Are you considering a career in the medical field but not sure which path to take? With so many job opportunities in healthcare, it can be challenging to decide which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 jobs in the medical field for 2023. From patient-facing roles to behind-the-scenes positions, various options suit various interests and skill sets.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 medical jobs and the unique responsibilities, education requirements, and potential earnings of each. Whether you’re a recent graduate or considering a career change, this list will help you decide about your future in the medical field.
Exploring the Growing Demand and Promising Career Opportunities in the Medical Field
The medical field is essential in providing health care services to people, promoting wellness, and preventing illness. With the advancements in technology, research, and medical practices, the industry continually evolves, offering promising career opportunities for those interested in healthcare.
The field’s significance is evident in the increasing demand for medical professionals, making it one of the best careers in the medical field. In addition, as the population continues to grow, so will the need for quality medical care, creating job security and growth potential for those pursuing careers in the medical field. Therefore, it’s an excellent time to consider entering this field and explore the many medical careers in demand for the future.
Top 10 Disruptive Medical Jobs to Look Out for in 2023
The medical field offers many career opportunities for those interested in providing healthcare services to needy individuals. The following is a list of the top 10 jobs in the medical field:
Registered Nurse
They are responsible for patient care and emotionally support patients and their families. They work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. To become a registered nurse, you need a nursing degree and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. The median annual salary for registered nurses is $75,330. If you’re interested in becoming a registered nurse, here’s what you need to know:
How to become a registered nurse, the steps to follow:
- Earn a high school diploma or equivalent
- Obtain a nursing degree from an accredited nursing program (associate or bachelor’s degree)
- Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN)
- Apply for state licensure as a registered nurse
What are the necessary skills and requirements for becoming a registered nurse?
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Compassionate and empathetic toward patients
- Attention to detail and ability to multitask
- Physical stamina and endurance to stand and walk for extended periods
- Proficiency in medical terminology and basic computer skills
- Active listening skills and knowledge to follow directions
- Understanding of legal and ethical issues in healthcare
In addition to these skills and requirements, registered nurses must be willing to continuously learn and stay up-to-date with the latest medical advancements and treatments. Becoming a registered nurse requires hard work and dedication to providing high-quality patient care.
Medical and Health Services Manager
Medical and health services managers oversee the operations of healthcare facilities, ensuring that they run efficiently and provide high-quality care. They manage budgets, supervise staff, and implement policies and procedures.
To become a medical and health services manager, you typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in healthcare administration or a related field. Medical and health services earn a median annual salary of $104,280. Here are the steps and skills needed to become a medical and health services manager:
What are the necessary steps to become a medical and health service?
- Obtain a bachelor’s or master’s degree in healthcare administration, health services, or a related field
- Gain experience in healthcare administration or management through internships, residency programs, or entry-level positions
- Earn certification from a professional organization like the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) or the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA)
- Pursue continuing education to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and regulations in healthcare management
Skills and qualifications needed for becoming a medical and health services manager:
- Leadership and managerial skills, including the ability to delegate tasks, motivate staff, and make strategic decisions
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work with a variety of stakeholders, including physicians, nurses, patients, and other healthcare professionals
- Understanding of healthcare policies, regulations, and laws, including HIPAA and OSHA
- Knowledge of healthcare financing and budgeting, including insurance reimbursement and revenue cycle management
- Proficiency in healthcare information technology (HIT) and electronic health records (EHRs)
- Ability to analyze data and interpret healthcare analytics to make informed decisions
- Project management skills to plan, implement and evaluate healthcare initiatives
Becoming a medical and health services manager requires unique skills and educational requirements that differ from other medical fields.
Physician Assistant
It works under a physician’s supervision and provides patients with diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive healthcare services. They take medical histories, perform physical exams, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and prescribe medications.
To become a physician assistant, you need a master’s degree in physician assistant studies and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). The average annual salary for physician assistants is $115,390.
Steps for becoming a physician assistant, what you need to know:
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a science-related field, with courses in biology, chemistry, and anatomy
- Complete a physician assistant program, which typically takes two years and includes clinical rotations in various medical specialties
- Pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) to become licensed as a PA
- Complete continuing education requirements to maintain PA certification
Physician assistant requirements, necessary skills, and qualifications:
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills to diagnose and treat medical conditions under the supervision of a physician
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals
- Physical stamina and endurance to work long hours and perform tasks that require physical strength
- Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
- Proficiency in medical terminology, pharmacology, and diagnostic procedures
- Understanding of healthcare laws, regulations, and ethical standards
- Willingness to continuously learn and stay up-to-date with the latest medical advancements and treatments
Physical Therapist
It works with patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities to improve their movement and manage their pain. In addition, they develop treatment plans, perform exercises, and educate patients on how to prevent further injury.
To become a physical therapist, you need a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination. The median yearly pay for physical therapists is $91,010.
