The healthcare industry is one of the most rewarding job sectors with countless exciting roles on offer. Working in healthcare will allow you to have a positive impact on the lives and well-being of others and enjoy high levels of job satisfaction. Demand in the healthcare industry is also growing due to an aging population and an increasing need for healthcare services. This makes it the ideal time to join this fast-paced and rewarding industry. On that note, here are six different roles within the healthcare industry.
1. Physician
A physician is a role that most people think of when it comes to careers in the healthcare industry. Generally speaking, physicians are responsible for diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries. Some of the main duties of a physician include examining patients, creating treatment plans, administering medication, and performing diagnostic tests.
Being a physician is rewarding, as you will have a direct impact on the health and well-being of others. You will also have the opportunity to save lives and use your specialist skills to support people who are in desperate need of medical assistance. Physicians are highly respected healthcare professionals and can expect to earn an annual salary of more than $200,000 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BSL). This equates to roughly $100 per hour.
Becoming a physician is one of the most popular career paths in the healthcare industry. However, those interested in becoming a physician should be aware of the intensive training and qualifications required. To become certified, physicians must complete a bachelor’s degree followed by a training program at medical school, which usually lasts around four years. The training doesn’t stop there, graduates must then complete a residency program and pass another exam before being granted a license to practice medicine. The route to becoming a physician is therefore demanding, but qualified physicians tend to enjoy a rewarding career with dozens of attractive job benefits.
2. Registered Nurse
Like physicians, registered nurses work with sick and injured patients. They apply their medical skills and knowledge to help patients recover and return to full health. Nurses are key members of the healthcare team and play an important role in hospitals, doctor’s surgeries, and other healthcare facilities. Nursing is considered to be an extremely rewarding job as you will support people in need and have a positive impact on the lives of your patients and their families. Nurses also get to spend a lot of time interacting with their patients and providing care and support. This allows nurses to form close and meaningful bonds with their patients and meet people from all walks of life.
To qualify as a registered nurse, you must complete an accredited nursing program. This must include a required number of placement hours in a clinical setting. Graduate nurses must then pass the NCLEX-RN exam before they meet the criteria to apply for licensure. Lots of qualified nurses also go on to complete a master’s in nursing to expand their skills and prepare them for senior nursing positions.
If you are thinking about a career in nursing, then make sure you understand the expectations of the role. It is a good idea to find out the scope of practice that each area of nursing allows and the requirements in the state where you wish to practice. For example, the FNP scope of practice is fairly broad and family nurse practitioners have full practice authority in many US states including Washington, Nevada, and Colorado.
3. Chiropractor
Chiropractors treat a variety of medical conditions related to the spinal and nervous system. They use their specialist skills and expertise to manipulate the spinal cord and relieve the symptoms caused by multiple health conditions. Experts at oasismd.com state that the following conditions can be treated with chiropractic care: neck pain, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, lower back pain, and disc pain. Chiropractic care can also be effective in relieving the pain associated with various other health concerns including headaches, stress, and anxiety disorders.
Chiropractors earn a decent annual salary of just over $70,000, and many of them boost their earning potential by opening a private practice. Running a private practice allows chiropractors to gain greater control and flexibility over their work schedule and become an authority in their industry. People hoping to become a chiropractor must enroll in a bachelor’s program in a relevant subject and then earn a Doctor of Chiropractic which usually takes four years to complete. Once they have earned the necessary qualifications, graduates can apply for a license and start searching for a job as a chiropractor.
4. Administrator
Working as a healthcare administrator is a great option if you want to work in healthcare but don’t want to be involved with the care of patients. Healthcare administrators work in hospitals, doctors’ surgeries, and private healthcare facilities. They provide support to healthcare staff and are responsible for managing various healthcare operations including services, facilities, programs, and staff. The duties and responsibilities differ depending on the role and sector. For instance, health services managers are responsible for planning and overseeing the business operations and management of healthcare organizations.
Job opportunities for health managers are expected to grow by 32% in the next 10 years. This is much higher than the average job growth expected across all other occupations. For that reason, healthcare managers can often negotiate a high salary package and enjoy a fantastic career outlook. Another advantage of working in healthcare administration is that most jobs require regular 9-5 working hours. This is a rarity in healthcare as most roles involve irregular work and erratic shift patterns. The qualification requirements for administration roles vary depending on the job and sector. For instance, healthcare secretaries may only require a high school diploma whereas health service managers usually need a bachelor’s degree and many also earn a master’s qualification.
5. Dietician
Dieticians play an important part in the healthcare industry by assessing people’s diets and encouraging them to make healthier food and lifestyle choices. This helps to lower the risk of chronic health conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes, which in turn, reduces pressure on healthcare facilities.
Dieticians meet with their patients and discuss their current diet and health. They then use this information to create a diet plan that is tailored to the individual’s well-being and health goals. Dieticians also diagnose and treat various food-related health problems including food allergies and malnutrition. Health issues like obesity are on the rise which means that there is a growing demand for qualified dieticians. The BLS expects jobs in the sector to grow by 8% by 2029, which is much faster than other occupations.
Many dieticians work within hospitals or community settings. They can also work on a freelance basis and benefit from flexible work hours and a higher salary. To qualify as a dietician, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in a relevant topic like food and nutrition. You will also need to complete a supervised internship to demonstrate that you have the skills and knowledge to be a capable dietician. Some states also require dieticians to be licensed and complete an additional exam. You can refer to nutritioned.org to check what requirements apply in your state.
6. Dental hygienist
Dentists are ranked in the top 20 high-paid non-physician healthcare jobs according to a survey by Healthcare Management Degree Guide. Dental hygienists examine patients’ teeth and mouth and check for dental issues like cavities or the onset of gum disease. They also provide preventative dental care such as fluoride treatments.
They earn an average salary of around $75,000 a year and enjoy job benefits such as career advancement opportunities and job stability. The salary of a dental hygienist can be higher depending on location, specialization, and level of experience. Another perk of working as a dental hygienist is that the role offers a flexible schedule. Dental hygienists can choose to work full-time, part-time, or at weekends. This makes it easier to maintain a healthy work-life balance and fit work around your other commitments.
Dental hygienists must hold an associate’s degree in dental hygiene. This program typically takes three years of full-time study to complete. You can study for an associate degree in dental hygiene at community colleges, dental schools, or universities. It is also possible to earn the qualification online via distance learning. All states in the US also require dental hygienists to be licensed. The requirement for licensure varies between states, so make sure you check what is required in the location when you want to work.
Summary
Healthcare is a challenging field, but one that can offer a wealth of wonderful benefits. This includes a diverse variety of job roles, attractive pay packages, and excellent job security. Above are some of the most popular roles in healthcare, although there are countless more jobs that may better suit your skills and abilities. If you’re thinking of joining the healthcare industry, then take the time to research what rewarding job roles are available.
