You probably already realize that health care is a high-paying field. Maybe you’ve even toyed with the idea of going to nursing school or becoming a surgical tech, but something holds you back. Is it that the sight of blood makes you queasy, or that needles make you faint? Not everyone is cut out for a job in the caregiving part of the medical field. But it might surprise you to know that plenty of health care jobs require almost no contact with bodily fluids whatsoever. Here are five you might find interesting.
Dietitian
Dietitians and nutritionists work with patients to develop diets that support their nutritional needs. They may work with cancer patients to help them get the vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy. Or they may work with nursing home cafeterias to make sure their elderly residents are getting a properly balanced diet. The average pay for this type of job is about $60,000 and usually requires only a bachelor’s degree.
Health care administrator
A healthcare administration degree online can open doors for you in almost any health care facility. Nursing homes, hospitals, and clinics all need people with this type of degree to manage their budgets, staff, and overall business matters. Depending on the size of the facility, they may also be in charge of recruiting other health care staff and staff training. They might also work with insurance or pharmaceutical companies as managers or consultants. Although these positions usually require more experience in other facilities. The median pay is just under $100,000, and the job usually require only a bachelor’s degree and some field experience. However, it’s not uncommon for administrators to have master’s degrees.
Radiation therapist
Radiation therapists are responsible for treating patients with various conditions. But most patients who require this type of treatment have cancer. The therapists advise patients about the procedures and options and operate the equipment that administers their radiation treatments. Radiation therapists usually have a certificate or associate’s degree in the field, and they make a median salary of about $80,000.
Occupational therapist
Occupational therapists perform jobs similar to physical therapists. But their primary role is to help patients recover the skills they need for everyday life after an illness or injury. This might include working with elderly patients to help them learn how to better feed themselves. Or they may work with developmentally delayed children to help them learn how to dress themselves and brush their teeth. The median pay for these professionals is just over $80,000 a year, and the job usually requires a master’s degree in occupational therapy.
Ultrasound technician
An ultrasound technician uses sound wave equipment to view and record images of internal organs or fetuses in the womb. They can work in cardiology, breast care, obstetrics, or vascular care in almost any type of health care facility. They may even work for a diagnostic company and travel to other locations as needed. Physicians use these images to diagnose medical conditions, determine further treatment, or measure the growth of a baby. For example, they may use images of breast tissue to locate abnormalities. This helps them determine whether further testing is needed to diagnose breast cancer or other conditions. Technicians typically earn more than $70,000 a year and are required to have a specialized certificate or associate’s degree in the field.
The need for most of these health care professionals is growing rapidly. This could be because of the size of the aging population known as baby boomers. The growing need means more jobs, better job security, and higher pay. There’s never been a better time to be a part of this industry.
