables.
- Feed patients.
- Record vital statistics or other health information.
- Hold patients to ensure proper positioning or safety.
- Assist patients with daily activities.
Work Context:
- Contact With Others – 87% responded “Constant contact with others”
- Work With Work Group or Team – 83% responded “Extremely important”
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate – 63% responded “Extremely important”
- Spend Time Walking and Running – 62% responded “Continually or almost continually”
- Responsible for Others’ Health and Safety – 71% responded “Very high responsibility”
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Perform secretarial duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures. Duties may include scheduling appointments, billing patients, and compiling and recording medical charts, reports, and correspondence.
Sample of reported job titles:
Clinic Office Assistant, Front Desk Receptionist, Medical Office Specialist, Medical Receptionist, Medical Secretary, Physician Office Specialist, Secretary, Unit Clerk, Unit Support Representative, Ward Clerk
Tasks:
- Answer telephones and direct calls to appropriate staff.
- Schedule and confirm patient diagnostic appointments, surgeries, or medical consultations.
- Complete insurance or other claim forms.
- Greet visitors, ascertain purpose of visit, and direct them to appropriate staff.
- Transmit correspondence or medical records by mail, e-mail, or fax.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Answer telephones to direct calls or provide information.
- Maintain medical records.
- Transcribe spoken or written information.
- Compile data or documentation.
- Schedule appointments.
Work Context:
- Telephone – 90% responded “Every day”
- Electronic Mail – 83% responded “Every day”
- Face-to-Face Discussions – 90% responded “Every day”
- Contact With Others – 74% responded “Constant contact with others”
- Importance of Repeating Same Tasks – 62% responded “Extremely important”
Dental Assistants
Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. Clinical duties may include equipment preparation and sterilization, preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and providing patients with instructions for oral healthcare procedures. May perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes.
Sample of reported job titles:
Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), Certified Registered Dental Assistant, Dental Assistant (DA), Expanded Dental Assistant, Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA), Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA), Oral Surgery Assistant, Orthodontic Assistant (Ortho Assistant), Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), Surgical Dental Assistant
Tasks:
- Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.
- Record treatment information in patient records.
- Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.
- Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.
- Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Assist practitioners to perform medical procedures.
- Clean medical equipment.
- Prepare medical instruments or equipment for use.
- Maintain medical records.
- Explain technical medical information to patients.
Work Context:
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets – 88% responded “Every day”
- Contact With Others – 81% responded “Constant contact with others”
- Physical Proximity – 88% responded “Very close (near touching)”
- Work With Work Group or Team – 65% responded “Extremely important”
- Telephone – 66% responded “Every day”
Social and Human Service Assistants
Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.
Sample of reported job titles:
Addictions Counselor Assistant, Advocate, Clinical Assistant, Residential Care Assistant, Social Services Aide, Social Services Assistant, Social Work Assistant, Social Work Associate, Social Worker Assistant
Tasks:
- Assess clients’ cognitive abilities and physical and emotional needs to determine appropriate interventions.
- Develop and implement behavioral management and care plans for clients.
- Keep records or prepare reports for owner or management concerning visits with clients.
- Visit individuals in homes or attend group meetings to provide information on agency services, requirements, or procedures.
- Submit reports and review reports or problems with superior.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Conduct diagnostic tests to determine patient health.
- Examine patients to assess general physical condition.
- Develop treatment plans for patients or clients.
- Teach life skills or strategies to clients or their families.
- Write reports or evaluations.
Work Context:
- Face-to-Face Discussions – 98% responded “Every day”
- Contact With Others – 88% responded “Constant contact with others”
- Electronic Mail – 81% responded “Every day”
- Telephone – 82% responded “Every day”
- Work With Work Group or Team – 71% responded “Extremely important”
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required.
Sample of reported job titles:
Charge Nurse, Clinic Licensed Practical Nurse (Clinic LPN), Clinic Nurse, Home Health Licensed Practical Nurse (Home Health LPN), Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), Office Nurse, Pediatric LPN (Pediatric Licensed Practical Nurse), Private Duty Nurse, Radiation Oncology Nurse, Triage LPN (Triage Licensed Practical Nurse)
Tasks:
- Observe patients, charting and reporting changes in patients’ conditions, such as adverse reactions to medication or treatment, and taking any necessary action.
- Measure and record patients’ vital signs, such as height, weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse, or respiration.
- Administer prescribed medications or start intravenous fluids, noting times and amounts on patients’ charts.
- Provide basic patient care or treatments, such as taking temperatures or blood pressures, dressing wounds, treating bedsores, giving enemas or douches, rubbing with alcohol, massaging, or performing catheterizations.
- Answer patients’ calls and determine how to assist them.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Record patient medical histories.
- Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities.
- Measure the physical or physiological attributes of patients.
- Administer basic health care or medical treatments.
- Administer intravenous medications.
Work Context:
- Contact With Others – 83% responded “Constant contact with others”
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate – 84% responded “Extremely important”
- Telephone – 84% responded “Every day”
- Exposed to Disease or Infections – 80% responded “Every day”
- Physical Proximity – 75% responded “Very close (near touching)”
Pharmacy Technicians
Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.
Sample of reported job titles:
Accredited Pharmacy Technician, Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), Chemotherapy Pharmacy Technician (Chemo Pharmacy Technician), Compounding Technician, OR Pharmacy Tech (Operating Room Pharmacy Tech), RPhT (Registered Pharmacy Technician)
Tasks:
- Receive written prescription or refill requests and verify that information is complete and accurate.
- Enter prescription information into computer databases.
- Establish or maintain patient profiles, including lists of medications taken by individual patients.
- Maintain proper storage and security conditions for drugs.
