[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Is healthcare a good career path? Depending on the role you pursue, healthcare can offer strong job satisfaction, high salaries, and tremendous potential for professional growth.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide to medical field jobs outlines different roles and describes the necessary education.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn more about the best-paying jobs in healthcare and other valuable information to help you find your dream job.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Healthcare Career and Jobs Outlook[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With so many healthcare careers to choose from, you can find an exciting medical field job for any level of education, desired salary range, or professional interest.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many healthcare jobs are growing much faster than the national average, and employer demand is high. Some of the best jobs for the next decade are in healthcare — for good reason.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Benefits of a Career in Medicine[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical careers offer multiple benefits, including:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-icon icon=”plus-circle” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Some of the fastest-growing jobs in the United States, especially in nursing, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-6/” target=”_blank”]according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] (BLS)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-icon icon=”plus-circle” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]High salaries, even for positions that require only two years of college, so you can start earning quickly[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-icon icon=”plus-circle” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Many positions that are suited to career changers and even have education tracks specifically for changers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-icon icon=”plus-circle” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Being in demand in nearly every part of the country[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-icon icon=”plus-circle” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Loan forgiveness programs and scholarships for educational debt[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-icon icon=”plus-circle” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]A variety of fields to explore[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-icon icon=”plus-circle” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]The satisfaction of helping others, whether hands-on as a direct provider or behind the scenes[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many professionals enter healthcare, [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/best-nursing-careers-specialties/”]especially nursing[/hen-ui-link], with no degree or a two-year degree. They then participate in further education throughout their careers, thanks to career and education paths that take advantage of their earlier education and experience.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Drawbacks of a Career in Medicine[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]However, healthcare careers have their drawbacks. For many, these include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-icon icon=”minus-circle” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Most medical field majors are difficult, can be cost-prohibitive, and bring heavy loan debt[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-icon icon=”minus-circle” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]A high level of stress that can lead to burnout[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-icon icon=”minus-circle” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Frustration with paperwork and insurance requirements[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-icon icon=”minus-circle” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Long shifts and unpredictable hours, including being on-call for emergencies[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-icon icon=”minus-circle” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Front-line positions, especially for many medical jobs without a degree, that can be physically demanding or even dangerous[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-icon icon=”minus-circle” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Staffing instability, high patient-to-staff ratios, and compassion fatigue can lead to burnout[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-icon icon=”minus-circle” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]A high rate of change that calls for constant learning and relearning[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/healthcare-administration-degree/”]Administration[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-medical-billing-and-coding/”]Billing and Insurance[/hen-ui-link] DentistryFitness Training [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/diagnostic-medical-sonographer/”]Imaging Technology[/hen-ui-link] Laboratory TechnologyMedical AssistingMedicine and Surgery [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/best-nursing-careers-specialties/”]Nursing[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-nutritional-sciences/”]Nutrition[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/pharmacy-degree/”]Pharmacy[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/physical-therapist/”]Physical Therapy[/hen-ui-link] Public Health [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/radiation-therapist/”]Radiation Therapy[/hen-ui-link] Sports MedicineVeterinary [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm/” target=”_blank”]Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners[/hen-ui-link] [/hen-ui-grid] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Highest Paying Healthcare Jobs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The best-paying jobs in healthcare require a doctorate or other professional degree, though the time it takes to earn one varies.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Physicians often spend 11-15 years in school and then in training, while nurse practitioners may have only 5 or 6 years of schooling.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other professionals, such as veterinarians and [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/anesthesiologist-overview/”]nurse anesthetists[/hen-ui-link], must also have a doctorate, but these doctorates take 3 to 4 years and do not require a master’s.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These are the 2021 median salaries from the BLS for some of the best-paying jobs in healthcare.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Physicians: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm/” target=”_blank”]$239,200[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Dentists: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dentists.htm/” target=”_blank”]$170,910[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse Anesthetists: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm/” target=”_blank”]$129,480[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Podiatrists: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/podiatrists.htm/” target=”_blank”]$141,650[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pharmacists: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacists.htm/” target=”_blank”]$136,030[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Optometrists: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/optometrists.htm/” target=”_blank”]$131,860[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Physician Assistants: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physician-assistants.htm/” target=”_blank”]$129,480[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse Practitioners: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm/” target=”_blank”]$120,680[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Veterinarians: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinarians.htm/” target=”_blank”]$119,100[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Healthcare Education & Training Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Is healthcare a good career path for those who do not want to spend much time in school? There are several healthcare careers that require just a high school diploma or GED certificate, though these roles do require considerable on-the-job learning.