(Michigan Department of Community Health Web site: (http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-27417_27529-,00.html) Nursing

Nursing can include two basic levels of nursing education and responsibilities, an Licensed Practical Nurse or a Registered Nurse. In brief the clinical difference is minimal, but RNs take on a leadership role and are required as supervisors in most settings. Nursing responsibilities are self-evident as they are the main providers of bedside care for all patients, no matter the area of need. Average starting salary for an LPN ins $30,763 and an $RN 44,304. Education for an LPN is between 1-2 years and an RN can be 2 years but usually requires a full bachelors degree. Specialization for RNs requires advanced practice training and certification. Both require the completion of education, successful completion of the NCLEX, expanded for RNS to include community and leadership and licensing by state. There is a great deal of advancement opportunity for the field, advancement form the LPN status to RN status as well as many specialized advanced practice positions that are in high demand as a result of the need to provide more cost effective care and to support a declining physician population. (Akron Regional Hospital Association Guide to Health Care Career Guide (http://www.arha.org/Career/careerguide.pdf) There are many nursing...

(ANA web site: (http://www.nursingworld.org/)Many specialty nursing association also exist.
Nutritionist

Dietician nutritionists fill an increasingly important role as providers of nutrition information for patients with general knowledge and specialty knowledge. They can act as institutional supervisors or take direct referrals from doctors in many areas. They have limited diagnostic rights, but utilize doctor diagnostic test frequently. The field is expanding exponentially as more and more people become aware of the need to manage eating for holistic health and as more doctors become aware of the need to balance eating. The obesity epidemic in America also expands the need. Education requires a bachelor's degree and successful completion of a Registered Dietitian Exam. Starting salary is between $31, 070 and $41,500, depending on region. (Akron Regional Hospital Association Guide to Health Care Career Guide (http://www.arha.org/Career/careerguide.pdf) Michigan also requires a separate licensure process. (Michigan Department of Community Health Web site: (http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-27417_27529-,00.html)

I am definitely leaning toward either nursing or Ultrasound Tech as advancement seems available in both areas and my interests lie in non-invasive work.