The Ultimate List of Healthcare & Medical Careers A-Z

Administrative Services Manager

Administrative services managers supervise clerical and administrative staff, develop and manage records, and oversee the maintenance and repair of equipment. 

$101,870 / year, $48.98 / hour Source: BLS

Bachelor's degree 

Manager

Anesthesia Technician

Anesthesia technicians assist anesthesiologists, nurses, and other medical staff working on anesthesia teams. Their main responsibility is to clean, maintain, and prepare anesthesia equipment for use in surgical procedures.

$50,641 / year, $18.95 / hour

Source: Payscale

Postsecondary non-degree certification or two-year associate’s degree

Entry

Audiologist

Audiologists examine patients with hearing, balance, or other related ear problems. Audiologists also fit and dispense hearing aids, provide treatment for tinnitus, develop treatment plans for patients, and educate patients on their condition. 

$82,680 per year, $39.75/ hour

Source: BLS

Doctoral degree in audiology (AudD) is a four-year graduate program

Top

Cardiac Sonographer

Cardiac sonographers prepare patients for procedures, prepare and maintain all diagnostic equipment, and collaborate with healthcare professionals. 

$70,834 / year, $32.91 / hour

Source: Payscale

An associate degree in cardiovascular technology, echocardiography, diagnostic medical sonography

Entry

Cardiovascular Technologist

Cardiovascular technologists work in cardiac cath labs and assist interventional radiologists, cardiologists, and other healthcare providers during surgical procedures such as insertion of cardiac stents, pacemakers, and defibrillators. Cardiovascular technologists also prepare patients, position patients, and connect all necessary equipment needed for the procedure. 

$67,670/ year, $31.75 / hour 

Source: Payscale

Certificate, Diploma, or Degree in Cardiovascular Technology - 1 to 2 years

Entry

Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)

Responsibilities of a CNA include turning and repositioning patients, gathering necessary equipment for the medical team, performing vital signs, bathing patients, assisting with activities of daily living, and documenting appropriately.

$35,740/ year, $17.18 / hour

Source: BLS

Postsecondary non-degree certificate or diploma

Entry

Chief Nursing Officer

Chief Nursing Officers run a single hospital within a healthcare system or multiple hospitals. This is considered the top administrative nursing position in a healthcare system. Day-to-day duties include staff development, creating and implementing a safe staffing schedule, delegating jobs to lower-level administrators within the nursing staff, developing and managing departmental budgets, and designing and implementing strategic goals for the department. 

$135,021 / year,  $60.44 / hour

Source: Payscale

Minimum of a Master's degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or Business Administration

Top

Child Life Specialist

Child life therapists support children and families to help them understand a process, procedure, medical diagnosis, and/or medical experience. They are healthcare professionals specifically trained to help children and families with illness, injury, trauma, and/or hospitalization. Other responsibilities include advocating for the special needs of children, providing distraction during medical procedures, and developing age-appropriate therapeutic play.

$47,604 / year, $19.92 / hour

Source: Payscale

Bachelor's degree in child life or child development

Mid

Clinical Informatics Manager

Clinical informatics managers plan and manage an organization's clinical informatics program, including the electronic medical record. Managers are responsible for overseeing the department and ensuring compliance with the informatics system. Furthermore, clinical informatics managers are responsible for ensuring that technological information is available to all members of the healthcare system.

$98,202 / year, $37.05 / hour

Source: Payscale

Bachelor's Degree in public health, health information technology, informatics, nursing, or a related field

Manager

Clinical Nurse Manager

Clinical nurse managers oversee the nursing department within a healthcare system or clinic. Nurse managers are responsible for the hiring of staff nurses, annual evaluations, aligning a unit with the healthcare system's strategic goals, ensuring policies and procedures are followed, and providing a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors.

$86,448 / year, $38.62 / hour 

Source: Payscale

Bachelor's degree in Nursing

Manager

Community Health Worker

Community health workers are members of the community who work on behalf of a local healthcare system. The responsibilities of community health workers are to improve access to healthcare services, increase health screenings, enhance communication between communities and healthcare providers, and improve adherence to health recommendations. Ultimately, community health workers act as a liaison between patients, families, and the public with a local healthcare system. 

