Four of the 15 best healthcare support jobs in the U.S. as reported by U.S. News and World Report can be studied at the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology.

P.I.T. in Media has a program to help students become physical therapy assistants (ranked third on U.S. News’ list of best healthcare support jobs).

It also has programs for diagnostic medical sonographers (ranked sixth on the list), clinical medical assistants (ranked 11th), and licensed practical nursing (ranked 13th).

According to U.S. News, there will be plenty of job opportunities in the coming decade for those interested in a healthcare support career in this fast-growing job sector.

Pennsylvania Institute of Technology offers an associate degree program for physical therapy assistants, diagnostic medical sonographers, clinical medical assistants, and licensed practical nursing. The degree prepares you for licensure in a high-demand healthcare profession.

A physical therapy assistant carries out the patient plan outlined by the physical therapist.

Their work can include manually maneuvering a patient’s body for massages or stretches prescribed to relieve damages from disease or injury.

They might explain exercises to the patient and observe them performing the exercises. An assistant will also use different equipment to help with the therapy.

A diagnostic medical sonographer works with ultrasound technology to help diagnose medical conditions by creating images of body organs and tissues.

A clinical medical assistant is a mix of traditional office work, as well as hands-on tasks, such as preparing blood for lab tests, administering injections as permitted, and making sure medical histories are accurately recorded.

A licensed practical nurse provides basic medical care under the direction of doctors and registered nurses. They may perform tasks such as:

• Wound care and changing a patient’s bandages.
• Inserting catheters.
• Helping patients eat, bathe, dress or use the restroom.
• Checking patients’ blood pressure.
• Advocating for patients, arranging their care, and listening to their concerns. 

Some LPNs may administer medications or start IV drips, while others have more limited duties.

Find out more about programs for these careers and others at the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology.