7 Healthcare Degrees with A Promising Pay in 2023

Healthcare is integral to modern life and can change people’s lives in many ways. Healthcare professionals help people get the best state of health by diagnosing and treating illnesses and making people’s lives better. Whether it’s a routine check-up or a life-saving surgery, healthcare can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and their families.

With improvements in technology and medical research, healthcare is constantly changing and giving professionals new ways to make a positive difference. As the number of people needing healthcare services increases, healthcare degrees become more valuable and useful. They can lead to good jobs that pay well. This article will explore seven healthcare professions with promising salaries in 2023.

1.  Nurse Practitioner

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are highly trained healthcare professionals who provide advanced nursing care to patients. They make medical diagnoses, direct diagnostic procedures, and write prescriptions. In many states, they have the authority to work independently, giving them a high level of autonomy in patient care. Nurse practitioners typically work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. Nurse practitioners make around $118,040 per year, making it one of the most lucrative healthcare careers.

As the demand for healthcare services increases, more and more students pursue a career as nurse practitioners. Today, many universities offer an online master of science in nursing with a family nurse practitioner specialization that provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful FNPs. The program is designed for working nurses who want to advance their careers and earn higher salaries. With an MSN FNP online, students can earn their degrees from anywhere and at their own pace, making it a convenient and flexible option.

2.  Physician Assistant

Physician assistants (PAs) are licensed healthcare workers who help doctors care for patients. They do many different things, like 

  • give physical exams
  • diagnose and treat illnesses
  • write prescriptions
  • order and interpret diagnostic tests
  • help with surgeries

PAs work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and physician’s offices. They typically work under the supervision of a licensed physician but have a high level of autonomy in patient care.

The average salary for a physician assistant is $121,530 per year, making it one of the highest-paying healthcare careers. Experts predict that the number of jobs for personal assistants (PAs) will increase by 31% between 2019 and 2029. 

3.  Health Services Managers

Health services managers oversee how hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes work. They make sure that these places work well by managing budgets, making rules and procedures, and keeping an eye on staff. Health service managers also ensure that patients get good care and that the facilities meet all the rules. Their duties may include:

  • Recruiting, training, and managing staff
  • Developing and implementing policies and procedures
  • Managing finances, including budgeting and financial reporting
  • Ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and laws
  • Working with healthcare providers to improve patient care

Health service managers can expect to make around $101,340 per year. With the aging population and the increasing demand for healthcare services, the demand for healthcare managers is expected to grow.

4.  Physical Therapist

Physical therapists (PTs) are healthcare workers who help people get better after injuries, illnesses, or surgeries that make it hard for them to move around. They work with patients of all ages and conditions, from athletes with sports injuries to seniors with chronic pain, to improve their quality of life and restore their functional abilities.

Some everyday duties of physical therapists include:

  • Evaluating patients’ conditions, medical history, and goals for treatment
  • Designing and implementing personalized treatment plans may involve exercises, stretches, manual techniques, and modalities like heat, ice, or electrical stimulation.
  • Monitoring patients’ progress and adjusting their plans as needed
  • Educating patients and their families about their conditions, prevention strategies, and self-care techniques

According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for physical therapists in the United States was $95,620.

5.  Dental Therapist

Dental therapists are licensed oral health professionals who work with dentists to help people in underserved or rural areas get preventive and primary restorative care. With an emphasis on education, prevention, and early intervention, they receive training to perform many of the same tasks as dentists.

Some typical duties of dental therapists include:

  • Performing oral health assessments, screenings, and cleanings
  • Applying fluoride varnish, sealants, and other preventive measures
  • Diagnosing and treating common dental problems, such as cavities, gum disease, and oral infections
  • Educating patients about oral hygiene, nutrition, and lifestyle habits that affect oral health

According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), dental therapists’ median annual wage was $38,660.

6.  Radiologic Technologist

Radiologic technologists, also called radiographers, are healthcare workers who use different kinds of radiation to make medical images. They work alongside doctors and other healthcare workers to determine what’s wrong with patients and treat them. Some everyday duties of radiologic technologists include:

  • Operating diagnostic imaging equipment like X-ray machines, CT scanners, MRI machines, or mammography equipment
  • Positioning patients and adjusting the equipment to capture clear and accurate images
  • Following safety protocols to minimize radiation exposure for patients, themselves, and other staff
  • Preparing and maintaining patient records and equipment logs

According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for radiologic technologists in the United States was $61,980.

7.  Pharmacist

Pharmacists are healthcare professionals who specialize in medications and their effects on patients. They work in various settings, such as pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and research facilities, to ensure patients receive safe and effective drug therapy.

Some typical duties of pharmacists include:

  • Reviewing and verifying medication orders and prescriptions from healthcare providers
  • giving patients their medications and telling them how to take them safely and effectively
  • Monitoring patients’ drug therapy and identifying and resolving medication-related problems
  • Counseling patients on medication use, side effects, and drug interactions

According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for pharmacists in the United States was $128,570.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the healthcare industry offers a wide range of careers that provide an opportunity to impact people’s lives positively. Healthcare professionals work hard to ensure people get the best care possible. They do everything from diagnosing and treating illnesses to running healthcare facilities. With improvements in technology and medical research, there is a growing need for more people to work in healthcare so that the increasing population can get good care.

Rylie Holt