$41,375/ year,  $17.71/ hour 

Source: Payscale

High school diploma

Entry

Crime Scene Investigator

Crime scene investigators are responsible for processing crime scenes, including photographing, collecting evidence, packaging, labeling and transporting evidence, documenting autopsies, briefing investigators, writing reports, and testifying in court.

$49,056 / year, $20.95 / hour

Source: Payscale

Bachelor's degree in natural or forensic science or criminal justice

Mid

Cytotechnologist

Cytotechnologists are lab professionals who are responsible for evaluating patients' cell samples and looking for changes that can be precancerous, malignant, and infectious. They are responsible for studying normal and abnormal cells. Cytotechnologists work closely with other healthcare professionals, including pathologists. 

$76,581 / year or $35.05 / hour 

Source: Payscale

Bachelor's degree in cytotechnology, biology, or the life sciences

Mid

Dental Assistant

Dental assistants work closely with other members of a dental team and are responsible for scheduling appointments, maintaining dental records, and cleaning all dental tools. Dental assistants also help prepare patients to receive dental work. 

$44,820 / year, $21.55 / hour

Source: BLS

High school diploma and certification program 

Entry

Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists are responsible for examining patients, updating patient health histories, taking dental X-rays, and educating patients on dental conditions. They are also responsible for cleaning patients' teeth. 

$81,400 / year, $39.14 / hour

Source: BLS

Associate's degree and certification - 2 years

Entry

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Diagnostic medical sonographers are responsible for using imaging equipment to perform ultrasounds on patients based on the medical teams' orders. Other responsibilities include scheduling patients, obtaining patients' health histories, and cleaning and maintaining imaging equipment. 

$78,210 / year, $37.60 / hour

Source: BLS

Minimum associate's degree in sonography

Entry

Dialysis Technician

Dialysis technicians work with other healthcare professionals to treat patients receiving dialysis treatment due to end-stage renal disease. Job responsibilities include preparing dialysis equipment, updating patient's health histories, taking vital signs before, during, and after treatment, and educating patients. Additional responsibilities include disinfecting and sanitizing all dialysis equipment, responding to dialysis-related alarms and emergencies, and communicating with the healthcare team regarding patient progress. 

$40,963 / year, $17.48 / hour

Source: Payscale

High school diploma and non-degree certification program

Entry

Dietitian

Dietitians work with patients on different nutrition issues while promoting healthy eating and managing disease-related nutrition concerns. Specifically, dietitians assess patients' nutritional needs, develop meal and nutrition plans, evaluate the effectiveness of meal plans and dietary changes, and create customized nutrition care plans for patients to document their progress. Other responsibilities include educating patients, communicating with the healthcare team, and helping patients access healthy and nutritious food options. 

$66,450 / year, $31.95 / hour

Source: BLS

Bachelor's degree in nutrition or related field

Mid

EKG/ECG (Electrocardiogram) Technician

EKG technicians administer electrocardiograms (EKG) on patients at the request of the medical team. Other job responsibilities include monitoring the patient while connected to the EKG machine, ensuring the machine is attached properly, recording the results in the medical record, asking appropriate health-related questions, checking the quality of the reading, and communicating with other healthcare professionals. 

$39,906 / year or $16.45 / hour

Source: Payscale

High school diploma and non-degree certification

Entry

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

EMTs respond to 911 calls for medical-related emergencies. Specific job responsibilities will vary depending on the state of practice, but typical job duties include assessing patients' conditions, determining in-the-field treatment options, transporting patients in an ambulance to local hospitals, documenting medical care given, reporting patient conditions and treatment to the medical team, and stabilizing patients.

$39,410 / year or $18.95 / hour

Source: BLS

High school diploma and postsecondary emergency medical technology program certification

Mid

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists are public health professionals who research the patterns of diseases, including viruses, to help develop ways to reduce the risk of occurrence. Also, they will analyze data and research available in order to safely educate local officials and the general public. 

$18.95 / year, $37.75 / hour

Source: BLS

Master's degree in public health - 2 to 4-year post-undergraduate degree

Top

Exercise Physiologist

Exercise physiologists work with patients to develop fitness and exercise programs to improve chronic diseases and improve body function. Additional responsibilities include measuring patients' vital signs during exercise and working with the healthcare team to monitor patient progress. 

