8 High-Paying, Non-Physician Jobs in Healthcare
From a busy pre-med track and MCAT preparation in college to 12-hour rotations and grueling residency applications in medical school, the path to becoming a fully-fledged doctor is filled with challenges. Plenty of folks have the moxie to get involved in healthcare, but don’t necessarily have the time or money to commit to an M.D.
Based on a report by Healthcare Management Degree, here are eight non-physician jobs in healthcare worth looking at. We've included the average entry-level salaries and ranges based on Salary.com data.
1) Speech Pathologist
Average: $78,940
Salary Range: $72,410 - $85,888
What you’ll do: Diagnose and treat speech and language problems, and engage in scientific study of human communication. This person evaluates speech and language skills related to educational, medical, social, and psychological factors. This role typically requires a master's degree of speech-language pathology, and may require a certificate of clinical competence in speech-language pathology (CCC).
2) Genetics Counselor
Average: $73,670
Salary Range: $66,538 - $82,008
What you’ll do: Provide genetic counseling and education to individuals and families at risk for hereditary disorders. This person obtains and analyzes family medical history to identify patients at risk for specific disorders or syndromes. This role typically requires a master's degree of genetic counseling and certification from the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) or American Board of Medical Genetics (ABMG).
3) Registered Respiratory Therapist
Average: $66,099
Salary Range: $60,063 - $71,862
What you’ll do: Assist in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with pulmonary disorders. This person collects and analyzes sputum, blood, and breath specimens to determine levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases. In addition, this person measures the lung capacity of a patient to determine if there is impaired function and administers treatment prescribed by a physician for the care of patients with abnormalities associated with the process of breathing. This role typically requires an associate's degree and a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification.
4) Occupational Therapist
Average: $85,395
Salary Range: $78,222 - $93,035
What you’ll do: Plan and conduct individualized occupational therapy programs to help patients develop, regain, or maintain their ability to perform daily activities. This person teaches patients techniques and how to use adaptive equipment for participating in activities. This role may require a master's degree and typically requires Occupational Therapist Certification (NBCOT).
5) Certified Nurse Midwife
Average: $105,984
Salary Range: $97,455-$120,092
What you’ll do: Provide professional care for patients with obstetric and gynecologic needs. This person assists patients in labor and delivery, as well as postpartum care. Ensures safety and health of mother and child and identifies need for additional care. This role typically requires a bachelor’s degree and certification.
6) Certified Nurse Anesthetist
Average: $178,681
Salary Range: $164,213 - $194,918
What you’ll do: Prepare prescribed solutions and administer anesthetic following specified methods and procedures. This person informs physician of patient's condition during anesthesia. Performs pre- and post-anesthesia patient visits and documents anesthesia notes on patient records. This role typically requires a master's degree in nursing and certification as a nurse anesthetist (CRNA).
7) Nuclear Medicine Technician
Average: $76,122
Salary Range: $68,872 -$83,880
What you’ll do: Provide diagnostic aid to physicians by conducting organ or body scans on patients. This person administers and records isotope dosages in accordance with established departmental protocol. Observes patients during procedures and reports any abnormal activity. This role typically requires a bachelor's degree and requires registration with the Nuclear Medicine Technology certification Board, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (A.R.R.T.), or the American Society of Clinical Pathology.
8) Prosthetic/Orthotic Fabrication Technician
Average: $47,562
Salary Range: $42,426-$52,065
What you’ll do: Work in a laboratory setting, producing medical devices such as prosthetics or orthotics, implants, or other devices. This person configures and constructs devices to specifications established by a physician or other health care provider. Utilizes tools and precision instruments to result in customized fit, optimal function, and maximum comfort for the patient. This job typically requires a high school diploma.
*Our salary data is constantly updated. Please use of Salary Wizard for the most recent salary projections.
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