There are many different types of healthcare careers. Which one interests you? Do you like interacting with people? Work behind the scenes? A flexible schedule? You have many options!
NIH Job: Biologist
Biologists at NIH are challenged scientifically on a daily basis through exciting life science research. NIH offers opportunities for biologists to gain new skills and techniques in nearly every specialty area of biomedical research to meet the agency’s mission and meet national needs. Biologists are tasked with researching ways to prevent, treat, and even cure common and rare diseases.
Why Health: Careers You Can Feel Good About
Healthcare careers allow you to choose a job that reflects your values:
- Help others: Healthcare is a field dedicated to helping individual patients manage their care. You can prevent disease, promote healthy lifestyles, address public health issues and much more.
- To treat everyone with dignity: Nearly a quarter of American adults (22.8% or 58.7 million people) report that they had a mental illness in the past year. You can help by providing support and treatment.
- Make a difference: Your time, talent and experience can help reduce health disparities and build healthier communities.
Pathways to health: work while in school
Did you know that you can get started working in health without enrolling in an expensive or time-consuming education or certificate? You could start your journey in high school. Pathway programs allow you to try different types of healthcare careers.
Jobs that are in demand today and tomorrow
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has information on health professions and their educational requirements and average salary. The projected growth rate for healthcare professions is 21%, compared to the average of 4% for all professions. Here are a few of the roles that should hair highest number of new jobs accessible.
Home help and personal care help
Home health and personal care assistants support older adults and people with disabilities or chronic illnesses and help them with daily activities.
Entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median salary: $33,530
Typical salary range: $23,910 to $42,450
Occupational therapy assistants
Occupational therapy assistants help people who have injuries, illnesses or disabilities by providing them with independent living skills.
Entry-level education: Associate’s degree
Median salary: $67,010
Typical salary range: $48,670 to $89,230
Managers and directors of the medical and healthcare services
Managers and directors of the medical and healthcare services plan, direct and coordinate the business activities of health workers, clinics or public health authorities.
Entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Median salary: $110,680
Typical salary range: $67,900 to $216,750
Opportunities in rural and underserved communities
Over 60 million people live in rural America. They face their own unique health challenges and there are often fewer health workers serving these communities. Working in rural areas can help address health care disparities. It also connects patients with local resources to address social needs, which can be particularly challenging in rural and tribal areas.
People who work in rural areas often have one lower cost of living and can enjoy the benefits of living in a smaller, more cohesive community. The federal government provides scholarships, research grants, training, job postings and more to support health professionals ready to work in rural areas:
Options in mental health and substance abuse treatment
Millions of Americans are being treated or are seeking treatment for mental disorders or substance abuse disorders. Providers are needed more than ever to keep up with the demand for services. A career in behavioral health services allows you to make a difference in people’s lives.
Behavioral health describes a wide range of services including mental health promotion and treatment, prevention and treatment of substance use disorders and recovery support. Careers usually require certification or licensure at the state level—ranging from peer support counselors who have lived experience to roles that require medical degrees. Learn more about behavioral health jobs:
