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what are the highest paying medical jobs
20 Highest Paying Medical Jobs in 2022
If you are considering a career in the medical field but aren’t sure which route to take, one of the first things you’re probably thinking is how much money can I make in each medical profession?
To help you navigate your healthcare career journey, we’ve put together a list of the highest-paying medical jobs for 2022.
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The Highest Paying Medical Jobs are:
- Anesthesiologist – $271,440
- Physician and Surgeon – $208,000
- Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) – $189,190
- Pediatrician – $ 184,570
- Dentist – $164,010
- Podiatrist – $134,300
- Chief Nursing Officer – $132,552
- Pharmacist – $128,710
- Optometrist – $118,050
- Nurse Practitioner – $117,670
- Nurse Midwife – $ 115,540
- Physician Assistant – $115,390
- Medical or Health Services Manager — $104,280
- Veterinarian – $99,250
- Clinical Informatics Manager – $95,746
- Physical Therapist – $91,010
- Radiation Therapist – $86,850
- Occupational Therapist – $86,280
- Speech Language Pathologist – $80,480
- Dental Hygienist – $77,090
Now let’s take a look at some of the highest-paying healthcare jobs available, along with their job duties and education requirements.
1. Anesthesiologist: $271,440/year or $130.50/hour
Anesthesiologists are medical doctors who administer pain-management anesthesia and analgesics to patients during surgery or other medical procedures.
Anesthesiologist Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, anesthesiologists in the US earn a mean annual wage of $271,440 per year or $130.50 per hour.
Career Outlook
The career outlook for anesthesiologists looks bright, with the BLS projecting growth of 15% through 2026.
Requirements
If becoming an anesthesiologist is part of your plans, prepare yourself for a comprehensive education. Anesthesiologists must complete a 4-year undergraduate education, followed by a 4-year medical school education to earn an MD or DO credential. After graduation, anesthesiologists must also complete a minimum of 4 years of postgraduate residency in anesthesia.
Each state in the U.S. requires anesthesiologists to be licensed to begin practicing. All states have a slightly different set of requirements; however, in general, they all require graduation from an accredited medical university, a residency program, and successful completion of all licensing exams.
Where can you work as an anesthesiologist?
Anesthesiologists work in hospitals, operating rooms, outpatient surgery centers, private physician offices, and universities.
2. Physician/Surgeon: $208,000/year or $100/hour
Physicians and surgeons are medical experts who assess, diagnose and treat patient illnesses and injuries. They perform many tasks, including prescribing medications, counseling patients, interpreting diagnostic testing and operating on patients.
Physician/Surgeon Salary
The U.S Bure.au of Labor Statistics states that the mean salary for physicians and surgeons in the US is $208,00 annually or $100 per hour.
Career Outlook
There are currently 752,400 surgeons and physicians working in the U.S. today. The job outlook is steady, with projected growth of 4% between 2019-2029.
Requirements
Physicians and surgeons must first complete a bachelor’s degree and medical degree education, each taking four years to complete. Upon graduation, an internship and residency program must also be completed and, depending on what specialty you choose, can take anywhere from 4 to 9 years to complete.
Physicians and surgeons must be licensed to begin practicing. All states have a slightly different set of requirements. However, all require graduation from an accredited medical university and residency program and successful completion of all licensing exams.
Where can you work as a physician or surgeon?
You will find physicians and surgeons working in many different medical settings, including hospitals, operating rooms, outpatient surgery centers, and private physician offices or educational settings as professors.
3. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist: $189,190/year or $90.96/hour
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice registered nurses who administer anesthesia to patients for surgery or other medical procedures.
CRNA Salary
Nurse anesthetists work hard, but they earn a high salary to match. Depending on the work setting and state where they are employed, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median average nurse anesthetist salary in 2020 was $189,190 or $90.96 an hour.
Career Outlook
The career outlook for CRNAs looks very bright, with the BLS projecting 45 percent growth in the profession between 2019 and 2029, during which an additional 117,700 CRNA jobs will become available.
