High-Paying Jobs In Healthcare Worth Considering
Healthcare plays an important role in promoting the well-being of individuals and communities, and it also offers numerous career opportunities with lucrative salaries.Whether you’re considering a career change or planning your educational path, exploring high-paying jobs in healthcare can be a wise and rewarding decision. Here are some options worth considering:
1- Nurse practitioner
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who provide primary and specialized healthcare services to patients. NPs are trained to diagnose illnesses, order and interpret tests, prescribe medications, and provide patient education. They work collaboratively with physicians and other healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive care.
To become an NP, you must first hold a registered nursing (RN) license and complete a master’s in nursing, which can also be pursued through online programs. By pursuing an online degree, registered nurses can continue working in their current roles while gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to transition into the NP role.Once you’ve become a nurse practitioner, you might be interested in exploring flexible career options, such as travel nursing jobs. PRN travel nursing jobs allow nurse practitioners to work on a per diem basis in various healthcare settings, offering a chance to provide specialized care and gain diverse experiences while maintaining a flexible schedule.
An online MSN degree can be especially beneficial as it imparts the necessary credentials and expertise to enable NPs to provide high-quality care. Online MSN degrees often include coursework in advanced pharmacology, diagnostic reasoning, healthcare policy, and evidence-based practice, equipping NPs with the knowledge to deliver holistic and patient-centered care.
2- Nurse anesthetist
Becoming a nurse anesthetist requires significant education and training and is a rigorous process. You must first obtain a registered nursing (RN) license by completing a nursing degree program and passing the national licensing exam, after which a master’s in nurse anesthesia, which typically takes an additional two to three years, is required.
However, this rigorous training comes with a lot of prestige, too, and you get to work with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure the safe and effective administration of anesthesia. Nurse anesthetists assess patients, develop anesthesia plans, monitor vital signs during procedures, and manage pain control post-surgery. These highly skilled professionals are also compensated accordingly, and the median annual salary for nurse anesthetists in 2020 was reportedly $189,190.
3- Physician assistant
A Physician assistant (PA) is a highly trained healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a licensed physician. PAs are qualified to provide a wide range of medical services, which include performing physical examinations and treating illnesses, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, and assisting in surgeries.
The role of a PA is highly demanding. It requires excellent medical knowledge, critical thinking skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team. They often work in primary care settings, but they can also specialize in various areas such as emergency medicine, surgery, dermatology, pediatrics, or psychiatry.
These professionals are essential in expanding access to healthcare and improving patient outcomes and are a source of valuable support to physicians, allowing them to see more patients and address the growing demand for healthcare services.
As a PA, you can work in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, physician offices, and surgical centers. Moreover, you can collaborate closely with physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive patient care.
4- Physical therapist
Physical therapists (PTs) are healthcare professionals who help patients recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and improve their mobility and physical functioning. They assess patients’ conditions, develop personalized treatment plans, and use various techniques such as exercise, manual therapy, and modalities to facilitate rehabilitation. They can work in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and private practice.
Moreover, the earning potential for physical therapists is also rewarding. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for physical therapists was $95,620 in 2021.
5- Occupational therapist
A steady rise has been reported in the number of occupational therapists for the past 10 years, and the demand for occupational therapy-led rehabilitation has seen an 82% increase. Moreover, with an average annual income of $85,570, pursuing occupational therapy can be worthwhile. Becoming an occupational therapist requires a master’s degree. Furthermore, OTs must also pass a national certification examination and obtain a license to practice.
The job of an OT is to assist individuals of all ages who face challenges in participating in daily activities due to physical, cognitive, developmental, or emotional limitations. Occupational therapists work with patients to improve their ability to perform daily tasks and enhance their overall quality of life. Their primary goal is to help individuals regain independence and function in areas such as self-care, work, education, and leisure activities. They assess patients’ abilities, strengths, and limitations and can develop personalized treatment plans to address their needs.
6- Radiologist
Radiologists are medical doctors who specialize in interpreting and diagnosing medical images such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds. They play a crucial role in assisting other healthcare professionals in diagnosing and managing various conditions. Radiologists work closely with referring physicians to provide accurate and timely imaging interpretations.
Becoming a radiologist requires significant education and training. After completing medical school, aspiring radiologists must undergo a residency program in radiology, which typically takes four to five years. Some may also pursue additional fellowship training in specialized areas. Radiologists must obtain a medical license to practice and may seek board certification in radiology.
Radiology is a highly specialized field, and the earning potential for radiologists can be substantial. According to the American College of Radiology, the median annual income for radiologists in 2020 was $401,000.
Conclusion
The healthcare industry offers many high-paying careers beyond the traditional physician and surgeon roles. As the demand for quality healthcare continues to grow, these high-paying jobs in healthcare are worth considering for people seeking a stable and rewarding career path. So pick one and start planning your journey to becoming a healthcare professional now.