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4 Careers in Healthcare Worth Exploring
Non-doctor healthcare careers worth considering.
Table of Content
Many people want a career in healthcare, but they don’t fancy the idea of spending a decade or more training to become a doctor. The good news is that there are other professions in the healthcare field that don’t take as long to enter.
And the demand is there. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that healthcare jobs are expected to grow quickly over the next decade, with about 1.9 million openings each year across roles in clinical care, technology, and management. These are allied roles that can open the door to a rewarding career in medicine.
This guide looks at some of these non-doctor healthcare careers that students can consider in the coming months and years.
Registered Nurse (RN)
Registered nurses are the healthcare system's unsung heroes. Without them, doctors would likely struggle to do their jobs well.
Even though the work can be intense, nursing is actually one of the most impactful and in-demand healthcare careers, with 189,100 openings expected every year until 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Job Description
- Assess patients’ health and monitor their condition
- Administer treatment plans prescribed by doctors
- Assist with medical procedures and support recovery
- Record and update patient information in health records
- Work with healthcare teams to plan and coordinate care
Career Pathways
There’s more than one way to become a registered nurse. Most people get in through Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs. ADNs are a fast track to nursing, between two and three years in duration.
Some get in through the standard BSN or Bachelor of Science in Nursing. That's four years of university education. Successful graduates for both the ADN and BSN will also have to pass the NCLEX-RN. This licenses them to practice as nurses.
Then there are accelerated online nursing programs designed specifically for people already with a first degree in a non-nursing field, but who want to get into nursing. These programs fast-track the training so that they can get into nursing in as little as 15 months.
These programs are delivered 100% online, according to Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, which means that students don't have to give up their daily routine.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (DMS)
Sonography is perfect for those who prefer healthcare careers that offer behind-the-scenes roles. These professionals use ultrasound equipment to capture images of the patient's internal system that help doctors make an informed diagnosis.
It's one of the most important roles in any healthcare setting, as scans often provide the first clues to healthcare problems.
Job Description
- Operate ultrasound machines to produce diagnostic images
- Explain procedures and make sure patients know what to do
- Review images for quality and abnormalities before submitting findings to physicians
- Maintain and clean equipment for accurate imaging
- Document and manage patient records and reports
Career Pathways
Interestingly, becoming a sonographer is not very difficult. Most people get started with just an Associate’s degree. Others prefer to go the four-year route and earn a B.S. in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
Like most healthcare careers, diagnostic medical sonographers are in high demand. And the pay is good, too, with entry-level sonographers earning up to $78,000, according to U.S. News.
Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists are the first line of defense when it comes to oral health. They're the ones who catch oral problems on time before they turn into something serious.
One of the best parts of this career is flexibility. Dental hygienists can work a few days a week at one office, pick up temp shifts at another, and still maintain work-life balance. This type of flexibility is unusual in many healthcare careers.
Job Description
- Clean, polish, and scale teeth
- Take and analyze dental X-rays for issues
- Teach proper oral hygiene
- Check overall oral health
- Update patient records and medical histories
Career Pathways
Most people get started with an associate's degree after high school. Those who want to advance further can earn a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Dental Hygiene. Every dental hygienist, however, will require a state licensure in order to practice.
The job outlook is encouraging, too. Information provided by ADEA GoDental shows that demand for dental hygienists will grow 10.8% by 2028. That's actually a lot more than most professions in the country.
Health Information Technologists
Not all healthcare jobs involve direct patient care. Some, like health information technology, are less visible, but no less crucial.
These are the people who make sure that patients' medical records are accurate, secure, and accessible when they need to be. They play a very key role in the healthcare niche.
Job Description
- Maintain and update EHR databases
- Track patient outcomes
- Code treatments and procedures using ICD-10 and CPT
- Protect patient data in compliance with HIPAA
- Work with healthcare teams to optimize data workflows
Career Pathways
Most people get into this role with an Associate Degree in Health Information Technology (HIT). This is a 2-year program that prepares students to manage, analyze, and secure patient data.
Others do a four-year Bachelor’s program in Health Information Technology (HIT) or Health Information Management (HIM). While a state license is not exactly needed, employers may ask for certifications such as Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) or Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA).
As for growth? Really solid. Roughly 3,200 openings are expected every year until 2034, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Making the Right Choice
So, there it is: four promising careers in healthcare away from the usual doctor and surgeon route.
A quick advice for students. When comparing options, salary is just one piece of the puzzle. The day-to-day realities of each role also matter. Not everyone can stand on their feet all day, which makes nursing a no-go. Others are more comfortable behind the scenes, which makes diagnosis a good fit.
The good news is that the healthcare field is wide enough, and there’s a place ready for every kind of professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some healthcare careers that don't require becoming a doctor?
There are plenty of healthcare careers outside of becoming a doctor. We already discussed some in this guide. Others include physical therapists, medical coders, and even dietitians. All these roles, including the ones we covered in this guide, offer meaningful work and good pay.
How long does it take to start a career in healthcare?
It depends, really. There are roles that people can enter into with just an associate's degree, which is between two and three years. However, some roles require upwards of four years, with some requiring students to commit up to ten years for learning and clinical placement.
Do healthcare jobs pay well?
Totally. Many healthcare careers outside of being a doctor offer solid pay, with quite a few hitting six figures. Higher pay, however, may depend on what part of the country the job is located in.
Which healthcare career involves the most hands-on patient care?
Registered nurses and dental hygienists typically have the most contact with patients. Their work involves direct patient care as they assist, monitor, and educate patients daily. The type of services they offer cannot be done behind the scenes.
Can someone work in healthcare without moving to a big city?
Yes. Many healthcare roles are in demand in suburban and rural areas. Smaller towns often need healthcare practitioners, including nurses and lab technicians. What's more? The pay in some of these areas, while not comparable to big cities, is actually not bad.