Every country, every city, and every small town needs people who do healthcare jobs. If you want a career that will always be in demand, this may be a place to look. There are even healthcare jobs where you don’t have to work directly with sick people.
The possibilities are endless. Which jobs are the best? The best hours, pay, or emotional reward? If you’re looking for a healthcare career path, here is what you need to know.
Quickstart Guide To Landing A Job In Healthcare
- Update your resume. Getting a high paying job in healthcare is competitive. Think about it like this: you’re selling the company on a major investment in you, so you need to do everything you can to get an edge. Investing a little money to have a professional resume writing service polish up your resume can be the edge you need. Check out our guide to the best resume writing services to get started today.
- Search for jobs on ZipRecruiter. If you’re ready to land a job in healthcare, start your job search on ZipRecruiter. ZipRecruiter is one of the top rated job search sites and it’s free for job seekers!
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5 Of The Best Jobs In Healthcare
Often we equate best with most highly paid. But that’s not what everyone looks for in a job–and remember, in healthcare, the most highly paid jobs require years and years of education and training. But, here are five of the best jobs at all different levels.
1. Physicians and Surgeons
Median National Salary:$229,300/year
Education Required: Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO), plus internship and residency.
Number of Jobs: 816,900
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 3% (As fast as average)
Job Duties: Physicians and surgeons take the lead in patient healthcare. With their intensive training, they are the experts in their particular field. They perform surgeries, minor procedures, diagnose, treat, and look out for the general welfare of their patients. Training is intense and, depending on the specialty, may last for a decade after finishing school.
2. Physical Therapist
Median National Salary: $97.720/year
Education Required: Doctoral or professional degree
Number of Jobs: 246,800
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 15% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: A physical therapist is responsible for assessing patients' physical conditions, developing personalized treatment plans, and providing rehabilitation services to help patients regain mobility, manage pain, and improve physical function. They use their expertise in anatomy, physiology, and therapeutic techniques to deliver hands-on care, prescribe exercises, and educate patients to promote recovery and improve their overall well-being.
3. Nursing Assistants and Orderlies
Median National Salary: $35,740/year
Education Required: None, although many jobs may require a high school diploma and a certification issued by the state.
Number of Jobs: 1,406,800
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 4% (As fast as average)
Job Duties: Nursing assistants and orderlies are responsible for providing basic care to patients, such as bathing, feeding, and assisting with daily activities, under the supervision of nursing staff. They use their compassion, patience, and attention to detail to ensure the comfort and well-being of patients, while also maintaining a clean and organized healthcare environment.
Related: How To Become A Nurse
4. Respiratory Therapists
Median National Salary: $70,540/year
Education Required: Associate’s Degree (2 years)
Number of Jobs: 133,100
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 13% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: A respiratory therapist is responsible for assessing and treating patients with breathing disorders, such as asthma, emphysema, or chronic respiratory conditions. They use their expertise in respiratory care, diagnostic techniques, and therapeutic interventions to administer treatments, monitor patients' respiratory functions, and educate patients on managing their breathing conditions, aiming to improve their lung function and overall quality of life.
5. Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
Median National Salary: $78,210/year
Education Required: Associate’s Degree (2 years)
Number of Jobs: 142,800
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 10% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians are responsible for operating imaging equipment to create images or conduct tests that help physicians assess and diagnose medical conditions. They use their expertise in imaging technology, patient care, and anatomy to perform diagnostic procedures, interpret images, and provide accurate and detailed information to assist in patient diagnosis and treatment.
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Benefits Of Working In Healthcare
Healthcare jobs may fluctuate, but overall they aren’t going away until someone invents Star Trek-style machines that automatically fix any problems. There are some complicated things about working in healthcare–people get sick on nights, weekends, and holidays–for instance, but overall, the good can outweigh the bad. If you want to get a job in healthcare, these benefits are sure to inspire you.
You Make A Difference
Whether you perform surgery or clean the floors in a hospital, your job saves lives and helps people live more comfortably. There aren’t many jobs where you can walk out every day, saying “I made a difference,” today.
When It’s Boring, It’s A Relief
Some jobs are repetitive, and you can get bored quickly. There will always be new patients, new problems, and new things to do in healthcare. A boring shift comes only once in a while and is a relief for everyone. Most of the time, you’ll be busy the whole day–which makes time fly and helps you have a fulfilling job.
There Is Lots Of People Interaction
If you like working with people, there are plenty of healthcare jobs that involve regular patient and people contact. It’s an extrovert’s dream job.
There’s Also Behind-The-Scenes Roles
Did you know that some radiologists work from home? They review MRI, CT, and X-rays over computers and advise doctors on site. Public health employees can perform complex analyses without dealing directly with patients. Laboratory scientists don’t have to meet face to face with patients. There are many places in healthcare for introverts.
Related: Doctor Job Description
You Can Work Almost Anywhere And Remotely For Some Roles
Everyone needs healthcare. Sure, if you want to be a trauma surgeon, you’ll need to live in a city with a level one trauma center. But, if you’d like to be a certified nurses aid (CNA), there is undoubtedly a nearby hospital, nursing home, or clinic that needs your experience.
Remote healthcare positions are also becoming more popular. Check out the best work from home nursing jobs to learn more.
There Is Lots Of Variety
If you get bored in your job, there is another branch of healthcare that you can transfer to. You can work as a social worker who helps new parents learn how to care for their babies, or you can take your social work skills and work with a hospice that helps people transition out of this life. You can be a security guard in a busy hospital where you’re called on often to defuse situations and keep people safe. Or you can be a night security guard in a quiet nursing home where you’ll rarely talk with other people. You can work as an OR tech helping with heart transplants or in an outpatient clinic, helping with cataract surgery. There’s always another option.
Best Places To Find Healthcare Jobs
If you have a local hospital or other healthcare facilities, check their websites, as they will often have jobs listed. Check out our article on the best job posting sites to see where employer’s are posting or read below for some other great places to find healthcare jobs. Before you start applying for jobs, make sure you take time to polish your healthcare resume.
ZipRecruiter
ZipRecruiter is one of the easiest and fastest ways to find a job. The site gives you easy access to making a personalized profile to go with your resume. Job hunters gain access to over 100 popular job boards across the industry. And on top of that, it’s completely free to use by job hunters!
For more information, check out our ZipRecruiter review.
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Indeed
Indeed is similar to ZipRecruiter in that it’s also free for job seekers. The company includes positions from among various job boards as well as newspaper ads and local job listings. Employer reviews are included to help you better understand the potential company you want to work for.
For more information, check out our Indeed review.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the #1 best healthcare job?
This depends on what you want to do and what environment you like to work in, and how much training you want to go through. There is no one-size-fits-all answer!
Which health care job pays the most?
Physicians and surgeons spend the most, but there can be a vast variety within that job. A general rule of thumb is that the more training needed, the higher the paycheck.
What two-year medical degrees pay the most?
Sonographers, respiratory technicians, dental hygienists, and other assistant-type jobs top the list. They all require specialized training, but because they focus on one skill or one body part, you can complete the training in two years or less.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a job that will always be in demand, healthcare jobs are a great place to start. To start your career, take a look at ZipRecruiter and see what is available in your area.
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