Are you looking for a new career? Are you a college student and not sure what to major in?
If you’re in either situation, you should start thinking about what type of career you want. Most of the best jobs are in the healthcare field.
Data shows that the number of jobs in healthcare will grow by 15% within the next nine years. There will be about 2.4 million new jobs in this field by the end of the decade.
The job growth in this field will grow much faster than in all other occupations. The job opportunities are endless. If you want to learn more about the best jobs in healthcare, read this guide to find a list of the best job options.
- Registered Nurse
Some of the best healthcare jobs are in the nursing field. Registered nurses, or RNs, are healthcare professionals who deliver patient care. RNs can work in a variety of settings such as hospitals and nursing homes.
There are different ways to become an RN. You can earn an Associate Degree in Nursing and become an entry-level nurse. Most nurses enter the profession with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and license.
This can be a stressful job, but it’s a rewarding one. The median pay for this profession is $73,300.
- Nurse Practitioner
A Nurse Practitioner, or NP, is a nurse who has a higher level of education than an RN. NPs provide specialized care to patients. NPs have the knowledge and skills to perform much of the duties that physicians have.
The scope of practice of NPs varies by state, but they share most of the same duties. NPs can perform physical exams, order tests, and prescribe medications. They can develop treatment plans for their patients and make a diagnosis.
At the very least, an NP needs to have a master’s degree and a license. NPs can work in a hospital or clinic. They can specialize in different areas such as geriatric or mental health.
Like RNs, NPs can face a lot of stress. The potential for making money is high. The median salary is $115,800.
- Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants, or PAs, work under doctors and other healthcare specialists.
PAs can take down a patient’s medical histories and examine them. They can also order diagnostic tests and interpret the findings.
PAs can also diagnose a patient’s condition and treat the patient. Like NPs, PAs can serve as primary care providers.
PAs need to have a master’s degree. Given the nature of this job, the medium salary for a PA is $112,260.
- Physical Therapist
Physical therapists are responsible for managing and treating a patient’s injuries. PTs focus on improving a patient’s ability to move. The patient’s range of motion is also an area of focus.
A PT can work with patients of different ages and with patients who have physical issues. This includes back and neck injuries and fractures.
PTs will assess their patients and develop a rehabilitative plan for each patient. The plan can include different components. The components can range from stretches to therapies.
To become a PT, you’ll need to have a doctoral degree from a physical therapy program. Courses you’ll take include exercise physiology and anatomy. PTs also need a license to practice.
The medium salary for a PT is $89,440. PTs can earn more if they have certifications.
- Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapists, or OTs, help their patients restore their abilities to perform activities. Occupational therapy varies based on the patient’s needs.
To understand the patient’s needs, the OT will assess the patient. The OT will then create goals and develop a plan to help the patient meet the goals. The goal can range from helping the patient bathe alone or use a computer.
OTs can work with different populations. They can work with children who suffer from cerebral palsy to adults who have a disability.
They can work in hospitals, schools, and even at their patient’s homes. To become an OT, you’ll need a master’s degree. The median salary for this profession is $84,950.
- Biomedical Engineer
If you want to work in the healthcare industry, but don’t want to work with patients, there are jobs for you. If you’re looking to combine biology and engineering you can study biomedical engineering.
A biomedical engineer seeks to design and create equipment and devices. Their creations can be used to improve the quality of patient care.
Biomedical engineers can work in research or manufacturing. To become a biomedical engineer, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in bioengineering or biomedical engineering.
Most jobs in this area ask applicants to have a master’s degree. The median salary for a biomedical engineer is $91,410.
- Healthcare Management
Another healthcare career that doesn’t call for patient interaction is in healthcare management. Healthcare management focuses on helping a healthcare facility run without issues.
Persons who have a healthcare management degree know how to prepare budgets and put processes in place. They have the skills that allow them to work together with leaders to help a facility meet its goals.
Professionals in this field can work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and outpatient clinics. Salaries for this field vary depending on the setting where one works. Salaries are above $90,000.
Have Your Pick From These Best Jobs in Healthcare
Working in healthcare has its rewards. The jobs in this list are some of the best healthcare jobs in demand right now.
If you are looking for jobs in healthcare, consider any one of these jobs. The outlook and salaries for these jobs are great.
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