$51,350 / year, $24.69 / hour

Source: BLS

Bachelor's degree

Mid

Forensic Pathologist

A forensic pathologist performs autopsies on deceased individuals to determine the specific cause of death and determine if the cause of death was natural or criminal and the possible instrument used to cause the death. Forensic pathologists will also collect evidence, work with the local police force (if needed), use specialized equipment to perform autopsies, testify at criminal trials, and supervise morgue staff. 

$103,827 / year, $30,32 / hour

Source: Payscale

Medical degree (MD or DO) - 4 years post-bachelors degree

Top

Forensic Science Technician

Forensic science technicians aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence. Other specific job responsibilities will include making sketches of the crime scene, testifying at criminal trials, recreating crime sciences, cataloging and preserving evidence, recording observations and findings, as well as taking photographs of the crime scene and evidence. 

$63,740 / year, $30.64 / hour

Source: BLS

Bachelor's degree in natural science, such as chemistry or biology, or in forensic science

Mid

Health Clinic Administrator

Health Clinic Administrators oversee the day-to-day clinical and administrative for a medical clinic. Typical job responsibilities include monitoring budgets and preparing reports, developing work schedules for employees, responding to questions from staff, keeping records of all expenses, recommending cost-saving measures, ensuring medical records are up to date, and informing employees of new policies and procedures.

$62,087 / year, $18.29 / hour

Source: Payscale

Master's degree in healthcare administration, nursing, or business administration

Top

Health Information Technician 

Health information technicians receive patient forms, medical histories, and test results from medical professionals, analyze the information, and ensure it is in the electronic medical record accurately. Additional job responsibilities include tracking patient outcomes for quality assessment, using classification software to assign clinical codes for insurance reimbursement and data analysis, and maintaining the confidentiality of patients’ records.

$58,250 / year, $28.01 / hour

Source: BLS

Bachelor's degree in health information management or a similar health field

Entry

Health Services Manager

Health services managers plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, private physician offices, nursing and residential care facilities, and outpatient care centers. Job responsibilities include: improve efficiency and quality in delivering healthcare services, develop departmental goals and objectives, create work schedules, prepare and monitor budgets and spending to ensure departments are up to date and compliant with laws and regulations.

$104,830 / year, 50.40 / hour 

Source: BLS

Bachelor's degree

Manager

Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare administrators are responsible for managing a clinic, hospital, or healthcare system. Primary responsibilities include improving the efficiency and quality of healthcare services, creating goals and objectives for the facility, training new staff members, recruiting for open staff positions, approving and monitoring the budget and spending, and creating appropriate safe staffing work schedules.

$74,500 / year, $20.26 / hour

Source: Payscale

Minimum of a Master's degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or Business Administration

Top

Healthcare Chief Information Officer

Healthcare Chief Information Officers work in the hospital setting and oversee the operation of the information technology department. Other management responsibilities include assessing current and future information and technology needs of the organization, developing standards and processes for the protection of information systems against cyber-attacks, managing day-to-day operations, monitoring the budget, and overseeing software integration. Additional duties may include assessing new technology and improving system enhancements, evaluating vendors, negotiating vendor contracts, hiring and training new staff members, and improving information flow. 

$171,562 / year or $55.10 / hour

Source: Payscale

Minimum of a Master's degree in Nursing, Computer Science, or Informatics

Top

Healthcare Consultant

Healthcare consultants work with healthcare organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and other health-related companies to handle a specific problem or need. Specific job responsibilities will vary depending on the needs of the organization. Healthcare consultants will collect and analyze data and information related to the problem and then recommend specific ways to address the problem and achieve the organization's goal. 

$80,351 / year or $36.36 / hour 

Source: Payscale

Bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, business administration, or related field

Mid

Healthcare Human Resources Manager

Healthcare human resources managers oversee the human resources department of a healthcare organization. This will include recruiting, interviewing, and hiring new staff. Managers will work with top healthcare executives to oversee strategic planning, handle employee benefits, train and orient new staff, maintain safe work conditions, and ensure policies and procedures related to labor are being followed. 

$70,251 / year, $22.81 / hour

Source: Payscale

High school diploma and postsecondary non-degree certification

Entry

Home Health Aide

Home health aides care for patients suffering from chronic and acute illnesses in the patient's home. Responsibilities include administering medications, changing wound dressings, taking vital signs, accompanying patients to doctor visits, communicating with the health care team, and assisting in activities of daily living. 