What it takes to become a physical therapist, the steps involved:
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy or a related field with courses in anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology
- Complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, which typically takes three years and includes clinical rotations in various medical specialties
- Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to become licensed as a physical therapist
- Complete continuing education requirements to maintain physical therapy certification
Essential skills and conditions for becoming a physical therapist:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills to diagnose and treat movement impairments and disabilities
- Physical stamina and endurance to work long hours and perform tasks that require physical strength
- Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
- Proficiency in medical terminology, anatomy, and therapeutic techniques
- Understanding of healthcare laws, regulations, and ethical standards
- Willingness to continuously learn and stay up-to-date with the latest medical advancements and treatments
Dental Hygienist
They clean teeth, examine patients for signs of oral diseases and provide preventative dental care. They also educate patients on how to maintain good oral health. To become a dental hygienist, you need an associate degree in dental hygiene and must pass national and state licensing exams. Dental hygienists make a median salary of $76,220 per year.
A step-by-step guide to becoming a dental hygienist:
- Obtain an associate degree in dental hygiene from an accredited program
- Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) to become licensed as a dental hygienist
- Complete state-specific clinical and written exams, if required
- Complete continuing education requirements to maintain dental hygiene certification
What it takes to become a dental hygienist, skills, and requirements:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals
- Attention to detail and ability to perform tasks that require precision, such as cleaning teeth and taking dental X-rays
- Physical stamina and endurance to work long hours and perform tasks that require physical skill
- Proficiency in dental anatomy, oral health, and dental hygiene techniques
- Understanding of healthcare laws, regulations, and ethical standards
- Willingness to continuously learn and stay up-to-date with the latest dental advancements and treatments
Occupational Therapist
It helps patients develop or regain the skills necessary to perform daily activities. They work with patients who have disabilities, injuries, or illnesses that affect their ability to perform tasks. To become an occupational therapist, you need a master’s degree and pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam. An occupational therapist’s median annual salary is $87,700.
The process of becoming an occupational therapist, steps to take:
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy or a related field with courses in anatomy, physiology, and psychology
- Complete a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program or Doctor of Occupational Therapy (DOT) program
- Complete a clinical fieldwork experience, which provides hands-on training in various medical specialties
- Pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to become licensed as an occupational therapist
- Complete continuing education requirements to maintain occupational therapy certification
A guide to the skills and requirements for becoming an occupational therapist:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills to diagnose and treat physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments
- Physical stamina and endurance to work long hours and perform tasks that require physical strength
- Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
- Proficiency in medical terminology, anatomy, and therapeutic techniques
- Understanding of healthcare laws, regulations, and ethical standards
- Willingness to continuously learn and stay up-to-date with the latest medical advancements and treatments
Medical Technologist
A clinical laboratory technologist performs complex blood, tissue, and bodily fluids tests to diagnose and treat diseases. They also analyze and interpret test results, communicate findings to physicians, and maintain laboratory equipment. To become a medical technologist, you need a bachelor’s degree in medical technology or a related field and must pass a certification exam. The typical annual salary for medical technologists is $63,790.
Essential steps for becoming a medical technologist:
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree in medical technology or a related field with courses in chemistry, biology, and mathematics
- Complete a clinical laboratory training program, which includes hands-on experience in medical laboratory settings
- Pass a certification exam from a recognized organization, such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
- Pursue continuing education to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in medical laboratory science
The essential skills and requirements for a career as a medical technologist:
- Attention to detail and ability to perform tasks that require precision, such as analyzing samples and interpreting results
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills to diagnose and troubleshoot equipment and process issues
- Proficiency in laboratory techniques, equipment, and procedures
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, communicating effectively with other healthcare professionals
- Understanding of healthcare laws, regulations, and ethical standards
- Willingness to continuously learn and stay up-to-date with the latest medical advancements and laboratory techniques
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
It uses specialized equipment to create images of a patient’s internal organs and tissues. These images help physicians diagnose medical conditions. To become a diagnostic medical sonographer, you typically need an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography and must pass a certification exam. The median salary earned by diagnostic medical sonographers is $77,520 per annum.
Becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer, what steps to take:
- Obtain an associate or bachelor’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography or a related field with courses in anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology
- Complete a clinical training program, which includes hands-on experience in medical sonography settings
- Pass a certification exam from a recognized organization, such as the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)
- Pursue continuing education to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in medical sonography
Requirements for pursuing a career in medical sonography, skills to have:
- Attention to detail and ability to perform tasks that require precision, such as analyzing images and interpreting results
- Physical stamina and endurance to perform long hours and complete tasks that need physical dexterity
- Proficiency in sonographic techniques, equipment, and procedures
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, communicating effectively with other healthcare professionals
- Understanding of healthcare laws, regulations, and ethical standards
- Willingness to continuously learn and stay up-to-date with the latest medical advancements and sonography techniques
Speech-Language Pathologist
They work with patients who have communication or swallowing disorders. They develop treatment plans, provide therapy, and educate patients and their families on improving communication and swallowing abilities. To become a speech-language pathologist, you need a master’s degree in speech-language pathology and a license to practice. The yearly median pay for speech-language pathologists is $80,480.
