Here are the Best Entry-Level Healthcare Careers to Consider Today
Having a career in healthcare is a rewarding and satisfying experience, knowing that you’re playing a significant role in taking care of the people around you. Whether it’s treating injuries, preventing illness or diagnosing patients, your work makes a valuable contribution to society.
Many healthcare professions also offer excellent pay and benefits. People will always need doctors, nurses, physicians, dentists, etc., and it’s unlikely that these jobs will ever be replaced by technology. This creates a solid foundation for you to build a career on, as you’ll have the opportunity to constantly move further in the same line of work.
Of course, some professions are better than others for their own reasons, which makes certain careers in healthcare stand out among the rest. Let’s take a look at some of the best entry-level healthcare careers that you can consider today.
Ultrasound Technician
For those who prefer a less stressful line of work in healthcare, being an ultrasound technician is a great way to go. Aside from pregnancy monitoring, you’ll also be scanning internal organs and body parts to produce live images. Every procedure is non-invasive and follows a fairly linear methodology, making it a relaxing environment to work in.
The average annual pay for an ultrasound technician runs at around $64,380 and entry-level education requirements are usually a two-year diploma or associate’s degree. There is also a great amount of advancement potential, as you could branch out into management, teaching or research positions.
Nurse
Nursing is a healthcare career that’s stood the test of time and is still in high demand today, with an average annual salary of $92,000. According to a survey done in 2017, 83% of nurses are satisfied with their career choice, suggesting an overall high level of job satisfaction in this line of work.
As a nurse, every day is different as new patients come in with a variety of health concerns. This makes for an exciting and constantly stimulating work environment. As for education requirements, online courses are a great option. An online FNP will award you with the necessary qualifications and expertise you need to enter the industry.
Dental Hygienist
We all know that oral health is important, which makes a dental hygienist’s job quite important, too. This line of work offers a great sense of pride as you help patients undergoing dental procedures and offer advice on how they can improve their dental oral health.
The estimated annual salary for a dental hygienist is around $74,680 and you won’t need more than a two-year associates degree to become qualified. This line of work is also flexible, with most offices offering part-time opportunities and regular hours with no overtime.
Conclusion
Other noteworthy entry-level careers in healthcare to consider include physical therapy assistant, nutritionist, occupational therapy assistant, and radiologic technologist. Take a good look at which career most suits your idea of a perfect job in the healthcare industry. Once you’ve decided, it’s time to get into the books and do some studying.