The world’s elderly population is expected to rise to nearly 1.5 billion by 2050. This, along with the positive job outlook of several health care careers, it’s never been a better time to step into the field of medicine. If you are considering a career in health care but aren’t sure which job is right for you, then check out the list below to help steer you in the right direction.
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians assist patients and medical professionals in getting the medicines they need. They often work full time in pharmacies, grocery stores, drug stores, or hospitals. This job is expected to see a 12% increase in hiring by 2026—timing the positive career outlook with the growing rate of elderly adults. In order to be a successful pharmacy technician, job candidates should have excellent customer service skills, be great communicators, have strong organizational and management skills, and a superb attention to detail.
Education: Most states prefer pharmacy technicians who have earned a formal education. However, you can receive your education through programs offered by technical and career schools.
Salary: As of May 2019, the median annual salary for pharmacy technicians is $33,950, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Pharmaceutical Scientist
While pharmacy technicians are trained on evaluating medicines and working with patients and physicians on their medication needs, pharmaceutical scientists work to develop and test new medications. These scientists usually spend their time in laboratories seeing how different compounds interact with diseases and the human body to determine if these compounds can become effective drug candidates. They may then work on testing drug candidates in clinical trials along with other aspects of clinical development. Pharmaceutical scientists may work for traditional pharmaceutical companies or in the biopharmaceutical industry. A handful of emerging biopharmaceutical companies are emerging now including Roivant Sciences. Roivant Sciences is a New York-based biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of late-stage drug candidates. Its mission is to effectively reduce the time and money it takes to develop new medicines in order to help save the health care system money. The organization comprises biotech and health care technology companies.
Education: Those pursuing this career path can expect to be in school for four to six years. Many pharmacy technicians pursue advanced degrees like master’s or doctorates in a specialized field.
Salary: A pharmaceutical scientists can expect to earn $104,000 to $210,000 annually.
Medical Biller
Medical billers work with health care providers and insurance companies to ensure proper payment for services. These professionals should have an understanding of medical terminology, be proficient in using computers, and have strong organizational skills.
Education: The educational requirements for this career path can be obtained online, through technical schools, or through formal education.
Salary: According to BLS, the annual median salary for this job is $36,580.
Home Health Aide
Home health aides act as caregivers for the elderly, people with disabilities, or individuals with chronic health conditions. They help people with their daily routines and activities and assist with chronic care management. Home health aides may work in the patient’s home or in assisted living facilities.
Education: There are no specific educational requirements for home health aides, however individuals employed with certain agencies may be expected to fulfill training and pass an exam.
Salary: The average annual salary for home health aides is $24,060 according to the BLS.
Radiologic Technician
These medical professionals perform diagnostic imaging like x-rays. They usually work in hospitals or doctors’ offices and need good social and technical skills to succeed.
Education: Radiologic technicians typically need an associate’s degree. Some states may require licensure or certification for this work.
Salary: The annual median salary for radiologic technicians is $62,280, according to the BLS.
Nurse
The job growth for nursing is particularly positive, with the field seeing a 15% increase in hiring by 2026. In order to perform their duties, nurses need emotional and physical strength and the ability to provide compassionate care.
Education: Most registered nurses typically complete an associate or bachelor’s degree.
Salary: The annual median salary for registered nurses is $73,300.
Occupational Therapy Assistant
These medical professionals help patients recover after an injury, illness, or from conditions due to aging. Occupational therapy assistants need great social skills and excellent physical strength and stamina to help their patients.
Education: Most occupational therapy assistants have an associate degree. Some states may require you to pass a certification exam in order to practice.
Salary: The average annual salary for this position is $59,200.
Medical Records Technicians
Medical records technicians keep detailed information of patients safe and input medical records data to help physicians make informed decisions regarding a patient’s health.
Education: You will typically need to have an associate degree or complete a certification program in order to become a health information technician.
Salary: These medical professionals earn $40,350 per year on average.
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