There is a high demand for qualified healthcare professionals, which means individuals who prepare for a healthcare career will have good job prospects. Many healthcare careers offer healthy salaries, and although some medical careers require graduate studies, it’s possible to become a healthcare professional without earning a bachelor’s or graduate degree. There are also healthcare opportunities everywhere from coast to coast, which means you may not have to relocate to work in your field.
If you’re considering a career in healthcare, you may be interested in some of these popular medical professions.
Pharmacists
Pharmacists are required to have a doctor of pharmacy degree and license. These medical professionals provide prescribed medications to patients. Part of their job is to ensure that the medications patients receive will not conflict with other medications. They may also administer vaccinations and flu shots.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not expect opportunities for pharmacists to increase between 2018 and 2028. As of May 2019, the BLS reported pharmacists took home median salaries of $128,090 annually. Pharmacists work in drug stores, hospitals, or retail stores, such as Walmart.
Medical Scientists
Medical scientists must obtain a doctoral degree in a relevant medical field. They use their medical knowledge to develop medical devices and medication. Medical scientists, such as the experts with Roivant Sciences, develop drugs and run tests to determine the appropriate dosage to prescribe patients. They also perform studies to determine what causes some illnesses or how a disease can be affected by specific variables, such as smoking.
Opportunities for medical scientists will increase by 8% from 2018 to 2028. The BLS also reported medical scientists received a median annual income of $88,790 as of May 2019.
Rheumatologists
Rheumatologists are medical doctors who have prepared to specialize in providing medical care to patients with osteoporosis and arthritis. They diagnose patients, provide arthritis treatment, develop a plan of care for osteoporosis, order medical tests, and prescribe medications. They must have a medical degree and complete supervised work experience as part of their studies.
The BLS reported that physicians and surgeons earned median annual salaries of $203,450 as of May 2019, while Salary.com reported the average annual salary for rheumatologists was $230,420 as of July 2020. The BLS expects job prospects for physicians and surgeons to increase by 7% from 2018 to 2028.
Physical Therapy Assistants
The median income for physical therapy assistants was $58,790 as of May 2019, and the BLS also indicated these healthcare professionals would see job growth of 27% from2018 to 2028. Physical therapy assistants are required to earn an associate’s degree to prepare to enter their field and be licensed or certified.
Physical therapy assistants work under the general supervision of a physical therapist. They observe and evaluate patients, update medical charts, and lead patients through therapeutic exercises prescribed by a physical therapist. They may also teach patients how to use assistive devices, such as walkers.
Phlebotomists
The BLS reports phlebotomists should see a 23% job growth rate from 2018 to 2028. As of May 2019, the BLS indicated phlebotomists took home median salaries of $35,510 per year.
Phlebotomists specialize in drawing blood. They take blood samples for medical tests or take blood donations. Phlebotomists are required to have a postsecondary certificate and can complete their training in less than one year.
Physician Assistants
Physician assistants (PAs) perform many of the same tasks that medical doctors perform. They evaluate and diagnose patients. PAs are also qualified to determine the appropriate treatment for their patients. Regulations for PAs vary from state to state. PAs can serve as primary healthcare providers, order tests, and prescribe medication. They also consult with medical doctors as required, which varies from state to state.
PAs must have a master’s degree in their field and be licensed. The BLS projects a 31% job growth rate for PAs from 2018 to 2028 and reports they earned median annual salaries of $112,260 as of May 2019.
Registered Nurses
Registered nurses (RNs) assist doctors in medical offices, hospitals, and clinics. They provide direct patient care, monitor patients, and administer medications. RNs also update medical charts, alert doctors to any changes in a patient’s condition, prepare medical equipment for use, and educate patients on managing their condition.
RNs must complete an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing and be licensed. Their median income was $73,300 as of May 2019, per the BLS, which expects opportunities for RNs to increase by 12% from 2018 to 2028.
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