Author: Sara Habibipour
Medicine isn't all just about being a doctor. Behind the scenes, there are all different kinds of specialists and technicians that make the healthcare scene run smoothly. With the overwhelming debt that medical school inflicts and the dropping acceptance rates, it isn't a bad idea to take a look at other options. We have several articles on our page already concerning Nurse Practitioners and Physicians Associates, so this list will cover other careers that we haven't mentioned as much. Here are a few:
Nurse anesthetists
Median annual wage: $167,950
Projected job growth through 2026: 16%
Nurse anesthetists provide anesthesia and related care before and after procedures. They review a patient's medication, allergies, and illnesses that might conflict with the anesthesia in order to ensure safe administration. They remain throughout the surgery in order to ensure the patient's health under anesthetics.
Nurse anesthetists must earn at least a master's degree and they must have a registered nursing license. Many have experience in an acute or critical care setting before specializing.
Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Median annual wage: $76,820
Projected job growth through 2026: 10%
Nuclear medicine technologists prepare radioactive drugs for patients to assist with imaging or therapeutic purposes. They also operate the imaging needed to diagnose patients.
These healthcare workers need an associate's degree from a nuclear medicine technology program. Some are able to complete a 12-month course to gain their license.
Genetic Counselors
Median annual wage: $80,370
Projected job growth through 2026: 29%
Genetic counselors assess family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects by studying patient's genes through DNA testing. They work with other healthcare professionals to deal with patient concerns regarding inheritable medical conditions.
They typically need a master's degree in genetic counseling or genetics and a certification from the American Board of Genetic Counseling.
Orthotists and prosthetists
Median annual wage: $69,120
Projected job growth through 2026: 22%
Orthotists and prosthetists design and invent prosthetics for patients, as well as measure and fit for them.
These specialists must earn a master's degree in orthotics and prosthetics. These programs take about two years, then must be followed by a residency.
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Hopefully you've been able to learn about some other options in the medical field! Let us know what careers you want us to explore next or if you want us to dive into more detail on one specific path!
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Sources:
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/05/10/14-high-paying-healthcare-jobs-you-can-get-without-an-md-or-phd.html
Image Sources:
https://elements.envato.com/license-terms