Requirements
To become a CRNA, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited university. Admission into a CRNA program requires at least two years of nursing experience in intensive care or emergency room setting.
CRNA students must then complete a master’s or doctorate degree (doctorate only starting in 2025) in a nursing anesthesia program, which takes between 2 and 4 years. Upon graduation, students must then pass the CRNA certification exam to earn licensure to practice.
Where can you work as a CRNA?
CRNAs work in various medical settings, including operating rooms, labor and delivery units, outpatient surgery centers, pain management clinics and critical care units.
4. Pediatrician: $184,570/year or $88.74/hour
Pediatricians are physicians who work primarily with children up to 18-20 years of age. They assess, diagnose and treat illness and disease and give preventative care to their patients from infancy until they reach adulthood.
Pediatrician Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for pediatricians is $184,570, or $88.74 per hour.
Career Outlook
The career outlook is excellent for pediatricians in the US, with the BLS projecting growth of 7% between 2018 and 2028, which is faster than the national average for all professions.
Requirements
Pediatricians are medical doctors and are required to complete an education similar to other physicians or surgeons. A four-year bachelor’s degree is required, followed by 4-years of medical school and a 3-year residency.
Pediatricians are also required to be licensed to begin practicing. Each US state has a slightly different set of requirements. However, they usually require graduation from an accredited medical university, a residency program, and successful completion of all licensing exams.
Where can you work as a pediatrician?
Pediatricians work in many different medical settings, including hospitals, private doctor’s offices, community health centers, schools or other health management organizations.
5. Dentist: $164,010/year or $78.85/hour
Dentists treat their patient’s teeth and diagnose various oral conditions. You may be most familiar with the most common type of dentist — the general practitioner dentist. However, there are several other dentists, including oral and maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, and prosthodontists.
Dentist Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for dentists is $164,010 per year or $78.85 per hour.
Career Outlook
There are currently 151,600 dentists working in the U.S. today, and the projected job growth is 3% from 2019-2020 (as fast as the average profession).
Requirements
To become a dentist, you will first need to complete a 4-year bachelor’s degree followed by an accredited dental school program, which also takes about four years to complete. In dental school, you can earn one of two degrees: a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree (DMD).
Upon graduation, students must also take their state’s written and clinical exam to earn licensure. Licensure requirements vary depending on the state in which you live.
Where can you work as a dentist?
Dentists usually work in private practice or a group office. However, dentists also work in the hospital, research facilities, as educators and in public health dentistry.
6. Podiatrist: $134,300/year or $64.57/hour
A podiatrist is a physician or surgeon who treats health conditions involving the foot, ankle, and sometimes related parts of the lower leg.
Podiatrist Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020, podiatrists earned a mean annual salary of $134,300 annually or $64.57 per hour.
Career Outlook
The BLS also projects little or no change in growth in this field between 2019-2029. Currently, 10,500 podiatrists are working in the U.S.
Requirements
Those interested in becoming a podiatrist must first complete an undergraduate degree in a medical-related field. Then you must attend an accredited medical school specializing in podiatric medicine, which takes about four years, to receive a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree. From there, you would need to complete a 3-year podiatric residency and pass the required licensure exams per your state.
Where can you work as a podiatrist?
Podiatrists work in hospitals, operating rooms, outpatient centers and private practice offices either independently or with a group of other podiatrists.
7. Chief Nursing Officer: $132,552/year
A chief nursing officer (CNO) is the highest-level registered nurse management position within a hospital or medical institution. This position oversees processes and procedures for the entire nursing staff, including safety protocols, ensuring patient safety, and managing staff.
Chief Nursing Officer Salary
A CNO’s salary can vary depending on location and experience. However, according to payscale.com, CNOs in the U.S. earn $132,552 annually.
Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and health service management positions such as CNOs will grow by 32%.
Requirements
To become a CNO, you need to get a BSN and have several years of nursing experience. Then you will need at least 3-6 years of additional education and management experience to be considered a potential candidate for the role.
You will need a minimum of a master’s degree in nursing or business-related specialty. However, many CNOs also have a DNP, with many institutions preferring a higher level of education.
