One of the fastest growing careers is the Healthcare field. It has been predicted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics that by 2026, 2.4 million new healthcare jobs are expected.
Healthcare professionals are frontline workers who play an essential part in this area. However that would not be able to perform well without any leadership or support by other healthcare professionals.
Other professionals include the medical assistant officers who assist the doctors or public health experts who make plans to cope up with the next epidemic. There are a lot of varieties and different opportunities in the healthcare field.
Healthcare involves different tasks including:
- Prevention (of injury, illness, or disease)
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Psychological assistance
Different types of professionals are available who work with different functions of body such as cardiac, reproduction, digestion hearing or sight issues. However all the people who work together to run the healthcare system are known as healthcare professionals.[i]
Most healthcare jobs offer stable employment opportunities where you can be secure as well as advance to upper levels and have different employer benefits.
Different healthcare degrees and their approximate salaries have been stated below:
1.Diploma in Practical Nursing (DPN)
This is a healthcare program for a nursing job. You can earn this degree in about 12 months and this nursing job has a high demand. You can earn about $47,050 per year with this job. You can earn this degree by on-campus schooling however some online classes may be incorporated.
Nursing career has a high demand and you can also advance to high levels by getting an associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing. Nurses work with the doctors in a healthcare setting to interact with the patients and give care to them.
2.Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
This is also a nursing degree that can be earned by studying for about 20 months. After getting this degree you can become a registered nurse. Typically the salaries of registered nurses are about $75,510 per year. The registered nurses work on the front line and can work in different healthcare settings such as urgent care, geriatric care, pediatric care or any other department. Rising patient population has increased the demand for nurses.
- Physical Therapist Assistant
The physical therapy assistant is also a healthcare professional. This degree can be attained in as few as 2 years. Bureau of Labor Statistics has stated that the Physical Therapist Assistant job demand may increase up to 35% in coming 10 years. The average annual salary of most physical therapy assistant is nearly $57,750. You can acquire this degree by studying in a medical college or by taking some online courses. These professionals help the patients in need of physical therapy such as by helping to improve their physical strength and mobility by performing different exercises and physical training.
4.Occupational Therapy Assistant
OTAs are professionals who offer help to the people of all ages for pediatrics to geriatrics for regaining, developing, or mastering the skills and physical strength to perform everyday activities thus assisting them in living independently and productively. They help people in enjoying satisfactory lives. This program usually requires 2 years. A 36% increase has been predicted by the BLS in this job demand. The average per year salary of the occupational therapy assistants is around $60,410. OTAs can take administrative and managerial positions in the healthcare facilities such as hospitals or private practices with increasing experience.
- Dental Assisting Services
A dental assistant program can be done in 16 to 24 months and their average salary is about $39,770 per year. According to BLS the job demand will increase by 11% till 2030. As a dental assistant you have work under the close supervision of other dentists and play a vital role in patient care. You can become a dental assistant by taking a diploma is dental assistance or attaining as associate degree. With basic training in dental assistance and experience you can move up to a higher paying job such as that of a dental hygienist.
- Medical Assisting Services
A medical assistant program can be done in 10 to 20 months and their average salary is about $34,540 per year. According to BLS the job demand will increase by 18% till 2030. As a medical assistant you have work with the physicians and play a vital role in patient care by performing administrative and clerical duties. This healthcare program can be obtained by taking a course online. A medical assistant diploma can be completed in 10 months while an associate degree requires about 16 to 20 months.
- Radiology Technology
This program usually requires 2 years. A 9% increase has been predicted by the BLS in this job demand. The average per year salary of the radiology technologists is around $61,540. These healthcare professionals works in medical imaging team along with nurses and doctors in performing diagnostic imaging procedures. They can pursue their career nuclear medicine, MRI or CT imaging, and mammography.
- Associate in Surgical Technology
Surgical technology associate program can be done in as few as 20 months and their average salary is about $49,040 per year. According to BLS the job demand will increase by 9% from 2020 to 2030. As a surgical technologist you have work with the operating team and play a vital role in the surgical procedure. As a Surgical technologist (ST) you have to handle equipment, instruments, and other supplies required during a surgery.
- Associate in Healthcare Administration
This program usually requires 16 months to complete it. A 11% increase has been predicted by the BLS in this job demand. The average per year salary of the medical secretary is around $39,090. These healthcare professionals can work as a medical secretary, administrative coordinator, administrative support specialist, or a patient service representative in a medical facility. They are responsible for managing the daily operations such as inventory control, staffing or scheduling of the medical organization. You can also earn this degree online.[ii]
[i] https://www.collegechoice.net/healthcare/
[ii] https://www.herzing.edu/blog/11-healthcare-degrees-you-can-earn-2-years-or-less
