About the author
Choosing the right career can be difficult, but having a defined career direction will help you with getting a job. But with a little hard work, some planning, and some serious self-reflection, you can set yourself on a path towards a fruitful, fulfilling career that can provide for you and your family. A medical career is one of the most popular among students, as they pay well and offer stability. Also, there is always a need for medical assistance in hospitals and medical centers. Also, the enticing depiction of the medical profession in various TV shows and movies has also motivated many aspiring students to join this field. If you have a developing passion for this line of profession, then you have to understand certain points before choosing it. Also, you will have to understand that certain factors will affect your decision while choosing this career. In this post, you will learn all such tips one by one.
#1. Reconsider your path for motivation
There are several demands that need completion in a medical career. It includes the comprehensive training of both theoretical and practical subjects as well as the enormous responsibility that comes afterwards during the job. Thus, you will have to keep check of your sources of motivation exhaustively. If TV shows are your source of motivation, then you may have to rethink over your plan. You cannot choose such an extensive career just by watching a few series. You will have to understand the actual complications that are witnessed during this career.
#2. Target a
medical field of your choice
#2. Target a medical field of your choice
Now that you are motivated to move further in choosing this career, it is time to target the most satisfying of the multiple fields offered in the medical profession. The diverse number of areas in medical sector comprises of helping people, children, seniors, etc. Alternatively, you may also choose a field that involves working in an administrative department or laboratory. You may also want to avoid certain sectors if you are not good with emotions, such as emergency departments. However, if you are comfortable with it all and do not feel sick watching severe injuries, then you can also choose to become a surgeon. Visit this page to View Salary of a heart surgeon.
#3. Fathom
your skills and decide your field
#3. Fathom your skills and decide your field
Without the right set of skills, you cannot choose the appropriate medical field. However, some fields require a common set of skills. For example, you will need to work under comprehensive pressure, as you will have the responsibility of a person's life in your hands. Thus, the quality of your skills and your knowledge of the field will enable your patient to get healthy. Also, some medical careers require exceptional communication and interpersonal expertise, as you interact with people of various religious backgrounds, cultures, ages, etc. Furthermore, several medical professions demand a certain level of mathematics or technical ability from you.
When you understand and follow these tips, you will have a clear vision of the chosen medical career path. If you have made up your mind regarding this profession, then you need to understand that this profession will require high investment in the form of money, energy, and time. Once you can overcome it all and complete your education, you can feel the satisfaction and confidence to help others in the medical field.
Top 50 Medical jobs fields in the US
Here are a list of medical professions in demand and jobs in the medical field that pay well:
1 – Medical Assistant
Annual salary, hourly wage: $30,550 a year, $14.12 an hour
Suggested education: Associate of Science in Medical Assisting
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 553,140
2 – Nursing Assistant
Annual salary, hourly wage: $25,620 a year, $11.74 an hour
Suggested education: Associate of Science in Nursing, Trade school or technical college training
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 1,420,020
3 – Home Health Aide
Annual salary, hourly wage: $21,830 a year, $10.01 an hour
Suggested education: None
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 839,930
4 – Licensed Practical Nurse
Annual salary, hourly wage: $42,400 a year, $19.97 an hour
Suggested education: Diploma of Nursing, Associate of Science in Nursing
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 718,800
5 – Physician
Annual salary, hourly wage: $190,060 a year, $80+ an hour
Suggested education: Doctor of Medicine
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 611,650
6 – Therapist
Annual salary, hourly wage: $71,760 a year, $33.66 an hour
Suggested education: Master of Science in Psychology, Doctorate of Psychology
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 591,350
7 – Registered Nurse
Annual salary, hourly wage: $67,930 a year, $31.48 an hour
Suggested education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Associate of Science in Nursing (rare)
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 2,633,980
8 – Pharmacy Technician
Annual salary, hourly wage: $30,430 a year, $14.10 an hour
Suggested education: High School Diploma, Trade school or technical college training
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 353,340
9 – Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Annual salary, hourly wage: $59,170 a year, $27.81 an hour
Suggested education: Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography or equivalent
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 353,060
10 – Clinical Laboratory Technician
Annual salary, hourly wage: $49,070 a year, $22.99 an hour
Suggested education: Associate of Science in Biology, Associate of Science in Chemistry, Associate of Science in Pre-Medicine
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 318,620
11 – Dental Assistant
Annual salary, hourly wage: $35,080 a year, $16.59 an hour
Suggested education: Associate of Science in Dental Assisting, Bachelor of Science in Dentistry
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 300,160
12 – Pharmacist
Annual salary, hourly wage: $114,950 a year, $56.09 an hour
Suggested education: Doctor of Pharmacy
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 281,560
13 – Emergency Medical Technician
Annual salary, hourly wage: $14.91 a year, $34,370 an hour
Suggested education: Trade school or technical college training
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 232,860
14 – Radiologic Technologist
Annual salary, hourly wage: $26.26 a year, $56,450 an hour
Suggested education: Associate of Science in Radiology, Trade school or technical college training
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 194,790
15 – Physical Therapist
Annual salary, hourly wage: $81,110 a year, $38.39 an hour
Suggested education: Master of Science in Physical Therapy, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 191,460
16 – Dental Hygienist
Annual salary, hourly wage: $70,700 a year, $33.75 an hour
Suggested education: Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene, Trade school or technical college training
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 190,290
17 – Health Information Technician