$30,180 / year, $14.51 / hour

Source: BLS

High school diploma and postsecondary non-degree certification

Entry

Hospice Administrator

Hospice administrators oversee the daily administrative and clinical aspects of a hospice agency or facility. Responsibilities may include developing and implementing new policies, developing and managing a budget, communicating with families and staff regarding patients, developing safe staffing work schedules, recruiting and hiring new hospice staff, promoting the hospice organization, and ensuring compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.

$89,869 / year, $39.01 / hour

Source: Payscale

Minimum of a Master's degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or Business Administration

Top

Hospital Administrator

Hospital administrators are responsible for managing hospitals. Primary responsibilities include improving the efficiency and quality of healthcare services, creating goals and objectives for the facility, training new staff members, recruiting for open staff positions, approving and monitoring the budget and spending, and creating appropriate safe staffing work schedules.

$88,322 / year, $27.43 / hour 

Source: Payscale

Minimum of a Master's degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or Business Administration

Top

Hospital CEO

Hospital CEOs are the top executives of a hospital. Responsibilities include: overseeing all clinical and administrative staff, ensuring patient safety and satisfaction, improving patient and community relations, promoting excellent quality healthcare, ensuring all local, state, and federal regulations are being followed, and the recruitment of new staff. Hospital CEOs work with other leaders to ensure the strategic vision of the organization is being met and, if not, what needs to happen to achieve the goals. 

$156,498 / year, $35.00 / hour

Source: Payscale

Minimum of a Master's degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or Business Administration

Top

Insurance Company Administrator

Insurance company administrators work within an insurance company to develop risk management policies for clients, review and update insurance policies, oversee a team of insurance representatives, help clients determine the best medical insurance policy to fit their needs and file any official insurance-related paperwork. Insurance company administrators can also expect to work with healthcare providers regarding patient claims, pre-authorizations, and approvals. 

$43,985 / year, $18.00 / hour 

Source: Payscale

Associate degree in business, public administration, or related field

Manager

IVF Nurse

IVF Nurses are nurses who care for those who seek counseling or treatment options related to reproductive health. They commonly work with women struggling with infertility, couples having difficulty with conception, or women going through menopause.

$73,376 / year $35 / hour

Source: Salary.com

Bachelor’s degree with IVF RN skills training.

Lactation Consultant

Lactation consultants are medical professionals who provide specialized care and instruction for mothers and breastfeeding infants.

$91,632 / year $44 / hour

Source: Salary.com

Bachelor’s degree

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

LPNs provide essential care for patients that can range from feeding and bathing to checking vital signs and administering medication. Other responsibilities include assisting with tests and procedures, working with RNs on nursing care plans, educating patients, communicating with families, documenting patient observations, changing dressings, and inserting urinary catheters. 

$54,620 / year, $26.26 / hour

Source: BLS

Postsecondary certification with possible associate's degree

Mid

Medical Administrative Assistant 

Medical administrative assistants, also known as medical secretaries, perform administrative functions for a hospital, clinical, or private medical office. Typical job duties include checking patients in for appointments and procedures, answering the phone, scheduling appointments, processing insurance payments, submitting insurance claims, maintaining office supplies, and communicating with the healthcare team when patients have arrived.

$40,997 / year, $16.81 / hour 

Source: Payscale

High school diploma and postsecondary non-degree certification

Entry

Medical Assistant

Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Specific job responsibilities include: taking patient vital signs, helping medical physicians with procedures and examinations, scheduling patient appointments, documenting patient observation and findings in the medical records, recording patient history, and educating patients and their families. 

$38,270 / year, $18.40 / hour

Source: BLS

High school diploma and postsecondary non-degree certification

Entry

Medical Biller 

A Medical Biller is in charge of calculating and collecting payments for medical procedures and services. Other job responsibilities include ensuring patients medical and insurance information is accurate, collecting and reviewing referrals and pre-authorizations, monitoring payments, following up on missed or late payments, and ensuring patient billing accuracy. 

