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Healthcare is a vast arena with nearly endless career paths to explore, offering many options for finding the perfect job to suit your needs. Whether you seek an entry-level role or aim for top-tier earnings, value job security or crave entrepreneurial freedom, you can find a healthcare career to match your aspirations. In the vital healthcare field – there’s something for everyone.
The Growing Healthcare Industry
Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in healthcare accounted for 9.3% of all employment nationwide in 2022, with 14.7 million employed in healthcare occupations. Registered nurses comprised the largest portion, with 3.4 million RNs working in 2022.
Employment in healthcare accounts for 9.3% of all employment nationwide, with 14.7 million employed in healthcare occupations in 2022. Registered nurses (RNs) comprise the largest portion, with 3.4 million RNs working in 2022. Personal care aides and nursing assistants accounted for more than 2.5 million healthcare workers.
The future of healthcare careers is incredibly promising. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects rapid growth in employment opportunities from 2022 to 2032. With an estimated average of 1.8 million healthcare job openings annually, the healthcare sector is set to outpace most other industries. BLS attributes this surge to population growth, an aging population and the need to replace retiring baby boomers.
What’s particularly attractive about healthcare careers is the competitive earning potential. Healthcare practitioners and technical professionals, including registered nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants and occupational therapists, typically earn significantly more than the median wage across all occupations. On the other hand, healthcare support occupations, encompassing roles like home health and personal care aides, medical transcriptionists and occupational therapy assistants, earn lower wages but still offer a great entry point to begin a healthcare career.
For individuals seeking a career, healthcare provides an alluring and financially rewarding journey. In this rapidly expanding sector, diverse opportunities abound, ensuring that individuals with various interests and skill sets can find the right career. Continue reading as we explore a wide array of jobs in healthcare, including average staff and travel pay.
Is Healthcare a Good Career Path?
Most people who get into healthcare share the goal of wanting to positively impact people’s lives and support them during their most vulnerable moments. Healthcare is a rewarding career for those with an empathetic heart while also offering flexible career options. For example, you may become educated as an RN, work as a floor nurse for several years, and then change to a different specialty, administrative role or research position. The possibilities are endless, with significant potential to switch career paths with the same educational background.
A healthcare career promises solid income and job stability. This dynamic field will always be in demand, offering competitive salaries and advancement opportunities. Healthcare thrives on diversity and inclusivity, promoting collaboration and continuously challenging you with ongoing learning. Consider the following healthcare career fields to see which best fits your personal and professional goals.
Top Careers in Nursing
Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare industry, playing a pivotal role in delivering compassionate care, ensuring patient well-being and promoting overall health. Their significance extends beyond the hospital walls, as they serve as advocates, educators and caregivers in various healthcare settings. Nurses emotionally support patients and their families during challenging times, fostering trust and comfort.
The nursing profession offers a multitude of opportunities for specialization, allowing individuals to align their careers with their passions and interests. For example, Vivian had nearly 30,000 staff RN jobs and over 117,000 travel RN jobs in a wide array of specialties during late October 2023. The following sections delve into the diverse and rewarding disciplines within the nursing profession, each requiring specific skills and offering unique challenges and opportunities for growth.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are crucial healthcare professionals who provide direct patient care, including helping with daily activities, transferring patients and maintaining cleanliness in healthcare settings. They also assist in patient monitoring, checking vital signs and offering emotional support to patients during their recovery or ongoing care, allowing nurses to focus on more complex tasks.
CNA jobs require minimal education to start and provide great entry-level positions with lots of room for advancement in healthcare. For example, some CNAs may use their position as a stepping stone by continuing their education while they work. CNAs may later become practical nurses, who earned about 74% more per hour based on the average hourly rates of jobs posted on Vivian for both disciplines in late October 2023. Some may continue climbing and become RNs, resulting in about a 137% jump in hourly pay during this same period.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), also known as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in Texas and California, are vital healthcare professionals who provide basic nursing care under supervision. Responsibilities include medication administration, vital sign monitoring and patient care. To become an LPN/LVN, individuals must complete a practical nursing program lasting 12 to 18 months, pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) for Practical Nurses and apply for state licensure. Like CNAs, LPNs may climb the career ladder to become RNs, increasing their earning potential by more than 36% based on average pay rates within LPN jobs and RN jobs in late October 2023.
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurses are highly trained healthcare professionals responsible for providing patient care, administering medications and coordinating treatment plans. They have diverse career paths within nursing, from specialized roles like nurse practitioners to leadership positions as nurse managers. RNs typically complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree or an Associate Degree in Nursing program, then pass the NCLEX for RNs and apply for RN licensure within their state.
