Pediatrics can be simply explained as the branch of medicine that devotes itself to the medical care of adolescents, children, and infants. You would be surprised to know that the American Academy of Pediatrics would recommend people up to the age of 21 years under pediatric care. A specialist in this field of study is known as a Pediatrician and they can offer you the correct management of a child’s behavior as well as physical and mental health issues. They not only graduate from a medical school but also attend pediatric nurse practitioner programs, along with their 3-year residency programs. You can also find ones who are ‘board-certified’. To achieve this title they must clear tough examinations under the direct supervision of the American Board of Pediatrics. According to the report of the United States Bureau of Labor, there are over 28,490 people employed under this profession and their mean annual wage comes to around $183,240 every year. Now that we have established what this particular profession deals with, let’s take a quick look at the scope which the future holds for pediatric nurse practitioners.
Understanding the Industry & Market Forces
In order to understand how the market operates for a pediatrician we first need to delve into the industry and its overview to find relevant information that can help you to reflect and acquire major insights. We will again like to refer to the report created by the US Bureau of Labor as a resolute source of information in this evaluation. In the report it is mentioned that the highest level of employment within the industry includes:
- 79% of nurses having their own offices of physicians.
- 16% are occupied in outpatient care centers.
- 10% work in general medical and surgical hospitals.
- And 7% are specialists while only 4% work in other residential care facilities.
On the other hand, the top-paying occupations for this particular industry by the same report are:
- Specialists that earn an annual mean wage of $205,370.
- Local government – OES Designation nurses with an annual mean wage of $203,130.
- Outpatient care centers nurses with an annual mean wage of $198,680
- & those working in offices of physicians with an annual mean wage of $188,980.
When it comes to the highest employment ratio as per each state, the states of California, Texas, Ohio, New York, and Massachusetts top the list. This should give anyone pursuing pediatric care as an occupation a solid idea of what their profession has to offer. Hence an ideal scenario for young and inspiring nurses would be to operate as a specialist in the state of California. However there is more to this than what meets the eye, so read our other suggestions as well.
The Best Places to Work For
Like any other profession, you would like to start your career where your professional resume instantly becomes star-studded due to the prestige your workplace has to offer. Hence for those who want to pursue a bright future ahead of them, the following hospitals in the United States are considered not only the best in the nation but also the top of the pick across the globe. Yes, working in the following medical care institutions will offer you international recognition and self-pride:
Boston Children’s Hospital
Considered as one of the most prestigious hospitals within the country, the hospital’s recent researches have created waves in the international medical ecosystem. Their high tech specs include 3D printing for diagnostics and surgery, advanced fetal care center, epilepsy, and hydrocephalus centers, and much more.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
The largest, as well as the first hospital in the United States, dedicated to pediatric care and wellbeing. Millions visit this hospital every year and their innovative technology is literarily cutting-edge. Some of their best facilities include a cochlear implant program, hand transplantation, low dose radiology, nuclear medicine, and bionic leg (prosthesis).
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital & Medical Center
With over 600 beds and automated treatment methods to reduce recovery time, this hospital is indeed a big deal. Their minimally invasive surgery through robotics is a marvel to look at. Some amazing facilities at this place include robotic exoskeleton to prevent patients’ muscular deterioration, robot-assisted gait technology, and Da Vinci Robotic machine.
Mattel Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles
A definitive leader in pediatric surgery and a variety of specialized treatments that brings in a lot of crowd from the international scene as well, the hospital is considered amongst the top 5 health care systems in the country. Their most prized offers include DSCT scanners, PET scanning, and pediatric telehealth services robotic surgery.
Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston
The numbers for this hospital are simply staggering with 639 licensed beds and 465 active beds. Also leading with high-end technology as well, their top of the line tech specs include cardiovascular genetics, complex urogenital reconstruction, 3D printing bone marrow transplant clinic, and microbiome center.
Career Growth Opportunities
After attaining the qualification that makes you a general pediatrician, the following opportunities will propel your career even further:
Chief Medical Officer
This position delivers you a leadership role in medicine with an annual wage rate of $350,000 which might describe this professional title as the pinnacle of what all pediatricians might want to achieve. You are not only required to possess substantial experience as a physician but you must also have a solid background of working in a leadership role in a hospital.
Pediatric Endocrinologist
Focusing on the disorders related to the endocrine system this position offers you an annual wage rate of $219,917. Your work directly entails children’s development, growth, and mood changes. You are required to complete a 3-year fellowship program and also earn a specialty certification from the American Board of Pediatrics.
Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist
Last and certainly not least, specialists who deal with the treatment of infectious diseases end up earning an annual wage rate of $205,402. In order to pursue this title, you need to complete a 3-year fellowship program along with a certification from the American Board of Pediatrics.
Well, that is it for now regarding the scope of pediatric nurses. We sincerely wish you all the best for your future endeavors as the wellbeing of upcoming generations lies in your hands. For more questions and queries regarding the topic, please feel free to let us know your feedback in the comment section below.
