Terri Ramsey Beavers One in eight Americans are currently working in the healthcare industry, recently becoming the largest U.S. employer. Yet there are only about one million practicing physicians.
There are numerous professions within the healthcare industry that will not drown you in debt and years of study at medical school. They offer competitive salaries, good benefits, and the opportunity to learn and grow while helping others.
Here are some medical careers you should check out while planning your professional future.
1. Physician’s Assistant
With their tidy customizable scrubs and friendly bedside manner, you would hardly know that physician’s assistants are not doctors. PA’s can diagnose patients, treat wounds, interpret medical facts, and create long-term care plans for patients.
Many PA’s specialize in a particular area of medicine during their training, such as pediatrics, emergency care, or geriatrics. They can help assist doctors with procedures, techniques, and surgeries.
The only difference is that physician’s assistants cannot perform surgery themselves. They are required to be under the supervision of a licensel8d physician or surgeon at all times.
Physician’s assistants can get an undergraduate degree in a related field, such as nursing. In addition, they need to complete a PA training program, which takes anywhere from two years to twenty-seven months. The total cost of the training, from $70,000 to $80,000, seems high but does not come close to the cost of medical school and physician training. You can check on My PA Resource’s services to learn more about PA programs.
Each state has different requirements for Physician’s Assistant licensure. In New York, for example, candidates must have 32 hours of classroom work and 40 weeks of clinical training. They must also pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE.)
The average base pay for a physician’s assistant is $106,873. Those that are highest paid make more than $142,000. Job prospects are expected to increase up to 30% by 2024.
2. Dental Hygienist
You can be licensed as a dental hygienist with as little as two years of schooling. Two-or-four-year programs in dental hygiene are offered at many community and technical colleges.
All states require a two-year degree for licensure. The National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, written by the American Dental Association, is required. You will also need to take a regional or state clinical exam.
The state of California, for example, requires you to pass California Clinical Dental Hygienist exam. You will also have to pass Dental Hygiene Committee of California Law and Ethics written exam before receiving your license.
If you are interested in advancing your career after you are certified, a bachelor’s or master’s program can teach you about dental software, machines, oral pathology, pain management, and community dental health.
Dental hygienists work relatively regular hours in safe environments. They may work in dentist’s offices, nursing homes, hospitals, or health care facilities.
Hygienists make an average estimated annual salary of $75,000.
3. Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical engineers design medical equipment and devices, such as artificial organs, replacement body parts, and machines for diagnosing medical problems.
The field is predicted to grow by 7% before 2024. Biomedical engineers make an average salary of $88,040, and the highest ten percent earn over $142,000.
To become a biomedical engineer, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from an accredited school. Biomedical programs have different focuses, such as industrial careers, and you should choose one that is most in line with your career goals.
You can also earn a Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a focus on biomedical engineering.
A prospective biomedical engineer can become licensed by taking two different competency tests with their state licensure board.
The Biomedical Engineering Society offers candidates the opportunity to volunteer in their field while earning their degree. This will help you to gain experience and network with potential employers.
Biomedical engineers with advanced degrees, such as Master’s or Doctorate in Biomedical Engineering, can work as researchers or designers in medicine or technology. They can become research scientists or biomedical equipment engineers.
4. Healthcare Administrator
A healthcare administrator is responsible for the management and oversight of healthcare companies. They can work for hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, health insurance companies, and long-term care facilities.
An undergraduate degree in healthcare administration includes coursework in marketing, health management, strategic planning, and information technology. A master’s degree program teaches critical analysis, strategic planning, and budget leadership. Common programs include a Master’s of Healthcare Administration (MHA,) and a Master of Public Health (MPH.)
The average salary of a healthcare administrator is $102, 040. Those with the highest salaries make around $147,890.
5. Radiation Therapist
Radiation therapists treat patients by giving cancer treatments. They examine patients, explain treatments, operate equipment, and keep detailed records.
Radiation therapists work in healthcare facilities or cancer treatment centers. They are required to have either a certificate, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy.
A certificate program takes one year to complete, an associate’s degree takes two years to complete, and there are also radiation therapist schools that have bachelor’s degree programs that can be completed in four years.
Candidates must pass a licensing exam written by the American Registry of Radiation Technologists (ARRT.) It has both written and practical components.
Radiation therapists have a median income of $76,630, with the highest paid earning around $94,080.
6. Nuclear Medicine Technologist
To become a nuclear medicine technologist, you will need a bachelor’s degree in nuclear medicine technology. Licensure requires passing the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB.)
Nuclear medicine technologists operate scanners and administer radioactive drugs. They help diagnose conditions, illnesses and diseases such as heart disease and cancer. They may work in hospitals or imaging centers.
The average pay of a nuclear medicine technologist is $75,660, with the top 10% making $100,000. The profession is expected to grow by 10% by 2026.
Medical Careers are Growing
There are a number of opportunities for earning a degree and making an excellent salary in the healthcare field without going to medical school. Medical careers are growing and expanding each day.
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