Taking a Look at a Career in Personal Care and Services

by Fei Lim

Choosing a career in personal care and services opens the doors to a wide range of possibilities, as there are plenty of different paths to pursue in this particular field, including health care and physical fitness. To get an idea of the usual qualifications associated with this line of work, consider the following suggestions:

Nurse Practitioner

It is the duty of the Nurse Practitioner to examine and help out patients with or without the guidance of other health care professionals. They evaluate the proper measures regarding the care of patients battling illness and injury. They also make suggestions for disease prevention, diagnosis ailments, recommend treatments, and assist people in following necessary steps towards recovery. A nurse practitioner must also gain a license in this field after becoming familiar with common concepts, practices, and procedures. This position may also involve leading and directing the work of others. The typical salary for this position ranges between $66,809 and $91,564.

Day Care Center Teacher

Every city and state has their fair share of day care centers, which helps cultivate the minds of young children not old enough to attend a full day of school. A day care teacher watches over the education-based lessons of kids in a classroom. A structured curriculum is followed, while children engage in various activities at the instruction of their teachers. A bachelor's degree in an area of specialty is usually required for this sort of job, alongside two to three years of experience in the field. A state license is also necessary. Day care teachers usually earn between $19,317 and $35,063.

Personal Trainer

With the boost in health and fitness awareness, a Personal Trainer comes in quite handy, as they use specialized exercise programs to help clients reach their personal goals. Experience in creating fitness programs that accommodate specific client needs is a must. Knowledge in nutrition, physical fitness, weight training, and cardiovascular training typically increases success in this business. A high school diploma (with two to four years of experience) is acceptable to apply for this type of job. Certification in personal training is often required in order to successfully perform the variety of tasks associated with this career choice. Average salaries are found between $24,790 and $71,928.

Physical Therapist (Home Care)

A Physical Therapist evaluates and assesses the needs of referred patients - creating treatment plans meant to take place within the home care environment. Depending on the course of action, therapy services play a significant role. A master's degree and certification as a physical therapist is required, as it is important to follow standard procedures and concepts. An average annual salary of $61,601 to $80,602 is associated with this job description.