RNs also have plenty of opportunities to move up the career ladder and increase their earning potential. For example, those furthering their education to become nurse practitioners (NPs) earned about 25% more annually based on average wages for staff NP jobs posted in late October 2023.
RELATED: How Do I Move from Nurse to Nursing Leadership?
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with specialized education and training. They provide various healthcare services, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and prescribing medications when authorized. NPs have diverse career options, with opportunities to specialize in family medicine, pediatrics, oncology, psychiatry, etc. Some pursue leadership roles or teaching positions in healthcare education to further their careers.
An aging population and workforce and physician shortages often impact NP demand. In late October, Vivian’s job board had over 700 staff NP jobs but only four travel NP jobs, likely due to the time and cost constraints of moving from state to state that RNs don’t face due to the Nurse Licensure Compact.
RELATED: What’s the Difference Between the eNLC and the APRN Licensure Compacts?
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are APRNs with specialized training in anesthesia. They administer anesthesia, monitor patients during surgery and ensure patient comfort and safety. CRNAs are typically the highest-paid APRNs, averaging $88.51 per hour in late October 2023.
CRNAs have various career options, primarily based on work setting. Opportunities include working in hospitals, outpatient clinics or independently. They can pursue roles in education or research within the field of anesthesia to further their careers and earning potential.
Popular Careers in Allied Health Technology
Allied health professionals are the unsung heroes of the healthcare industry, playing a critical role in supporting patient care and overall well-being, often behind the scenes. These dedicated individuals perform various essential tasks that help diagnose and treat patients. The world of allied health technology is dynamic and rewarding, offering numerous specialization and career advancement opportunities. In the following sections, we examine various allied health fields, each offering unique contributions and pathways for those seeking fulfilling and impactful careers in healthcare.
Cardiovascular Technologist
Cardiovascular Technologists specialize in diagnosing and treating heart and blood vessel conditions. They perform diagnostic tests, such as echocardiograms and vascular ultrasounds, to aid in assessing and treating cardiovascular diseases. You must earn a certificate, preferably a degree, from a cardiovascular program and complete clinical hours to become a Cardiovascular Technologist. Afterward, you must pass the licensure exam, typically through Cardiovascular Credentialing International. Career path options for cardiovascular technologists may include specializing in areas like invasive cardiology, non-invasive cardiology or electrophysiology, as well as opportunities for leadership roles or advanced education in the field.
On the Vivian job board in late October 2023, there were 227 jobs for travel Cardiovascular Technologists, with the highest paying at $5,140 weekly. There were also 19 open staff Cardiovascular Technologist positions with an earning potential of $36 to $73 hourly.
CT Technologist
Computed Tomography (CT) Technologists are specialized medical professionals responsible for operating CT scanners to create detailed cross-sectional images of a patient’s body. They play a critical role in assisting with the diagnosis and treatment planning of various medical conditions. It typically takes one to two years to graduate from an accredited radiologic technology program and pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Computed Tomography Certification Exam. Career path options for CT Technologists may include advancing to supervisory or management roles, specializing in cardiovascular CT or musculoskeletal CT, or pursuing further education in radiologic sciences.
Graduating from a CT program during the fall of 2023 offers many job prospects and high earning potential, especially if you’re willing to travel. On the Vivian job board, there were 165 staff CT Tech jobs with earning potential up to $71 per hour and 8,779 travel CT Tech jobs available with pay rates as high as $4964 per week. The significant number of travel CT Tech jobs could be due to the ease of traveling between states. However, the requirements for licensure vary from state to state. Some states don’t require CT Techs to be licensed, while others require ARRT certification. Some require both ARRT certification and state licensure. Check with the state you want to travel to ensure you meet all the requirements.
EEG Technologist
Electroencephalogram (EEG) Technologists perform EEGs to measure brain activity and can specialize further, gain advanced healthcare certifications or take on supervisory roles. Becoming an EEG Technologist typically requires completing an accredited program and obtaining certification as a Registered Electroencephalographic Technologist through the American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists.
In late October 2023, the Vivian job board had 33 travel EEG Technologist jobs earning upwards of $2,904 weekly. Although Vivian had no staff EEG Technologist jobs available during this period, new job opportunities frequently post.
MRI Technologist
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologists operate MRI scanners to create detailed images of the body. They can specialize in areas like cardiac or breast MRI, pursue advanced certifications from the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists, move into supervisory roles or further their education for career advancement within radiologic technology.
