Pediatric Advanced Life Support Classes Lead to Career Opportunities in Pediatrics

Healthcare professionals working in pediatrics play an important role in promoting the health of children from birth to young adulthood. From preventative care to diagnoses of illnesses and diseases, pediatric healthcare professionals deal with issues that affect the development and growth of the children in their care.

There are a lot of factors to consider before pursuing a career in pediatrics, such as what role you would like to perform within pediatrics, which areas have the most employment opportunities, and what training is required (e.g. a pediatric advanced life support class).

Types of Employment in Pediatrics

Physicians are responsible for diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medicine and providing treatment for patients. Due to the nature of the job, they are often required to work long and irregular hours.

Education requirements can be very demanding – physicians typically require four years of undergraduate studies and four years of medical school, followed by three to eight years in an internship and residency. However, physicians’ earnings are among the highest of all occupations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2008, primary care physicians had a median earning of $186,044, while specialists had a median earning of $339,738.

Additional training can be beneficial to pediatric physicians. In most work environments, physicians are expected to take basic life support classes, pediatric advanced life support classes and advanced cardiac life support classes to obtain certification in these skills.

Registered Nurses (RNs) work in many healthcare settings, including physicians’ offices and outpatient clinics, but 60 percent of all RNs are employed by hospitals. RNs perform multiple duties, from treating and providing support for patients to helping perform diagnostic tests and keeping track of patient records.

Depending on the work environment, like physicians, RNs may work long and irregular hours. RNs typically are required to have either an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree and a diploma from an approved nursing program, but advanced nurse practitioners, such as clinical nurse specialists, require a master’s degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2008 the median earning for RNs was $62,450.

RNs looking to work in pediatrics should seek out additional certifications in order to appeal to potential employers. Pediatric advanced life support classes are recommended.

Physician Assistants (PAs) also play an important role in pediatric care. PAs are able to provide diagnostic and preventative care to patients under the guidance of a physician.

Most PAs have a college degree prior to entering a physician assistant education program, which typically takes two years to complete. In order to obtain a license, an individual must also pass a national certification exam. Like physicians and RNs, PAs are qualified to obtain pediatric advanced life support certification. The median earning for PAs in 2008 was $81,230.

Opportunities for Physicians, RNs and PAs in Pediatrics

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, many pediatric subspecialties are either experiencing workforce shortages or are anticipated to experience shortages in the near future, meaning there are more opportunities for healthcare professionals specializing in pediatrics.

As reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for physicians is projected to grow 22 percent from 2008 to 2018. This predicted growth is due to the continued expansion of the healthcare industry, and is evidenced by the fact that many medical schools are increasing their enrollments.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected employment of RNs to be one of the highest among all occupations – 581,500 new jobs are expected to be created in 2021. Job openings will also result from the need to replace retiring nurses.

Job opportunities for PAs are also expected to be numerous in 2021. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, PAs will especially be needed in rural and inter-city healthcare facilities.

Health Ed Solutions’ Pediatric Advanced Life Support Class

Health Ed Solutions provides healthcare professionals with pediatric advanced life support classes for certification and recertification. Learn more about PALS online.