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other medical field jobs require a graduate degree or doctorate for even entry-level positions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]High School Diploma or GED Certificate[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Potential Careers:[/hen-ui-text] Home health and personal care aide, veterinary assistant, pharmacy technician, opticians[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Postsecondary Non-Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Popular Programs: [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/certificates/online-medical-assistant-certificates/”]Medical assistant certificate[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-dental-assisting/”]dental assistant certificate[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/certificates/online-medical-coding-certificates/”]medical coding certificate[/hen-ui-link], health nutrition certificate, medical office administration certificate, practical nursing diploma[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Length:[/hen-ui-text] 6-12 months[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Potential Careers:[/hen-ui-text] Medical assistant, dental assistant, medical biller and coder, community health worker, medical records technician, licensed practical nurse[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Associate Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Popular Programs: [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-medical-assisting/”]Associate in medical assisting[/hen-ui-link], associate in health information technology, [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-medical-billing-and-coding/”]associate in medical billing and coding[/hen-ui-link], associate in dental hygiene, associate in nursing[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Degree Length:[/hen-ui-text] 2 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Potential Careers:[/hen-ui-text] Medical assistant, health information technician, medical biller and coder, dental hygienist, registered nurse[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Bachelor’s Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Popular Programs: [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-nursing/”]Bachelor’s in nursing[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-rn-bsn/”]RN-to-BSN[/hen-ui-link], bachelor’s in health informatics, [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-healthcare-administration/”]bachelor’s in healthcare administration[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-nutritional-sciences/”]bachelor’s in nutrition[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Degree Length:[/hen-ui-text] 4 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Potential Careers:[/hen-ui-text] Registered nurse, clinical informatics specialist, healthcare administrator, healthcare manager, dietician or nutritionist[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Master’s Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Popular Programs: [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-nurse-practitioner/”]Master’s in nursing[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-rn-bsn/”]RN-to-MSN[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/affordable/online-masters-healthcare-administration/”]master’s in healthcare administration[/hen-ui-link], master’s in nutrition, [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-public-health/”]master’s in public health[/hen-ui-link], master’s in sports medicine[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Degree Length:[/hen-ui-text] 2 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Potential Careers:[/hen-ui-text] Nurse practitioner, nutritionist, healthcare administrator, epidemiologist, health educator, sports[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Doctorate or Professional Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Popular Programs: [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/doctorate/”]Doctor of nursing practice[/hen-ui-link], Ph.D. in healthcare administration, doctor of public health, doctor of pharmacy, doctor of dental medicine, doctor of veterinary medicine, doctor of chiropractic[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Degree Length:[/hen-ui-text] 4-6 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Potential Careers:[/hen-ui-text] Nurse practitioner, medical and health services manager, health policy analyst, health researcher, pharmacist, dentist, veterinarian, chiropractor[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Skills and Interests Medical Professionals Need[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Every medical career requires attention to detail and a strong ethical code. In nearly every healthcare career, somebody’s life or health depends on you doing your job well.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most jobs also require you to be able to learn and adapt rapidly, because medicine as a field can change quickly. What was a best practice and your professional habit one week may be replaced the next week by a new approach.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you have one of many patient-facing careers in medicine, you will also need a combination of empathy and the ability to detach yourself from a patient or family member’s physical and emotional pain.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Healthcare Job Work-Life Balance[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Work-life balance and stress can be a downside to many careers in medicine. Many nurses working in [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-3/” target=”_blank”]hospitals and care facilities[/hen-ui-link] have long shifts, including weekends, holidays, and night schedules.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Scheduling demands can make it challenging to plan vacations, events, and appointments. Especially for smaller independent practices, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinarians.htm#tab-3/” target=”_blank”]veterinarians[/hen-ui-link] are on call for emergencies, and agricultural or large-animal veterinarians need to travel to the patient in any type of weather, in out-of-the-way areas.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other healthcare careers, such as [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/healthcare-administration-degree/”]healthcare administration[/hen-ui-link], offer more predictable hours. Healthcare educators who teach full-time have predictable schedules, though they may teach weekend or evening classes.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-3/” target=”_blank”]School nurses[/hen-ui-link] or on-site nurses in corporate locations often work regular office hours. Doctors and nurses who work for insurance companies or other corporations also can work office hours and regular schedules.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Healthcare Work Environments[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most medical professionals work in dedicated healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, physician offices, or clinics, but they may also work in other settings, such as military bases, prisons, cruise ships, or on large corporate campuses.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In some cases, healthcare jobs may require work in difficult or dangerous conditions including emergency relief or serving combat troops. Even medical offices vary in atmosphere, from urban high-end dermatology, cosmetic surgery, and dentist offices that resemble spas to remote facilities for low-income, rural populations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some healthcare professionals, like nurses, can choose from a variety of workplaces, including hospital systems, physician offices, long-term care facilities, and government clinics. Other professionals have little flexibility in workplace choice, like the majority of paramedics who spend their days in ambulances.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Healthcare Careers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Is healthcare a good career path?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Demand for most medical field jobs is growing, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm/” target=”_blank”]according to the BLS[/hen-ui-link], and the best-paying jobs in healthcare offer six-figure salaries. However, many healthcare jobs are high-stress and have a high risk of burnout.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How do I choose a career in the medical field?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When choosing from the many jobs in healthcare, consider how much education they require, the typical work settings, stress levels, work-life balance, and salary. These considerations can help you narrow down the many medical professions you want to consider to a manageable list.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]What do healthcare jobs pay?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm/” target=”_blank”]Salaries for careers in the medical field[/hen-ui-link] range widely. The highest-paying jobs in the medical field pay hundreds of thousands annually, while the lowest-paying ones are well-below the national average. Generally, the more education and responsibility required, the higher the salary.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]What is the fastest growing healthcare career?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse practitioners are the fastest-growing healthcare career. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm#tab-6/” target=”_blank”]The BLS projects[/hen-ui-link] between 2023 and 2033, nurse practitioner jobs will grow 40%.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]