Vivian had 100 staff MRI Technologist jobs posted in late October 2023 with an earning potential between $41 and $68 per hour, depending on experience. We also had over 2,300 open travel MRI Technologist contracts.
Radiology Technologist
Radiologic Technologists operate medical imaging equipment to create diagnostic images. They can specialize in various imaging modalities, pursue advanced certifications, move into supervisory roles or become educators within the field of radiologic technology. Education typically involves a two-year accredited radiologic technology program and then passing the national certification exam.
Looking for a career as a Radiology Technologist in late October 2023, Vivian had over 1,400 travel radiology technologist contracts and 282 staff jobs listed. One career pathway for radiology techs builds on prior certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists credentials in radiology and advanced education that lead to certification as a Registered Radiologist Assistant.
RELATED: Fastest Growing Allied Health Careers
Leading Careers in Physical Therapy
Physical therapists play a crucial role in the healthcare industry by helping patients recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions and improve their overall physical well-being. They’re highly skilled healthcare professionals who assess, diagnose and treat various musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders, enhancing patients’ mobility, function and quality of life.
A career in physical therapy offers a wealth of opportunities, with the chance to specialize in different areas, work across diverse healthcare settings and significantly impact patients’ lives. In the following sections, we explore various fields within the realm of physical therapy, each offering unique contributions and pathways.
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapists (PTs) diagnose and treat musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions to enhance patients’ physical function and mobility. They can specialize, pursue advanced certifications, take on supervisory roles or become educators or researchers to advance their careers in physical therapy. The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties offers board certification in 10 specialty areas for PTs, from Pediatric Clinical Specialist to Geriatric Clinical Specialist.
PTs have a strong educational background in biology, anatomy, physiology and psychology. They earn a bachelor’s degree and, in the U.S., are required to hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and pass the state licensure exam. The Vivian job board showed 504 open staff PT jobs in late October 2023, earning up to $82 hourly and over 10,000 travel PT contracts averaging $2,127 per week.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists (OTs) help individuals regain or develop the skills needed for daily activities. OTs are vital in helping individuals achieve independence and improve their quality of life. With specialization options and opportunities for career growth, it’s a rewarding and diverse profession within healthcare. Entry-level OTs can validate their knowledge and skills by pursuing the Occupational Therapist Registered credential.
Vivian Health had 147 open staff OT positions in late October 2023, with some jobs paying as much as $67 per hour. During this period, travel OT jobs paid up to $3,556 weekly, with nearly 3,200 openings available.
Recreational Therapist
Recreational Therapists use leisure and recreational activities as therapeutic tools to enhance the physical, emotional and social well-being of individuals with disabilities or illnesses. They assess patients’ needs, design customized recreational programs and assess progress. Career path options include specialization in specific patient populations or conditions, pursuing advanced certifications, taking on supervisory or managerial roles, or becoming educators or researchers in the recreational therapy field.
Some staff recreational therapist jobs on Vivian in late October 2023 paid up to $102,000 annually, with a sign-on bonus. Travel jobs for recreational therapists were scarce during this period, but new opportunities are regularly added.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders. They work with patients of all ages to improve speech, language, voice and fluency. They often work in a school, community or hospital setting. Career path options for SLPs include specialization in various patient populations, clinical supervision, education and research roles to advance the field’s understanding and treatment techniques. Based on active jobs posted on Vivian in late October 2023, the average salary for an SLP was about $2,125 weekly.
Audiologist
Audiologists are healthcare professionals specializing in diagnosing and treating hearing and balance disorders. They conduct hearing tests, provide hearing aids and offer rehabilitation services. Career path options for audiologists include specializing in pediatric audiology, cochlear implants, research and academic roles or pursuing leadership positions in healthcare settings. Audiologists average nearly $3,000 per week, based on jobs posted in late October 2023 on Vivian.
Prime Careers for Mental Health Professionals
Mental health professionals are vital in healthcare, focusing on mental and emotional well-being. They assess, diagnose and provide therapy for various mental health challenges, promoting resilience and emotional stability. The field offers diverse and fulfilling career opportunities, including psychologists, social workers, counselors and psychiatric nurses, each with a unique role in enhancing mental health. The following sections explore common mental health professions and their specialized approaches to improving mental and emotional wellness.
