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A health career may be suitable for you if you are seeking a fast-paced and thrilling profession. Regardless of your personal preferences, healthcare careers provide numerous intriguing job opportunities that come with their own set of duties, obligations, and tasks. Healthcare is, naturally, an expanding sector.
Aside from assisting patients who are currently unwell, healthcare workers additionally strive to avoid illnesses from occurring in the first place. As a result of this, medical professionals play an essential role in our way of being.
Top 27 Highest Paying Jobs in Health Career
1. Surgeon
The surgeon is in charge of the diagnosis to be made before the operation, the operation itself, and the patient’s care and treatment post-surgery. The surgeon is also regarded as the surgical team’s leader, as before they are permitted to operate, they must complete a rigorous set of educational prerequisites.
These medical professionals must complete four years of undergraduate studies and four years of medical school, culminating in a master’s degree. After attaining their bachelor’s degree, they must pass the Medical College Examination Test 1(MCAT) for admission to a medical school.
They must even gain a higher command of courses gained at the undergraduate level throughout medical school. Before beginning their residency, ambitious surgeons must receive their master’s degree and become licensed after graduating from medical school.
2. Physician
A physician is a trained medical expert who studies, evaluates, and cures diseases, injuries, and ailments. They understand clinical ethics, and human anatomy, and are responsible for prescribing medication and other specializations related to that area.
Physicians ensure patient care, diagnose growing health issues, and counsel them to maintain healthy habits. Doctors and medical practitioners are other terms for physicians. A key difference between a surgeon and a physician is that a physician is a medical practitioner who focuses on internal medicine and general medicine, while a surgeon is a professional who is certified and trained to do surgeries.
3. Anesthesiologist
An anesthesiologist2 is a doctor who is a specialist in anesthesia. They are physicians who are experts in preoperative care, anesthetic planning, and sedative administration.
Their medical education involves completing college, medical school for four years, an internship that probably lasts a year, and a three-year anesthesia residency.3
Anesthesiologists work to ensure patient care to keep them from feeling pain and any kind of discomfort. General anesthesia (putting the person being treated to sleep), sedation (intravenous drugs to make the patient tranquil), or regional anesthesia (injections that deliver local analgesia near nerves to numb up the section of the body being operated on, is what they are involved in.)
4. Dentists
A Dentist is considered among medical professionals who specialize in the study of oral health care as well as the detection and management of dental issues. After completing BDS, if a dentist pursues their master’s degree, it gives them a deeper knowledge in their field.
Dentists perform tooth restoration, extractions, and replacements. They provide censorious care to their patients through regular evaluations and cleanings. They also teach patients how to carry forward their oral health nicely in between appointments.
5. Dental Hygienist
A dental hygienist is a trained oral health practitioner who helps patients achieve and maintain good dental health. They help Dentists by doing screenings, taking X-rays and diagnostic tests, offering support during dental visits, assuring patient care, and encouraging total oral well-being. These healthcare providers also instruct individuals on how to brush and floss their teeth correctly.
In addition to this, they check oral health history and identify conditions like gingivitis4 and periodontitis5. Dental hygienists also educate patients of different ages on proper teeth care. However, a dentist earns a higher salary in comparison to a dental hygienist due to their differences in educational qualifications and responsibilities.
6. Physical Therapist
Physical Therapists are healthcare providers who assist wounded or unwell people in regaining movement and managing pain. They are frequently used in the avoidance, recovery, and treatment of people suffering from chronic injuries, ailments, and diseases. As part of the therapy approach, they then employ a combination of exercising, flexing, utilizing medical equipment, and other hands-on activities.
They observe one standing, walking around, and executing duties to perform diagnostic tests based on one’s condition and capacity to function. A physical therapist’s compensation may vary depending on where they choose to practice. The field in which people choose to practice physical therapy is growing faster than the field of other medical professionals.
7. Registered Nurse
Nurses are the ties that hold a patient’s healthcare expedition together. They work tirelessly to improve patient care and advocate for people who are unwell or going through the health and wellness journey. The majority of nurses, being highly competent professionals, have a varied skill set and a diverse range of activities that fluctuate depending on the patient.
Their primary responsibilities include administering medication, recording patient vital signs, maintaining patients’ medical records, and providing emotional support for them.
