According to the World Health Organization, the healthcare industry is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing industries. Healthcare spending will reach $5.5 trillion in the United States alone by 2022. This growth may occur by several factors, including the aging baby boomer population, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and advances in medical technology.
As the healthcare industry grows, so will the demand for qualified healthcare professionals. So if you’re thinking about a healthcare career, you should start planning right now.
This article will look at the top in-demand healthcare jobs in 2022 and provide information on job descriptions, salaries, and educational requirements.
Here are the top in-demand healthcare jobs for the future:
1. Health Care Administrators
Health care administrators are responsible for the overall management of healthcare facilities. They develop policies, coordinate care services, and oversee finances. Suppose you’re interested in a career in healthcare but don’t want to provide patient care directly. In that case, a career as a healthcare administrator could be a good fit for you. Health care administrators earn a median annual salary of $98,350. Aspirants looking to pursue a career in healthcare administration typically need a master’s degree in health administration or a related field. For instance, you can enroll in an online MBA healthcare program and specialize in healthcare administration. However, some entry-level positions may only require a bachelor’s degree.
2. Registered Nurses
Registered nurses (RNs) provide direct patient care, educate patients and the public about health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families. R.N.s can specialize in various areas, such as critical care, pediatrics, oncology, or surgical nursing. By pursuing a career as an R.N., you can have a significant impact on the health of your patients. At the same time, you can expect to earn a good salary and enjoy job security. The median annual salary for R.N.s is $69,790. However, experienced R.N.s can make much more. To become an R.N., you must complete an accredited nursing program and obtain a license from your state’s Board of Nursing.
3. Physicians and Surgeons
Physicians and surgeons are medical doctors who diagnose and treat patients. They may also conduct research and teach at medical schools. Physicians and surgeons are among the highest-paid workers in the healthcare industry, with a median annual salary of $208,000. Physicians and surgeons must complete a four-year undergraduate degree, four years of medical school, and a three- to seven-year residency. Besides being one of the most in-demand jobs in healthcare, becoming a physician or surgeon is also one of the most rewarding careers you can pursue.
4. Physical Therapists
Physical therapists (PTs) help patients manage pain and improve their mobility. They develop treatment plans, provide therapy, and educate patients on how to prevent injuries and improve their overall health. P.T.s typically need to earn about three years of a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. The median annual salary for P.T.s is $85,400. However, experienced P.T.s can earn much more, with some reaching over $100,000 per year.
5. Dentists
Dentists diagnose and treat dental issues and promote oral health. Dentists typically need to earn a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree, which takes about four years to complete. The median annual salary for dentists is $151,440. However, experienced dentists can earn much more, with some reaching over $250,000 per year.
6. Pharmacists
Pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients and advise them on the use of over-the-counter medicines. They also provide information on side effects, drug interactions, and proper dosage. Pharmacists typically need to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree, which takes four years to complete. The median annual salary for pharmacists is $120,270. However, experienced pharmacists can earn much more, with some reaching over $140,000 per year.
7. Optometrists
Optometrists provide primary eye care, including vision testing and the prescription of eyeglasses and contact lenses. They also diagnose and treat common eye problems, such as glaucoma and cataracts. Optometrists typically need to earn a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree, which takes four years to complete. The median annual salary for optometrists is $110,300. However, experienced optometrists can earn much more, with some reaching over $200,000 per year.
8. Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists (OTs) help patients recover from injuries, illnesses, and disabilities. They also teach them how to adapt to their new circumstances and live independently. O.T.s typically need to earn a Master’s degree in occupational therapy, which takes two to three years to complete. The median annual salary for O.T.s is $84,950. However, experienced O.T.s can earn much more, with some reaching over $100,000 per year.
9. Speech-Language Pathologists
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders patients. They also teach patients how to improve their speech and eating habits. SLPs typically need to earn a Master’s degree in speech-language pathology, which takes two to three years to complete. The median annual salary for SLPs is $77,510. However, experienced SLPs can earn much more, with some reaching over $100,000 per year.
10. Veterinarians
Veterinarians diagnose and treat animals for diseases, injuries, and other conditions. They also provide preventive care and educate pet owners on how to take care of their animals. Veterinarians typically need to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, which takes four years to complete. The median annual salary for veterinarians is $88,490. However, experienced veterinarians can earn much more, with some reaching over $200,000 per year.
11. Anesthesiologists
Anesthesiologists are medical doctors who specialize in anesthesia and pain management. They administer anesthesia to patients before surgery and monitor them during and after surgery. Anesthesiologists typically need to earn a medical degree, which takes four years to complete. The median annual salary for anesthesiologists is $208,000. However, experienced anesthesiologists can make much more, with some earning over $400,000 per year.
12. Home Health Aides
Home health aides (HHAs) provide personal care and support to patients in their homes. They also perform light housekeeping tasks, such as laundry and meal preparation. HHAs typically need to earn a high school diploma or equivalent. The median annual salary for HHAs is $24,200. However, experienced HHAs can make much more, with some reaching over $40,000 per year.
13. Osteopathic physicians (DOs)
Osteopathic physicians, also known as Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, are highly sought after in the healthcare industry. Their holistic approach to patient care, combining comprehensive medical training with a focus on the body’s structure and function, sets them apart.
Osteopathic physicians excel in diagnosing and treating various medical conditions, and their proficiency in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) further enhances their effectiveness. With the increasing demand for holistic and patient-centered care, DOs, including those who have completed the COMLEX (Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination) designed to evaluate their medical knowledge and clinical skills, are valued for their ability to address patients’ overall well-being.
If you are wondering what is COMLEX, it is a series of examinations designed to assess the competency and knowledge of osteopathic physicians in the United States. These examinations play a vital role in assessing the aptitude and proficiency of DOs across a wide range of medical disciplines, ensuring they meet the rigorous standards required to provide top-notch healthcare.
The median annual income for OP ranges between $200,000 to $300,000 per year. This rewarding career allows healthcare professionals to make a positive impact and provides financial stability.”
Bottom Line:
The healthcare industry is experiencing significant growth, and there is a need for qualified professionals in many different fields.
With the right training and experience, you can earn a high salary and make a difference in the lives of others. If you’re interested in a healthcare career, consider one of the in-demand jobs on this list.