Where can you work as a chief nursing officer?
Most CNOs work for hospitals or medical institutions. However, many also work in nursing homes or as the overseeing position in large healthcare systems.
8. Pharmacist: Annual $128,710 per year or $61.88/hour
Pharmacists are healthcare professionals who specialize in medication preparation and pharmaceutical management.
This position ensures that patients receive the correct medications in the right dose and understand the safe and appropriate use of their pharmaceuticals to manage their health conditions best.
Pharmacist Salary
The median salary you can earn as a pharmacist in the U.S. is $128,710 per year or $61.88 per hour.
Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a projected 3% decline in the need for pharmacists between 2019-2029.
Requirements
To become a pharmacist, you must complete an undergraduate degree in a medical-related field and then attend an accredited Doctor of Pharmacy Program, where you will also complete an on-site internship. Upon graduation, you will also need to pass all licensure exams and apply for your license per your state’s requirements.
Where can you work as a pharmacist?
Most pharmacists work in pharmacies at your local drug store or grocery store. However, you can also find pharmacists working in hospital pharmacies or even physician offices.
9. Optometrist: $118,050/year or $56.76/hour
An optometrist is a medical professional who specializes in eye health and prescribes eyeglasses and contact lenses when appropriate. They also diagnose and treat visual injuries, disorders, diseases and other issues of the eyes.
Optometrist Salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states the mean annual salary that optometrists earn is $118,050 or $56.76 per hour.
Career Outlook
According to the BLS, in 2019, 44,400 optometrists worked in the U.S. There will be a need for 1,900 more between 2019-2029. There is also a 4% projected career growth during that time.
Requirements
If you want to be an optometrist, you must complete an undergraduate degree followed by four years of optometry school for a doctor of optometry (OD) degree.
Where can you work as an optometrist?
Optometrists more commonly work in private optometry offices. However, you can also find them in outpatient clinics, retail companies, and doctor’s offices.
10. Nurse Practitioner: $117,670/year or $56.57/hour
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) who treat various patient health conditions and have a larger scope of practice than a general RN.
Nurse Practitioner Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, NPs earn a national average annual wage of $117,670 or $56.57 per hour. But that varies by several factors, including your area of specialization.
Career Outlook
The career outlook is bright for nurse practitioners, with the Bureau to Labor Statisticsprojecting a 45% growth for all APRNs between 2019-2029.
Nurse practitioners also report incredibly high levels of job satisfaction, and U.S. News and World Report rank the career as the second-best in healthcare.
Requirements
To become a nurse practitioner, you must first complete a bachelor’s or associate degree in registered nursing and pass the NCLEX exam to achieve licensure.
After a minimum of two years or more experience, you can attend a master’s degree program specializing in the type of advanced practice nursing that interests you.
Programs last anywhere from 2-4 years for a master’s program or 4-6 years to achieve a doctorate of nursing practice. Upon graduation, you will need to pass the required licensure and certification exams.
Where can you work as a nurse practitioner?
You can find NPs working in all areas of the hospital setting, including critical care areas, emergency room, in-patient and outpatient surgery and other specialty floor units. NPs also work in community clinics, nursing homes, health care centers and physician offices. In some states, NPs can run their own practice.
11. Nurse-Midwife: $115,540/year or $55.55/hour
Nurse-midwives are best known for assisting women through pregnancy and childbirth. However, they are also trained to help women with medical care during other various phases of life and can diagnose and treat medical conditions, perform health assessments and write prescriptions.
Nurse Midwife Salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the mean annual income for nurse midwives is $115,540 or $55.55 per hour.
The BLS also projects a 45% growth for all APRN careers, such as nurse midwives, between 2019-2029.
Career Outlook
Requirements
To become a nurse-midwife, you must complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). After a minimum of two years or more experience, you can attend a master’s degree program specializing in nurse-midwifery. Upon graduation, you will need to pass the required licensure and certification exams.
Where can you work as a nurse-midwife?
