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Best Healthcare Jobs for 2023

Best Healthcare Jobs for 2023
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As long as there are people on the planet, there will be a demand for skilled professionals in every facet of healthcare. From optometrists and audiologists to midwifery and physicians, there are many different career paths in the healthcare industry that are all in high demand. If you’re thinking about switching to the healthcare industry or are curious about the best healthcare jobs for 2023, we’ve got you covered with this informative article. 

 

Best Healthcare Jobs Methodology

Ranking the best healthcare jobs in 2023 is a challenging process that requires an objective methodology. This unbiased advice will help you make an informed decision on where to invest your time and resources. Here are the factors that we consider when ranking the best jobs in the healthcare industry.

Median Salary

This is the midpoint of salaries that are earned by people in the healthcare industry. A good salary directly impacts one’s financial stability, and it can improve job satisfaction. However, the exact salary will differ even among people in the same role. Among the best hospitals to work for, most will pay a similar rate, but there may be slight differences based on one’s experience and credentials.

Unemployment Rate

A low unemployment rate means that there is high demand for medical jobs in that particular field. This leads to more employment opportunities which makes it easier for someone to find a job if they choose to specialize in that particular field.

Job Prospects

Even if there are many job openings now, the situation may be different once you’ve graduated with a particular degree or have finished training for a certain role. Looking at future job prospects is important because demand constantly shifts. It’s worth looking into healthcare career insights and trends to see which jobs are predicted to increase in demand over the next decade. This will give you a better idea of which jobs to pursue.

Work Life Stress

Certain jobs in the healthcare industry can lead to high levels of stress due to the day-to-day activities that are involved. Stress can lead to lower job satisfaction and an unstable work-life balance if it’s not managed correctly. While no job is free of stress, the best healthcare jobs are often ones that have manageable levels of stress. This factor is generally subjective as stress affects people differently, but it’s still an important consideration to keep in mind.

 

Best Healthcare Jobs for 2023

 

  

Physician

A physician, also known as a primary care doctor, provides a number of healthcare services to their patients. They're usually the first person that someone might contact if they feel sick, and they can prescribe medication to assist their patients.

Physicians have competitive salaries, often with a median of $208,000. They’re also high in demand with a 0.3% unemployment rate, so there are plenty of opportunities to find work as a trained physician. This also gives physicians a high level of job security.

However, becoming a physician is a long and arduous path. Physicians typically start with a pre-med major in their undergraduate years before preparing for the Medical College Admission Test. Medical schools typically take four years to finish, and students will be rotated through different branches of medicine. This can lead to other healthcare jobs such as a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.

 

 

  

Physician Associate

A physician associate, sometimes referred to as a physician assistant, is a healthcare professional that works as part of a larger team under a licensed physician. They are often trained in many of the same skills as a physician, but their role can change depending on the country, region, or medical office that they work in.

Physician associates earn a median salary of $121,530 and have an unemployment rate of 1.2%. There are many opportunities to find work as a physician associate due to the number of openings available. Their crucial role in healthcare makes this an invaluable profession in the medical world.

A physician associate will typically go through the same training program that a physician would. This journey often starts by gaining admission into a physician assistant program which requires a background in medical science. This usually comes from a background in nursing, as a paramedic, or in athletic training. Practical experience can also improve your chances of gaining admission.

 

 

Nurse Practitioner

A nurse practitioner is similar to a physician in that they perform many of the same jobs. They prescribe medicine, authorize treatments, work directly with patients, and perform examinations. The main difference is that nurse practitioners require less formal training, but they provide a similar level of primary care to their patients. They also work directly with physicians and other healthcare professionals to assist patients.

A nurse practitioner earns a median salary of $120,680. The role has an unemployment rate of 0.4% and there are hundreds of thousands of nurse practitioners in the medical field. The invaluable role that a nurse practitioner plays leads to many job opportunities.

To become a nurse practitioner, one must first become a registered nurse. This means earning a bachelor’s degree or any similar approved diploma. It’s also necessary to pass the National Council Licensure Examination. From here, one must obtain a master’s or doctorate degree which can take up to four years, plus additional certification when specializing in a particular field of healthcare.

 

  

Nurse Anesthetist

A nurse anesthetist is an advanced practice registered nurse who specializes in anesthesia and related services. These healthcare professionals often work with doctors and surgeons to help administer anesthesia to patients.

The median salary for a nurse anesthetist is around $195,610. However, the unemployment rate is currently unknown. Given their specialized knowledge and role in a medical team, they often only work together with doctors, surgeons, and as part of a larger group in a medical facility or hospital.

Becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist requires a bachelor’s degree and a registered nurse licensure. This involves passing the National Council Licensure Examination. One must also have a minimum of one year of experience in a critical care setting, and they’ll need to complete an accredited graduate-level nurse anesthesia program.