$41.588 / year, $17.38 / hour

Source: Payscale

High school diploma and postsecondary non-degree certification

Entry

Medical Coder

Medical coders are responsible for converting patients' information to standardized codes, which are used on documentation for healthcare insurance claims and databases. Medical coders work with healthcare professionals to ensure healthcare systems receive reimbursement from healthcare insurance companies. Other responsibilities include auditing charts, assigning CPT codes, ensuring documents are grammatically correct and free from typing errors, examining documents and files for missing information and ensuring compliance with medical coding policies and guidelines.

$45,465 / year, $19.74 / hour

Source: Payscale

High school diploma and postsecondary non-degree certification

Entry

Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

Doctors are responsible for the overall medical management of patients suffering from acute and chronic illness as well as trauma. Doctors diagnose patients, develop medical treatment plans, prescribe medications, perform diagnostic tests, collaborate with other healthcare professionals, obtain patient health history, educate patients and families regarding patient conditions, and perform surgical procedures. The doctor's specialty will directly determine the duties of the physician. Doctors can specialize in areas such as neurologic, cardiovascular, obstetrics, pediatrics, pulmonology, gastrointestinal, genetics, endocrinology, and infectious disease.

$229,300 / year, $110.24 / hour

Source: BLS

Medical degree (MD or DO) - 4 years post-bachelors degree

Top

Medical Laboratory Technician

Medical laboratory technicians set up and sanitize laboratories, prepare specimens, match blood compatibility for transfusions, analyze fluid chemical content, collect blood samples, and examine immune system elements. Medical lab technicians use equipment to locate microorganisms, monitor tests and procedures, analyze the chemical content of fluids, and test for drug levels in the blood.

$57,380 / year, $27.59 / hour

Source: BLS

Bachelor's degree program in medical laboratory technology

Mid

Medical Reimbursement Specialist

Medical reimbursement specialists work for insurance companies or larger healthcare organizations. Basic job duties include checking for accuracy in billing, preparing and reviewing insurance claims, following up on payment for claims that are late, reviewing medical records and associated CPT codes, performing medical coding, preparing invoices, and collaborating with healthcare professionals.  

$57,760 / year, $18.77 / hour 

Source: Payscale

Associate degree in health information technology or medical billing

Entry

Medical Transcriptionist

Medical transcriptionists, also referred to as healthcare documentation specialists, can work for a healthcare system, private physician office, or as a private contractor. Medical transcriptionists are responsible for listening to voice recordings that physicians and other healthcare workers make and then converting them to written reports that are submitted to the electronic medical record. Other job responsibilities include performing quality improvement audits, submitting health records for physician and nurse practitioner approval, and following up with healthcare providers to ensure the reports are transcribed accurately. 

$34,730 / year, $16.70 / hour

Payscale: BLS

High school diploma and postsecondary non-degree certification

Entry

Medical Writer

Medical writers utilize scientific research and current healthcare trends for publication use. Medical writers can write clinical trial protocols, clinical study reports, research proposals, journal articles, posters, and presentations for meetings and conferences, regulatory submission documents, and medical education for physicians and patients. Medical writers require an understanding of medical concepts and terminology, knowledge of relevant guidelines as regards the structure and contents of specific documents, and good writing skills. 

$77,425 / year, $40.07 / hour

Source: Payscale

Bachelor's degree in scientific or medical discipline

Mid

MRI Technologist/ Technician

MRI technologists/technicians work specifically with MRI equipment. Technicians are responsible for operating MRI equipment, following medical orders for imaging, explaining the MRI procedure to patients, taking medical history and asking appropriate questions, positioning patients for imaging, and inputting images into the electronic medical record. 

$76,665 / year,  $33.08 / hour

Source: Payscale

Associate degree in magnetic resonance imaging

Entry

Neurodiagnostic Technologist

Neurodiagnostic technologists collaborate with healthcare professionals to perform neurodiagnostic tests on patients, including electroencephalograms, magnetoencephalography, and polysomnograms. Other responsibilities include explaining the process of the test to the patient, placing the appropriate requirements on the patient, sanitizing the equipment before and after use, and monitoring the patient during the test. 

$67,796 / year, $25.23 / hour 

Source: Payscale

High school diploma and postsecondary non-degree certification

Entry

Nursing Home Administrator

Nursing home administrators are in charge of all clinical and administrative aspects of a care facility. Nursing home administrators perform a variety of specific tasks, including obtaining medical equipment, advertising for new residents, managing personnel operations, monitoring expenses and finances, acting as an advocate for the residents, and communicating with family members. 

