Exploring Other Healthcare Careers
Most people going into healthcare explore a very limited amount of careers---medicine, nursing, physical therapy, and pharmacy. However, there are plenty of other rewarding and necessary jobs within healthcare. In today’s blog, we will explore three careers that are high-paying, respected, and allow a significant work-life balance.
One of the most important, but underappreciated healthcare professions are physician assistants. According to the Mayo Clinic, a physician assistant can “provide direct patient care” for “patients of all ages in virtually all specialty and primary care areas.” As the number of healthcare providers decreases, these people are key to filling in gaps of treatment. The same article explains that the responsibilities of a PA include making rounds and performing patient exams, diagnosing illnesses, assisting in surgery, and developing treatment plans and prescribing medications. After getting a 3 year PA-C, a PA can also choose to specialize, for which they may have to attend a residency or fellowship program. PA’s have a median salary of $126,010 and the field will grow 27% by 2032.
Next, let’s look at MRI technologists. MRI technologists use MRI technology to take pictures inside of the human body to assist with the diagnosis for a patient. In fact, they are pivotal for internal conditions such as “brain tumors, infections, and anomalous brain activity like that resulting from strokes, Alzheimer’s, and dementia.” Some of the common duties for an MRI technologist include maintaining the imaging equipment, discussing areas of concerns with the primary provider, and preparing and conducting scans. Typically, to become an MRI tech. it requires 3-5 years of experience and an associate’s degree. Some programs even provide certification through a bachelor’s degree, as the requirements vary based on the state. MRI techs have a median salary of $83,740 and the field will grow by 16,000 jobs per year.
Lastly, genetic counselors are another less well-known, but valuable healthcare field. Genetic counselors work with families to use family history and genetic testing to “assess individual or family risk of an inherited condition, such as a genetic disorder or a birth defect.” They even provide next steps regarding a diagnosis and help with other options (if possible). Daily, these counselors work to determine risk for a disorder, guide and support patients adjusting to the effects of a genetic disease, and work to schedule genetic testing for inherited health risks. They can even specialize in fields such as cardiology, neurology, oncology, pediatrics, and preconception/prenatal. To become a genetic counselor, you must complete a bachelor’s and a two-year MS in genetic counseling. The median pay is $95,770 and the field is projected to grow 16% per year.
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“How Much Can a Physician Assistant Expect to Get Paid?” Usnews.com, 2022, money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/physician-assistant/salary. Accessed 8 Jan. 2025.
Mayo. “Physician Assistant - Explore Health Care Careers - Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science.” Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, 2020, college.mayo.edu/academics/explore-health-care-careers/careers-a-z/physician-assistant/#:~:text=A%20physician%20assistant%20(PA)%20is,and%20working%20with%20minor%20procedures. Accessed 8 Jan. 2025.
“Become a PA.” AAPA, 18 Nov. 2024, www.aapa.org/career-central/become-a-pa/. Accessed 8 Jan. 2025.
Staff, Coursera. “MRI Technologists: Duties, Salary, and How to Become One.” Coursera, 2024, www.coursera.org/articles/mri-technologist. Accessed 8 Jan. 2025.
“Radiologic and MRI Technologists.” Bureau of Labor Statistics, 29 Aug. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm. Accessed 8 Jan. 2025.
“Genetic Counselors.” Bureau of Labor Statistics, 29 Aug. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/genetic-counselors.htm. Accessed 8 Jan. 2025.
Mayo. “Genetic Counselor - Explore Health Care Careers - Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science.” Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, 2025, college.mayo.edu/academics/explore-health-care-careers/careers-a-z/genetic-counselor/. Accessed 8 Jan. 2025.
