The pandemic of 2020 stressed one more time just how important health workers are. However, the healthcare industry was on the rise even before COVID 19 changed the world as we know it. This is due to the fact that baby boomers, the generation born between 1946 and 1964, are retiring at a rather fast rate. This means that a large portion of the USA’s is entering their autumn years – the time of their lives when they will need more medical attention. On the other hand, the US labor force mostly consists of the people in their prime childbearing years. This means they will also need additional healthcare. Thus, medical professionals are in high demand. 

When someone mentions working in healthcare, our first thoughts are for sure a nurse and a physician. These two are definitely the most popular and are among the best positions, but there are numerous others that are less known and can be a fine carrier. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most fulfilling careers in medicine:

A physician 

You might think it obvious, but this hasn’t changed – a physician is still one of the most prevalent healthcare jobs. It might take 11-15 years of studying, and it might carry a large amount of student debt, but it is still one of the most satisfying, most prestigious jobs. A doctoral degree is necessary. The very high median salary is also an important factor adding to its overall appeal. How much is exactly, usually depends on the specialty. For example, an internist will have a slightly higher annual earnings than a general practitioner.  

A registered nurse 

Another ever-popular, high-in-demand position is the one of a registered nurse. During their stay in a hospital, the patients have much more contact with nurses than with a doctor. It takes much less time to become an RN, but, like in most careers, the knowledge must be constantly improved. Also, sometimes nurses must get a special medical certification due to the requirements of their post. For example, those working in emergency medicine will probably want to acquire a Pediatric Advanced Life Support certificate.  

 

A physical therapist

Physical therapists are in high demand, and their employment is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. They are there to help patients recovering from an injury but also to help ease the pain or regain mobility when a chronic issue emerges. The latter is the reason why the baby boomers will need them, and we already mentioned the density of this population. This position stands out among other healthcare jobs because, in most cases, these professionals are self-employed and have the luxury to choose clients and set their schedules in the best way possible for them and their families. Something that cannot be said for most medical workers. 

A home health aide

Another position that is in high demand because of the growing number of seniors is a home health aide. Unlike most other medical professionals who work in hospitals, a home health aide works in the comfort of patients’ homes. This is also a highly accessible position: a high school diploma is needed, on-the-job training provided by licensed practical nurses and certifications that might vary depending on the state and the company of employment. The salary is not so high as of yet, but it is expected to grow during this decade.

A paramedic 

For the ones who enjoy adrenaline combined with helping others, being a paramedic is a dream job. Paramedics are in high demand, and they have a very competitive median salary. Also, to start this career, you will not have to spend many years in training. What you need is great reflexes, attentiveness and to keep your cool when it counts. This job is very rewarding, and we are not talking just about salary. But, it can be very difficult sometimes: imagine how many tragedies per day these professionals sometimes have to witness. 

Speech therapist 

A master’s degree is necessary to become a speech therapist, but the professionals who do the job of a speech therapist have excellent salaries, and the unemployment rate is extremely low. They help with speech delays and disorders such as articulation, phonology, and motor speech disorders. They can work in hospitals, elderly homes, rehabilitation centers, but they can also have their own private practice. This profession is also called speech-language pathologists and all states require a form of registration or licensure. 

A medical records or a health information technician

The job of a medical records or health information technician is to organize and manage health information data. Thus, this is one of very rare medical professions done far from actual patients. It is a great opportunity for those who want to contribute to medicine but cannot handle seeing blood or working under pressure saving lives. It requires a bachelor’s degree, and it is in high demand. This job also comes with a rather competitive salary, so no wonder it has become a choice of many. 

A medical assistant 

A medical assistant’s job is to schedule appointments, prepare laboratory samples, collect patients’ history and take vital signs. As such, they may work in a variety of healthcare facilities: from a physician’s office to an emergency room. Similar to a home health aide, to do this job a high school diploma will suffice, combined with on-the-job training. In the following years, a high demand for this type of professional is expected due to technological advancements as well as the growing numbers of physicians’ offices and outpatient care facilities.

A dental hygienists

One of the jobs on this list that is expected to have the highest growth is the one of a dental hygienist. Typically, an associate degree is necessary for this position. Their job is to educate patients on oral hygiene and help prevent serious oral diseases. One of the future goals of medicine for sure is prevention of diseases, rather than their treatment. This is one of the reasons why this profession is going to develop even more and jobs similar to it might show up in other branches of medicine.  

Radiologic technologist

The job of a radiologic technologist is to take diagnostic imaging exams on patients using computed tomography imaging (CT Scans), X-rays, and other technology such as mammography. To this day, this is one of the most effective ways to diagnose cancer, so the growth of this profession is highly influenced by the fact that humanity is still far away from curing this devastating disease. Hence, his another occupation with expected growth in the next ten years. You need an associate degree to do this job, and you can earn a very decent annual salary. 

Final thoughts

As you can see, it is possible to earn substantial salaries in healthcare. It is up to you to choose a medical profession that matches your personality and your preferences. None of these jobs are easy, and they all require a certain effort to learn and gain experience, but ultimately, they are worth it. And not just because of the money you will earn, but also because working in healthcare means you are doing something very important and that is a very special feeling indeed.