Posted by “Doctor” or “Nurse” will always be a good quick answer to the question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” But these days, both professions rely on a large web of supporting roles that require shorter, more interesting, or more lucrative educational investments. Healthcare is growing at a faster rate than most areas of our economy, and its job market has kept pace.
Advances in biomedical technology require people trained to put them into practice. A more efficient healthcare system requires people with solid backgrounds in administration and technology. These eight careers are at the core of tomorrow’s healthcare.
1. Physician’s Assistant
What They Do:
As demands on doctors increase, the Physician’s Assistant is becoming a better way for patients to receive timely care. The PA is trained to offer diagnostic advice, provide some preventative healthcare, and even take a look a clinical testing results. As we continue to see a shortage of trained MDs, the PA is quickly becoming part of frontline medical care.
Where To Start:
Obtaining the education and license that will qualify you as a PA typically takes about two years. Many people start as registered nurses or paramedics before shifting into PA and outpatient care, but entry requirements vary for most programs. The PA track is perfect for someone with basic medical training looking for a step up the ladder.
Potential Annual Income: RM60,000
2. Pharmacist
What They Do:
A Pharmacist is mainly trained to prepare and distribute drugs prescribed by doctors. It sounds fairly simple, but Pharmacy remains an attractive career track because our options for various drugs and treatments are constantly changing. Pharmacists do not just staff desks your grocery store; they are also part of routine hospital care, scientific research, and play key roles in treatment for diseases like cancer.
Where To Start:
You will need to get a Pharmacy degree. This fairly standard degree program will prepare you for necessary state licensing.
Potential Annual Income: RM80,000
3. Physical Therapist
What They Do:
Physical Therapists help people recover physical mobility, find relief from pain, and prevent long-term injury from accidents or disabilities. This very hands-on world of medical care requires people specialized in working with different age groups and conditions. Given the wide-open nature of the profession, many PTs also function as social workers, teachers, or in related roles.
Where To Start:
Physical Therapy careers begin after taking a graduate degree in PT. Many students continue on to take a Doctor in Physical Therapy (DPT), but this is not a requirement for most PT jobs.
Potential Annual Income: RM200,000
4. Occupational Therapist
What They Do:
Occupational Therapists work with people that need help learning or recovering routine skills. Whether as a result of disability or injury, people often need help learning to cope with stress, perform tasks, or find their place in the job market. In helping people live satisfying lives, OTs often find their jobs blended with social work, mental health, and education.
Where To Start:
An OT career begins with a Master’s degree. Many of these degree programs are becoming more flexible than the standard full time option, but they will help students pass the tests that lead to state licensing.
Potential Annual Income: RM180,000
5. Radiologic Technician
What They Do:
Radiologic Technicians operate the complex machines that use radiation to scan and image the human body. These technicians are an important part of diagnosing diseases ranging from respiratory issues to cancer.
Where to Start:
Radiological Technicians are trained in specialized Associate’s and Certificate programs. Many technicians decide to pick up this skill after having some previous training in medical care.
Potential Annual Income: RM80,000
6. Paramedic
What They Do:
Paramedics are first on the scene in emergencies and disasters. They are trained specifically in caring for patients between the site of a crisis and a hospital. A current national shortage of paramedics should make this a high entry on future career lists.
Where To Start:
The Paramedic/EMT track is very attractive to many because it requires only a basic training that leads to state certification. With this basic job experience under your belt, many additional healthcare careers will open up.
Potential Annual Income: RM120,000
7. Clinical Research Administrator
What They Do:
Clinical research looks for new ways to treat different diseases and conditions. It is an important, but very complicated process. Scientists look to Clinical Research Administrators to take care of the nuts and bolts of complying with research regulations and managing research participants.
Where To Start:
This is a very specialized field, but there are now both undergraduate and graduate programs that will train students in clinical research from top to bottom. These skills are becoming very valuable to researchers.
Potential Annual Income: RM70,000
8. Healthcare Administrator
What They Do:
In addition to Healthcare IT administrators, current hospital practice requires people trained in a variety of skills to manage patient care. In addition to marketing, accounting, and human resources, hospitals and institutions also need people that understand issues specific to managing patient care and the needs of medical professionals.
Where To Start:
Healthcare administration has become so vital that undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees are now fairly common in the field.
Potential Annual Income: RM60,000
If you already have a career in healthcare and are looking for your next job, make sure to check out our opportunities across the country. Simply search by job type and location on Jobstore.com.