Is Healthcare a Good Career Path? (15 Jobs in Healthcare: Best-Paying + Entry-Level)
Yes, healthcare is an excellent career path. If you seek a profession that transcends mere financial compensation, offering both a competitive salary and meaningful work, the healthcare sector is a compelling option. In this field, you will have the opportunity to significantly impact people’s lives and contribute to a healthier society, regardless of the specific career path you choose.
Healthcare is a ubiquitous necessity, enabling you to acquire the skills to work and live in virtually any location. Multiple specialized fields are in high demand nationwide, ensuring consistent job availability. Moreover, healthcare professionals benefit from job security, as this sector remains the fastest-growing within the labor market.
Here are 15 great jobs in healthcare:
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Pharmacy Technician Jobs (Overview)
The 8 Best-Paying Jobs in Healthcare
Many career paths in healthcare necessitate extensive education and a commitment to the field. For most, healthcare represents a lifelong career choice. Given the complex and specialized nature of this sector, it ranks among the highest-paying fields. Physicians, surgeons, and specialists literally hold the health of patients in their hands.
If you’re considering a healthcare career, you may want to explore lucrative specialties. Here are some of the best-paying jobs in healthcare:
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Physician and Surgeon
Average Annual Salary: $232,000
Physicians are responsible for diagnosing medical conditions and injuries, taking patient histories, updating charts, and ordering tests. Once results are in, they provide diagnoses and health advice. Surgeons operate to treat diseases, injuries, or deformities in patients. They undergo extensive training to handle surgical instruments and techniques.
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Average Annual Salary: $146,000
Dentists diagnose and treat issues related to gums, teeth, and oral health. Their responsibilities include conducting exams, performing procedures, and educating patients on proper dental care. Dentists can also specialize in areas such as orthodontics or periodontics.
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Average Annual Salary: $101,000
Podiatrists provide medical care for feet and lower legs, offering surgery, diagnosis, and treatment for various ailments. They may also teach patients proper foot care and wellness techniques.
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Average Annual Salary: $125,000
Pharmacists dispense medications and provide guidance on their safe use. They may conduct health screenings and immunizations, ensuring that patients understand their medications and cooperate with insurance providers.
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Average Annual Salary: $104,000
Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who provide specialized care. They may conduct examinations, create care plans, and perform diagnostic tests, often functioning similarly to physicians.
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Average Annual Salary: $104,000
Optometrists examine and diagnose vision problems, prescribe corrective lenses, and treat eye diseases. They may also perform minor surgical procedures based on patient needs.
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Average Annual Salary: $130,000
Physician assistants work alongside healthcare providers, taking medical histories, conducting tests, and offering diagnoses and treatment plans. They can also prescribe medications and serve as primary providers.
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Average Annual Salary: $123,000
Veterinarians diagnose and treat animal health issues, perform surgeries, and provide vaccinations. They may also specialize in various areas of veterinary medicine.
7 Entry-Level Jobs in Healthcare
While many people associate healthcare careers with extensive education and experience, numerous entry-level positions are growing in popularity across the sector. Many of these roles provide excellent opportunities for career advancement.
Do not let the perceived need for extensive education deter you from pursuing a healthcare career. Here are some of the best healthcare jobs that can launch your successful journey in this rewarding field.
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Average Annual Salary: $31,000
Patient care technicians perform essential medical tasks such as monitoring vital signs and assisting with daily activities for patients who require support. They often build lasting relationships with the patients they assist.
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Average Annual Salary: $35,000
Pharmacy technicians support pharmacists in dispensing medications and managing inventory. Many employers prefer candidates who have completed formal training programs.
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Average Annual Salary: $34,000
Medical assistants work in a variety of healthcare settings, performing both clinical and administrative tasks. Many enter the field with a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training.
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Average Annual Salary: $34,000
Phlebotomists are trained to draw blood for testing and donations. While certification is typically required, training can be completed in as little as six months.
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Average Annual Salary: $33,000
As the first point of contact for patients, medical office administrators play a crucial role in healthcare delivery by managing clerical tasks and ensuring smooth operations.
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Average Annual Salary: $37,000
Sterile processing technicians ensure that surgical instruments and medical equipment are properly sterilized and prepared for use, playing a vital role in patient safety.
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Average Annual Salary: $39,000
Dental assistants support dentists and hygienists in providing care, managing patient records, and assisting with procedures.
Why Choose a Career in Healthcare?
The healthcare sector is poised for continuous growth, driven by an aging population and rising health consciousness. As more individuals seek medical care, the demand for healthcare professionals is primed to increase. Here are compelling reasons to consider a career in healthcare:
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Job Security: The healthcare industry is expanding, with a diverse range of roles in high demand.
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Lucrative Salaries: Careers in healthcare are well-compensated and often come with a variety of benefits.
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Variety of Opportunities: The healthcare field offers numerous specialties, types of workplaces, and work styles.
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Education Benefits: Many employers provide scholarships and training programs to support employee growth.
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Job Satisfaction: Healthcare careers are among the most fulfilling, especially for those who find joy in helping others.
Education and Certification Requirements for a Career in Healthcare
Entering the healthcare field can vary significantly based on the chosen profession. Prospective healthcare workers should consider obtaining secondary education or certifications to enhance their employability.
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Consider a Degree in Science: Students should ideally pursue a background in biology or life sciences, but many healthcare graduate programs accept degrees from various fields.
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Graduate Education Equals Higher Pay: Many high-paying healthcare positions necessitate advanced degrees.
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Standardized Testing: Be prepared for standardized tests like the GRE or GMAT for graduate school applications.
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Specialty Schools: Those pursuing doctoral degrees should attend accredited specialty schools based on their desired field.
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Check Local Certification Requirements: Licensing and certification vary by state, so it’s essential to understand local regulations.
What Do People Working in Healthcare Do?
Healthcare professionals provide essential care to patients. This encompasses everything from routine check-ups to emergency interventions.
Healthcare workers include a wide range of roles, from home-health aides to specialists. Their main focus is to improve patients’ quality of life through effective care. If you enjoy engaging with diverse populations and are willing to work long hours, healthcare could be the perfect fit for you. To remain competitive, continuous education and certification are important.
Author
Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.
