Do you have the passion to impact people’s lives and well-being positively? You need to start your career in the healthcare field. However, healthcare is the most promising and highly paid profession, offering competitive pay, fulfilling work passion, and exceptional career opportunities. Healthcare professionals, including genetic counselors, physician assistants, and healthcare administrators, are earning ever-higher salaries due to a dramatic rise in demand for their services. If you have been looking for healthcare department jobs, you are just in the right place. In this comprehensive dialogue, we will be highlighting the top ten in-demand health department jobs. We will discuss these jobs’ perks, benefits, and compensation. Explore the subject by examining the top ten highly paid health department jobs.
Top 10 High-Demand Health Department Jobs In The U.S.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest-paying medical jobs are those of physicians and surgeons. Furthermore, Health Department jobs and their respective salaries are:
Dentists
Dentists are essential healthcare professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating various medical conditions of the teeth, gums, and mouth. Their responsibilities include, but are not limited to, filling cavities, extracting teeth, prescribing medications, and fitting patients for dentures or other dental appliances. Additionally, dentists can focus on one or more specialties, like orthodontics or endodontics.
A degree in either Doctor of Dental Surgery, Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry, or Doctor of Dental Medicine is required to pursue a career in dentistry. The median annual salary for dentists is $155,040, and there is an expected 4% increase in employment opportunities for dentists from 2022 to 2032.
Pharmacists
Pharmacists play a critical role in the healthcare system by dispensing medications prescribed by physicians and ensuring that patients receive the correct medications and doses. They also advise physicians on drug interactions and doses and counsel patients who have questions about their prescriptions, ensuring they understand how to safely and effectively use their medications.
Additionally, pharmacists administer vaccinations, supervise pharmacy technicians, and take on the vital responsibility of ensuring that new medications do not negatively interact with patients’ allergies or other drugs, promoting patient safety and well-being.
Pharmacist employment opportunities are expected to increase by 3% between 2022 and 2032, with a median annual salary of $132,750. To pursue a career in pharmacy, individuals must obtain a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.
Physician Assistants
Physician assistants are also crucial in the healthcare system. They work under the supervision of physicians to examine and treat patients. They are responsible for diagnosing medical conditions, prescribing medications, monitoring patient progress, and treating ailments, injuries, and medical conditions.
With a projected job growth of 27% from 2022 to 2032, employment opportunities for physician assistants are expected to increase significantly. The median annual salary for physician assistants is $126,010, and individuals interested in this career path must obtain a Master’s degree.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Advanced Practice Registered nurse healthcare professionals are crucial in providing patient care by diagnosing and treating medical conditions, prescribing medications, and ordering diagnostic tests. APNs can also work as primary care physicians or in specialized healthcare positions like nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, or nurse midwives. The healthcare sector offers numerous career opportunities for this path.
The most recent data indicates that the median yearly salary of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) is $125,900. Employment for APRNs is expected to increase by 38% from 2022 to 2032, indicating significant job growth opportunities in this field. A Master’s degree is the minimum required education for individuals interested in pursuing a career as an APRN.
Health Department Jobs for Physical Therapists
Physical therapists in healthcare mainly focus on rehabilitating and treating patients with injuries or medical conditions. Physical therapists are predicted to be in high demand between 2022 and 2032, with an expected 15% annual job growth rate.
A Doctor of Physical Therapy is the minimum educational requirement for this profession. These professionals diagnose issues related to movement and functionality and devise personalized treatment plans to improve mobility, manage pain, and enhance the overall quality of life.
Physical therapists strive to optimize patient recovery and well-being by utilizing specialized techniques like therapeutic exercises and stretching. As of recent data, the median annual salary for physical therapists is $97,720.
Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapy is also one of the high-demand health department jobs these days. They improve patients’ lives with permanent disabilities, injuries, or illnesses. With a minimum requirement of a Master’s degree in occupational therapy, these professionals can offer specialized care to enhance patients’ daily living skills and overall quality of life.
They utilize various strategies, including teaching adaptive equipment, providing early intervention services for children, assisting older adults in maintaining independence at home and aiding individuals in rehabilitation after injuries. The field is anticipated to experience significant growth, with a projected job increase of 12% from 2022 to 2032, indicating a rising need for these essential healthcare services.
Radiation Therapists
Radiation therapists work on administering radiation treatments to patients with cancer or other medical conditions. In addition to working with oncologists and other medical professionals, they run linear accelerators and other devices that aid in tumor shrinkage and reduce excessive radiation exposure.
Their job responsibilities include providing compassionate care and support to patients throughout the treatment process and ensuring their physical and emotional well-being during challenging times.
The annual salary for radiation therapists is $89,530. It is estimated that the employment of radiation therapists will increase by 2% between 2022 and 2032. To become a radiation therapist, one must have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy or a related discipline.
Health Department Jobs for Dental Hygienists
Dental hygienists work under the supervision of dentists and play a crucial role in providing dental treatment for patients. They can thoroughly examine patients’ mouths, remove tartar and plaque from teeth, take X-rays, and offer valuable instruction on proper brushing and flossing techniques to promote good oral health.
Dental hygienists earn a median annual salary of $81,400 and are projected to have a job growth rate of 7% from 2022 to 2032. Individuals must obtain an associate degree in dental hygiene to pursue this career.
Registered Nurses
Registered nurses are critical in the healthcare industry. They provide essential patient care, public health education, and valuable advice for patients and their families. This profession offers a promising career path with a median annual salary of $81,220. The employment prospects for registered nurses are expected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032.
The minimum educational requirement is an associate degree in nursing or a nursing program diploma, and some employers may prefer candidates with a Bachelor of Science in nursing. Registered nurses have many responsibilities, including gathering medical history information, assessing medical conditions, administering treatments, and performing diagnostic tests.
Additionally, they collaborate closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure the highest standard of patient care. This profession’s combination of healthcare expertise, compassion, and dedication makes it a vital component of the healthcare system.
Health Department Jobs for Respiratory Therapist
Are you interested in working directly with patients and witnessing immediate results from the treatments you provide? Respiratory therapists play a crucial role in helping individuals with breathing difficulties improve their breathing. It is also one of the region’s most in-demand health department jobs. The treatments administered by these therapists often lead to immediate alleviation of the patient’s condition, providing a sense of fulfillment and tangible impact.
Enrolling in a two-year respiratory care program is the first step to starting a fulfilling career as a respiratory therapist. The job outlook for respiratory therapists is promising, with a projected 13 percent increase in job opportunities from 2022 to 2032. This field offers significant potential for those seeking a dynamic and in-demand healthcare profession.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pursuing a career in the medical field can lead to a fulfilling and impactful profession. As the demand for health department jobs continues to rise, professionals in fields such as dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistance, advanced practice registered nursing, etc., can look forward to promising job growth and the opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives. If you want to pursue a career in these fields, Intuitive Health Services can help you find a great fit. Whether they diagnose and treat medical conditions or promote overall wellness, these healthcare professionals play a vital role in the healthcare system and contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities.
