Five high-paying careers in healthcare to consider

By Kevin Jack

More Family/Primary Care Articles

Five high-paying careers in healthcare to consider

Despite what many believe, a career is not only confined to a paycheck. Chances are you will be working 40 hours a week for decades. So, choosing a professional and personally rewarding pathway is only fair.

The healthcare industry offers many options that advance your career and help you grow. Though a handsome salary and engaging work are appealing aspects of the healthcare field, there are a few other reasons why you must consider becoming a healthcare professional.

Unlike other professions, the healthcare industry allows you to make a difference in people’s lives every day. Whether you work as an acupuncturist or healthcare administrator, in the end, your job is to ensure that those around you lead a healthy life. 

One of the perks of pursuing a career in healthcare is that there are no limitations to where you work. Per the report published in Cross river therapy, healthcare is the fastest-growing industry, with employment for healthcare occupations growing by 16% until 2030.

These statistics highlight the growing demand for healthcare professionals, so you won’t have a problem finding a job or worrying about job security.

What sets the healthcare industry apart from the rest is that no two days are the same. Moreover, a day won’t pass when you haven’t learned something new. Even if you’re not working as a doctor or nurse, you can still get into the marketing or administration department in healthcare.

If you’re not interested in being a doctor but want to work in the administration department, you can study for an MBA in administration. If you succeed, you’ll still have many opportunities since an MBA is a versatile degree that can be used in nearly every industry.

1.   Anesthesiologist

In medicine, anesthesiologists are among a few exceptionally compensated healthcare professionals. The information is backed by statistics published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which state that the average salary of anesthesiologists is $261,370, which is five times the yearly average salary for all occupations

Another reason why anesthesiologists make so much money is due to the years of costly education, residency, training, and fellowship. Though a surgeon is the heart of any surgical procedure, the anesthesiologist ensures that the procedure swiftly sails by.

Contrary to the common misconception, an anesthesiologist’s job is not restricted to putting patients to sleep. They oversee a bunch of other tasks. These include supervising CRNAs, and anesthesia assistants, reviewing patients’ medical files, and approving all types of anesthetics.

2.   Pediatrician

Like every healthcare professional, pediatricians collaborate with fellow healthcare workers to ensure quality patient care. Pediatricians make a difference in their patient’s life by shaping public policies and participating in outreach initiatives.

Furthermore, as a pediatrician, you can provide quality services to children by connecting them and their families to various organizations.

As a pediatrician, you are committed to lifelong learning, which means learning about the latest technological advancements and staying updated about child development and health discoveries.

In terms of career advancements, pediatricians have several options. From opening their private practices to becoming medical advisors – pediatricians can enjoy a healthy work-life balance.

3.   Chief Nursing Officer

One of the highest-ranking positions for a nurse is a chief nursing officer. In addition to working in a high-ranking position, a chief nursing officer is also valuable to an organization. How? For starters, they ensure the latest medical technologies are in working order to provide quality patient care outcomes.     

A chief nursing officer’s significance in the healthcare industry depends on the number of responsibilities they undertake. Critical aspects of their job include mentoring nursing workers and making important decisions regarding clinical standards, policies, and procedures.

The most challenging aspect of being a chief nursing officer is that circumstances often require you to have tough conversations with the patient’s family. It happens so when the patient’s safety and health are at risk. Stepping up to the role requires having solid leadership, management, and communication skills.      

If you are a nursing professional who wants to manage the administrative department within the hospital, the role of a chief nursing officer might be a rewarding pathway for you.

4.   Pharmacist

Physicians and nurses are considered the primary caretakers, but pharmacists are critical in ensuring patients recover quickly. As a competent healthcare provider, a pharmacist improves medication adherence, ensures the medication prescribed is per the patient’s condition and oversees the medicine supply chain.       

Being a pharmacist is a financially rewarding career. One of the primary reasons is pharmacists constantly remain in demand, irrespective of the circumstances. From economic downturns to natural disasters and war, medications are always needed.

Another reason there is an ongoing demand for pharmacists is the increase in the elderly population. As per U.S. Census Bureau, one in five individuals will be categorized as elderly by 2050.

Since older adults, compared to young individuals, have a complicated drug regimen, pharmacists play a crucial role in assisting the elderly in managing their medication requirements and minimizing financial burdens.   

As a pharmacist, your work in nursing homes and hospitals. Besides that, you also work in many professional settings, for instance, in a retail chain community pharmacy, or you could also open your pharmacy, given you are a licensed pharmacist.  

5.   Podiatrist

If you want to continue working as a healthcare professional without spending hours in the hospital, consider becoming a podiatrist. Unlike other healthcare providers, a podiatrist has a flexible schedule and rarely performs extra shifts.

The particular work schedule allows podiatrists to spend time with family and pursue hobbies. What sets a podiatrist apart is their work’s impact on people’s lives.

By relieving pain and performing procedures, a podiatrist increases patients’ mobility, improves their quality of life, and helps them overcome foot-related challenges.

Conclusion

Choosing a career path can be overwhelming whether you are still in college or have just graduated from university. However, if you aspire to help those around you lead a prolonged healthy life, the healthcare industry is the perfect fit for you.

From a plethora of specializations to various in-demand jobs, pursuing a career in the healthcare field is highly rewarding. Besides competitive salaries, one of the compelling reasons to enter the healthcare field is that every day you will have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.