When most people think of healthcare careers, they typically think of physicians, anesthetists, or surgeons.
However, it can take you more than five years (and a lot of math courses) to become certified in these fields, and some of us don’t have the time or money to invest in these careers.
10 Incredible Healthcare Careers you Should Consider
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare jobs are expected to increase by 16% from 2020 to 2030.
Here are a few high-demand medical careers that earn a decent wage:
1. Medical Assistant: Training Can Take Four to Six Months
A medical assistant does a combination of administrative tasks and clinical work in a hospital, office, or healthcare setting.
You’ll need a high level of detail and formal education to pursue this career. Be sure to locate a reputable medical assistant program to complete your training.
2. Phlebotomist: Training Can Take Four to Eight Months
A phlebotomist is responsible for drawing blood from patients. They may perform this action for tests, research, transfusions, or donations.
While phlebotomists primarily work in hospitals, they may get hired at a blood clinic. You’ll need hand-eye coordination and dexterity for this role.
3. Medical Transcriptionist: Training Can Take Seven to Nine Months
A medical transcriptionist writes reports and medical documents for physicians and other healthcare employees.
They have to listen to recordings and type quickly to create reports. To become a transcriptionist, you should be a good listener and be comfortable with computers.
4. Dental Assistant: Training Can Take Nine to Eleven Months
Dental assistants handle routine tasks within a dentist’s office. They’re responsible for working with patients, scheduling appointments, and keeping office records.
Ensure you have organizational, listening, and interpersonal skills before training for this role.
5. Medical Biller and Coder: Training Can Take One to Three Years
Medical billers and coders help healthcare providers collect payments and assign standard industry codes to organize patient records.
Once the required information is recorded, they’ll send invoices or claims to the payer for reimbursement. They’re often hired as secretaries.
6. Pharmacy Technicians: Training Can Take Two Years
Pharmacy technicians help medical professionals and patients fill prescriptions to get the medicine they need.
They’re often found in hospitals, grocery stores, pharmacies, and drug stores. Pharm techs need impressive customer service, math, and communication skills.
7. Radiologic Technician: Training Can Take Two Years
Radiologic technicians work with diagnostic imaging equipment, like x-rays, to help diagnose patients. Radiologic techs are often hired at doctor’s offices or hospitals.
If you want to pursue radiology, work on your basic math skills, stamina, customer service, and attention to detail.
8. Laboratory Technicians: Training Can Take Two Years
Laboratory technicians collect samples, like tissue or bodily fluid samples, that they’ll analyze for diagnostic purposes.
Lab techs frequently work in laboratories but may operate in doctor’s offices or hospitals. Get comfortable with laboratory technology because you’ll be using it a lot.
9. Registered Nurse: Training Can Take Two to Three Years
Registered nurses help doctors and patients perform several services under the healthcare umbrella.
It’s the highest paying profession on this list, but you don’t need a 4-year degree to get hired. Most hospitals will accept nurses with an associate’s or a 3-year bachelor’s degree.
10. Healthcare Accountant: Training Can Take Four to Five Years
Healthcare accountants are regular accountants that receive extra certification to work in the healthcare sphere. If you’re a bookkeeper, you can transition into this profession quickly.
But if you want to get your CPA, you’ll need to wait five years (but your salary will be worth the wait!).