Annual salary, hourly wage: $36,770 a year, $16.42 an hour
Suggested education: Trade school or technical college training
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 182,370
18 – Clinical Laboratory Technologist
Annual salary, hourly wage: $58,640 a year, $27.69 an hour
Suggested education: Associate of Science in Pre-Medicine, Associate of Science in Chemistry, Associate of Science in Biology
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 160,700
19 – Occupational Therapy Aide
Annual salary, hourly wage: $42,290 a year, $20.25 an hour
Suggested education: Associate of Science in Physical Therapy, Trade school or technical college training
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 155,970
20 – Speech-Language Pathologist
Annual salary, hourly wage: $72,730 a year, $33.59 an hour
Suggested education: Master of Science in Speech Pathology, Doctor of Speech Pathology
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 121,690
21 – Respiratory Therapist
Annual salary, hourly wage: $57,200 a year, $26.86 an hour
Suggested education: Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapist
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 116,960
22 – Family Practitioner
Annual salary, hourly wage: $180,850 a year, $82.70 an hour
Suggested education: Doctor of Medicine
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 110,050
23 – Dentist
Annual salary, hourly wage: $166,910 a year, $71.79 an hour
Suggested education: Doctor of Dentistry
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 109,570
24 – Nurse Practitioner
Annual salary, hourly wage: $91,450 a year, $43.25 an hour
Suggested education: Master of Science in Nursing
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 105,780
25 – Occupational Therapist
Annual salary, hourly wage: $76,400 a year, $36.25 an hour
Suggested education: Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 105,540
26 – Phlebotomist
Annual salary, hourly wage: $30,910 a year, $14.29 an hour
Suggested education: Trade school or technical college training
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 100,380
27 – Surgical Technologist
Annual salary, hourly wage: $43,480 a year, $20.09 an hour
Suggested education: Associate of Science in Surgical Studies, Trade school or technical college training
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 97,150
28 – Physician Assistant
Annual salary, hourly wage: $92,460 a year, $43.72 an hour
Suggested education: Master of Science in Medicine or equivalent
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 83,640
29 – Veterinary Technologist
Annual salary, hourly wage: $31,470 a year, $14.56 an hour
Suggested education: Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology, Trade school or technical college training
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 83,350
30 – Psychiatric Aide
Annual salary, hourly wage: $26,680 a year, $11.82 an hour
Suggested education: Associate of Science in Psychiatry, Associate of Science in Psychology, Bachelor of Science in Psychiatry
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 77,880
31 – Medical Transcriptionist
Annual salary, hourly wage: $34,650 a year, $16.36 an hour
Suggested education: High school diploma, Trade school or technical college training
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 74,810
32 – Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
Annual salary, hourly wage: $65,000 a year, $30.39 an hour
Suggested education: Bachelor of Science in Occupational Health
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 71,500
33 – Laboratory Animal Caretaker
Annual salary, hourly wage: $11.12 a year, $24,740 an hour
Suggested education: High School Diploma
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 71,500
34 – Massage Therapist
Annual salary, hourly wage: $40,350 a year, $17.29 an hour
Suggested education: Trade school or technical college training
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 71,040
35 – Physical Therapy Assistant
Annual salary, hourly wage: $52,320 a year, $25.08 an hour
Suggested education: Associate of Science in Physical Therapy Assisting or equivalent
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 68,810
36 – Dispensing Optician
Annual salary, hourly wage: $35,010 a year, $16.03 an hour
Suggested education: High School Diploma, Trade school or technical college training
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 64,930
37 – Dietician
Annual salary, hourly wage: $56,170 a year, $26.56 an hour
Suggested education: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 58,240
38 – Veterinarian
Annual salary, hourly wage: $93,250 a year, $40.61 an hour
Suggested education: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Master of Veterinary Medicine (rare)
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 56,020
39 – Orderly
Annual salary, hourly wage: $25,700 a year, $11.53 an hour
Suggested education: High School Diploma
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 53,920
40 – Cardiovascular Technologist
Annual salary, hourly wage: $53,050 a year, $25.04 an hour
Suggested education: Associate of Science in Cardiology or equivalent
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 50,530
41 – Medical Equipment Preparer
Annual salary, hourly wage: $32,260 a year, $14.82 an hour
Suggested education: Trade school or technical college training
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 50,230
42 – Surgeon
Annual salary, hourly wage: $230,540 a year, $110.84 an hour
Suggested education: Doctor of Medicine
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 42,410
43 – Nurse Anesthetist
Annual salary, hourly wage: $154,390 a year, $71.23 an hour
Suggested education: Master of Science in Nursing
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 34,180
44 – Pediatrician
Annual salary, hourly wage: $167,640 a year, $74.35 an hour
Suggested education: Doctor of Medicine
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 30,560
45 – Anesthesiologist
Annual salary, hourly wage: $232,830 a year, $111.94 an hour
Suggested education: Master of Science in Medicine, Master of Science in Anesthesiology, Doctor of Medicine
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 29,930
46 – Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist
Annual salary, hourly wage: $65,410 a year, $31.42 an hour
Suggested education: Trade school or technical college training
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 29,560
47 – Optometrist
Annual salary, hourly wage: $109,810 a year, $47.03 an hour
Suggested education: Doctor of Optometry
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 29,180
48 – Chiropractor
Annual salary, hourly wage: $79,550 a year, $31.81 an hour
Suggested education: Doctor of Chiropractics, Master of Science in Chiropractics (rare)
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 27,740
49 – Psychiatrist
Annual salary, hourly wage: $177,520 a year, $83.33 an hour
Suggested education: Doctor of Psychiatry, Doctor of Psychology
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 24,210
50 – Obstetrician
Annual salary, hourly wage: $216,760 a year, $104.21 an hour
Suggested education: Doctor of Medicine
Number of jobs in the U.S.: 20,880