$93,964 / year, $36.17 / hour

Source: Payscale

Minimum of a Master's degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or Business Administration

Top

Nursing Home Director

Nursing home directors are in charge of all clinical and administrative aspects of a care facility. Nursing home administrators perform a variety of specific tasks, including obtaining medical equipment, advertising for new residents, managing personnel operations, monitoring expenses and finances, acting as an advocate for the residents, and communicating with family members. 

$93,941 / year, $41.16 / hour

Source: Payscale

Minimum of a Master's degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or Business Administration

Top

Nutritionist

Nutritionists work with patients on different nutrition issues while promoting healthy eating and managing disease-related nutrition concerns. Specifically, dietitians assess patients' nutritional needs, develop meal and nutrition plans, evaluate the effectiveness of meal plans and dietary changes, and create customized nutrition care plans for patients to document their progress. Other responsibilities include educating patients, communicating with the healthcare team, and helping patients access healthy and nutritious food options. 

$66,450 / year, $31.95 / hour

Source: BLS

Bachelor's degree in nutrition or related field

Mid

Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists (OT) work with patients to help them achieve maximum function when completing activities of daily living, including bathing, eating, cooking, and dressing. They also will work with individuals after workplace injuries to help get them back to the workplace. OTs will develop treatment plans, daily progress reports, and interventions for their patients. 

$93,180 / year, $44.80 / hour

Source: BLS

Minimum Master’s degree - 2 to 3 years post or Doctorate degree - additional 2 to 3 years

Top

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Occupational therapy assistants help patients with the therapeutic activities determined by their OT, transport patients, clean treatment and equipment, help patients with billing and insurance, encourage patients, and record patients' progress.

$48,280 / year, $26.72 / hour 

Source: Payscale

Associate's degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program

Entry

Dentist

Dentists are responsible for diagnosing and treating patients suffering from problems with their teeth, gums, and other parts of the mouth. Typically, dentists will remove decay from teeth, fill cavities, remove damaged and decayed teeth, consult with patients concerning cosmetic teeth changes, examine x-rays, educate patients regarding oral care, and prescribe medications and antibiotics as needed. 

$143,9146 / year, $75.34 / year

Source: Payscale

Doctor of Dental Science (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)

Top

Ophthalmic Technician

Ophthalmic laboratory technicians construct, fit, or repair medical appliances and devices, including eyeglasses. Other responsibilities include repairing damaged eyeglasses, following specific work orders and prescriptions, polishing new eyewear, and inspecting the final product for quality and accuracy. 

$45,797 / year, $17.88 / hour

Source: Payscale

High school diploma and completion of a CAAHEP-accredited OT program -  1-year certificate or diploma for assistants and technicians or a 2-year associate degree for technologists.

Entry

Optician

Opticians work with ophthalmologists and optometrists to help fit patients for eyeglasses and contact lenses. Responsibilities include measuring patient's eyes and face to ensure the proper fit of eyewear, helping patient choose the right eyeglasses and frames to fit their needs, collaborating with eye doctors, adjusting eyewear, repairing broken eyewear, educating patients about their eyewear, and billing insurance companies and patients for eyewear. 

$ 45,672/ year, $16.43 / hour

Source: Payscale

Associate's degree and certification

Entry

Paramedic

Paramedics respond to 911 calls for medical-related emergencies. Specific job responsibilities will vary depending on the state of practice, but typical job duties include assessing patients' conditions, determining in-field treatment options, transporting patients in an ambulance to local hospitals, documenting medical care given, reporting patient conditions and treatment to the medical team, and stabilizing patients.

$39,410 / year, $18.95 / hour

Source: BLS

High school diploma and EMT course, as well as a CAAHEP-accredited Paramedic program

Mid

Pathology Assistant

Pathology assistants work closely with pathologists to examine, dissect, and process tissue samples. Other job responsibilities include research and training pathology residents, pathologists’ assistant students, and other pathology lab personnel, as well as photographing the body and individual organs. Pathology assistants can work in the hospital setting, outpatient laboratories, and independent laboratories. 