Psychologist
Psychologists focus on mental and emotional well-being. They assess, diagnose and provide therapy. They can pursue career options in clinical, counseling, school or industrial-organizational psychology; research; academia; or specialized areas like forensic or sports psychology. Psychologists contribute significantly to improving mental health. Becoming a psychologist requires extensive education, usually requiring a doctoral degree to practice independently. Travel psychologists earned $2,560 per week in late October 2023, representing 20% more than the national average of all therapy occupations.
Bereavement Specialist
Bereavement Specialists are professionals who specialize in helping individuals cope with grief and loss. They provide emotional support, counseling and guidance to help people navigate the challenges of bereavement. Bereavement Specialists may continue their education to become grief counselors or therapists or pursue advanced training in grief-related specialties. Staff salaries of bereavement specialists ranged between $27 and $54 per hour in late October 2023.
Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor
Licensed Marriage and Family Counselors specialize in providing therapy and support to couples and families facing relationship challenges and emotional issues. They help clients improve communication, resolve conflicts and build healthier relationships. Career path options for these counselors may include private practice, working in healthcare settings, pursuing advanced certifications or specializing in child and adolescent therapy, trauma counseling or other areas. Travel licensed marriage and family counselors earned an average of $2,800 in late October 2023, 18% more than the average rate of all types of social workers combined during that period.
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs) provide therapy and support to individuals dealing with emotional and psychological challenges. They offer counseling services, diagnose mental health disorders and develop treatment plans. Career path options for LPCCs may include private practice, working in clinics, hospitals or schools, pursuing specialized certifications, or taking on supervisory roles. Vivian had 16 new LPCC staff jobs in late October 2023, with some paying up to $112,000 yearly.
Behavioral Health Technician
Behavioral Health Technicians assist individuals with mental health or substance abuse issues by providing support, monitoring behavior and facilitating therapeutic activities. They work in various settings, including hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Career path options may involve becoming a substance abuse counselor, mental health technician or advancing to supervisory roles within behavioral healthcare. Prospective behavioral health technicians found 24 staff jobs and 9 travel positions on Vivian in late October 2023.
Key Careers for Healthcare Assistants
Healthcare assistants play a pivotal role in the healthcare industry, providing essential support to medical professionals and ensuring the smooth functioning of healthcare facilities. They handle various administrative tasks, assist in patient care and contribute to overall patient well-being. These professionals are integral to the daily operations in many healthcare settings and their contributions are invaluable to delivering quality patient care.
Assistant roles offer numerous opportunities for those seeking fulfilling careers in healthcare. In the following sections, we explore various fields within the various fields that utilize healthcare assistants.
Medical Assistant
Medical Assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks to aid doctors and other healthcare professionals in patient care. They may perform direct patient care, phlebotomy or pharmacology in a clinical setting or administrative duties such as maintaining patient records, scheduling appointments or processing insurance claims. The American Association of Medical Assistants grants medical assistant certifications. Career path options include specialization in various medical fields, office management or advancing to become licensed practical nurses or registered nurses. Staff medical assistants earned an average of $39.22 hourly on Vivian in late October 2023, but some staff positions earned as much as $58 and offered sign-on bonuses.
Surgical First Assistant
Surgical First Assistants are skilled healthcare professionals who work alongside surgeons in the operating room. They provide hands-on assistance during surgeries, including suturing, controlling bleeding and ensuring a sterile environment. Surgical first assistant staff jobs paid between $38 and $58 per hour for top roles in late October 2023 and travel contracts paid as much as $3,510 weekly for a four-day workweek.
Career path options for Surgical First Assistants may involve specialization in specific surgical areas, leadership roles or pursuing advanced education, such as becoming a surgical physician assistant. Education typically requires completing a surgical assisting program and obtaining a Certified Surgical First Assistant certification.
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) help individuals regain or develop the skills needed for daily activities. They work under the guidance of occupational therapists, assisting with therapy sessions and documenting progress. OTAs must pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy’s Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant exam to practice in any state.
Career path options for OTAs may include specializing in pediatrics, mental health or other areas. They may also choose to pursue advanced roles in healthcare management or education. Some OTAs may later advance to Occupational Therapists to increase their earning potential. In late October 2023, the average OTA staff salary was nearly 9.4% less hourly than OTs, but weekly OTA travel wages were nearly 33% lower than OT travel wages.
Physical Therapy Assistant
Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) are healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of physical therapists to help patients recover from injuries and improve their mobility. They assist with exercises, provide hands-on treatments and document patient progress. All states require PTAs to obtain an associate degree from an accredited program and certification by passing the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy’s National Physical Therapy Examination.
