The healthcare industry offers a hugely diverse range of careers – from nurses and doctors to psychiatrists and medical administration staff. Many of the careers offered in healthcare are extremely rewarding and provide several benefits including attractive salary packages, job security and fantastic career advancement opportunities. Entering such a diverse industry allows healthcare professionals to pursue a career path that they are truly passionate about. To inspire you, here are the top eight jobs in healthcare:
1. Physician
Physicians are highly trained medical professionals within the healthcare industry. They use their expert skills and medical knowledge to examine, diagnose and treat an extensive range of health conditions. They also provide patients with advice on preventive healthcare and give guidance on how to improve their overall health and wellbeing. Physicians are in extremely high demand due to the aging population, along with advancements in technology making it possible for people to overcome many health issues. This means that physicians enjoy attractive salary packages and fantastic job perks. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), wages for physicians are among the highest of all occupations, with the average annual salary being greater than $208,000 per year. However, the route to becoming a physician is challenging and takes several years to complete. To become qualified, physicians must earn a bachelor’s degree from a medical school, followed by several years of training in the form of placements and residency programs. Becoming a licensed physician is not easy, but it offers a highly rewarding career for anyone willing to work hard and commit to the necessary training.
2. Registered Nurse
A registered nurse is a highly skilled position that focuses on patient care. Nurses are an essential member of the healthcare team and are responsible for monitoring patients, administering medication and helping people return to optimal health following illness, disease or injury. Nursing is considered a highly rewarding career as nurses have the opportunity to have a significant impact on the lives of others and make a positive difference to their patients, families and caregivers. Nurses spend a lot of time with their patients, so they also have the opportunity to develop strong bonds and make relationships with people from all different walks of life. To become a nurse, you must complete an accrediting nursing program and then become licensed in the state you wish to practice in. Once qualified, registered nurses have the opportunity to enhance their career prospects by taking additional courses and qualifications. For instance, family NP online programs have been specially designed to equip registered nurses with the specialist skills and knowledge needed to secure senior positions within the nursing sector.
3. Dentist
The US News and World Report annual survey ranked ‘dentist’ as the second-best job in the healthcare industry. According to the report, the annual median salary for a dentist is $151,440 and the unemployment rate is an extremely low 0.9 percent. This makes dentistry one of the most rewarding and sought-after roles within the healthcare industry. Dentists are responsible for examining people’s teeth and mouths to identify and treat dental issues such as cavities, tooth erosion and gum disease. They also provide patients with valuable advice on how to care for their teeth and improve their oral hygiene. Dentists also perform cosmetic work, like teeth whitening and reconstruction, to help boost people’s confidence and self-image. If you are interested in becoming a dentist, then you must successfully gain a bachelor’s degree from a dental school and then pass the National Board Dental Examinations to become licensed. The whole process takes several years, and aspiring dentists must be able to demonstrate a combination of relevant experience, commitment to the industry and excellent academic performance.
4. Pediatrician
Pediatricians are qualified doctors who are responsible for dealing with the physical, emotional and mental health of children and young adults. They are specially trained to deal with the different and often complex needs of children receiving medical treatment. The role of a pediatrician is extremely diverse but may involve examining children, administering vaccines, monitoring children’s growth and behaviors and diagnosing and treating a wide range of illnesses, injuries, as well as other health concerns. They also give guidance on preventative healthcare and offer parents and caregivers advice on how to care for their child’s health. A recent study found that pediatricians typically enjoy higher job satisfaction when compared to general physicians. The main reasons for this are thought to be good work-life balance, strong patient relationships and flexible working hours. Pediatricians require a bachelor’s degree, followed by a medical program from an accredited educational establishment. Then must then specialize in pediatrics and become licensed before they can practice as a pediatrician.
5. Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists provide support to those who are injured, sick, or disabled by assisting them with everyday tasks. This may involve teaching someone how to use a wheelchair, or how to prepare meals with a disability. Typically, an occupational therapist will examine a patient and then create a detailed treatment plan based on their condition and symptoms. They then monitor their progress carefully and adapt the treatment to ensure continued improvements. This support allows people to remain living independent and fulfilling lives within the comfort of their own home. Occupational therapists have a significant impact on the lives of their patients, which makes this a highly rewarding job role. They can choose to work in a diverse range of settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centers and clients’ homes. You typically require a bachelor’s and a master’s degree to become licensed as an occupational therapist. Following this, graduates need to pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam and complete supervised placements.
6. Physician Assistant
Physician assistants work alongside physicians and surgeons to help diagnose and treat a wide range of health conditions. The role is varied but typically involves examining patients, administering medication and treatment, creating tailored treatment plans and providing patients with advice on preventative healthcare. Statistics show that job opportunities for physician assistants are expected to grow by a massive 31 percent in the next ten years. This is far higher than the average across all other occupations and is largely due to the increasing demand in the healthcare sector. This means that physician assistants enjoy excellent job security and enviable career prospects. To become a physician assistant, you must gain a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from an accredited provider. You must then become licensed in whichever state you wish to practice in.
7. Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists diagnose, treat and help prevent a wide range of mental, behavioral and emotional issues. This may include conditions such as depression, eating disorders and PTSD. Psychiatrists are qualified doctors who choose to specialize in the area of mental health. To become qualified, psychiatrists must complete medical school and a residency program before applying for licensure and seeking a specialty certification. Once licensed, psychiatrists can administer a variety of treatments to help treat people who are suffering from mental health issues. This may include psychotherapy, psychiatric medications and various other treatments like electroconvulsive therapy. A tailored treatment plan is created based on the individual needs of each patient. To be successful, psychiatrists must be understanding, compassionate and possess excellent communication skills. Many psychiatrists work in public and private hospitals or community mental health services. There is also the opportunity to set up a private clinic and work on a freelance basis. Psychiatrists who choose this route often enjoy enhanced flexibility and increased earning potential.
8. Nutritionist
Nutritionists play a crucial role in healthcare by evaluating people’s diets and encouraging individuals to make healthy lifestyle choices. This helps reduce the chances of developing health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. A nutritionist will typically meet with a client before creating a detailed diet plan based on the person’s specific fitness goals or medical needs. The main advantage of a nutritionist is that they monitor a person’s progress and provide guidance on how to safely reach their specific weight or fitness goals. Having this support helps people remain motivated to commit to a healthier lifestyle. To become a nutritionist, you must usually earn a bachelor’s degree followed by a supervised internship or placement within a relevant setting. Most states also require nutritionists to become licensed. There is an increasing demand for nutritionists as health issues like heart disease and obesity become more common. For that reason, the job outlook for nutritionists is extremely good and opportunities are expected to grow by 11 percent by 2028 according to the BLS.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there is a hugely diverse range of career paths on offer within the healthcare industry. Healthcare jobs offer several great benefits including excellent salaries, job satisfaction and career advancement opportunities. Securing your dream job in healthcare takes hard work and dedication, but it can offer a highly rewarding career in the long run.
Above are a few of the top jobs in healthcare, but many more exciting roles offer similar benefits and may be more suited to your skills and interests.
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