Careers in Science

If you like to do any of the following, a career in science might be right for you!

  • Figure out how things work

  • Observe or take care of animals

  • Look at things under a microscope

  • Be in nature

  • Work with computers

  • Observe the stars

  • Learn how the human body works

  • Watch Nova, Nature, Discovery, or Animal Planet

 

Science subjects can be divided into life sciences and physical sciences.

Life sciences study living organisms and include subjects such as biology, zoology, and botany.

Chemistry, earth science, astronomy, and physics are examples of physical sciences.

Medical Careers

Health care is the largest industry in the country and the demand for health care professionals continues to grow.  Whether you want to work in a research lab, hospital, or doctor’s office, there are many rewarding medical careers for you to consider.

Medical Careers – 4 years of college or more

  • Audiologist

  • Chiropractor

  • Dentist

  • Dietician

  • Forensic scientist

  • Hospital administrator

  • Opthamologist

  • Optometrist

  • Pharmacist

  • Physical therapist

  • Physician

  • Psychiatrist

  • Registered nurse

  • Research scientist

  • Speech pathologist

  • Veterinarian

Medical Careers – 2 years of college or less

  • Athletic trainer

  • Dental assistant

  • Dental hygienist

  • Dental lab technician

  • EKG technician

  • EMT/Paramedic

  • Home health aide

  • Licensed practical nurse

  • Medical lab technician

  • Medical records technician

  • Nurse

  • Nursing assistant

  • Occupational therapy ass’t.

  • Optician

  • Pharmacy technician

  • Physical therapy assistant

  • Physician assistant

  • Radiation therapist

  • Recreation therapist

  • Respiratory therapist

  • Surgical technologist

  • Veterinary assistant

Engineering & Techology Careers

If you are good at science and math, like to solve problems, and are good with computers, consider engineering or another technology career.

Engineering – 4-year college degree

Engineers use science and math to solve technical problems.  They produce and analyze designs, develop and test products, and supervise production.  Most engineers specialize in one of the following:

  • Aerospace engineering

  • Biomedical engineering

  • Chemical engineering civil engineering

  • Computer engineering

  • Electrical engineering

  • Environmental engineering

  • Industrial engineering

  • Mechanical engineering

  • Nuclear engineering

Engineering Technology – 2-year college degree

Engineering technicians work to solve technical problems in all branched of engineering. Like engineers, they need to be good with computers and good at math.  Engineering technicians spend most of their time working in the field and doing “hands on” work.

 

Other Technology Careers

  • Automotive mechanic

  • Computer programmer

  • Database manager

  • Electrician

  • Firefighter

  • Heating and AC mechanic

  • Information systems manager

  • MachinistTool and die maker

  • Web developer

For information on the careers in this InfoGuide, visit. www.bls.gov/ooh

More Science Careers

Botanist – studies plants and their environments

Chemist – searches for new chemicals and for ways to make chemicals useful and safe

Conservation scientist – manages and protects our natural resources

Environmental scientist – works to find and eliminate environmental problems

Forensic scientist – investigates crimes by collecting and analyzing evidence

Forester – oversees and protects our nation’s forests

Geologist – studies the earth (rocks, minerals, etc.)

Meteorologist – studies the atmosphere and forecasts the weather

Oceanographer – studies the world’s oceans

Physicist – conducts research to understand the laws of nature

Teacher – (middle and high school) instructs student in the subject of science

Wildlife biologist/Zoologist – studies the habitats, behaviors, and diseases of animals and wildlife

Science Fun Facts

  • An inch of rain water is equivalent to 10 inches of snow.

  • The universe has about 100 billion galaxies.

  • The microwave was invented when a researcher walked by a radar tube and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket.

  • Fleas can jump 130 times higher than their own height.

  • Most people blink about 17,000 times a day.

  • The highest recorded temperature was 136 degrees in Libya. The lowest was minus 128 in Antarctica.

  • A cockroach can live for several weeks without its head.

  • An astronaut can be two inches taller after returning from space. (The spine expands with gravity.)

  • It is impossible to sneeze with your eyes open.

  • The word science comes from the Latin “Scientia” which means “knowledge”.

WOODBURN PRESS          Career InfoGuide          Careers in The Arts – Item 604          www.woodburnpress.com         Copyrighted Material 2015 Edition