There's no limit to the career choices in front of you, so it's understandable if you're left scratching your head. This guide highlights the differences between some of the most popular options.
What's the difference between …?
- Computer Programmers and Software Engineers
- Designers and Artists
- Engineering Technicians and Engineers
- Medical Assistants and Physician Assistants
- Nurse Practitioners and Registered Nurses
- Paralegals and Lawyers
- Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists
- Political Scientists and Politicians
- Preschool Teachers and Child Care Workers
- Psychiatrists and Psychologists
Computer Programmers and Software Engineers
Computer programmers use programming languages to write the instructions, or code, that tell computers what to do. Some software engineers might sometimes do the same. However, they have a wider variety of possible duties and often work at a higher level, creating computer software and systems.
Designers and Artists
While there is plenty of overlap between design and art, the central difference is one of purpose. Fine artists may wish to create something of beauty and meaning that triggers emotion. For graphic, fashion, industrial, interior, and other designers, these goals must be matched, if not overruled, by the needs and demands of employer, client, and customer.
Engineering Technicians and Engineers
Engineering technicians work in all of the fields in which engineers work. They usually assist engineers and their work tends to be more hands-on than theoretical. While civil, electrical, mechanical, and other engineers have greater responsibility and earn higher salaries, engineering technicians can begin working after only two years of postsecondary schooling.
Medical Assistants and Physician Assistants
Medical assistants perform a variety of tasks in medical offices, including everything from answering phones to changing dressings. Physician assistants, on the other hand, have much more responsibility, doing much of what doctors do. While most physician assistants complete at least a bachelor's degree, medical assistants can start working after as little as one year of postsecondary schooling. Both fields are growing rapidly.
Nurse Practitioners and Registered Nurses
Registered Nurses (R.N.'s) go to school for either two or four years. Nurse Practitioners (N.P.'s) go to school for at least six years and may earn a master's degree after claiming their bachelor's diploma. N.P.'s, one type of advanced-practice nurse, have more responsibility and independence than R.N.'s. They even prescribe medicine. N.P.'s also earn more money.
Paralegals and Lawyers
Paralegals do a lot of the same work that lawyers do, especially legal research and writing. However, they can't argue a case in court and they don't earn nearly as much money. And while lawyers attend three years of law school after earning a bachelor's degree, paralegals go to work after only two or four years of postsecondary schooling.
Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists
Physical therapists focus on helping people use their muscles to move. Occupational therapists, on the other hand, help people overcome obstacles to accomplish everyday tasks. While that sometimes includes moving from place to place, it also encompasses everything from knitting despite having Parkinson's disease to cooking dinner despite having mental retardation.
Political Scientists and Politicians
While politicians (government executives and legislators) pursue an active role in public life by running for office in elections, political scientists study the way we organize our societies. They might look at national governments or neighborhood watch groups. They might research the internal workings of Congress or public attitudes toward leaders.
Preschool Teachers and Child Care Workers
Preschool teachers introduce very young children to the world of school, laying a foundation of language and number skills. To teach in a preschool, you'll need at least an associate's degree. While some child care workers also hold associate's degrees, many do not. And while they might also work on educational skills with young children, their primary objective is to offer more general care to children in a wide age range.
Psychiatrists and Psychologists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe antidepressants and other medications in addition to practicing talk therapy. Licensed psychologists have studied psychology at the graduate level. Clinical psychologists meet with clients and often administer personality, intelligence, and other tests. Industrial psychologists specialize in the workplace while school psychologists work in schools with children, teachers, and parents. Research psychologists try to add to our knowledge of the mind.
