Medical, Dental & Nursing Careers

Careers in Medical, Dental and Nursing

What they do:

Doctors figure out what’s making people sick and help them get better. They ask questions, check symptoms, and use tests to diagnose and treat illnesses. Some doctors take care of all kinds of problems, while others focus on just one part of the body—like the heart (cardiologist), bones (orthopedist), or brain (neurologist).

Where they work:

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Private offices
• Emergency rooms

What skills they need:

• Good at science and problem-solving
• Strong communication
• Able to make quick, careful decisions
• Compassionate and calm under pressure

Why it matters:

Doctors help people feel better, recover from injuries, and live longer, healthier lives.

Dental Careers (Dentists, Hygienists, and Assistants)

What they do:

Dental professionals take care of people’s teeth, gums, and mouths. Dentists fix cavities, pull teeth, and help straighten smiles. Dental hygienists clean teeth and teach patients how to take care of them. Dental assistants help prepare tools and support the dentist during treatments.

Where they work:

• Dental offices
• Schools (mobile dental programs)
• Community health centers

What skills they need:

• Careful and steady hands
• Great attention to detail
• Friendly and good at working with people
• Interested in health and hygiene

Why it matters:

Healthy teeth and gums help people eat, speak, and feel confident when they smile.

Nursing Careers (Registered Nurses, LPNs, Nurse Practitioners)

What they do:

Nurses take care of patients by checking their health, giving medicines, and helping them feel safe and supported. They often work closely with doctors but also do a lot on their own—like teaching families how to take care of someone after surgery or comforting a child getting a shot.

Where they work:

• Hospitals
• Schools
• Nursing homes
• Homes and clinics

What skills they need:

• Strong communication and listening
• Caring and patient
• Good at organizing and multitasking
• Able to stay calm in emergencies

Why it matters:

Nurses are the heart of healthcare. They help people heal, feel better, and understand their care.

What is it like to work in a Medical, Dental and Nursing career?

All careers in this cluster are involved directly with patient care. For many people, this is a reason why these careers are rewarding. For others, working directly with patients who are oftentimes experiencing physical or emotional pain and discomfort, can be difficult and stressful.

It is also becoming increasingly important for people in these careers to show strong cultural competency skills, meaning that they can work effectively with people of different cultures. It is also very helpful to have experience, interest, and skills to work with elderly patients, as job opportunities in geriatric care will grow as the elderly population increases.

Strong science, technology and math skills are needed to advance in this career cluster. The exact level of skills required varies by occupation, and can grow with your career.
If you think you might want to work in a Medical, Dental, and Nursing career, it is highly recommended that you work with a career counselor or academic counselor to make sure that you create a career plan that is realistic and matches your goals.

Local Medical, Dental & Nursing Occupations by Education and Training Level

Updated: May 19, 2025