 

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Dentist

A dentist specializes in oral health and dental conditions. They can diagnose and treat issues related to the gums, teeth, and other oral structures. A dentist also performs examinations, educates patients, and performs cleanings. Dentists may also provide restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns, and they can also specialize in cosmetic treatments such as veneers and gum reshaping.

The median dentist salary is around $160,370. They have an unemployment rate of around 0.5%. There is a high demand for dentists across the country, and they can choose to work with established dental practices or choose to open their own service. It’s also possible to become a freelance dentist.

Becoming a dentist usually involves getting an undergraduate degree before being recommended for dental school. Aspiring candidates must take the Dental Admission Test before being enrolled in a dental school. This involves both practical and technical training. In order to start practicing dentistry, one must pass the Integrated National Board Dental Examination and obtain state-specific licensure.

 

  

Skincare Specialist

A skincare specialist specializes in enhancing the appearance of a patient’s skin. This typically involves exfoliation, waxing, laser treatments, moisturizing, or even applying makeup. They can also be trained in the use of newer technologies such as laser treatments. Skincare professionals assess a patient’s skin and will refer them to a licensed dermatologist should there be any underlying skin conditions.

A skincare specialist earns a median salary of $37,000. There is an unemployment rate of around 5.1%. This is due to the cosmetic nature of skincare. However, there are opportunities to advance into the dermatology field which involves the examination and diagnosis of disorders and diseases related to the skin.

Each state has different educational requirements for a skincare specialist. They are often only required to complete a cosmetology or esthetician program before they can obtain a license. It takes on average 600 class hours before one can obtain a skincare license, and this often concludes with both a practical and written exam.

 

 

Optometrist

An optometrist provides healthcare services related to eye conditions. Their most common task involves diagnosing eyesight issues and prescribing eyeglasses or contact lenses to improve visual acuity. Optometrists are also trained to perform vision therapy or treat conditions such as glaucoma and refractive errors.

The median salary of an optometrist is $124,300, but their unemployment rate is unknown. They have the option of working with an established practice, or they can become freelance or self-employed.

Becoming an optometrist starts with a bachelor’s degree. They must then take and pass the Optometry Admission Test before being enrolled in an optometry school. Here, they’ll embark on a four-year program that combines practical and classroom work. They will then need to pass several more exams and meet licensing requirements before receiving their license. An optometrist can also specialize in areas such as ocular disease or pediatric optometry.

 

  

Audiologist

The health of the auditory system affects many different facets of our health, such as our ability to communicate with others or even maintain our balance when walking. An audiologist assesses the quality of hearing and balance of a patient using various tools, then decides on the best treatment options to restore hearing or provide relief.

The median salary for an audiologist is $78,950. The unemployment rate is currently unknown.

Audiologists start their career with a bachelor’s degree. This allows them to continue with a doctoral degree in audiology which typically takes up to four years to complete. Along this journey, prospects will study subjects like physics and anatomy to better understand how our auditory system works. They will also engage in supervised clinical practice to bolster their experience and provide practical training.

 

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Pediatrician

A pediatrician often works with children to improve their emotional and social well-being. Most pediatricians will work with their child patients up until young adulthood. While a pediatrician is a specialized role, they typically need to have a broad range of experience and knowledge in all facets of health. This is because a pediatrician helps to promote good overall health and well-being, including areas such as nutrition and behavior.

The median salary of a pediatrician is $170,480. The job has an unemployment rate of 0.3%. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 1.1% employment growth until 2031. This means a limited number of job openings, making this a competitive career choice in the healthcare industry.

Pediatricians must develop skills and knowledge in a wide range of medical fields. This career path usually starts with an undergraduate degree before taking the Medical College Admission Test. Once enrolled in medical school, prospects will typically study for up to four years before taking a licensing exam to practice medicine. Additionally, medical graduates are expected to complete at least three years of residency before being trained in pediatric specialties.

 

  

Nurse Midwife

A nurse midwife provides a wide range of services including annual examinations, pregnancy examinations, and menopausal care. They also work in larger medical practices and hospitals to provide comprehensive prenatal care. A nurse midwife also assists during labor and delivery. Nurse midwives are registered nurses that have obtained a degree in midwifery.

A nurse midwife can expect a median salary of $112,830. The unemployment rate is currently unknown. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7.5% employment growth up to 2031, leading to approximately 600 midwifery healthcare jobs.

Many nurse midwives begin their careers as registered nurses with a bachelor of science in nursing. They then move on to a midwifery program accreditation and must pass the American Midwifery Certification Board exam.

 

Conclusion of Best Healthcare Jobs

Whether you plan to only finish college or complete a full medical education, there are many healthcare jobs available in 2023 with competitive salaries and many opportunities for growth.