8. Pharmacy technician
Pharmacy technicians help druggists distribute prescription medication and work closely with them. They are in charge of a variety of tasks at the pharmacy, such as preparing new medical prescriptions and renewal applications for patient care, packaging and labeling prescription drugs, and processing insurance claims.
From 2021 to 2031, pharmacy technician employment is expected to grow at a pace comparable to the national average for other health careers.
9. Occupational Therapist
If a health condition, accident, injury, or illness has made it difficult for you to participate in routine tasks, seeing an occupational therapist may help you recover and preserve your daily abilities.
They are healthcare specialists who work with people of different ages who deal with a variety of health problems. A master’s degree in their field is a prerequisite for occupational therapists. Some occupational therapists may also hold a Ph.D.
10. Licensed Practical Nurses
Basic medical treatment and care is provided by licensed practical nurses. They are directed by doctors and registered nurses. The requirement for a registered nurse to oversee a licensed nurse varies by state. Some licensed practical nurses are only permitted to do particular tasks when supervised by a physician or a registered nurse.
Some licensed practical nurses can initiate IV fluid drips and administer IV medicines while others cannot. They are in charge of numerous tasks such as monitoring patients’ health, checking vital signs, offering basic medical care, and providing patient care.
11. Physical Therapy Assistant
A Physical Therapist Assistant works with physical therapists to provide practical treatment and exercises to patients to help them improve their mobility and cognitive capacities.
Their responsibilities include providing care and interventions, training patients on exercises, recognizing patient requirements, documenting progress, being familiar with medical equipment, and remaining current on research.
12. Health Administrator
Healthcare administrators manage the administrative operations of hospitals and other healthcare facilities regularly. Their duties include planning and directing all medical services, administrative and clinical tasks, as well as monitoring budgets and maintaining health data.
While physicians actively handle patients, healthcare administrators administer the facilities and often hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in healthcare management.
13. Medical Assistant
Medical assistants are healthcare professionals who help physicians with patient care by ensuring the effective functioning of medical facilities. To become a medical assistant, you must complete high school or obtain your GED, and it is a rewarding occupation for those who wish to serve others without spending years in medical school.
Their main duties include gathering information and preparing both the doctor and the patient for the medical appointment, filing and maintaining medical records, billing as well as bookkeeping, and attending basic office mail.
14. Emergency Medical Technician
An emergency medical technician offers emergency medical care and transportation for injured or ill people who need immediate medical attention by providing patient care. They have extensive experience with medical equipment.
Unlike many other medical professions, emergency medical technicians are not required to attend medical school and it is relatively easier going in terms of education. If one has completed high school, one can enroll in an EMT program and obtain the relevant certification.
15. Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-language pathologists work with children and adults to prevent, evaluate, and treat language, social communication, cognition, speech, and swallowing issues.
These healthcare professionals have different levels of responsibilities and tasks in terms of research, teaching, and healthcare settings—their educational background, expertise, work environment, and place of residence.
16. Dietician/Nutritionist
Dieticians play a vital role in healthcare teams. In today’s day and age with everyone being extremely health conscious, dietitians help people improve their health by giving expert nutrition and dietary guidance. A dietician can assist you in managing health issues such as diabetes and different eating disorders.
To work as a dietician or a nutritionist one must compulsively have a bachelor’s degree. Following that, they can pursue a diploma by specializing in a particular field or go on to complete their master’s degree.
17. Psychiatrist
With high levels of stress that people of all ages face in today’s times, physical illnesses can induce psychiatric disorders, as a result, many individuals with mental illnesses are at a higher risk of physical illness.
Psychiatrists, as mental health professionals, are competent in recognizing mental and physical symptoms to evaluate and assess hazards as well as create treatment strategies, which may include the prescribing of medication for patient care.
They treat a number of other mental health diseases such as Alzheimer’s6, autism7, bipolar disorder8, depression, and schizophrenia9.
18. Ultrasound technician
Ultrasound technicians collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals like doctors and radiologists. These technicians also assist in the preparation of patients for procedures, the maintenance of ultrasound equipment, the recording of patient history for the smooth functioning of patient care, and delivering results to the medical team. They must hold an associate degree along with a bachelor’s degree to be qualified as ultrasound technologists.
