The healthcare industry offers many career options that are in-demand, pay well, and do not necessarily require the extensive application process that comes with medical school. In fact, according to a 2023 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics on the fastest growing occupations, there are many healthcare certifications that are extremely in-demand, and expected to stay that way for years to come.
In Demand Healthcare Workers
If you’re someone who is passionate about medicine and helping others, here are some excellent in-demand careers to consider.
Nurse Practitioner
While this career requires more schooling, the job of a nurse practitioner is a highly satisfying one. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that between 2022 and 2032, demand for nurse practitioners is expected to increase by 45 percent nationwide.
A nurse practitioner is a healthcare specialist providing primary and specialized care for patients. Nurse practitioners typically specialize in caring for a specific part of the population. For instance, some specializations to choose from are pediatrics, critical care, geriatrics, psychiatric, among many others.
Often partnering with interdisciplinary teams of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, nurse practitioners provide a full range of critical care services.
Responsibilities of nurse practitioners include but are not limited to:
- Order, conduct, and interpret diagnostic tests and their results
- Diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, and other ailments
- Prescribe medications
- Oversee comprehensive patient care
Mainly, nurse practitioners will need at least a master’s degree to enter the field. While specific certifications that are needed will vary depending on state requirements, NPs must generally complete their undergraduate degree in nursing, and continue their education by passing the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEx-RN). After passing the NCLEx, nurse practitioner students will be required to complete a residency program specific to their focus, along with passing any additional exams.
If you’re someone with an interest in healthcare, who doesn’t mind extra schooling and would enjoy residencies, becoming a nurse practitioner could be a great career move. Not only are they in-demand, but NPs enjoy a stable career with great pay. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, NPs in 2023 earned an average of $128,490 with the top 10 percent making $168,030 or more!
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Medical and Health Services Management
If you’re an organized person with an interest in the business side of healthcare services, pursuing a job in the field of medical and health services management may be perfect for your career. Healthcare management roles will also require some schooling, but they can be very rewarding. The Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2023 reported that between 2023 and 2033, demand for medical and health service managers is expected to increase by 28 percent nationwide.
Medical and health service managers coordinate, direct, and manage the medical services in a facility. While many branches of management oversee entire hospitals and staff, others may manage specific, smaller departments. There are many departments that management collaborates with too – this can include doctors and surgeons, nursing staff, billing and coding, insurance agents, and even marketing agencies.
Responsibilities of medical and health service managers include but are not limited to:
- Manage the entire facility/respective department (this includes hiring, scheduling, and staff evaluations)
- Produce and adhere to budgets
- Maintain files, records, and closely monitor finances
- Ordering supplies and inventory
- Closely monitor laws and regulations and quickly adjust processes to maintain compliance
To enter the field of medical and health services management, you will typically be required to have at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as business management, healthcare, or health administration. Following your degree, most positions will first require some administrative or clinical role in the facility before you become eligible for management.
If you are someone who enjoys the business and clerical side of the healthcare industry, then medical and health services management may be the field for you to pursue. Not only can healthcare management anticipate an increased demand in years to come, but they can also enjoy great pay. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and healthcare managers earned an average of $134,440, with the top 10 percent making $216,750 or more.
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Physician Assistant
Becoming a certified physician assistant is another great career decision for the person who does not mind a little more schooling. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that between 2023 and 2033, demand for physician assistants is expected to increase 27 percent nationwide.
A physician assistant works closely with physicians to help with examinations, diagnostics, and patient treatment. Physician assistants tend to work with a team of either physicians or surgeons, and they can work in a variety of settings and specialties. PAs may focus in areas involving primary care and family medicine, surgical procedures, emergency medical care, or psychiatry.
Responsibilities of physician assistants include but are not limited to:
- Examine, test, and assess patients
- Collaborate with physicians and other healthcare personnel
- Note patient progress
- Diagnose and provide treatment
- Prescribe medication
Becoming a physician assistant typically requires a master’s degree, after earning a bachelor’s degree and gaining relevant healthcare experience. It is also required by all states for physician assistants to be licensed. To become licensed, you must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE).
If you have a passion for patient care and don’t mind some extra schooling, becoming a physician assistant may be right for you. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, physician assistants earned an average pay of $112,410, with the top 10 percent making $157,120 or more.
Physical Therapy Assistant
Physical therapy assistants are other hands-on professionals in healthcare, but require less schooling than other jobs we have looked at. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that between 2023 and 2033, demand for physical therapy assistants is expected to increase by 26 percent nationwide.
A physical therapy assistant works closely under a physical therapist at their practice to help patients recover from injuries or certain illnesses. They focus on regaining patient movement and mobility, and also play a role in pain management, as well. From the moment a plan of care is established, to the time of discharge, PTAs play a crucial role in physical therapy.
Responsibilities of physical therapy assistants include but are not limited to:
- Closely observe patients before, during, and upon completion of therapy
- Use specific equipment/massage techniques to provide patient care
- Assist patients with all exercises in the plan of care
- Communicate with physical therapists, patients and their families, and other healthcare professionals
To enter the field, physical therapy assistants will usually need an associate degree, or certification from an accredited program. All states will require physical therapy assistants to be licensed and certified. PTA certification exams are administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. In some states, continuing education courses may be required.
If you have a passion for patient care and would enjoy a job requiring a little physical activity, then a career as a physical therapy assistant may be perfect for you. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, PTAs in 2023 earned an average of $65,860, with the top 10 percent making $88,830 or more.
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Occupational Therapy Assistant
Another great and in-demand career focusing on patient care is occupational therapy assisting. Becoming an occupational therapy assistant is another therapeutic career involving comparatively less schooling. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that between 2023 and 2033, demand for occupational therapy assistants is expected to increase 24 percent nationwide.
Occupational therapy differs from physical therapy in the sense that more of its focus is on improving a patient’s ability to perform tasks of daily living – these can be more refined skills like bathing, fine motor skills, and getting dressed. As an occupational therapy assistant, you will assist the occupational therapist you work under with different aspects of patient care and rehabilitation.
Responsibilities of occupational therapy assistants include but are not limited to:
- Record and maintain records on patient progress
- Guide patients through therapy and treatments
- Assist children with developmental disabilities with activities that nurture fine motor skills and promote socialization
- Communicate with occupational therapists, patients and their families, and other healthcare professionals
As an occupational therapy assistant, you will either need an associate degree or a certificate from an accredited program. Most states require OTAs to be licensed – exact licensing requirements can vary depending on your location. The process of licensure typically involves various fieldwork, and passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
If you’re someone who would enjoy an active job working with various different patients, then occupational therapy assisting may be a great fit for you. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, OTAs in 2023 earned an average of $68,170 with the top 10 percent making $89,230 or more.
Get Connected with a School Today!
There are many great options in the medical field for students. Of course, some require more schooling than others, but many can lead to excellent career opportunities.
Interested in expanding your search? Find different healthcare program options near you today!