Did you know this Friday kicks off Nurses week? Running through May 12th, nurses and a number of healthcare professional play a vital role in keeping us all happy and healthy. So if you know or see a nurse this week, say thanks! And for those interested in this lucrative jobs market, count down the top healthcare jobs with us.
Even with high unemployment rates, the healthcare industry remains to be one of the most promising job markets in 2016. Aside from a wide range of careers to choose from, job seekers will find that healthcare jobs typically offer high pay and good benefits. Registered nurses for instance, have a median salary of about $66,640, while practicing physicians have the flexibility of working either in their own clinics, at a hospital, or as a locum.
Whether you’re currently working in a related field OR you’re thinking about switching to this industry, here are the top ten health care jobs on the market.
Physician Jobs
Doctors are still one of the most in-demand – and arguably one of the highest paid jobs as of 2015. According to one report, primary care physicians have an average salary of $180,180 with an expected growth rate in job openings of about 18 percent until 2022. Specialization could also lead to better prospects. For example: ER physicians could earn up to $274,000, depending on factors such as skill, experience, and location.
Registered Nurse (RN) Jobs
Registered nurses are ranked as one of the best jobs in healthcare. Similar to physicians, they may also have their own specializations, which could eventually help them go on to related careers. In 2014, the median income of registered nurses is $66,640, with the best in the profession earning upwards of up to $98,880.
Radiation Therapist Jobs
Radiation therapist jobs are one of the fastest growing careers in healthcare. With a median pay of $80,090 a year according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, people in this profession enjoy stable working hours and additional medical benefits. They typically work with other experts, including medical physicists, radiation oncologists, and oncology nurses. From 2014 until 2024, It’s projected that there would be more openings as patients needing radiation treatment rises as well.
Pharmacy Manager/Pharmacist Jobs
Pharmacists and pharmacy managers are becoming an integral part of today’s healthcare system. If you’re looking for a long-term career, then consider the pharmacy field. With an average pay of $120,950 in 2014, pharmacists use a combination of interpersonal skills with medicinal knowledge to win at their jobs.
Pharmacy managers on the other hand, earn about $124,299 annually, with a good job satisfaction rating and a chance to work at different environments, like hospitals or retail.
Dental Hygienist Jobs
Not to be confused with dentists or dental assistants, you see dental hygienists if you want to learn how to take care of your teeth so you don’t suffer from cavities, plaque, or other dental problems. Reported as the second best job in healthcare for 2016, dental hygienists enjoy a typical salary of $71,520, along with great work-life balance.
Medical Receptionist Jobs
This remains to be one of the best jobs to enter the healthcare industry. As long as you meet the requirements (which typically include a high school diploma or an equivalent), it’s possible to become a medical receptionist even with no experience. Although the median pay is between $20,869 and $35,587, there are plenty of opportunities for advancement. Medical receptionists who undertook medical courses for example, could apply to be a medical secretary or administrative assistant in the future.
Medical Case Manager Jobs
Along with the growing demand for healthcare comes the need for “middlemen” who will help facilitate efficient services between patients and healthcare providers. Here’s where medical case managers come in. They work closely with doctors, hospital staff, insurance agencies, and patients to know the most suitable type of medical service for their various conditions. Average income is typically $58,666, but salaries tend to increase with experience.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Jobs
If you’re looking for a career in healthcare that gives you the opportunity to work on your own in the future, you may want to consider becoming a dietician or a nutritionist. They have a median annual salary of $58,410 as of 2015, and offer positions in hospitals, outpatient care centers, and even at home.
EMT Jobs
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are the people who respond to emergency medical situations, alongside paramedics. Just like nurses and physicians, there’s a high demand for EMTs today – with a 24 percent expected employment growth until 2024. This is due in part to increasing crisis conditions like car crashes and natural disasters. Although their average pay of $31,700 is not as lucrative, most go to work only a few days a week because of shifting schedules.
Jobs in Public Health
Public health is a part of the healthcare industry that deals with community health and safety. People who work in this sector include public health doctors, scientists, researchers, sanitarians, health inspectors, and educators to name a few. If you have the skills and experience, you can acquire a rewarding job in public health. Biostatisticians for instance, earn about $71,500 a year.
Careers in healthcare tend to be more stressful, so looking at other factors - like work flexibility - aside from pay is something that most job seekers should consider before signing a contract.
Cris Antonio is the Chief Editor of Scoopfed.com. She’s currently focused on helping healthcare workers and millennials find better career opportunities through Locum Tenens. Aside from writing, Cris also enjoys painting, collecting toys, and reading German novels. Get to know her better on LinkedIn.
