Health care has been a thriving industry for many years, and this trend seems likely to continue. With a generation of Baby Boomers now making the transition to retirement and semi-retirement, health care jobs are as in demand as ever. Some jobs in the industry offer plenty of possibilities, from appealing salaries to considerable autonomy to opportunities for advancement. An individual who is considering a career in health care might wish to explore some of the best jobs available.
Pharmacist
Working as a pharmacist could be an excellent career choice for a person who is planning on getting a degree in healthcare. According to Forbes contributor Tara Weiss, the median salary for a pharmacist in the U.S. is a little over $100,000. A pharmacist might obtain a position in the pharmacy of a grocery store, hospital, or medical complex. More online programs are now available for those who aspire to work as pharmacists, so an individual may not need to travel to another state simply to attain a degree.
Registered Nurse
A career as a registered nurse (RN) may be both exciting and lucrative. An RN might earn an annual salary of between approximately $45,000 and $95,000, depending on geographical region, type of work involved, and the specific need for registered nurses at a particular hospital, office, or clinic. Registered nurses have plenty of flexibility in terms of career choices. A nurse might work with a broad variety of patients. RNs may choose to specialize in one area, such as working with diabetics, or they might opt to work in a more general setting.
Physical Therapist
Working as a physical therapist can be financially and professionally rewarding. According to a U.S. News & World Report Money report, a physical therapist earns an average of $80,000 annually. Many physical therapists work at solo practices, while others work with others as part of a team. Physical therapists are apt to remain in demand as the Baby Boomers continue to age, since many seniors suffer from a broad array of chronic health conditions that require physical rehabilitation.
Dental Hygienist
A dental hygienist might enjoy comfortable earnings in virtually any location in the country. In some areas, dental hygienists may even earn as much as approximately $96,000. In most offices, dentists and hygienists work with each other to serve patients in a comprehensive manner. This kind of position may also offer flexibility in terms of working hours and environment. A hygienist could work in a general office or with a specialty team (such as a group of periodontists).
Home Health Aide
Being a home health aide could lead to much personal fulfillment as well as autonomy. A home health aide may not earn as much as a pharmacist or a dental hygienist (the median salary is approximately $20,000), but such a person might work for a variety of patients. Additionally, such jobs will likely continue to be in demand as more people than ever enter their retirement years. Home health aides may be required to do more than just tasks that are related to health care. They often act as companions for patients during their shifts, so developing people skills, according to the Allied Health Institute, would be useful to a person considering a career as a home health aide.
Health care jobs can be rewarding on a variety of levels, from financial to professional to personal. Such a career could be perfect for a person who wants to help others while still enjoying a good salary. The health care industry seems destined to thrive indefinitely.