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Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Health specialties teachers instruct students in healthcare-related fields including dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine. These educators work primarily at colleges and universities, developing curriculum, delivering lectures, leading laboratory sessions, and evaluating student performance in their specialized health disciplines.

$107,310median pay, U.S., per year
$75,690–$210,370middle half earn
221Kemployed in the U.S.
Master’s degreetypical education · 92% hold a bachelor’s or higher
ModerateAI exposure · AI tools can speed up some tasks; the core of the job stays human.
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A day in the work

A typical week involves preparing and teaching multiple courses, which may combine lectures with hands-on laboratory instruction. Teachers design assignments and exams, grade student work, and hold office hours for academic advising. Many also conduct research or maintain professional certifications in their specialty. Curriculum development and departmental committee meetings are regular responsibilities that support program quality and institutional goals.

Who this work suits

Social
100Investigative
74Conventional
42Realistic
38Artistic
33Enterprising
17

Holland code SIC. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.

You tend to do well in this role if you enjoy explaining complex health and scientific concepts and investigating how people learn them. You're drawn to careers that blend teaching with research, and you find fulfillment in shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals through structured, evidence-based instruction.

What it takes

Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a master’s degree.

Skills that matter most

Reading ComprehensionSpeakingInstructingActive ListeningWritingCritical ThinkingActive LearningLearning Strategies

Knowledge areas

Education and TrainingEnglish LanguageBiologyMedicine and DentistryPsychologyAdministrative

Pay by state

State25th pctMedian75th pctEmployed
Utah$80,870$168,060$214,3503,520
District of Columbia$101,730$167,520$217,7501,460
California$99,960$165,110$357,22017,350
Washington$99,620$137,520$216,1204,510
Mississippi$80,440$137,220$273,4101,890
Colorado$103,260$136,930$218,2307,800
New Mexico$81,590$134,600$355,5601,430
Massachusetts$96,890$134,520$216,59010,250
New York$87,090$131,220$215,62021,410
Missouri$80,930$130,490$212,8805,700
Iowa$85,520$128,490$214,5603,230
Louisiana$78,980$125,130$178,5002,250
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico

Certifications people in this field hold

Training

Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.

Job titles in this occupation

Related occupations

Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against health specialties teachers, postsecondary and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Find out in 15 minutes See openings

O*NET-SOC 25-1071.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.