Nurse-midwives can practice in hospitals, private practices, public health clinics and birthing centers.
12. Physician Assistant: Annual $115,390 or $55.48/hour
A Physician Assistant (PA) is a licensed medical professional who works under the supervision of a physician. PAs work with the same medical model as medical doctors and care for patients suffering from a wide range of diseases, injuries and other medical conditions.
Some of the tasks they perform include assessing patients, writing prescriptions, ordering diagnostic tests, assisting in surgery and developing and managing treatment plans.
Physician Assistant Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a physician assistant (PA) in 2020 is $115,390 per year or $55.48 per hour.
Career Outlook
In 2019 there were 125,500 jobs available for PAs in the United States. The career outlook is bright in the profession, with anticipated growth of 31% between 2019-2029.
Requirements
Becoming a PA requires you to obtain a bachelor’s degree in a medical-related field and complete prerequisite courses to be eligible for PA school. Most PA schools require a few years of experience within the healthcare field in some capacity for eligibility.
PA school is about 24 to 28 months of classroom education and clinical rotations. PA students do not choose a specialty (like an NP) but have a general medical education. (PA specialty training comes when you start practicing within a specific medical area).
Upon graduation from PA school, you will need to pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) to earn certification to start practicing as a PA in the field.
Where can you work as a physician assistant?
PAs can work in any setting that physicians do, including doctor’s offices, hospitals, surgery centers, outpatient clinics, nursing homes and other healthcare environments.
13. Medical or Health Services Manager: $104,280/year or $50.13/hour
A medical or health services manager, also referred to as a healthcare manager, is responsible for overseeing the administrative and clinical processes of a medical unit or facility such as a hospital floor, outpatient center or nursing home.
Some of the daily tasks include managing nursing staff and other personnel, handling financial matters, maintaining patient safety measures and ensuring that the highest standard of medical care is met.
Medical or Health Services Manager Salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that in 2019, medical and health services management positions earned median pay of $104,280 per year or $50.13 per hour.
Career Outlook
The career outlook is excellent for those interested in becoming a medical or health services manager. In 2019, 422,300 managers were working in the position. Between 2019-2029 there is a projected growth of 32% within the profession.
Requirements
Becoming a medical or health services manager requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. However, most employers now require a master’s degree in healthcare or business management as well.
Many managers are medical professionals who worked within a particular specialty area and were able to promote themselves into the role. For example, most management positions within the hospital setting are filled with registered nurses who became experts within a particular specialty and desired to work in the business side of nursing.
Where can you work as a medical or health services manager?
Medical and health services managers work in almost all hospital settings, group physician offices, nursing homes and other health facilities.
14. Veterinarian: $99,250/year or $47.72/hour
A veterinarian is a medical professional who specializes in the medical health and wellbeing of animals. The most common type is a veterinary physician who treats animals for illness, disease and injury in a similar way that human physicians do — some veterinary specialties include dentistry, surgery and anesthesiology, just to name a few.
Veterinarian Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2020 median pay for veterinarians in the US was $99,250, or $47.72 per hour.
Career Outlook
The career outlook for aspiring veterinarians is bright, with a projected job outlook of 16% increase between 2019-2029.
Requirements
It is not always necessary that you complete a bachelor’s degree before applying to a veterinary school. However, you will need a certain amount of prerequisite courses to apply to a program.
Most veterinarians, however, do complete a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field. By taking that route, students can complete all necessary classes for eligibility and have time to volunteer or intern for an established veterinarian to make sure they love the career before fully committing.
You will likely need to take the GRE and have a few letters of recommendation as part of your application process.
Doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) school education takes four years to complete and includes coursework, labs, and hands-on clinical experience. Following graduation, you will also need to pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) before you can start practicing.
Where can you work as a veterinarian?
Veterinarians work in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, zoos, farms and laboratories.
15. Clinical Informatics Manager: $95,746/year
Clinical informatics managers organize, plan, and manage a healthcare organization’s clinical information program – which are computer-based systems designed to collect, organize, and store patient’s healthcare information and other important information that is essential to healthcare delivery.
