The healthcare sector has evolved thanks to technological advancements, with its employment prospects keeping pace with its continual growth. As of 2021, the US healthcare industry would be worth $808 billion. Patient care accounts for an impressive 65% of total revenue.
The sector is expected to develop faster, outpacing all others in terms of growth rate, as an aging population drives demand. Furthermore, employment in the health care sector is predicted to grow by 16% between 2020 and 2030, adding over 2.6 million new jobs.
Additionally, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of health care personnel in maintaining a healthy and safe population has been recognized and appreciated more than ever before.
High-Paying Careers In Healthcare
The wages of medical professionals, such as physicians and nurses, are at an all-time high right now. But there are many additional jobs in the health care industry that can earn you a decent income.However, the healthcare industry depends on a vast network of supporting medical roles, which require less schooling but just as much payoff.
For example, a medical assistantsupports supervising doctors and other medical professionals in their respective tasks. It’s a role with a high career payoff and significantly fewer educational investments. Explore the best medical assistant programs to launch your career in healthcare within two years.
It’s only natural that wages would increase with a rise in demand. However, financial gain is not the only motivation. Those motivated to help others find professional satisfaction in the health care industry.
Seven Lucrative Jobs In Healthcare
The healthcare sector is massive and offers various exciting and lucrative job opportunities. This article will look at the highest-paying career paths in health care and all the prerequisites you’ll need to fill each position.
1. Doctor Or Surgeon
Doctors and surgeons are the primary care providers in a hospital; it is their job to assess a patient’s condition and treat them accordingly. Their daily activities involve examining patients, documenting their health records, conducting diagnostic procedures, and prescribing medications.
They may evaluate your current lifestyle and recommend changes, including a healthier diet and more exercise, to help you avoid serious health problems. Doctors practice in many settings, from private practices to public institutions.
They might focus on anything from pediatrics to dermatology as their area of expertise. Surgeons perform surgical procedures to cure conditions, including broken bones, cancer, and disabilities.
Although the median salary is relatively high at $208,000 yearly, the career outlook for the role is estimated to be 3% which is relatively slow compared to other jobs in the industry. A doctoral degree is mandatory to become a physician, such as an MD or a DO.
However, no major isconsidered mandatory for a bachelor’s degree, most pre-med students major in biology, physics, or a related health discipline. It takes four years to complete med school, and then there’s the residency, which may take anywhere from three to nine years based on your area of specialization.
2. Dentist
Dentists provide medical care for oral health, including teeth, gums, and mouth rest. They provide preventative care, emergency care, and treatment for any dental problems that may occur.
Regular duties may include cleaning teeth, fixing cavities, analyzingmouth radiographs, and writing prescriptions for everything from antibiotics to mouth guards to dentures. Taking the time to educate your patients on the significance of oral health is an essential professional responsibility.
This position has a slightly above-average job outlook of 8% and pays a median salary of $163,220. Because dentists must be licensed on a state level, the qualifications for becoming a dentist in a given state might vary; however, many states need a doctorate in dentistry (often DDS or DMD).
Specialties like maxillofacial surgery need more education and board certification. Additionally, post-doctoral education is essential.
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3. Optometrist
Optometrists are medical professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the eyes and visual system. They examine the patient’s eyes to determine illnesses, injuries, or abnormalities affecting their vision and then treat those conditions. Optometrists are also qualified to recommend corrective vision lenses like glasses and contacts.
Certain optometrists handle surgical procedures and provide visual rehabilitation services when medical care isn’t enough.
Optometrists can make a median income of $124,300 yearly, slightly better than the average job growth of 9%. A state license and a doctorate are required, such as a Doctor of Optometry degree.
4. Nurse Practitioner
Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), such as nurse practitioners document patients’ health history, concerns, and symptoms, track their progress, develop patient care plans, conduct medical examinations, handle medical equipment, and administer medication.
Advanced practice registered nurses can partner with doctors or operate alone. Although they perform many of the same duties as registered nurses, APRNs have the advantage of extra education and training. Their treatment is geared towards the individual client.
Nurse practitioners have a bright job outlook of 45% and a median income of $123,780. The position requires a specialized master’s degree and APRN certification from a recognized institution.
5. Physician’s Assistant
PAs, or physician assistants, perform various medical tasks under the supervision of MDs, DOs, and other medical professionals. They are responsible for documenting the patient’s medical history, conducting examinations and keeping track of their health, performing diagnostic procedures such as x-rays and blood tests, and delivering care for patient ailments.
The PA can give a preliminary diagnosis, primary preventive treatment, and review diagnostic laboratory findings.
Physician assistants have a strong job outlook of 31% and a median income of $121,530. It takes roughly two years to complete the required coursework and get the license to work as a physician’s assistant.
Although many PA and outpatient care professionals began their careers as nurses or EMTs, admission criteria vary widely depending on the specific school. If you already have some experience in the medical field and are searching for a way to further your career, becoming a PA is a great option.
Final Thoughts
It’s possible that deciding to work in healthcare can change your life for the better. Whatever career path you choose, you’ll interact with a wide variety of individuals and gain new fulfilling experiences that will contribute to your career growth.
We hope this article has given you some ideas for your future healthcare career, whether you’re interested in becoming a physician or a nurse. With so many rewarding and well-paying opportunities in the industry – it is never too late to start your career in healthcare.