$82,652 / year, $24.83 / hour

Source: Payscale

Bachelor's degree in one of the life sciences like biology or chemistry

Mid

Patient Services Representative 

Patient service representatives generally work in the hospital setting and are often compared to customer service representatives. Typical job responsibilities include greeting and escorting patients and families to patient examination rooms, scheduling patient appointments, making follow-up phone calls, communicating wait times with patients, acting as a liaison between patients and medical personnel, and ensuring patient information in the medical records is correct.

$41,199 / year, $16.63 / hour 

Source: Payscale

High school diploma or GED

Entry

Perfusionist

Perfusionists work specifically in hospitals and are responsible for operating extracorporeal circulation equipment. While operating the heart-lung bypass machines, other responsibilities include reviewing the patient's medical history, monitoring and caring for patients while on bypass, administering medications and blood products, documenting in the patient's medical record, and communicating with the healthcare team.

$129,085 / year, $61.05 / hour

Source: Payscale

Bachelor's degree and completion of an Accredited Perfusion Technology Program or approved program of Extracorporeal Technology

Mid

Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense medications and offer advice regarding safe medication dosages and administrations. They can also conduct health screenings, administer vaccinations, and offer advice regarding healthy lifestyle choices, including smoking cessation, diet, and exercise. 

$132,750 / year, $63.82 / hour

Source: BLS

Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree - 4-year postgraduate degree

Top

Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to customers or health professionals in an outpatient pharmacy or hospital setting. Specifically, pharmacy technicians will collect insurance information, package and label prescriptions, organize inventory, accept payment for prescriptions, submit insurance claims, and measure specific amounts of medication needed to fill prescriptions. 

$36,740 / year or $17.66 / hour

Source: Payscale

High school diploma and graduation from a pharmacy technician training program

Entry

Phlebotomist

Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, research, or blood donations. Phlebotomists can work in hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, ambulatory healthcare services, private physician offices, and outpatient care centers.

$38,530 / year or $18.53 / hour

Source: BLS

Postsecondary non-degree certificate from an accredited phlebotomy program. Training takes 1 year.

Entry

Physical Therapist

Physical therapists help patients to improve their movement. They are often an important part of preventive care, rehabilitation, and treatment for patients with chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries. Specific job responsibilities are using exercises, stretching maneuvers, hands-on therapy, and equipment to ease patients’ pain, help them increase their mobility, prevent further pain or injury, and facilitate health and wellness, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to develop treatment plans, reviewing patient medical and surgical history and referrals from the medical team, and monitoring the patient's progress.

$97,720 / year, $46.98 / hour

Source: BLS

Doctorate of Physical Therapy

Top

Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical therapy assistants help patients with the therapeutic activities determined by their PT, transport patients, clean treatment and equipment, help patients with billing and insurance, encourage patients, and record patients' progress.

$57,240 / year, $27.52 / hour

Source: BLS

Associate's degree and completion of a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education-accredited physical therapist assistant education program

Entry

Physician Assistant (PA)

Physician assistants examine, diagnose, and treat patients in hospitals, outpatient care centers, employment service offices, and private physician offices. Other responsibilities include taking patients' medical histories, ordering diagnostic tests, educating patients and their families, prescribing medications, assessing patient's progress, and performing tests and procedures.

$126,010 / year, $60.58 / hour

Source: BLS

Master's degree - Two-year program

Top

Private Practice Office Manager

Private practice office managers are responsible for organizing meetings, supervising patient scheduling, registration, medical records, billing and collection, developing and maintaining office policies and procedures, and interviewing/hiring new employees. 

$52,574 / year or $19.01 / hour 

Source: Payscale

Bachelor's degree in an area related to healthcare, business, or administrative services

Manager

Radiation Therapist

Radiation therapists are healthcare professionals who administer radiation treatments to patients with cancer and other diseases. Other job responsibilities include explaining treatment plans to patients and their families, documenting treatments in the medical record, monitoring patients during treatment, and operating radiation equipment.

$89,530 / year, $43.04 / hour

Source: BLS

Associate's degree in radiation therapy

Entry

Radiology Technologist

Radiology technologists are responsible for operating radiology equipment, preparing patients for radiologic procedures, ensuring radiologic equipment is in working order, imputing radiology films into the patient record, maintaining adequate radiologic supplies, following medical team orders, and educating patients on radiologic procedures.