Some of the essential benefits of these programs are that they help medical professionals like doctors and nurses improve efficiency, minimize medical errors and improve overall patient care.
Clinical Informatics Manager Salary
According to Payscale, clinical informatics managers make an average of $95,746 per year in the US.
Career Outlook
With technology increasing by the day, the career outlook for clinical informatics managers looks bright, with an expected job growth of 32% between 2019-2029.
Requirements
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement to enter into the profession. However, employers often prefer that candidates have a master’s degree for employment consideration. In addition to formal education, many clinical informatics managers must have prior work experience in the field as a medical administrator or another clinical role in a hospital or healthcare facility.
Where can you work as a clinical informatics manager?
Clinical informatics managers usually work in large medical systems, hospitals and other medical clinics.
16. Physical Therapist: $91,010/year or $43.75/hour
Physical therapists (PTs) are licensed medical professionals who treat and help patients manage illnesses and injuries to the musculoskeletal system. They work one-on-one with patients to improve their range of motion, manage pain and regain the highest level of mobility they can.
Physical Therapist Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean salary for PTs in the US in 2020 was $91,010 per year or $43.75 per hour.
Career Outlook
If becoming a PT interests you, you are in luck because there will be many opportunities ahead. The BLS projects 18% growth in the profession between 2019-2029.
Requirements
To become a PT, you must start by getting a bachelor’s degree in a medical-related field. While there, you must complete the required science prerequisites to be eligible for a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program you wish to attend.
DPT programs are generally three years in length, with two years of clinical education followed by one year of clinical rotations.
Upon graduation, you must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to be licensed to practice in the US.
Where can you work as a physical therapist?
PTs can work in various medical environments, including many different areas of the hospital, outpatient settings, rehabilitation centers, schools, sports facilities and geriatric homes.
17. Radiation Therapist: Annual $86,850 or $41.76/hour
A radiation therapist (RT) is a type of allied health professional who works with an interdisciplinary team of oncologists, nurses and other health professionals to treat cancer patients or ease disease symptoms with radiation therapy.
Radiation Therapist Salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that radiation technologists earned a mean income of $86,850 per year or $41.76 per hour in the US in 2020.
Career Outlook
Radiation therapy careers will be in demand over the coming years, with the BLS predicting a 7% growth between 2019-2029.
Requirements
Most employers prefer that you complete either an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy. Or you can attend a radiation therapy certificate program, which can take anywhere from 1-2 years. (Although it is possible to enter a radiation therapy program with a high school degree or GED, higher education offers more career opportunities and advancement).
Where can you work as a radiation therapist?
Radiation therapists most commonly work in hospitals, medical offices and other outpatient facilities where patients receive radiation treatments.
18. Occupational Therapist: Annual $86,280 or $41.48/hour
Occupational therapists (OTs) develop customized treatment plans to help ill or injured patients develop fine motor skills, perform tasks that involve hand-eye coordination and complete activities of daily living. Their goal is to help their patients live as independently as possible or develop skills to help them live better with their disabilities.
Occupational Therapist Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, OTs annually earned $86,280 or $41.48/hour in 2020.
Career Outlook
For those interested in becoming an OT, there will be increased career opportunities in the coming years. The BLS states that growth within the profession will increase by 16% from 2019-2029, resulting in a need for 22,700 additional OTs.
Requirements
Becoming an OT requires that you earn a bachelor’s degree in a medically related field and complete all of the required prerequisite classes to be considered a candidate for OT school. In addition, admission to OT school usually requires completion of the graduate record examination (GRE) and additional volunteer or observation hours in an occupational therapy setting.
OT school requires that you complete either a master’s degree or a doctoral program from an accredited university. Upon graduation, certification to practice requires that you pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
Where can you work as an occupational therapist?
OTs work in most hospital areas, occupational therapy offices, schools, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and home health.
