When it comes to the healthcare industry, physicians are not the only ones who can earn big bucks. Several non-physician roles provide excellent pay and make up for meaningful work. Whether you are interested in clinical research, medical technology, or healthcare administration, there is a suitable career path for you.
To find the right non-physician healthcare career for you, have a look at some of the most rewarding options mentioned below:
- Health Informatics Manager
As a health informatics manager, you will be responsible for managing and coordinating the use of health information technology within a healthcare organization. Apart from that, your day-to-day duties might include ensuring compliance with data privacy laws and supervising a team of health informatics professionals.
Health informatics managers collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and administrators, to integrate technology into their workflows and improve patient care. The dynamic nature of health informatics management is one of its many attractive features. To stay relevant and grow, you must constantly learn and adapt to the latest innovations in technology.
So, what type of education or experience is required to become a health informatics manager? You should have at least a bachelor’s degree in health informatics. But if you want to outshine the competition, opting for a master of science in healthcare informatics will prove to be very beneficial. Pursuing this advanced degree will give you valuable insights into the needs and workflows of healthcare providers.
According to salary.com, a health informatics manager can expect to earn an average annual salary of $150,227 in the United States. If you are interested in healthcare and technology and love working in a fast-paced setting, health informatics management could be the perfect career for you!
- Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical engineers use their expertise in engineering and biology to design and create medical devices to improve patient care. They play a crucial role in enhancing the safety and effectiveness of existing medical devices.
These professionals collaborate with medical professionals, scientists, and technicians to identify clinical needs and oversee the production and implementation of the final product. Biomedical engineers also conduct research and keep themselves up-to-date with the latest technological advances to ensure that their products are at the forefront of medical innovation.
They have flexibility in terms of work settings. Some work in research and development laboratories, while others offer services in hospitals or medical device manufacturing companies.
A bachelor’s degree is usually sufficient for entry-level employment in the field. However, to advance your career, a master’s or doctoral degree in biomedical engineering is recommended. According to the BLS, the median annual income for biomedical engineers is around $97,410.
- Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists are an essential part of the healthcare industry. They help injured, ill or disabled people improve their ability to carry out everyday tasks. Their responsibilities range from developing custom therapy plans to educating patients on using adaptive equipment.
Most occupational therapy practitioners have a master’s degree in the discipline. The coursework for this degree involves a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training, ensuring that they are well-equipped to handle a broad range of cases they may encounter.
The market for professionals in this field will continue to grow for the foreseeable future. BLS predicts that the employment of occupational therapists is expected to grow by 14% from 2021 to 2031. Statistically speaking, about 10,100 new occupational therapy positions will open up each year during the same time frame.
Several reasons are responsible for the unprecedented demand for occupational therapists. They include the aging population, improvements in medical technology, and a stronger emphasis on preventative care. As for salary, the median annual income for an occupational therapist in the United States is $85,570.
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
As a diagnostic medical sonographer, you will use state-of-the-art technology to produce detailed human body images. These images help doctors diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions. Diagnostic medical sonographers have the option to specialize in various areas of medical imaging. Vascular technologists, for instance, specialize in imaging the cardiovascular system, while gynecologic and obstetric technologists focus on women’s reproductive organs.
To pursue a career in sonography, you will need an associate’s degree in the field. Moreover, you will also require a professional certification and accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. With a median annual salary of $75,380 and a projected job growth of 10% by 2031, it is a career path that offers both financial stability and job security.
Conclusion
When we talk about successful healthcare careers, people usually think about doctors and surgeons. While these roles are highly respected and have lucrative careers, they are not the only way to achieve success in healthcare. Plenty of non-physician jobs in the healthcare industry can be just as financially rewarding and impactful. We have mentioned a few possible options in this article for you to have a look at and make the most out of your healthcare career.