- Receive and store incoming supplies, verify quantities against invoices, check for outdated medications in current inventory, and inform supervisors of stock needs and shortages.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Perform clerical work in medical settings.
- Verify accuracy of patient information.
- Enter codes or other information into computers.
- Enter information into databases or software programs.
- Enter patient or treatment data into computers.
Work Context:
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate – 98% responded “Extremely important”
- Telephone – 100% responded “Every day”
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled – 97% responded “Every day”
- Contact With Others – 90% responded “Constant contact with others”
- Electronic Mail – 78% responded “Every day”
Dental Hygienists
Administer oral hygiene care to patients. Assess patient oral hygiene problems or needs and maintain health records. Advise patients on oral health maintenance and disease prevention. May provide advanced care such as providing fluoride treatment or administering topical anesthesia.
Sample of reported job titles:
Dental Hygienist, Hygienist, Licensed Dental Hygienist, Pediatric Dental Hygienist, Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
Tasks:
- Record and review patient medical histories.
- Feel and visually examine gums for sores and signs of disease.
- Examine gums, using probes, to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease.
- Clean calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums, using dental instruments.
- Provide clinical services or health education to improve and maintain the oral health of patients or the general public.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Record patient medical histories.
- Examine mouth, teeth, gums, or related facial structures.
- Treat dental problems or diseases.
- Operate diagnostic or therapeutic medical instruments or equipment.
- Provide health and wellness advice to patients, program participants, or caregivers.
Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other
All health technologists and technicians not listed separately.
Medical Records Specialists
Compile, process, and maintain medical records of hospital and clinic patients in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements of the healthcare system. Classify medical and healthcare concepts, including diagnosis, procedures, medical services, and equipment, into the healthcare industry’s numerical coding system. Includes medical coders.
Sample of reported job titles:
Coder, Health Information Clerk, Health Information Specialist, Health Information Technician (Health Information Tech), Medical Records Clerk, Medical Records Coordinator, Medical Records Technician (Medical Records Tech), Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
Detailed Work Activities:
- Perform clerical work in medical settings.
- Process healthcare paperwork.
- Classify materials according to standard systems.
- Code data or other information.
- Collect medical information from patients, family members, or other medical professionals.
Emergency Medical Technicians
Assess injuries and illnesses and administer basic emergency medical care. May transport injured or sick persons to medical facilities.
Sample of reported job titles:
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), First Responder
Detailed Work Activities:
- Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care.
- Treat medical emergencies.
- Analyze patient data to determine patient needs or treatment goals.
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
- Drive vehicles to transport individuals or equipment.
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient’s bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.
Sample of reported job titles:
Computed Tomography Technologist (CT Tech), Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Imaging Technologist (Imaging Tech), Mammographer, Radiographer, Radiologic Technologist (RT), Radiology Technician (Radiology Tech), Registered Radiologic Technologist (RT (R)), X-Ray Technician (X-Ray Tech), X-Ray Technologist (X-Ray Tech)
Tasks:
- Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
- Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician.
- Monitor patients’ conditions and reactions, reporting abnormal signs to physician.
- Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
- Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Operate diagnostic imaging equipment.
- Adjust settings or positions of medical equipment.
- Prepare medical supplies or equipment for use.
- Position patients for treatment or examination.
- Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities.
Work Context:
- Contact With Others – 97% responded “Constant contact with others”
- Exposed to Disease or Infections – 94% responded “Every day”
- Telephone – 94% responded “Every day”
- Frequency of Decision Making – 91% responded “Every day”
- Physical Proximity – 78% responded “Very close (near touching)”
Respiratory Therapists
Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.
Sample of reported job titles:
Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Respiratory Therapist, Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT), Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP), Respiratory Therapist (RT), Staff Respiratory Therapist, Staff Therapist
Tasks:
- Provide emergency care, such as artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, or assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Monitor patient’s physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, or blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur.
- Set up and operate devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, or aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
- Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses, or other healthcare professionals to manage patient care by assisting with medical procedures or related duties.
- Maintain charts that contain patients’ pertinent identification and therapy information.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Implement advanced life support techniques.
- Treat medical emergencies.
- Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities.
- Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care.
- Assist healthcare practitioners during examinations or treatments.
Psychiatric Aides
Assist mentally impaired or emotionally disturbed patients, working under direction of nursing and medical staff. May assist with daily living activities, lead patients in educational and recreational activities, or accompany patients to and from examinations and treatments. May restrain violent patients. Includes psychiatric orderlies.
Sample of reported job titles:
Mental Health Aide (MHA), Mental Health Worker (MHW), Psychiatric Aide, Psychiatric Nursing Aide, Psychiatric Nursing Assistant, Resident Care Technician, Therapeutic Program Worker (TPW)
Tasks:
- Record and maintain patient information, such as vital signs, eating habits, behavior, progress notes, treatments, or discharge plans.
- Listen and provide emotional support and encouragement to psychiatric patients.
- Complete physical checks and monitor patients to detect unusual or harmful behavior and report observations to professional staff.
- Restrain or aid patients as necessary to prevent injury.
- Serve meals or feed patients needing assistance or persuasion.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Encourage patients during therapeutic activities.
- Care for patients with mental illnesses.
- Assess physical conditions of patients to aid in diagnosis or treatment.
- Monitor patients to detect health problems.
- Hold patients to ensure proper positioning or safety.
The North region encompasses seven counties (El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Yolo, Yuba).
The Far North region encompasses 15 counties (Butte, Colusa, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Mendocino, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Tehama, Trinity).
Specialized skills are specific to the occupation, or group of occupations, and represent job-specific competencies.
Technical skills refer to the specific software and technology regularly encountered on the job.
Employability skills (sometimes referred to as “common skills”) are foundational skills that cross occupations and industries. Many common skills, like, communication and team work, are also considered soft skills.