A summer internship in a hospital can give students an insight into the variety of health care careers on offer - including many outside of medicine and nursing. Lili Ean, one of 12 students who have just completed an 8-week internship program, told Signonsandiego.com that the experience had helped her overcome some of her fears and showed her the realities of working at the sharp end of health care services. "I never saw a lot of blood or these things before," she said. During her internship, Ms Ean witnessed a surgeon carry out a pacemaker implant and a physician treating a stab wound. However, while the program she took part in included the "action-packed" areas of the emergency room and intensive care, there were also insights into areas such as marketing, catering and technician's jobs. This is because while there is a rising demand for qualified nurses in the US, the need for new recruits is also rising in other health care professions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, by 2016, pharmacy technician jobs are expected to increase by 32 per cent, while physical therapists positions will grow by 27 per cent. Furthermore, radiation technicians' jobs will increase by one quarter. In 2006, the health care industry employed some 14 million people overall.  |