Careers in Healthcare
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Exploring a career in healthcare? You’re not alone. The healthcare industry is one of the fastest-growing in the U.S., with the Bureau Labor of Statistics (BLS) projecting an average of 1.9 million job openings each year from 2023-2033.
What exactly qualifies as a healthcare job? It includes any role involved in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease, illness, injury, or other physical and mental impairments in people. It also includes the management and administration of healthcare facilities and healthcare education. The qualifications required for these roles can vary widely, from a high school diploma for some entry-level positions to doctoral degrees for others.
Whether you’re drawn to direct patient care or the business side of healthcare, there may be a satisfying and rewarding career for you. Read on to discover more about healthcare careers and how to determine the best one for you.
9 In-Demand Healthcare Professions
The following table lists the top healthcare jobs based on salary and demand. Factors contributing to their high demand include an aging population requiring increased healthcare services, a shortage of healthcare professionals, a growing emphasis on preventive care, and the necessity to replace workers who left the industry due to burnout or retirement.
| Role | Job Description | Typical Entry-Level Education | Median Salary (2023) | Job Outlook (2023-2033) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physician and Surgeon | Diagnoses and treats medical conditions and provides preventative healthcare for patients | Doctoral or professional degree | Greater than $239,200 | 4% |
| Dentist | Diagnoses and treats oral health issues, perform dental procedures, and promotes dental hygiene practices | Doctoral or professional degree | $170,910 | 5% |
| Nurse Practitioner | Provides primary and specialty healthcare, diagnoses and treats conditions, and prescribes medications | Master’s degree | $126,260 | 40% |
| Physician Assistant | Assists physicians, diagnoses and treats illnesses, performs procedures, and prescribes medications under supervision | Master’s degree | $130,020 | 28% |
| Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | Administers anesthesia, monitors patients during surgery, and manages post-operative recovery and pain relief | Master’s degree | $212,650 | 40% |
| Medical and Health Service Manager | Oversees healthcare operations, manages staff, ensures regulatory compliance, and improves efficiency | Bachelor’s degree | $110,680 | 29% |
| Physical Therapist | Evaluates and treats physical impairments, develops rehabilitation programs, and improves patient mobility and function | Doctoral or professional degree | $99,710 | 14% |
| Occupational Therapist | Helps patients develop, recover, and improve daily living and working skills through therapeutic activities | Master’s degree | $96,370 | 11% |
| Respiratory Therapist | Evaluates and treats patients with breathing disorders, manages ventilators, and gives respiratory care education | Associate degree | $77,960 | 13% |
17 Healthcare Careers With a Business Focus
Not all healthcare careers involve direct patient care. Many roles focus on the business side of healthcare so that medical facilities run efficiently and effectively.
The following table shows some key business-focused roles in healthcare and their functions.
Healthcare administration offers a range of career paths, including roles in management, information technology, and policy. Business-oriented healthcare professionals help maintain high standards of operational and financial performance, allowing medical professionals to give patients their undivided attention.
| Role | Job Description | Average Salary (Sept. 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Marketer | Develops and implements marketing strategies, promotes healthcare services, manages campaigns, and enhances brand awareness | $52,380 |
| Healthcare Financial Analyst | Analyzes financial data, prepares reports, forecasts budgets, identifies cost-saving opportunities, and supports financial decision-making | $53,460 |
| Health Information Manager | Manages patient health records, checks for data accuracy and security, oversees information systems, and complies with regulations to support healthcare decision-making and service delivery | $64,380 |
| Healthcare Operations Manager | Oversees daily operations, manages staff, improves efficiency, checks for regulatory compliance, and optimizes patient care services | $65,000 |
| Health Policy Analyst | Researches and analyzes healthcare policies, assesses their impact, provides recommendations, and supports the development of effective health policies and programs | $67,590 |
| Health Data Analyst | Collects, analyzes, and interprets healthcare data, generates reports, identifies trends, and supports decision-making to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency | $70,080 |
| Medical and Health Services Manager | Oversees healthcare facility operations, manages staff, checks compliance, optimizes efficiency, and improves patient care services through strategic planning and resource management | $74,060 |
| Healthcare Informatics Specialist | Manages and analyzes healthcare data, implements information systems, checks for data integrity, and supports clinical decision-making | $76,289 |
| Clinical Manager | Oversees clinical staff and operations, manages budgets, checks regulatory compliance, improves patient care quality, and implements healthcare policies and procedures | $76,390 |
| Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA) | Analyzes and interprets healthcare data, checks for data accuracy, generates reports to aid with decision-making | $77,000 |
| Healthcare Administrator | Plans, directs, and coordinates healthcare services; manages staff, ensures compliance, and oversees budgeting and operations to maintain efficiency | $79,250 |
| Healthcare Marketing Director | Develops and leads marketing strategies, oversees campaigns, manages brand image, and drives patient acquisition and retention | $82,240 |
| Health Insurance Professional | Manages insurance claims, verifies patient coverage, assists with billing and reimbursements, and ensures compliance with healthcare regulations | $83,000 |
| Healthcare Consultant | Analyzes healthcare operations, provides expert advice, develops strategies to improve efficiency, compliance, and patient outcomes | $87,250 |
| Pharmaceutical Sales | Promotes and sells pharmaceutical products to healthcare professionals, provides product information, and achieves sales targets to drive business growth | $95,190 |
| Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) | Provides financial expertise, analyzes healthcare costs, develops budgets, checks for compliance, and supports strategic planning to optimize financial performance | $101,000 |
| Hospital Chief Executive | Leads hospital operations, develops strategic plans, ensures regulatory compliance, manages finances, and oversees staff | $161,610 |
6 Healthcare Careers Requiring Less Than a Year to Start
Several healthcare careers require less than a year of training or education, making them accessible for those eager to start their healthcare career quickly.
