Want a career change? Consider these high-paying healthcare roles

As technology advances create new jobs and the general population ages, the demand for healthcare services is expected to grow consistently, offering stable job security in the field. If you're looking to make a career change into a healthcare profession - good choice! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare jobs are being added faster than any other industry and the growth is expected to continue for at least the next 10 years.

There are high-paying jobs in every aspect of healthcare — from administrative work to patient care to technology — that can lead to a prosperous career. While some healthcare jobs require a short-term educational investment, others can be achieved with a demonstrated interest in the field and a strong resume highlighting the appropriate skills.

Here’s a look at some high-demand jobs in the healthcare field. Learn what it takes to enter the jobs and what common skills transfer well to help you land the role!

1. Medical assistant

Medical assistants complete both administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Their duties include keeping patient records up to date, assisting doctors with patient care, preparing blood samples for laboratories. In larger practices, medical assistants may specialize in either administrative or clinical duties.

Job growth for medical assistants is expected to grow by 19% over the next 10 years.

The median salary for a medical assistant is $35,000.

Click here to search for medical assistant positions near you!

Medical assistant requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Several months of on-the-job training

Valuable transferable skills

• Analytics: To understand medical charts and medical diagnoses
• Detail-oriented: Accurately code patient records and billing, and record vital signs
• Interpersonal: Ability to communicate with colleagues to discuss patient information. Must be able to translate medical information to patients who may be in distress.
• Technical: Comfortable using clinical instruments and technology like computers and electronic charts

2. Medical secretary

The medical secretary manages a medical office that includes duties ranging from administrative duties and supply ordering, to tracking schedules, communication, and liaising with doctors.

While secretarial jobs in all other industries are expected to fall by up to 20% over the next 10 years, demand for medical secretaries will grow by 10% over the same period.

The median salary for a medical secretary is $34,000.

Click here to search for medical secretary positions near you!

Medical secretary requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Several months of on-the-job training, with a focus on understanding medical terminology and codes, medical records, and hospital or laboratory procedures.

Valuable transferable skills

• Decision-making:Prioritize tasks and make decisions on the employers’ behalf
• Organizational skills: To keep the office running smoothly, the secretary must keep files in proper order
• Interpersonal skills: Ability to communicate with patients and colleagues
• Writing skills: Write emails and memos on behalf of employers to employees and patients

3. Radiation therapist

Radiation therapists treat cancer and other diseases using radiation treatments. These professionals generally work in hospitals, but also work in physician offices and outpatient centers, under the guidance of medical doctors.

Job growth in this field is expected to rise at an annual rate of 7% over the next 10 years.

The median salary for a medical secretary is $80,000.

Click here to search for radiation therapist positions near you!

Radiation therapist requirements

• A two-year accredited educational program in radiation therapy is needed. To review accredited programs, visit this website for the accreditation organization.

Valuable transferable skills

• Detail-oriented: The therapist must follow exact instructions, record exact data, and input exact measurements so patients receive the proper amount of radiation

• Interpersonal skills: Work closely with patients who can be nervous and stressed

• Physical stamina: Therapists are on their feet much of the day, and must be able to move patients who need assistance

4. Diagnostic imaging professional

These workers use special imaging equipment to create images or conduct tests to help doctors assess and diagnose medical conditions. There are a number of specialty devices, each with its own profession: sonography, MRI, and cardiovascular machines, for example. Technicians may work closely with doctors and surgeons before, during, and after procedures.

Labor experts anticipated a 12% growth in this field over the next decade.

The median salary for a diagnostic imaging professional is $75,000.

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Diagnostic imaging professional requirements

• One-year certificate or associate degree is needed. Accredited certificate and AA programs can be found here.

Valuable transferable skills

• Detail-oriented: Diagnostic imaging workers must follow precise instructions to get the images needed to diagnose and treat patients. They must also pay attention to subtle cues while scanning a patient’s body.

• Interpersonal skills: Working closely with patients who may be in extreme pain or mental stress, these workers must get cooperation from patients to create usable images

• Physical stamina: Diagnostic imaging workers are on their feet for long periods and must be able to lift and move patients who need assistance

• Technical skills: Diagnostic imaging workers must be comfortable operating complex machinery and computerized instruments

5. Dental hygienists

Dental hygienists examine patients for signs of oral diseases, such as gingivitis, and provide preventive care, including teeth cleaning. They also educate patients about oral health, take and develop dental X-rays, and document patient care and treatment plans.

Job growth is expected to rise by 20% over the next 6 years.

The median salary for a dental hygienist is $74,000.

Click here to search for positions near you!

Dental hygienist requirements

• Dental hygiene programs at community colleges include laboratory, clinical, and classroom instruction. A listing of accredited programs is here.

Note that some programs are more extensive and can take up to three years. With more extensive training, you’d develop more skills and start at a higher initial salary.

Valuable transferable skills

• Critical thinking: Ability to evaluate a patient and develop a dental care plan

• Communication : The hygienist is the conduit of information between the dentist and the patient. Skill at translating concerns and lifestyle issues with poise will benefit the dentist-patient relationship

• Detail-oriented: Specific protocols must be followed to treat patients

• Dexterity: Hygienists require fine motor skills to use precise tools in the mouth

6. Occupational therapy assistant

Occupational therapy assistants work with occupational therapists to help patients develop, recover, improve, and maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. Occupational therapy assistants work in therapists’ offices, hospitals, and in nursing care facilities providing hands-on therapy to patients. Job growth is estimated at a whopping 32% over the next 6 years.

The median salary for a dental hygienist is $60,000.

Click here to search for positions near you!

Occupational therapy assistant requirements

• Occupational therapy assistants need an associate’s degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program, found at community colleges and some technical schools.

• Certifications in CPR and basic life support

• All states regulate the practice of occupational therapy assistants, and most require licensing through testing at the conclusion of your education. Check with your state for specific requirements.

Valuable transferable skills

• Adaptability and creativity: The ability to think on your feet when treating patients because not every therapy works for every patient

• Compassion: Occupational therapy patients often struggle with basic activities, so occupational therapy assistants need to be encouraging and patient with clients, and communicate clearly and kindly

• Detail-oriented: In order to serve patients, assistants need to quickly understand oral and written instructions of the on-duty therapist

• Physical strength: Many patients will need help moving, so moderate strength is required, as well ability to kneel, stoop, and stand for long periods of time

Writing your resume for the healthcare field

Once you’ve decided on a direction for a new career in the healthcare field, how do you write a resume if you have little to no experience?

Focus on the skills and experience at previous jobs that match the needs of the new job. Were you a cashier at a busy grocery store? Those long hours on your feet transfer well to a diagnostic imaging worker. Did you spend a couple of years working in a warehouse moving product? Moving patients as an occupational therapy assistant could be a good match.

The demand for healthcare workers is going to keep growing, so now’s a good time to make the switch to a career in the healthcare industry. Look at these high-paying jobs and consider which one would suit you. Chances are you have some of the skills and experience needed to make the switch – and you’ll be on your way to a meaningful and well-paying career in no time!