Career path options for PTAs may include specialization, pursuing advanced certifications or transitioning to physical therapist or educator roles. In late October 2023, staff PTA salaries were 27% lower than PT’s and PTA travel contracts paid 46% less.
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants (PAs) are highly trained healthcare professionals who practice medicine under the supervision of licensed physicians. Although considered “assistants,” PAs are among the highest-paid allied health professionals and have advanced responsibilities. They conduct patient assessments, diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications and provide treatment plans.
Becoming a PA requires a master’s degree from a recognized Physician Assistant program and national certification by passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). Career path options for PAs include specialization in various medical fields, such as surgery or emergency medicine. Staff PA jobs on Vivian in late October 2023 paid up to $150,000 annually for top roles and the highest-demand travel PA contract paid nearly $3,200 weekly for a position in pediatrics.
More Notable Healthcare-Related Careers
Beyond the well-known healthcare professions, numerous other specialized roles contribute significantly to the industry’s functioning and effectiveness. These professionals may work behind the scenes or collaborate closely with healthcare providers to ensure the delivery of safe and efficient care. Their diverse roles encompass healthcare administration, medical laboratory science, medical coding and billing, healthcare informatics and various other fields.
Each of these healthcare-related career paths plays a central role in supporting healthcare delivery, maintaining patient records, advancing medical research and enhancing overall quality of care. This section explores other indispensable careers within the healthcare industry, shedding light on the important work they do and the opportunities they offer for those seeking fulfilling roles in the field.
Paramedic
Paramedics are highly trained healthcare professionals who provide emergency medical care in pre-hospital settings. They respond to 911 calls, assess patients, administer life-saving interventions and transport them to medical facilities to receive further care. Paramedics are critical in delivering immediate medical assistance during emergencies, so they must have skills essential for saving lives. Career path options for paramedics may include becoming paramedic supervisors or flight paramedics or transitioning into roles such as emergency room nurses or physician assistants. Vivian Health had 13 new paramedic staff jobs in late October 2023, paying between $14 and $26 per hour.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense prescription medications, provide medication counseling to patients and ensure the safe use of drugs. Career options include working in pharmacies, hospitals, research, academia or specializing in areas like clinical pharmacy or geriatrics. Pharmacists play an integral role in promoting medication safety and patient well-being. Becoming a pharmacist requires a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and state licensure. Based on Vivian Health’s salary data, the salary range for pharmacists can vary significantly, from $2,016 to $3,546 in late October 2023.
Phlebotomist
Phlebotomists collect blood samples from patients for medical tests and donations. Career paths may include supervisory roles or transitioning to related healthcare positions. To become a phlebotomist, individuals complete a short-term training program, often lasting a few weeks to several months and may seek phlebotomy certification. Phlebotomy is one of the quickest hands-on healthcare fields to enter, but often pays much less than other fields. The average weekly salary for phlebotomists on October 24, 2023, was about $1252 based on active jobs posted on Vivian.
Registered Dietician
Registered Dietitians are healthcare professionals who specialize in nutrition and dietary management. They assess patients’ dietary needs, develop personalized nutrition plans and provide guidance to improve health and manage medical conditions. Becoming a Registered Dietitian requires a bachelor’s degree in dietetics, an internship and certification by passing the Registration Examination for Dietitians administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Career options include clinical dietetics, sports nutrition or research. Vivian had 65 open registered dietitian staff jobs in late October 2023 and 78 travel positions, including 33 newly posted contracts.
Social Worker
Social Workers are professionals who provide support and advocacy to individuals and communities facing social and emotional challenges. They offer counseling, connect clients to resources and work in various settings, including healthcare. Education typically involves a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work, followed by licensure. Career options include clinical social work, school social work or public policy advocacy. Prospective social workers found 64 open staff jobs on Vivian in late October 2023, including 41 new posts within the last week and 59 travel social worker contracts, including 32 just posted within the last week.
What Do Healthcare Jobs Pay?
Earning potential in the healthcare industry varies significantly based on factors such as education, experience, certification, location and specialization. To provide insights into healthcare career salaries and future demand, the table below summarizes the average travel and staff pay of the various healthcare professions mentioned earlier. We collected salary data from Vivian Health on October 6, 2023, with growth projections from BLS for the decade between 2022 and 2032.
Sources: Vivian Health and Bureau of Labor Statistics
At Vivian Health we want you to choose the best healthcare career to suit your goals in life. If you’re interested in learning more about specific jobs in healthcare, check out our comprehensive guides for in-depth insights and career pathways in our Community Hub.