The following table has some options along with their job prospects:
| Jobs | Job Description | Typical Entry-Level Education | Median Salary (2023) | Job Outlook (2023-2033) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Health Aid | Provides in-home patient care, assists with daily activities, monitors health, and accurately code medical services for billing purposes | High school diploma or equivalent | $33,530 | 21% |
| Nursing Assistant | Assists patients with daily activities, monitors vital signs, provides basic care, supports nursing staff, and maintains patient hygiene and comfort | High school diploma or equivalent | $38,130 | 4% |
| Pharmacy Technician | Assists pharmacists, prepares and dispenses medications, manages inventory, processes prescriptions, and provides customer service | High school diploma or equivalent | $40,300 | 7% |
| Phlebotomist | Draws blood samples, labels and stores specimens, maintains equipment | Certificate from postsecondary phlebotomy program | $41,810 | 8% |
| Medical Assistant | Performs administrative and clinical tasks, schedules appointments, assists in exams, takes vitals, and maintains patient records | Postsecondary nondegree award | $42,000 | 15% |
| Medical Biller and Coder | Translates medical procedures into codes, prepares and submits insurance claims, processes payments, and ensures billing accuracy and compliance with regulations | Postsecondary nondegree award | $48,780 | 9% |
Why Is Healthcare a Good Career Choice?
Choosing a career in healthcare offers numerous benefits. Compared to other fields, healthcare has a combination of job security, competitive pay, diverse opportunities, and the satisfaction of helping others, making it an appealing career choice.
Here are some key advantages:
Job growth and security
The healthcare industry is experiencing significant growth. Healthcare occupations are projected to have 1.9 million job openings each year from 2023-2033.
Competitive salaries
Healthcare professionals often have competitive salaries. For example, the median annual wage for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners was $129,480 in 2023. This is significantly higher than the median wage for all occupations, which was $48,060.
Diverse career opportunities
The healthcare field offers a wide range of career options, from direct patient care roles like nurses and physician assistants to support and administrative roles. This diversity allows individuals to find a niche that matches their skills and interests.
Positive impact
Healthcare professionals have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities. Whether providing direct patient care or working behind the scenes, their efforts contribute to overall health and well-being.
Flexible work schedules
Many healthcare roles offer flexible work schedules, including the option to work nights, weekends, or part-time. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial for those with families or other responsibilities.
Continuous learning and growth
The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, offering professionals opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement. Many healthcare roles require ongoing education and certification, which can lead to higher positions and salaries.
Which Healthcare Career Is Right For Me?
Choosing the right healthcare career involves considering your interests, skills, education, and career goals. Take the time to research different roles, speak with professionals in the field, and consider your long-term career goals before making a decision.
Step 1: Start With a Self-Assessment
Begin with a thorough self-assessment to understand your interests, values, personality traits, and skills. Reflect on your passions, motivations, and your strengths, such as communication skills, empathy, critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail.
Think about how your strengths align with different healthcare roles. For instance, if you have strong communication skills and empathy, roles involving patient interaction may suit you. If you have strong analytical skills, a profession as a health data analyst or medical researcher might be a good fit.
Consider how various healthcare careers align with your lifestyle preferences. Some professions involve irregular hours and high levels of stress, while others may offer more regular hours and better work-life balance. Determine what type of work schedule and lifestyle suit your needs and preferences.
Step 2: Research Career Options
Explore healthcare career options to determine which match your skills and preferences. Look into careers in direct patient care like nursing, medicine, and physical therapy, as well as non-clinical roles in healthcare administration, public health, healthcare informatics, research, and education.
Step 3: Evaluate Your Education and Career Goals
Consider the level of education and what you’ll need to reach your long-term career goals. Some healthcare roles require advanced degrees and long-term commitment, while others require less education.
Step 4: Gain Hands-On Experience
Participate in internships, volunteer work, shadowing opportunities, or part-time jobs in healthcare settings. Hands-on experience provides valuable insight into different healthcare careers and helps you make informed decisions about your future.
Step 5: Network and Get Guidance and Mentorship
Connect with mentors, professors, healthcare professionals, and career counselors who can provide valuable advice and support. Networking with professionals in the field can also help you learn about job opportunities and professional development resources.
Step 6: Evaluate and Adapt
Remember that choosing the right healthcare career is an ongoing process. Constantly evaluate your career path, reassess your goals, and be open to exploring new opportunities and challenges as they arise.
Frequently Asked Questions About Careers in Healthcare
Alternative careers in healthcare beyond direct patient care are numerous and include roles in public health, policy, communications, informatics, research, and consulting. Healthcare professionals may also pursue entrepreneurial ventures, work in technology, academia, or with government agencies and nonprofits. Opportunities exist for those with medical backgrounds to engage in health coaching, product management, ergonomics, and more.
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