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4th Sep 2020
A healthcare career is one of the most rewarding career options. Healthcare professionals use their skills to help patients and improve their quality of life. They typically earn substantial salaries and have many career opportunities, since healthcare employs more Americans than any other career field.
Most people are familiar with the services doctors, nurses, and dentists provide, but many less common healthcare occupations are equally rewarding. Whether you want to earn an advanced degree or complete your studies in less than two years, there are excellent career options in health and medicine for you to consider.
Audiologists are licensed medical doctors qualified to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients with hearing loss or balance problems. Pediatric specialists focus on working with children who have suffered short-term or permanent hearing loss. They have the skills needed to interact effectively with children, explain their diagnosis, and treat their condition. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports audiologists earned median annual salaries of $77,60 in 2019.
Phlebotomists must complete a few months of postsecondary training to learn to draw blood and follow the correct procedures to ensure blood is drawn in a safe, clean environment. They also label vials and update medical records. Their 2019 median annual salary was $35,510, per the BLS.
Neurologists are medical doctors who specialize in diseases and injuries affecting the brain. A neurologist is a qualified dementia doctor capable of diagnosing patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. These medical experts may determine the appropriate treatment or research new treatments for diseases that affect the brain. Salary.com reported the 2020 median annual salary for neurologists was $258,200.
Home healthcare aides can enter their field with a high school diploma and training in hygiene, safety techniques, and accommodating special dietary requirements. They provide in-home care for patients who are elderly or disabled. Their duties may involve cooking, cleaning, bathing patients, and taking patients to medical appointments. Salary.com reported home health aides earned median annual incomes of $25,540 as of 2020.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health disorders. Psychiatrists may work from an office or a psychiatric residential treatment facility for teens. They specialize in evaluating patients, providing counseling, and are qualified to prescribe medication. Those who work at treatment centers, such as Polaris Teen Center, focus on using group and individual strategies to help teenagers coping with emotional issues or mental health disorders. Their 2020 median annual salary was $229,400 per Salary.com.
Occupational therapy assistants must have an associate’s degree in their field, which they can earn in two postsecondary study years. They work under the supervision of an occupational therapist and use exercises to treat patients who cannot perform routine tasks due to a disability or medical issue, such as a stroke. The BLS reported their median income was $61,510 in 2019 and anticipated these professionals would enjoy a job growth rate of 35% from 2018 to 2028.
Radiation therapists use medical equipment that provides radiation to patients. They primarily treat patients with cancer. Their responsibilities include preparing patients for treatment and maintaining the equipment they use. Radiation therapists are required to have an associate’s degree. The BLS reported their median annual income was $85,560 in 2019.
Diagnostic medical sonographers perform ultrasounds, also known as sonograms. They capture images of organs, tissue, joints, and muscles. Medical doctors can use the images to diagnose patients with a range of medical issues, including cancer. Diagnostic medical sonographers prepare for their career by earning a postsecondary certificate or associate’s degree. Their median annual income was $74,320 in 2019, per the BLS.
Respiratory therapists must have an associate’s degree. These medical professionals use their skills to help people with breathing issues. They are qualified to perform medical tests and teach patients how to use inhalers and ventilators. The BLS reported respiratory therapists took home median annual incomes of $61,330 in 2019, and that these professionals could expect to see job opportunities increase by 19% from 2018 to 2028.
Veterinary technologists and technicians help veterinarians provide medical care for animals. They may be responsible for bathing pets, taking x-rays, or testing blood samples. Technicians must have an associate’s degree, and technologists are required to have a bachelor’s degree in their field. The BLS reported the 2019 median salary for veterinary technologists and technicians was $35,320.
