Non-Physician Professions you Can Opt for in Healthcare

Picture a career where you get to help people achieve better health and make the world healthier without going through the long process of becoming a doctor. Fortunately, there are many degrees available in the healthcare field that don’t need a medical license to pursue. 

However, a successful healthcare career requires dedication and hard work. Even though these positions don’t require you to be a physician, they can be equally demanding and require the same commitment and effort as a licensed healthcare professional. Therefore, it is essential to understand that these degrees are not for everyone and should only be pursued by those with a strong commitment to helping others. 

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Given below are some of the non-physician professions that you can opt for: 

  1. Healthcare Administrator: 

A healthcare administrator oversees and manages various aspects of a health facility. Typically, they are in charge of recruiting, training and supervising staff members. Patient satisfaction, facility maintenance, and compliance with health regulations in the health institute are also part of the health administrator’s job. 

A healthcare administrator must have excellent organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. In addition, a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration or a related field is usually required. However, degrees in business administration, public health, or a related field may also be accepted. 

That said, there’s an ongoing debate between medical and non-medical degrees, especially in healthcare. Making the final decision depends on you and the area you want to excel in and are interested in pursuing. 

For instance, the debate between an MHA vs MBA degree often results in mixed replies. Aspiring professionals must examine the differences between the two degrees and decide which one will be more suitable. 

One way to do this is by looking at the job outlook for each degree. And once you make the decision, get ready to start your journey toward a successful healthcare career. 

  1. Medical Coder: 

Medical coders are responsible for turning medical reports into codes that can then be used to bill insurance companies. Medical coders must complete a certificate program or associate degree in medical coding to enter the profession. And for this, they must have a comprehensive knowledge of medical terminology and coding systems. According to talent.com statistics, medical coders make a median annual salary of $44,821. 

The job opportunities within the profession are expected to grow by 11% in the next ten years. Medical coders can work in different settings, including hospitals, physician offices, and insurance companies. But the fact remains that it’s a highly competitive field, and aspiring medical coders must have the necessary skills and knowledge to stand out from the competition. 

  1. Healthcare Information Technician: 

Healthcare information technicians collect, organize, and enter data into a health information system. To enter the field, they must have a Health Information Technology or a related degree. In addition, they must have strong computer, problem-solving, and communication skills. 

Despite the competition and the various challenges, healthcare information technicians can find rewarding positions in hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies. Healthcare information technicians have the potential to make a median annual salary of $44,232, according to salary.com

Moreover, the demand for healthcare information technicians is expected to grow by 21% in the next ten years. 

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  1. Radiologic Technologist: 

Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging procedures like X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans. They must have an associate degree in Radiologic Technology or a related field. According to Glassdoor, aspiring radiologic technologists can expect an average annual salary of $80,780. In addition, they can find employment opportunities in hospitals, medical centers, and other healthcare facilities. 

Fact: The radiology profession offers a wide variety of specializations and subspecialties, including mammography, sonography, and computed tomography. Radiologic technologists can specialize in these areas to further advance their careers. 

  1. Pharmacy Technician:

One of the most popular healthcare professions is a pharmacy technician. They work under the supervision of a registered pharmacist to dispense medications and provide customer service. However, they must have a high school diploma and certification to enter the field. The average pharmacy technician earns around $37,700 per year, says salary.com. Plus, the demand for pharmacy technicians is expected to increase by 7% in the next ten years. 

Pharmacy technicians can find employment opportunities in hospitals, retail pharmacies, and long-term care facilities. They must also have strong organizational and customer service skills and a solid understanding of pharmaceutical terms. 

Moreover, pharmacy technicians must be able to maintain patient confidentiality. They can earn more money if they take on additional responsibilities, such as managing inventory and providing medication therapy management services. 

  1. Physical Therapist:

Physical therapists help patients improve muscle and bone function and manage their pain. In addition to having strong clinical skills and excellent communication skills, physical therapists must also be compassionate and patient. They must have a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree to enter the profession. 

Physical Therapist jobs are expected to grow by 28% in the next ten years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, aspiring physical therapists can expect an average annual salary of $92,920. Furthermore, physical therapists can find employment opportunities in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, sports franchises, and schools. 

Physicaltherapists must stay current on new technology and treatments to ensure they provide the utmost care to their patients. They may specialize in orthopedics, geriatrics, or cardiopulmonary to advance their careers. 

  1. Occupational Therapist:

Occupational therapists help ill and injured patients improve the quality of their lives through everyday therapeutic activities. In addition to having strong communication and organizational skills, occupational therapists must be compassionate and patient. They must have a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy to enter the field. 

According to BLS, an occupational therapist can earn an average annual salary of $85,570. Plus, job opportunities for occupational therapists are expected to grow by 24% in the next ten years. They can find employment opportunities in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, schools, and other healthcare settings. 

Summary

As we can see, there is a multitude of healthcare professions available for people who are looking to enter the field. These include medical assistants, radiologic technologists, pharmacy technicians, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. Each of these professions requires a certain level of education and certification to enter the field, as well as specific skills and knowledge. 

Nowadays, there is no shortage of healthcare careers for individuals looking to take the next step in their professional journey. Dedication, hard work, and a passion for helping others are all it takes. Furthermore, each profession offers unique opportunities for career advancement and higher salaries.