How to pursue a career as a speech-language pathologist, steps to follow:
- Obtain a master’s degree in speech-language pathology or a related field with courses in anatomy, physiology, and communication disorders
- Complete a clinical fellowship, which provides hands-on training in various medical specialties
- Pass the Praxis examination in Speech-Language Pathology to become licensed as a speech-language pathologist
- Complete continuing education requirements to maintain speech-language pathology certification
The must-have skills and conditions for a successful speech-language pathologist career:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills to diagnose and treat speech and language disorders
- Physical stamina and endurance to work long hours and perform tasks that require physical skill
- Proficiency in speech-language assessment and intervention techniques
- Understanding of healthcare laws, regulations, and ethical standards
- Willingness to continuously learn and stay up-to-date with the latest medical advancements and treatments
Respiratory Therapist
It helps patients with breathing difficulties due to chronic respiratory diseases or acute medical emergencies. They perform diagnostic tests, develop treatment plans, and educate patients on how to manage their conditions. To become a respiratory therapist, you need an associate degree in respiratory therapy and must pass a certification exam. Respiratory therapists receive a median annual salary of $63,790.
The roadmap to becoming a respiratory therapist, steps you need to know:
- Obtain an associate or bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy or a related field with courses in anatomy, physiology, and cardiopulmonary science
- Complete a clinical training program, which includes hands-on experience in respiratory therapy settings
- Pass a certification exam from a recognized organization, such as the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
- Pursue continuing education to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in respiratory therapy
Respiratory therapist skills and qualifications, what you need to know:
- Attention to detail and ability to perform tasks that require precision, such as analyzing patient data and adjusting ventilator settings
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills to diagnose and treat respiratory disorders
- Physical stamina and endurance to work long hours and perform tasks that require physical skill
- Proficiency in respiratory assessment and treatment techniques, including mechanical ventilation and oxygen therapy
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, communicating effectively with other healthcare professionals
- Understanding of healthcare laws, regulations, and ethical standards
- Willingness to continuously learn and stay up-to-date with the latest medical advancements and respiratory therapy techniques
How to Prepare Yourself for a Career in the Healthcare Industry?
Preparing for a career in the healthcare industry can be challenging, but with the proper guidance and resources, it can be a rewarding journey. Here’s a healthcare job preparation guide to help you get started:
- First, identify your career interests and goals in the healthcare industry
- Research various medical careers and their requirements to determine the best fit for you
- Seek healthcare career counseling and mentorship opportunities to gain insight into the industry
- Consider pursuing a healthcare-related degree or certification program
- Gain hands-on experience through internships or volunteer opportunities in healthcare settings
- Network with healthcare professionals to learn about job opportunities and industry trends
- Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in the healthcare industry through industry publications and continuing education courses
- Develop essential skills for a career in healthcare, such as communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving
- Utilize online resources and forums to learn more about medical careers and connect with other healthcare professionals
- Join professional healthcare organizations to expand your network and access job opportunities.
Overall, preparing for a career in the healthcare industry requires dedication, commitment, and a willingness to learn and grow.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Career in the Medical Field: A Comprehensive Guide
Choosing a career in the medical field can be a life-changing decision. It requires careful consideration of several factors to determine the best fit for you. Here are some things to consider when choosing a career in the medical field:
- Personal interests and passions: consider the areas of medicine that you find most exciting and fulfilling.
- Education and training requirements: research the education and training requirements for different medical careers and determine if they align with your goals and abilities.
- Job outlook and growth potential: look into the job market and growth potential for different medical careers to ensure a stable and promising career path.
- Work environment: consider the type of work environment that best suits your personality and lifestyle.
- Salary and benefits: research the earning potential and benefits for different medical careers to determine if they align with your financial goals.
- Professional growth and advancement opportunities: consider the options for professional growth and advancement in different medical careers.
- Work-life balance: determine the level of work-life balance that you desire and research medical careers that offer flexible schedules or part-time work options.
- Patient population: consider the patient population you want to work with, such as children, adults, or seniors.
- Job duties and responsibilities: research the specific job duties and responsibilities of different medical careers to determine if they align with your interests and strengths.
- Personal values and ethics: consider how your values and ethics align with the medical field and different medical careers.
Overall, choosing a career in the medical field requires careful consideration of several factors.
A Comprehensive Summary of the Best Medical Careers in 2023
In summary, the healthcare industry offers many opportunities for those seeking a rewarding career. From patient-facing roles to behind-the-scenes positions, there is no shortage of well-paying jobs in the medical field. Furthermore, with the ever-increasing demand for healthcare services, job security and growth potential are abundant for those pursuing a career in this industry.
Whether you are passionate about caring for others or love science and technology, there is a healthcare job that is right for you. Remember that the best healthcare jobs require dedication, education, and a commitment to ongoing learning and growth. With the right skills and qualifications, you can embark on a fulfilling and lucrative career in the medical field.
