Posted: December 9th, 2022

Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center

Career Choices in the Health Field Over the past few decades, medical professions have become increasingly more popular.
The health system has evolved and health careers are at an all time high; creating several different paths and opportunities in the health field. It is no surprise many would want to choose a career with optimal advancement opportunities. Mark Sullivan, a famous author, once wrote, “To find a career to which you are adapted by nature, and then to work hard at it, is about as near to a formula for success and happiness as the world provides.One of the fortunate aspects of this formula is that, granted the right career has been found, the hard work takes care of itself. Then hard work is not hard work at all. ” This quote exudes how even though the road in one’s career path may be tough, if one chooses a career one is passionate about, then the work load will be lightened by what one loves. When considering a career in health care, it is important to examine the different angles involved.
For example, a career in physical therapy and naturopathic medicine can be compared and contrasted by income, education and responsibilities.At an early age, people begin thinking about their professions; as they grow, their calling often changes. Income becomes a key factor in the decision making process. Although bringing home a high income is sought after by many individuals, finance is a necessity in order to survive. According to Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center, “Physical therapists earned an annual average salary of $72,790. The lowest earned less than $50,350, the top earned $104,350 or more a year” (“Physical Therapist”). In reviewing naturopathic physician’s salaries, Dr.

Melissa Bradwell says, “85,000 is an average annual salary for a naturopath.A naturopath just starting out might only make $45,000 a year. But an established naturopath with a successful practice might bring in $250,000 to $300,000 annually” (“Naturopath”). Despite the higher income potential for naturopaths who have a successful practice, it would appear that both of these careers have an abundance of wiggle room when it comes to salary. On average, one could earn a comfortable living in either career. Considering most professional careers in the health field involve the professional being held responsible for another person to some sort of varied magnitude, educational training is a requirement.Choices Explorer informs that, “Physical therapy deals with human anatomy and biology, physiology and physics” (“Physical Therapist”).
When researching naturopaths, Ferguson’s Guidance Center reports a, “…program requiring courses in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and other basic medical sciences. Students must also take courses in nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, naturopathic obstetrics, physiological medicine, and minor surgery” (Naturopaths”). Whereas, both careers have rigorous training especially in the sciences, naturopaths would be required to take additional classes in order to complete their training.It is apparent these two particular careers command a stringent course outline that would entitle an academically committed student. In conjunction with income, and education, come responsibilities. It is more often than not, people choose a career with out knowing what is circumstantially expected of them. Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center conveys that, “Physical therapists, are health care specialist who restore mobility, alleviate pain and suffering, and work to prevent permanent disability for their patients” (“Physical Therapist”).
Another element of importance is pointed out by Choices Explorer, “You may have to kneel, stoop, bend, lift, crouch and stand for very long periods of time (“Physical Therapist”). On the contrary, Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center informs that naturopaths “…provide complete diagnostic and therapeutic services. Patients consult naturopaths for a variety of health problems, including digestive disorder, chronic fatigue, asthma, depression, infections, obesity, colds, and flu” (“Naturopaths”). Both careers are aiding in ones health, but naturopaths are able to handle all aspects of health related problems.Out of the several career choices in the health field, both of these offer an adequate salary and call upon a vast amount of knowledge in the sciences. When making a decision between the two, it is the day-to-day interaction these two professionals have with their patient that makes a difference. Physical therapists are going to be working closely with a patient on overcoming a physical barrier, and they will need to bring their own physical attributes to the table in order to reach their progressed goal.
This career is best suited for individuals who are physically fit, and do not mind standing for long periods of time.In contrast, naturopaths will be working with patients on a varied range of health problems, they will be doing this in a holistic manner. Choices Explorer puts forth, “They avoid treating symptoms alone. Instead they look for array of imbalances that might be causing the symptoms” (“Naturopath”). This career is best suited for individuals who have a broadened perspective on medicine and do not limit themselves to the traditional medical theories. Despite the different responsibilities, both of these careers share a common objective, and that is the opportunity to heal.

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