When people are asked about the most popular healthcare jobs, they invariably think of doctors, surgeons, and nurses. The fact is that as one of the fastest growing industries in the world, healthcare professionals come in a variety of forms, and tackle a huge range of healthcare tasks. Many people are drawn to the healthcare sector as a career option but are intimidated by the notion of decades of education or concern about employment prospects. This misunderstanding of the diversity of healthcare roles means that you may not have considered some rewarding and exciting career options. Here are some of the healthcare careers that you might not have thought about.
Cardiac Perfusionist
These are the people that will be assisting surgeons during open heart surgery. It’s a relatively simple role, but one that does require a high level of education. The pay might be worth it though, with the average cardiac perfusionist earning between $70,000 and $90,000 per year. Your first step will be to get a relevant degree, but you will also need to complete an accredited training program as well. It’s important to note that with a growing elderly population, there is an increase in cardiovascular problems, and that means that becoming a cardiac perfusionist is a career option with long term prospects.
Dance/Music Therapist
Although these might not be as high paying roles as other healthcare positions, they can be immensely rewarding. If you have experience of dance or music already then you might find that these options are worth considering for a career with high levels of anticipated growth. Like many healthcare roles you will need a degree, but becoming a dance therapist could be the ideal career option for those that love to dance and who also love to help people. For music aficionados, there’s no disputing the benefits of music in healthcare, and you could be helping with a wide range of treatments. Everything from cognitive skills to depression and mobility issues can all be tackled through music and dance, and this could be ideal for those looking for something a little different.
Family Nurse Practitioner
These are the registered nurses that are able to work with a high level of independence. Largely, this will be due to their experience and education. FNPs perform a wide range of duties, but your education will be a factor to consider. The good news is that there are online courses available that can help you study to become an FNP without interrupting your existing commitments. Look at Walsh University's nurse practitioner programs in Ohio and you could be embarking on your route to becoming an FNP sooner than you thought. This is a good option to consider in terms of your future, as FNPs remain in high demand across the country and around the world. You could end up working in any number of hospitals, clinics, or private care facilities, anywhere on the planet.
Phlebotomist
These are the people who draw blood from a patient, and this is generally regarded more as a skill rather than a career option. Partly, this is due to the low rates of pay. Most Phlebotomists are paid by the hour, and shouldn’t expect more than $7-$9 per hour. The reason that this is on the list of career options to consider is that it is the perfect stepping stone to a more advanced position. Having experience in a medical environment will go a long way to opening doors for you, and you could make the transition to nurse or medical assistant very easily with a little real-world skill learning in a professional setting.
Dosimetrist
This is certainly not a career for everyone, and you will need some extensive education to get into one of these roles. Dosimetrists are the healthcare professionals who work closely with a radiation oncology team. This is used to treat patients with cancer, and most positions for the role will be located in cancer treatment centers. The education required reflects the challenging nature of the role, but the financial rewards could make it one that you will have an interest in exploring further. Dosimetrists can earn anywhere between $81,000 and $112,000 per year, so if it’s financial rewards you’re looking for, this could be the option for you.
Paramedic
Becoming a paramedic will require a very specific set of personal skills. Paramedics are usually the first professionals to arrive in an emergency situation and need to be able to keep a clear head even in the most chaotic environment. There is an ongoing shortage of qualified paramedics, so this is a role that is consistently in high demand. Becoming a paramedic is actually a simpler process than many other healthcare positions, in that your formal education is largely irrelevant. Instead, trainee paramedics will be expected to undergo basic training. The requirements for this will be dependant on your state, but it’s worth remembering that with a paramedic qualification you actually open more doors to other healthcare positions too.
Healthcare Administrator
Not every healthcare job is going to mean treating patients and dealing with blood. Hospitals and clinics need many of the same employees as businesses do, and that makes it very accessible for people who have been educated in other fields but still remain drawn to healthcare. Becoming an administrator for a hospital or clinic will require either experience or a high level of education. Don’t forget that most healthcare environments are businesses and will also require marketing experience, accountants, and HR professionals. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that every healthcare career is all about blood.
This is just a small sample to highlight the diverse range of potential career options open to anybody with dreams of working in the healthcare sector. As an industry that has proven itself to be recession-proof, it could be the key to a more financially secure and morally rewarding career. No matter your level of education, there are options available to you. Look at your existing skills and think about where you want to be in order to get more job satisfaction. A healthcare career could be closer than you think.
