Top 6 Careers in Healthcare

The Best Jobs in the Medical Field

Aug 30, 2009 Clark Sarullo

Careers in the healthcare industry are in great demand due to the rapidly growing aging population. There is always a need for qualified medical professionals.

The healthcare industry needs assistants, nurses, scientists and other medical professionals to further care for the increasing number of patients. Education in the medical field is a wise choice to ensure that a job will be available upon graduation. The medical field is also an option for a second career if unemployment has struck due to the economy. The medical field is rewarding, and many educational programs are flexible and offer financial aide.

Physician’s Assistant (PA)

Physician’s assistants help doctors take care of their patients. They are responsible for a number of tasks that the physician performs. They must be fast learners with excellent organizational, leadership and people skills. Physician’s assistants are growing in popularity because of the escalating medical industry due to the rapid increase of the aging population. Doctors need help because their patient load is expanding.

• Physician Assistant Salary: $69,000
• Physician Assistant Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, two year physician assistant program

Physical Therapist (PT)

Physical therapists rehabilitate those who have become handicap due to an accident or medical condition. The aging population is putting physical therapists even more in demand. A physical therapist helps patients get back to the physical level they were prior to injury or medical problem.

• Physical Therapist Salary: $60,000
• Physical Therapist Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy, state license.

Occupational Therapist (OT)

Occupational therapists help the mentally and physically handicap learn how to do daily tasks such as bathing and dressing on their own. This has always been a necessary profession needed by the elderly, but with the Baby Boomer generation aging, it has become much more in demand.

• Occupational Therapist Salary: $54,000
• Occupational Therapist Educational Requirements: Master’s degree

Registered Nurse (RN)

Registered nurses care for patients suffering from various illnesses and diseases. They assess, give direct patient care and create medical records for a patient’s symptoms, progress and/or drawbacks. They are present during surgeries, provide medication management and assist with rehabilitation. They create care plans for patients and educate the families on how to provide proper care.

• Registered Nurse Salary: $55,000
• Registered Nurse Educational Requirements: Associates degree, national license

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Licensed practical nurses work under the direction of doctors and registered nurses to care for patients suffering from a variety of medical conditions and handicaps. They take vital signs, gather patient history, collect lab samples and conduct lab tests and assist patients with various needs.

• Licensed Practical Nurse: $42,000
• Licensed Practical Nurse Educational Requirements: one to two years in a nursing program depending on the state.

Medical Scientist

Medical scientists conduct biomedical tests and research. With the increased need for medical technology as healthcare evolves, qualified medical scientists are always in demand.

• Medical Scientist Salary: $61,000
• Medical Scientist Educational Requirements: Ph.D in biological science.

All of these careers in healthcare offer excellent benefits and a chance to help those in need. Medical professionals play such an important role in society making the medical field an excellent career choice.

The copyright of the article Top 6 Careers in Healthcare in Health Field is owned by Clark Sarullo. Permission to republish Top 6 Careers in Healthcare in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Medical Professionals