If you are considering a healthcare job, make sure you choose one that’s worthwhile. Here are 10 of the best healthcare jobs for 2019.
In the span of ten years, from 2016 to 2026 jobs in healthcare will rise 18%.
Having a job in healthcare requires patience, dedication, and compassion. If you’re considering a job in the in the healthcare field this could be a great time to learn and do some job searching.
But what are the best healthcare jobs and how do you know which one is right for you?
In this article, we’ll explore some jobs that could point you in the right direction.
10 Best Healthcare Jobs
With an array of jobs available in healthcare sometimes it’s difficult to sift through them all and make a decision. Here are some of the 10 best medical careers to get you started.
1. Radiologic Technicians
Radiologic technicians operate the machinery used for taking images like MRI’s, CT scans, and X-rays. They can assist the radiologist by positioning the patient before images are taken, ensuring an environment of safety.
The median salary for radiologic technicians is $62,000 and takes anywhere from 1-4 years to complete a degree or certificate.
2. Nurse Practitioner
A nurse practitioner (NP) is a step up from a registered nurse and almost equivalent to a doctor. They’re able to diagnose illnesses, examine patients, and prescribe medications. In some states, you may be able to run your own practice.
Specializing in a field can offer more job security and higher wages. The median salary for an NP is $97,000 (depending on specialty) and once you have your RN, you’ll spend another two years obtaining a BSN, in addition to another one to three years studying for your master’s.
3. Dental Hygienist
A dental hygienist is an assistant to the dentist in many ways. They clean teeth, as well as examine and educate patients on the importance of proper oral care and prevention.
To be a dental hygienist, you’ll need an associate’s degree from an accredited program which can take about 3 years or so to complete. After graduation, the median salary for a dental hygienist is around $74,000.
4. Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists help patients improve after injury. They assist them with everyday activities and skills and make sure they’re functioning well to return to their daily life.
A master’s degree is needed to have a job in occupational therapy. The median salary for an occupational therapist is around $83,000
5. Pharmacist
A pharmacist is continually one of the best jobs in healthcare. They disperse medications, consult with patients about their medications, making sure the patient knows exactly how to handle their meds. Work can be found in hospitals, grocery store, or any place that houses a pharmacy.
To become a pharmacist, much education is needed. You pass an examination and acquire a Doctor of Pharmacy from pharmacy school. This can take several years.
6. Physician’s Assistant
Physicians often need help and that’s where a physician’s assistant (PA) comes in. The physician’s assistant aids the doctor by taking vitals, educating the patient on preventative care, giving exams, and more. PA’s are instrumental to the doctor because they allow the doctor to give more in-depth care to their patients.
To be a physician’s assistant, you must complete a PA program, pass an examination, and become licensed which can take anywhere from six to seven years. The median salary for a PA is $97,000.
7. Physician
Physicians are always needed and are one of the top medical jobs. They are the front line of healthcare by seeing patients, diagnosing illness, and recommending specialists if needed. You could even branch out to a specialty such as a pediatrics, surgery, or neurology.
You will need to a 4-year bachelor’s degree and four years of medical school, with three to seven years of residency to complete your studies. An average median salary, depending on location and specialty for a physician is around $197,000.
8. Registered Nurse (RN)
Nurses are constantly in demand in the medical field. Nurses can work in a variety of environments assisting patients with their medications, taking vitals, education, managing patients care, and much more.
There are different levels of nursing and each requires different education and licensing. Some programs can be completed in a year while others take 2 years or more. The average salary for a nurse is $66,000, but it depends largely on your expertise.
9. Healthcare Administrator
If you’re not interested in a clinical position in healthcare, there are plenty of opportunities to still have a career in the field. A healthcare administrator is responsible for managing patient care by utilizing marketing, human resources, budgeting, and many more tasks.
To be a healthcare administrator you will study for four years to gain an undergraduate degree and could pursue further education if you desire. Doing so will open doors to more responsibility and higher positions. The median salary for a healthcare administrator is about $96,000. This website shows you more about career options for non-clinical healthcare workers.
10. Psychologist
With mental health issues on the rise, the need for those trained to help is increasing. A psychologist treats patients with mental illness through different types of therapies and medication. Choosing a specialty means you can work in a variety of different people from children to the elderly.
To become a psychologist, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree, a master’s and a doctorate or a Ph.D. depending on how far you’d like to take your education. You’ll also need to work in the field during your studies. The median salary for a psychologist is $82,000 depending on your chosen field and education.
Where to Begin
There are accredited programs that you can enroll in that cater to the specialty you choose. Otherwise, a typical four-year university geared toward the type of study you wish to pursue will get you started in the right direction.
Start Your Healthcare Career Today!
Working in healthcare is an incredibly fulfilling job. The jobs are abundant and in some cases, there are numerous positions and chances for continuing education.
No matter what job you choose, start with this list of the best healthcare jobs and see which career you might want to follow.
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