$67,180 / year, $32.30 / hour

Source: BLS

Associate's degree and certification

Entry

Registered Nurse (RN)

Registered Nurses provide care to patients, patient and family education, and communicate with the treatment team to ensure high-quality and safe care is given to the patients. RNs are also responsible for administering medications, assessing patients, developing nursing care plans, and comforting patients. 

$81,220 / year, $39.05 / hour

Source: BLS

Minimum Associate degree in nursing (ADN) - 2 to 3 years to complete. 

Mid

Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory therapists care for patients suffering from lung diseases such as asthma or emphysema. Respiratory therapists typically perform the following: interviewing and examining patients, consulting with healthcare professionals to develop treatment plans, performing diagnostic tests, monitoring and recording patients' progress, and educating patients regarding their disease process.

Respiratory therapists are also responsible for administering medications such as albuterol, setting up ventilator equipment, responding to medical emergencies, and performing chest physiotherapy. 

$70,540 / year, $33.91 / hour

Source: BLS

Minimum Associate degree in Respiratory Care

Mid

Social Worker

Social workers work with individuals to help them cope with and solve problems and challenges they are facing. Social workers provide mental health counseling, research and advocate for individuals, provide crisis intervention, refer individuals to appropriate treatment centers, communicate with healthcare teams, as well as maintain case files and records.

$55,350 / year, $26.61 / hour

Source: BLS

Bachelor's degree in social work

Mid

Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-language pathologists assess, diagnose, treat, and help patients with communication and swallowing disorders. This may include patients who suffer from cleft palate, hearing loss, stroke, traumatic brain injury, development delay, and/or autism. Other duties include educating patients and their families, identifying appropriate treatment options, carrying out the treatment options, and communicating with other healthcare professionals.

$84,140 / year, $40.45 / hour

Source: BLS

Master's degree

Top

Sterile Processing Technician

Sterile processing technicians perform decontamination, preparation, sterilization, and distribution of surgical instruments and equipment for hospitals, healthcare systems, and surgery centers.

$40,353 / year, $16.86 / hour

Source: Payscale

High school diploma or GED

Entry

Surgical Technologist

Surgical technologists, also called operating room technicians, are responsible for preparing operating rooms, arranging equipment, and assisting doctors during surgeries. Other specific responsibilities include counting supplies, including surgical instruments, maintaining a sterile environment, preparing patients for surgery, and taking specimens to the lab during surgical procedures.

$56,350 / year, $27.09 / hour

Source: BLS

High school diploma or GED and postsecondary non-degree certification

Entry

Transplant Coordinator

Transplant coordinators are responsible for planning and coordinating in-hospital transplant services, assisting medical staff in organ retrieval, analyzing medical data of potential organ donors and transplant recipients, scheduling all preoperative laboratory tests, and collaborating with medical and community groups. Other responsibilities may include educating families, patients, and the community on the importance of organ donation, comparing data and research findings, and advising post-operative patients on therapies. 

$80,796 / year, $37.44 / hour

Source: Payscale

Bachelor's degree

Mid

Ultrasound Technician

Ultrasound technicians use ultrasound equipment to help medical providers diagnose and detect diseases and other medical concerns. Other job responsibilities include managing ultrasound equipment and maintenance, analyzing diagnostic imaging, uploading images to patient medical records, and educating patients on ultrasound procedures.

$ 66,572/ year, $30.86 / hour

Source: Payscale

Associate's degree

Entry

Unit Secretary

Unit secretaries, also referred to as unit clerks, are assigned to specific units within a hospital and perform administrative and clerical duties for the assigned unit. They also may work the front desk at a private physician's office. Unit secretary responsibilities include answering phone calls, scheduling patient appointments, filing paperwork, ordering office and medical supplies, maintaining patient records, and gathering personal information. 

$34,991 / year, $15.25 / hour

Source: Payscale

High school diploma or GED

Entry

Veterinary Technologist

Veterinary technologists work with veterinarians to provide care to injured and sick pets. Specific responsibilities include conducting examinations and diagnostic procedures and tests, feeding and caring for animals, assisting during operations, maintaining records, ordering supplies and equipment, and educating pet parents. 

$38,240 / year, $18.38 / hour

Source: BLS

Associate degree

Entry