Did you know that the United States is currently experiencing a shortage of healthcare professionals, specifically doctors and nurses? The Board of Labor predicts that the number of jobs in the healthcare segment is going to grow by 19% by 2024. That means there will be about 2.3 million new jobs across the board.
But that doesn’t mean there will be 2.3 million doctor and nursing positions that needs to be filled. There are many careers that fall under the healthcare professional umbrella.
Median Health Professional’s Wages
Let’s take a look at all the possible professions that lie under this category, their median pay, and what you need to enter the field.
Athletic Trainer – $45,630 – Bachelor’s Degree
These people specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating injuries on might sustain while participating in a sport. It includes muscle and bone injuries, and illnesses.
Audiologist – $75,980 – Doctoral Or Professional Degree
These people diagnose, manage, and treat a person’s hearing, balance, or ear problems.
Chiropractor – $67,520 – Doctoral Or Professional Degree
These people treat patients who have health conditions related to the neuromusculoskeletal system. This includes nerves, bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments. They use spinal manipulation, adjustments, and other techniques to manage back and neck pain.
Dental Assistant – $36,940 – Postsecondary Non-Degree Award
These people perform a variety of tasks that include providing patient care, taking X-rays, recordkeeping, and scheduling appointments.
Dental Hygienist – $72,910 – Associate’s Degree
These people clean teeth, examine patients to find evidence of an oral disease, and provide patients with other preventative care. They also provide education to patients on how to improve or maintain proper oral health.
Dentist – $159,770 – Doctoral Or Professional Degree
These people diagnose and treat patients who have problems with their teeth, gums, and other parts of the mouth. They also can provide recommend ways to care for the teeth and gums, as well as educate how diet choices affect one’s oral health.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, Cardiovascular Technologists, Technicians, Including Vascular Technologists – $64,280 – Associate’s Degree
These people operate special imaging equipment to create internal images of a patient or to conduct a test. These images help doctors assess and diagnose a medical condition. These technologists may also assist during surgery.
Dietitian And Nutritionist – $58,920 – Bachelor’s Degree
These people use food and nutrition to promote good health as well as manage disease. They can give food and diet recommendations to patients to help them live a healthier lifestyle and/or achieve a specific health-related goal.
EMTs And Paramedics – $32,670 – Postsecondary Non-Degree Award
These people provide care for those who are sick or injured in an emergency situation. They transport patients to a medical facility where they can receive further care.
Exercise Physiologist – $47,340 – Bachelor’s Degree
These people develop exercise and fitness programs that will help their patients recover from chronic diseases. Their programs improve body composition, cardiovascular function, and flexibility.
Genetic Counselors – $74,120 – Master’s Degree
These people can determine whether a person or a family is at risk of having children with a genetic disorder or a birth defect. They provide information, as well as support, other healthcare providers or people who are worried about the risk of inherited conditions.
Home Health Aide – $22,600 – No Formal Education Credentials Needed
These people help those who need help with daily living functions. Their patients can include those with disabilities, cognitive impairment, or chronic illnesses.
Licensed Practical And Licensed Vocational Nurse – $44,090 – Postsecondary Non-Degree Award
These people provide basic nursing care and are under supervision of registered nurses and doctors.
Massage Therapist – $39,860 – Postsecondary Non-Degree Award
These people provide treatment to patients by massaging a person’s muscles and soft tissue. They can relieve pain, heal injuries, improve circulation, relieve stress, and evoke relaxation.
Medical Assistant – $31,540 – Postsecondary Non-Degree Award
These people do the administrative and clinical tasks in hospitals, doctors offices, and other healthcare facilities.
Medical Records And Health Information Technician – $38,040 – Postsecondary Non-Degree Award
These people organize and manage health information data. They work to ensure the information maintains quality, accuracy, accessibility, and is securely logged both in paper an electronic systems.
Medical Transcriptionists – $35,720 – Postsecondary Non-Degree Award
These people listen to the recordings of doctors and other healthcare workers and then transcribes them into a written report.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist – $74,350 – Associate’s Degree
These people operate equipment that creates an image of a person’s body. They use radioactive medicine and administers it to the patient before taking the imagery.
Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, Nurse Practitioners – $107,460 – Master’s Degree
These people coordinate care for their patients, and may provide primary or specialty healthcare.
Occupational Health And Safety Specialist – $70,920 – Bachelor’s Degree
These people analyze work environments and procedures to ensure they adhere to safety, health, and environmental safety regulations.
Occupational Health And Safety Technician – $48,820 – High School Diploma Or GED
These people work with the specialist to collect data and perform tests and measure hazards to keep workers, property, the public, and environment safe.
Occupational Therapist – $81,970 – Master’s Degree
These people treat ill, injured, or disabled patients to help them recover and live normal lives.
Opticians – $35,530 – High School Diploma Or GED
These people fit glasses and contact lenses according to the prescription provided by the optometrist.
Orthodontist And Prosthetists – $65,630 – Master’s Degree
These people design and fabricate medical supportive devices for their patients. These include artificial limbs, braces, and other medical or surgical devices.
Pharmacist – $122,230 – Doctoral Or Professional Degree
These people dispense medications accord to a doctor’s prescription. They can also offer advice on how to use the medications safely.
Pharmacy Technician – $30,920 – High School Diploma Or GED
These people work with the pharmacist to dispense prescription medication to customers and/or healthcare professionals.
Phlebotomist – $32,710 – Postsecondary Non-Degree Award
These people draw blood for medical procedures, transfusions, donations, or research.
Physical Therapist – $85,400 – Doctoral Or Professional Degree
These people help sick or injured people improve movement and manage their pain.
Physician Assistant – $101,480 – Doctoral Or Professional Degree
Practice medicine alongside physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare workers. They examine, diagnose, and treat patients.
Physician And Surgeon – >$208,000 A year – Doctoral Or Professional Degree
These people diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses. Surgeons perform medical procedures.
Podiatrist – $124,830 – Doctoral Or Professional Degree
These people provide care related to foot, ankle, and lower leg problems.
Radiation Therapist – $80,160 – Associate’s Degree
These people treat cancer and other diseases a patient may require radiation treatment for.
Radiologic And MRI Technologists – $58,690 – Associate’s Degree
These people perform diagnostic imaging like X-rays on patients. MRI techs operate MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scanners to create diagnostic images.
Recreational Therapists – $46,410 – Bachelor’s Degree
These people plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based treatment programs for those with disabilities, injuries, and illnesses.
Registered Nurse – $68,450 – Bachelor’s Degree
These people provide and coordinate patient care. They also provide education to patients and public about health conditions.
Respiratory Therapist – $58,670 – Associate’s Degree
These people help those who are having difficulty breathing. They treat patients as young as premature babies to elderly patients.
Speech Language Pathologists – $74,680 – Master’s Degree
These people assess, diagnose, treat, and help those who have communication or swallowing disorders.
Surgical Technologists – $45,160 – Postsecondary Non-Degree Award
These people assist in surgical operations.
For a full description of each, check out the Department of Labor’s list, found in the Bureau of Labor Statistics listed below.
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