It is no secret and quite evident that the healthcare industry is booming. Medical professionals and healthcare workers play an essential role in this prosperity. Many people dream of lucrative careers in medicine, nursing, dentistry, and other medical specialties. Still, the thought of getting into healthcare might intimidate some people due to the amount of schooling that is required. However, there are many careers available in this industry. So, suppose you cannot get into medical school and do not have a medical degree. In that case, you can still work in the very same industry and make a difference. The job roles range from technical positions to customer service. If you want to pursue your career in healthcare but do not want to be a doctor, then here are ten high-in-demand careers to look into:
1. Dietitians and Nutritionists Â
Dietitians and nutritionists are healthcare professionals who are experts in the area of food and nutrition. They use their knowledge to promote a healthy diet and manage the disease. In the management of obesity and diabetes, dietitians and nutritionists are invaluable resources. They work at hospitals, clinics, long-term care homes, schools, and public health agencies, among other places. In addition, patients are advised on nutrient requirements, meal preparation, and the appropriate use of dietary supplements. They conduct research, develop and evaluate nutrition programs, and educate the public on proper nutrition. Dietitians and nutritionists require a master’s degree in nutrition. They can earn anywhere between $50,000 and $60,000 annually at the start of their careers.
2. Healthcare Informatics Consultants Â
Healthcare informatics is the newest field in the fast-growing healthcare industry. Health informatics consultants are at the forefront of the healthcare industry. They are responsible for implementing, maintaining, and updating many systems that keep healthcare facilities running smoothly. When you pursue masters in healthcare informatics, you become a certified professional who is well-trained and highly skilled. This profession is designed to meet the demands of hospitals, nursing homes, and medical practitioners, and it offers high-paying work possibilities. Healthcare Informatics Consultants can earn as much as $229,000 per year or as little as $20,000. However, the majority of Healthcare Informatics Consultants earn between $41,500 and $151,000 per year.
3. Occupational TherapistsÂ
Day in and day out, occupational therapists help people live their lives to the fullest. They work with patients with impairments or disabilities that limit their ability to move and perform basic tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and preparing meals. They instruct patients on how to perform daily tasks more safely and learn how to use their bodies in a way that builds muscular strength or increases flexibility. In some cases, the occupational therapists might also work with a patient’s family to help their loved one with daily activities. Occupational therapists earn between $80,000 and $120,000 per year on average. One can become an occupational therapist by undertaking a bachelor’s degree in the discipline or simply entering into a master’s program with an approved undergraduate degree.
4. Nurse-Midwives
Nurse-midwives are experts in the care of women, newborns, infants, and families. They provide comprehensive health care to support healthy pregnancies and births. They also care for women experiencing illness or injury, including miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Nurse-midwives care for women throughout their pregnancies, attend deliveries that occur at home or in a birthing center, and deliver babies with the assistance of a physician when necessary. After the birth, nurse-midwives provide postpartum care for mothers and their babies to ensure successful breastfeeding and an overall positive experience. Certified nurse-midwives have an average annual income of between $90,000 and $120,000. The majority of midwives have at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN). At the same time, others pursue a diploma in Midwifery, which allows them to enroll in university and start working as midwives without formal qualifications.
5. Dental HygienistsÂ
Dental hygienists work in dental offices. They educate patients about oral hygiene techniques, examine patients for signs of oral disease such as gingivitis. Dental hygienists provide teeth cleaning services, create custom mouthpieces, instruct patients on proper brushing and flossing techniques, and provide other preventive dental care. They also educate patients on diet, tobacco use, fluoride treatments, and different ways to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Dental hygienists earn between $75,000 and $100,000 per year and start their careers with an associate’s degree in dental hygiene.
6. Radiologic Technologists Â
Radiologic Technologists are the backbone of the imaging department in most facilities, working together with doctors to provide diagnostic images for use in patient diagnosis. These technologists are trained to operate special machinery that produces images transmitted electronically to the radiologist who interprets them and communicates those interpretations to other health care team members. They are responsible for operating medical equipment that uses electromagnetic energy to provide images of the internal structures of a patient. Their work impacts every area of care, from planned surgery, trauma, and cancer treatment to cardiovascular disease, pulmonary medicine, and more. If you’d like, you can choose to become a specialist such as taking Radcomm Education to become highly skilled in mammography. Radiological technologists can expect to make between $60,000 and $80,000 per year. They must have at least an associate’s degree to start their career.
As a radiologic technologist, you may work in various healthcare facilities. That includes hospitals, physicians’ offices, diagnostic imaging centers, and surgical suites, providing support from pre-procedure evaluations to post-procedure documentation.
7. ParamedicsÂ
Paramedics are the unsung heroes of the health care system. They are responsible for transporting patients to medical facilities, providing assistance during medical crises. They also offer prehospital care to ensure that injured or sick individuals receive treatment on time. Paramedics are also tasked with ensuring that patients are safe during transportation by monitoring vital signs, administering intravenous fluids, and transferring patients from one vehicle to another. Many community colleges offer two-year paramedic training programs. Paramedics make an average of $40,000 per year.
8. Clinical Research Administrators Â
The Clinical Research Administrators are a vital part of research teams and help researchers design and implement clinical studies. They have the power to make a massive difference in the world—to help increase life expectancy and develop effective treatments for disease. They work with research nurses, physicians, and other professionals as part of a comprehensive team that is important to the success of clinical trials. They oversee the process of recruiting participants, getting their informed consent, conducting medical evaluations, and treating any injuries they may incur during the trial. The Clinical Research Administrators also maintain the confidentiality of patient information by keeping it separate from researchers’ personal information. Clinical Research Administrators might earn anywhere from $40,000 to $100,000, based on their expertise level. To start their career, individuals can pursue a master’s degree in clinical research administration.
9. ChiropractorsÂ
Chiropractic is an approach to health care that focuses on the relationship between the body’s structure—primarily the spine—and its function. Working as chiropractors are medical doctors specializing in preventing, diagnosing, and treating nervous system disorders. They use a noninvasive method called manipulation to treat the neck, back, and joints. Instead of using medicine or surgery, they tailor their therapy to their medical history and current condition. Graduates of chiropractic schools receive the degree of Doctor of Chiropractic and earn between $25,000 and $75,000 annually.
10. Genetic Counselors
Genetic counselors are members of the health care team who provide direct services to individuals and their families. Genetic counselors reliably analyze the possibility of an individual developing or passing on a disease or problem. They provide information, support, and counseling to help people understand and adjust to the risk of genetic diseases. They also work closely with other health care team members to coordinate a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. To become a qualified genetic counselor, one must complete a master’s program in genetic counseling that is accredited. A genetic counselor’s annual salary ranges from $70,000 to $100,000.
Final ThoughtsÂ
You’ve been considering a job in healthcare but don’t have a medical degree. Having a background in medicine is now not required to become a healthcare professional. There are several viable and interesting options that you can choose from and pursue. Look for what suits you best and start today.
