Whether you’re graduating from college or looking for a career change, you might find the fulfillment you’re looking for in the healthcare industry. Workers in the healthcare industry are always in high demand. Bonus: These jobs usually pay well and offer endless opportunities for growth. While a doctor or nurse may seem like obvious paths to take, there is a multitude of other careers to choose from.
Here are a few of the most in-demand jobs in the health industry. By entering these professions now, you can stay ahead of the curve in an ever-changing field.
Nurse Practitioner
Many private practices and medical offices have both physicians and nurse practitioners on staff, as these professionals perform similar functions. To become a nurse practitioner, you would need to earn a registered nurse certification, as well as a master’s degree or doctoral degree. Nurse practitioners often focus on overall well-being, offering education and counseling in addition to traditional medical services.
Physician Assistant
A physician assistant is a healthcare professional who shares many responsibilities with general practitioners. Those working in this role diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, make treatment plants, and assist with surgical procedures. A physician assistant is required to work under the supervision of a physician—so a physician assistant would not have a practice of their own. To enter this field, you would need to earn a bachelor’s degree plus a master’s degree from a reputable physician assistant program. Those in this role are able to prescribe medication and order diagnostic testing as a physician would.
Audiologist
Audiologists focus on ear and hearing health, handling both auditory conditions and balance issues. All audiologists are required to earn a doctor of audiology (AuD) degree, and some go on to specialize in specific areas of audiology. While some audiologists work in hospitals, many run private practices. So, an audiologist in Centennial CO could run a local practice and establish set working hours. This can be highly rewarding, as these types of medical professionals often establish close relationships with patients.
Physical Therapist
Careers in physical therapy are projected to grow 31 percent by 2026, so it’s a great time to enter this industry. To enter this field, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree and a doctorate in physical therapy. Each state also has its own licensing requirements. While employed in this field, you can work with a variety of demographics. Populations like seniors, children, and athletes often require physical therapy, and it can be fulfilling to watch patients progress.
Psychologist
Psychology is another field that is constantly in demand, and these professionals work in a variety of settings. To become a psychologist, you need to earn a bachelor’s degree. Clinical psychologists generally earn their doctorate, but you may choose to earn a master’s degree in a related field like social work. In this career, you could work anywhere from schools in New York to Los Angeles alcohol treatment centers. Those who work in alcohol and drug treatment centers would focus on rehabilitation and mental health services, focusing on all of the mental and emotional needs of their patients.
Home Health Aide
As the elderly population grows, home health aides are in higher demand than ever. Unlike some of the other jobs in this list, you don’t need a higher education degree to enter this field. Most aides need to complete a training program and certification exam. As a home health aide, you work directly in your patients’ homes to assist with everyday tasks. Your responsibilities may include tasks like bathing assistance, medication management, and dressing assistance.
No matter what level of education you are open to, there are a variety of healthcare careers available for you. You can work in a private practice, hospital, or in your patient’s home. But no matter where you’re employed, you’re sure to find opportunities to grow and thrive in these helping professions.