19. Veterinarian
Veterinarian doctors provide healthcare to animals and diagnose their health-related problems. They treat and dress injuries, perform animal surgeries, prescribe medication, and offer advice to pet owners on how to take good care of them.
To become a certified veterinarian doctor, one must pursue a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) and then go on to pursue an MD in Veterinary Science.
20. Therapist
Therapists deal with mental health awareness by talking to people as a form of therapy. People come to them when they are unable to manage stress and they help patients by helping them cope with various therapies.
A psychiatrist very often prescribes medication, while a therapist tries to talk- therapy for their patients to feel better.
21. Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Clinical laboratory technicians perform tests in a medical laboratory on fluids and DNA. They collect the data, find results, and then get it evaluated by a physician or a doctor. After their BSC, they can pursue an associate degree in a specialized field of their interest.
22. Psychiatric Aide
A psychiatric aide is a mental health professional who works under different healthcare professionals like psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychotherapists to provide patient care.
Their duties may vary based on where they decide to practice. Their responsibilities include monitoring patients’ vital signs, providing emotional care and support, and helping around in regular activities for the convenience of the patient.
23. Ophthalmologist
Ophthalmologists are experts in the field of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and detection of eye problems and diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma10, and refractive errors.
Their education includes completing their MBBS degree, followed by a postgraduate degree in their field of expertise by either going in for a master’s degree or a Doctor of Medicine.
24. Orthotist/Prosthetist
Orthotists/prosthetists are healthcare providers who fit feigned arms or legs for patients with disorders or dysfunctionalities. They must compulsively have a master’s degree and must complete a residency before they can practice.
25. Audiologist
Audiologists are healthcare experts who specialize in ear-related problems and balance disabilities. They are responsible for helping their patients using certain medical devices like hearing aids, listening devices, cochlear implants, and products in sound amplification.
They teach patients how to use a few of these devices, which amplify sounds and make it convenient for people with hearing issues.
26. Chief Nursing Officer
Chief nursing officers are proficient nursing officers who fulfill regulatory duties, delegate nursing staff duties, manage finance and accounts, work towards the enforcement of policies, and look into general patient care.
They require a master’s degree in nursing and healthcare administration to qualify as a medical professional.
27. Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists are medical workers who work in the study of epidemics. They work towards the control of epidemic diseases and the stopping of their transference.
Epidemiologists conduct deep studies and research on how a certain disease started in the first place and how to prevent further outbreaks. They focus on inhabitants rather than individuals as epidemics affect people as a whole, they have to compulsively complete a master’s degree in public health to qualify as epidemiologists.
Conclusion
Working in the healthcare industry provides a sense of accomplishment, higher-than-average earning potential, a positive job perspective, an engaging work environment, a diverse range of career prospects, the chance to travel, and employment at all levels of education, if one is interested in the medical field.
The healthcare industry has also been flourishing ever since the Covid-19 pandemic, which caused a major scare amongst people in general. Ever since the pandemic struck the world, people have become more health conscious and work towards remaining fit.
For this, people make more appointments with their doctors or physicians. It is also utterly fulfilling as healthcare professionals make a real difference in the lives of people by saving lives and treating illnesses.
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- Tylee, Michael J., et al. “Anesthesiologist to patient communication: a systematic review.” JAMA network open 3.11 (2020): e2023503-e2023503. ↩︎
- Giraldo, María Paula, et al. “Anesthesia training: Are we doing enough in three years? Cross-sectional study.” Colombian Journal of Anestesiology 52.1 (2024). ↩︎
- Page, Roy C. “Gingivitis.” Journal of Clinical Periodontology 13.5 (1986): 345-355. ↩︎
- Flemmig, Thomas F. “Periodontitis.” Annals of periodontology 4.1 (1999): 32-37. ↩︎
- Scheltens, Philip, et al. “Alzheimer’s disease.” The Lancet 397.10284 (2021): 1577-1590. ↩︎
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- McCutcheon, Robert A., Tiago Reis Marques, and Oliver D. Howes. “Schizophrenia—an overview.” JAMA psychiatry 77.2 (2020): 201-210. ↩︎
- Schuster, Alexander K., et al. “The diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.” Deutsches Ärzteblatt International 117.13 (2020): 225. ↩︎
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