One of the most prestigious and sought-after career options in the world has to be in the medical profession. It doesn’t matter which path you take in this field, it is lucrative and respected.
If you are passionate about helping others and making a positive impact on people’s lives, then there are many options for you in the healthcare arena. From direct patient care roles to administrative positions and specialized fields, there is a healthcare industry path to suit a wide range of interests, skills, and educational backgrounds.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 healthcare jobs across various disciplines, highlighting the responsibilities, educational requirements, salary potential, and growth outlook for each role.
1. Registered Nurse (RN)
Registered nurses play a vital role in providing direct patient care, administering medications, performing diagnostic tests, and coordinating patient treatment plans. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health centers.
To become an RN, individuals typically need to complete a nursing program, either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. The median annual salary for registered nurses is around $75,000, and job growth is expected to be strong due to the increasing demand for healthcare workers and services.
Apply to a few online associate nursing programs, so you can study from wherever you are, part-time or full-time, and get your nursing degree ASAP.
2. Physician Assistant (PA)
Physician assistants work under the supervision of physicians to diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, and provide patient care. They perform physical exams, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and assist in surgery.
PAs typically complete a Master’s degree program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). The median annual salary for physician assistants is approximately $115,000, and job growth is expected to be much faster than average.
This job is perfect for you if you like treating people and making them better after an illness, but don’t like the pressure of being a doctor itself.
3. Medical Assistant
Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks to support healthcare providers in various medical industry settings. Their duties may include scheduling appointments, taking patient histories, recording vital signs, preparing patients for exams, and assisting with minor procedures.
Medical assistants typically complete a postsecondary education program, such as a diploma or certificate program, and may pursue certification through organizations like the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The median annual salary for medical assistants is around $35,000, and job growth is expected to be strong due to the growing demand for healthcare services.
4. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) provide basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians. They administer medications, monitor patient vital signs, and assist with activities of daily living.
LPNs/LVNs typically complete a practical nursing program and must pass the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed. The median annual salary for LPNs/LVNs is approximately $47,000, and job growth is expected to be stable due to the ongoing need for basic nursing care.
5. Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists are responsible for cleaning teeth, examining patients for signs of oral diseases, and educating patients on proper oral hygiene techniques. They may also take dental X-rays and apply fluoride treatments.
Dental hygienists typically complete an associate degree program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and must get licensed in their state. The median annual salary for dental hygienists is around $76,000, and job growth is expected to be much faster than average.
The great thing about becoming a dental hygienist is that Americans care more and more about the state of their teeth and smile, so your practice will be busy and lucrative.
6. Occupational Therapist (OT)
Occupational therapists help patients improve their ability to perform daily activities and regain independence after injury, illness, or disability. They assess patients’ physical and cognitive abilities, develop treatment plans, and teach therapeutic exercises and techniques.
Occupational therapists typically hold a master’s degree in occupational therapy and must get licensed in their state. The median annual salary for occupational therapists is approximately $86,000 with faster-than-average job growth.
7. Physical Therapist (PT)
Physical therapists help patients manage pain, improve mobility, and regain strength and function following injury, surgery, or illness. They assess patients’ physical abilities, develop customized treatment plans, and implement therapeutic exercises and modalities.
Physical therapists typically hold a doctoral degree in physical therapy and must get licensed in their state. The median annual salary for physical therapists is around $91,000, and job growth is expected to be much faster than average.
8. Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
Speech-language pathologists diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders in patients of all ages. They assess speech, language, and swallowing abilities, develop individualized treatment plans, and provide therapy to improve communication and swallowing function.
Speech-language pathologists typically hold a master’s degree in speech-language pathology and must get licensed in their state. The median annual salary for speech-language pathologists is approximately $80,000, and job growth is, thankfully, expected to be much faster than average.
9. Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory therapists evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary disorders. They administer oxygen therapy, perform diagnostic tests, and assist with mechanical ventilation.
Respiratory therapists typically complete an associate or bachelor’s degree program in respiratory therapy and must get licensed or certified in their state. The median annual salary for respiratory therapists is around $61,000, and job growth is, interestingly enough, expected to be faster than average.
10. Radiologic Technologist
Radiologic technologists operate diagnostic imaging equipment, such as X-ray machines and CT scanners, to create images of the body for medical diagnosis and treatment. They position patients correctly, operate the equipment, and ensure image quality and patient safety.
Radiologic technologists typically complete an associate or bachelor’s degree program in radiologic technology and must get licensed or certified in their state. The median annual salary for radiologic technologists is approximately $62,000, and job growth is, interestingly enough, expected to be faster than average.
11. Medical Laboratory Technologist
Medical laboratory technologists perform complex laboratory tests to analyze bodily fluids, tissues, and cells for diagnostic purposes. They operate laboratory equipment, analyze test results, and report findings to healthcare providers.
Medical laboratory technologists typically hold a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science or a related field and must get licensed or certified in their state. The median annual salary for medical laboratory technologists is around $54,000, and job growth is expected to be faster than average.
12. Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who provide primary and specialty healthcare services, including diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medications, and managing chronic conditions. They work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices, and may specialize in areas such as family medicine, pediatrics, or geriatrics.
Nurse practitioners typically hold a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing and must get licensed as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). The median annual salary for nurse practitioners is approximately $115,000, and job growth is expected to be much faster than average.
13. Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense medications, provide patient education, and ensure the safe and effective use of medications. They review prescriptions for accuracy, counsel patients on medication use and side effects, and collaborate with healthcare providers to optimize patient care.
Pharmacists typically hold a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree and must get licensed in their state. The median annual salary for pharmacists is around $128,000. Job growth is, unfortunately, expected to be slower than average.
14. Medical Doctor (MD) / Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Medical doctors (MDs) and doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries, and diseases, and provide preventive care and health education to patients. They may specialize in various medical specialties, such as internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, or psychiatry.
Physicians typically complete a bachelor’s degree, followed by four years of medical school and several years of residency training in their chosen specialty. The median annual salary for physicians and surgeons is approximately $208,000, and job growth is expected to be faster than average.
15. Health Information Technician
Health information technicians manage and organize patient health information, including medical records, billing and coding data, and administrative documents. They ensure the accuracy, confidentiality, and security of patient information and may use electronic health record (EHR) systems to maintain and access records.
Health information technicians typically complete a postsecondary certificate or associate degree program in health information management or a related field. The median annual salary for health information technicians is around $44,000. It has a faster-than-average job growth predicted.
So Many Outstanding Healthcare Jobs to Choose From
Don’t hold back when it comes to choosing from the wide array of healthcare jobs to pick one for yourself. Every one of them has a bright future ahead.
As long as humans exist that need medical attention, you as a medical professional will have a career that’s paved with dollars, insight, and interest.
Continue browsing through related articles on our website to stay informed on a wide variety of trending and interesting subject matters. Knowledge is power, after all.
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