High Paying Non-Physician Careers in Healthcare

 

When one thinks of a successful career in healthcare, images of doctors, surgeons, and other specialists come to mind.  Then you think about the amount of work, education, and time that are needed to earn a M.D. or Ph.D.  This can be a deterrent for some. Working in healthcare can be a rewarding experience, but many don’t know that success can be achieved in many other ways.  Using the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we have developed a list of non-physician jobs that pay well without the commitment needed for a doctorate.

High-Paying, Non-Physician jobs:

Pharmacist

Average annual salary in 2018: $126,120

Growth projection through 2028: 0%

Pharmacists prepare drug prescriptions as well as the expert knowledge in using them safely especially with other medications.  They mostly work in pharmacies, general stores, and some grocery stores as well as hospitals.  Education consists of a Pharm.D 4-year degree and licensing.

Certified Nurse Anesthetist, Midwife, or Practitioner

Average annual salary in 2018: $113,930

Growth projection through 2028: 26%

We’ve combined these three nursing positions as there are many similarities in role and responsibility.  They all coordinate patient care and work in hospitals, offices, and clinics.  A master’s degree in one of the many APRN roles is needed to qualify.

Physician Assistant

Average annual salary in 2018: $108,610

Growth projection through 2028: 31%

You’ll usually find physician assistants working along side physicians and surgeons administering to the healthcare needs of patients.  Places of work include hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, and many other healthcare facilities.  A master’s degree is need from an accredited school plus a license.

Medical and Health Services Manager

Average annual salary in 2018: $99,730

Growth projection through 2028: 20%

Also know as Healthcare Administrators, are responsible for managing medical services for many different situations.  They are trained in the skills needed to run a business more so than healthcare training.  They can oversee a single practice, a group of clinics, or a specific department managing the day to day operations.  A bachelor’s degree in a relevant major is needed.

Physical Therapist

Average annual salary in 2018: $87,930

Growth projection through 2028: 22%

When injury or illness impair basic movement or impact quality of life, patients often turn to physical therapists to regain the mobility they once had.  They are highly active working with patients in offices, clinics, hospitals, and nursing or private homes.  A DPT degree and license are needed in order to qualify.

Radiation Therapists

Average annual salary in 2018: $82,330

Growth projection through 2028: 9%

The administration of radiation treatments to cancer patients and those suffering from other diseases is the main responsibility of a radiation therapist.  They work in doctor’s offices, healthcare centers, and hospitals.  Education consists of an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy with a license needed in some states. We have developed a list of non-physician jobs that pay well without the commitment needed for a doctorate.