If you're thinking of a career in healthcare, it's good to know the best healthcare jobs. More than likely you'll spend your most professional life working as a medic or a physician. So starting on the right foot can enable you to settle and focus on growing your career.
For starters, healthcare jobs are more of a calling. You'll be in a position to help people and that in itself can be extremely fulfilling. Most of the careers here stimulate you to advance your skills and enjoy steady pay.
The anticipated growth rate in this industry confirms you're in the right field. So, what are the best healthcare jobs to pursue today? Keep reading to find out.
1. Physicians and Surgeons
Physicians and surgeons top the list being the highest paying medical jobs. Recent data shows a surgeon or a physician can earn up to median average pay of $208,000.
But you must commit a lot of time and effort to meet the required certifications to become a doctor. Usually, one must attend med school for four years. Then, intern for three years to earn a physician's certification. At expected growth rates of 7% between 2018-2028, these professions are worth your time.
2. Dentists
As a dentist, your role is to get people to enjoy smiling and improve their oral hygiene. It may sound a very specified job but it will take you more than four years in dental school to become a dentist.
It's one of the best healthcare jobs in which you can start with a quick certification to work as a dental assistant. Ultimate Medical Academy offers a dental assistant program that can transit you into the profession.
With a doctoral degree, you can secure an entry-level dentist position. You'll enjoy more flexibility and a ton of career growth opportunities as a dentist. Consider opening your dental clinic or expanding into dental cosmetics surgery
3. Pharmacist
Slow employment growth rates in the pharmacy industry shouldn't put you off becoming a pharmacist. Sometimes this profession witnesses competition from e-commerce. But it still ranks as one of the best healthcare jobs to pursue.
Pharmacists dispense, review, check or oversee physician prescriptions. They can divert to retail, clinical or research industries. This makes pharmacy a diverse and flexible career.
Based on earnings, pharmacy is one of the top-paying medical jobs. If you need a work-life balance, you're able to work in shifts given pharmacy services are in demand 24/7.
4. Podiatrists
As a podiatrist, you're a foot med expert treating ulcers, sports injuries and nerve damages. Like other highest-paying healthcare jobs, you'll need a doctoral degree and certifications.
Podiatrists attract handsome pay, which averages $129,550 annually. They also have vast career freedom and high diversifying ability.
If you love sports and medicare, you can work in sports medicine. You can also specialize in dermatology, diabetes, pediatric care or neurologic foot problems.
5. Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Practitioners, Nurse-Midwives
While doctors top the list of best healthcare jobs, they can't be effective without nurses. Nurses are incredibly instrumental in providing treatment and medicare to patients. Today, they have become a pillar of the healthcare system and their certification requirements are tighter.
For guaranteed employment as a nurse, you should hold a nursing degree. Sometimes a nursing diploma can help you to secure an entry-level position. The NCLEX-RN exam enables you to become a licensed nurse.
6. Optometrists
Optometrists attend to eye disorders. Given the high number of aging baby boomers, the career is likely to boom soon. Eye problems worsen with age. With 73 million people entering senior age, it's an excellent healthcare career to pursue.
Optometrists must have a Doctor of Optometrists degree before getting state licensing. Some states may need clinical certification to issue a practicing license.
If you're thinking of working as a self-employed medic, the profession can suit you. You're able to operate your practice and enjoy a better work-life balance.
7. Physician Assistants
If you want to avoid burnout and explore healthcare, consider becoming a physician assistant. You'll be able to work with physicians in any chosen medical specialty to suit your lifestyle. You can work in Oncology for three years and switch to pediatrics to refresh yourself.
Your roles will include examining patients, prescribing medications, and recommending the right specialist. Despite the freedom, you must always work under the lead of a doctor. Yet, the career is still one of the best healthcare jobs. Physician assistants can command earnings of up to $112,260 per year.
8. Biomedical Engineer
With an increased need for innovation, biomedical engineers are now vital in healthcare. It can be your best healthcare job if you have strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
As a biomedical engineer, you won't attend to patients directly. But you'll work to ensure they get healthier quicker. Your roles will be to make diagnosing and prostheses better. Think to design and engineer surgical robotic arms.
9. Medical and Health Services Manager
Medical facilities need a healthcare executive to plan and coordinate operations. Healthcare executives bring leadership and multitask to ensure efficiency.
It can be impossible to run a hospital or clinic without administrators. Thus, there is a high demand for respective professionals. Healthcare executives need a bachelor's degree, administrative experience and state licensure.
10. Veterinarians
Veterinary is the best healthcare job for animal lovers. Apart from an excellent salary, veterinarians also enjoy professional independence. You may start your career in an established clinic and later run your practice.
While working as a vet, you can expect a lot of enjoyable activities. Every day brings a different animal to treat. Plus, your customers may become your new community. You'll be able to interact with many animal lovers, share experiences, and educate them on animal care.
11. Physical Therapists
Physical therapists help patients to move or reduce pain after a disease or an injury. It's one of the fastest expanding careers. Job outlook statistics project the profession to grow by 22% between 2018-2028.
As a physical therapist, you're likely to find the career enjoyable and fulfilling. You'll work closely with patients, and the helping aspect can increase personal satisfaction. You can also choose your favorite location, working setting, or become an entrepreneur.
What Are the Best Healthcare Jobs to Pursue?
You now have enough best healthcare career options to guide your career choice. Take your time to select one that matches your interests, strengths, and passions. The best healthcare jobs should offer growth potential and a work-life balance.
For more tips and advice, check out our blog.
