Top Health Care Careers

There are hundreds and perhaps thousands of different medical careers available.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics there will be an estimated three million more jobs added to the medical field by the year 2016.  The following five careers are considered the “hottest” or top jobs in the field right now, based on job growth, number of jobs, compensation, and the quality of the work.

1. Nurses currently make up the largest percentage of the medical workforce.  There are currently over 2.5 million registered nurses with more being added all the time.  There are nursing jobs for anyone from high school graduates to advanced college graduates.  Registered nurses can work in any field and any specialty from pediatrics, general practice, psychiatry, neo-natal, surgery, even hospice care.  The hours can be long when you are first starting out but overall compensation is adequate.

2. MRI Technicians could easily be the hottest health care career. MRI techs earn good salaries and are in high demand. While training is necessary, online radiology schools can help with this process. The person who becomes and MRI Technician will be happy with their career choice. Hospitals and clinics are extremely flexible with scheduling and provide excellent benefits.   There is also a high level of stability with this career, people will always  need your expertise.

3.  Medical technologists are the ones who work in labs analyzing blood samples, drug levels, and tissue samples.  They are similarly responsible for providing documentation of their findings to the primary physician.  Most technologists are required to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology and can work in a variety of medical facilities or labs.

4. Dental hygienists are certified to clean, x-ray, and care for a patient’s teeth.  They are essential to the medical community and are therefore in high demand.  Hygienists are licensed in the state they practice.  An associate’s degree is the minimum education required although some colleges and universities offer a bachelor’s degree as well.

5. Dietitians and nutritionists are among one of the fastest growing positions in the medical world.  With an ever-increasing desire to maintain a level of health, it is the dietitian’s job to work with public and private institutions to improve their diet and create meal plans to meet this goal.  They can work in nursing homes, schools, hospitals, or for private individuals.  Both dietitians and nutritionists can receive a bachelor’s or master’s degree but actual certification procedures and requirements vary by state.

These are just a few careers that are available to those wanting to pursue a medical future.  Careers in medicine are always growing in demand and the pay scales are rising to reflect that every year.