Career Overview
Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.
Also Known As
- Assistant Professor
- Associate Professor
- Clinical Professor
- Professor
Alternate Job Titles
- A&P Instructor (Anatomy and Physiology Instructor)
- Activity Therapy Teacher
- Adjunct Clinical Instructor
- Adjunct Instructor
- Anatomy Teacher
- Anesthesiology Teacher
- Assistant Professor
- Associate Professor
- Childbirth Teacher
- Chiropractic Teacher
- Clinical Assistant Professor
- Clinical Full Professor
- Clinical Instructor
- Clinical Laboratory Aides Teacher
- Clinical Laboratory Science Professor
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- Supervise laboratory sessions.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Biology
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Psychology
- Administrative
- Administration and Management
- Computers and Electronics
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Instructing
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Complex Problem Solving
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Comprehension
- Speech Clarity
- Written Expression
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Near Vision
- Speech Recognition
- Problem Sensitivity
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Achievement Orientation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Working Conditions
- Achievement
- Recognition
- Independence
- Relationships
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Master's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Education Details: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience Required: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Google Docs
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- SAS
Tools & Equipment
- 3D movement analysis systems
- Agar slides
- Automated ESR analyzers
- Back support braces
- Balance boards
- Biohazard containers
- Blood culture incubators
- Cardiac monitors
- Carousel slide projectors
- Casting ovens
- Cell washing equipment
- Cervical traction units
- Coagulation testing equipment
- Colorimetric devices
- Compact digital cameras
Work Environment
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Freedom to Make Decisions
- Contact With Others
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $51,760 |
| Median | $105,620 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | >$239,200 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 229,720
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
Education: Master's Degree
Median Salary: $79,940
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Education: Doctoral Degree
Median Salary: $75,890
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Education: Doctoral Degree
Median Salary: $83,460
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Education: Master's Degree
Median Salary: $93,600
Health Education Specialists
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $63,000
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.