19. Speech-Language Pathologists: Annual $80,480 or $38.69/hour
A speech-language pathologist is a medical professional who assists patients with speech and swallowing disorders. They assess, diagnose and treat their patients to improve communication and produce speech sounds effectively.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary
In 2020, speech-language pathologists earned a mean average of $80,480 per year or $38.69 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Career Outlook
Job growth is predicted to grow by 25% between 2019-2029 which means there will be a need for an additional 40,500 speech-language pathologist jobs.
Requirements
Becoming a speech pathologist requires that you complete a bachelor’s program in communication sciences and disorders (CSD).
Then you must attend a graduate program and achieve a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology/Communicative Sciences and Disorders. Upon graduation, you must also complete a post-graduate fellowship and pass the National Exam in Speech-Pathology before you can apply for licensure in your state.
Where can you work as a speech-language pathologist?
Speech pathologists most commonly work in the hospital setting but can also be found working in outpatient centers and rehabilitation facilities.
20. Dental Hygienist: $77,090/year or $37.06/hour
A dental hygienist works with a dentist to assist with caring for their patient’s oral health. Some of the services dental hygienists perform include patient screening, taking x-rays, removing calculus and plaque, applying fluoride treatments, administering topical anesthesia, educating patients on proper dental health and assisting with office management duties.
Dental Hygienist Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental hygienists earned an average of $77,090 per year or $37.06 per hour in 2020.
Career Outlook
Projected growth within the dental hygienist profession will be 6% from 2019-2029.
Requirements
To become a dental hygienist you need to complete a minimum of an associate’s degree. However, bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees are also available for those who want to work in more specialized care or achieve higher career advancement opportunities.
Where can you work as a dental hygienist?
Dental hygienists most commonly work in dental offices. However, they also work in public health clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and or other health organizations.
10 HIGHEST PAYING JOBS IN HEALTHCARE FOR 2021
1. Physician and Surgeon
The median pay for physicians and surgeons is $208,000 per year. This averages out to $100 per hour.
The physician engages in the diagnosis of medical illnesses or injuries. The first thing that a physician must do is take the patient’s medical history. This information will be placed in the patient’s chart and will be updated every time the patient visits the doctor. In order to diagnose the patient’s illness, the physician may need to order tests. This will be done by other staff members.
When the test results come in, the physician reviews the tests and looks for anything that may be abnormal. If any abnormalities are found, the physician will develop a treatment plan for the patient. During the appointment, the patient will be able to ask any questions that he or she has about the findings. The physician will also advise the patient on how he or she can become or remain healthy by discussing proper nutrition and other matters.
Surgeons are physicians, and they care for their patients by performing surgeries. They treat diseases, injuries and deformities in this manner. The surgeon is specifically trained to use instruments that were created for the purpose of repairing damaged bone tissue and physical deformities. Surgeons can also use their skills to perform cosmetic surgery.
Physicians may choose to work in one of several specialties, and these include radiology, opthalmology, gastroenterology, dermatology, cardiology and allergy. They may also become anesthesiologists, psychiatrists, pediatricians, internists and family physicians. Surgeons may choose to become general surgeons, but they can also work within a specialty. Specialties that surgeons may choose include reconstructive surgery, cardiovascular surgery, neurological surgery and orthopedic surgery.
A physician will have one of two types of degrees. One is the Medical Doctor or “M.D.” degree, and the other is the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine or “D.O.”
2. Dentist
The median pay for dentists is $156,240 per year. This averages out to $75.12 per hour.
A dentist is the one to diagnose and treat the problems that you are having with your gums, teeth or other areas of your mouth. They are instrumental in teaching their patients how to care for their teeth and gums. During the dental examination, dentists remove decay from decaying teeth. They also fill cavities. If any teeth are damaged, the dentist will be the one to repair them or extract them. Dentists also protect teeth by applying sealants or whitening agents.
Dentists must also learn how to administer anesthesia before they begin to treat their patients’ teeth. They may also prescribe antibiotics and other medications when necessary. During the examination, they examine the X-rays that the technicians take of their patients’ teeth and perform a full examination of the teeth, gums, tongue and jaws to find out if there are any problems.
Dentists also make impressions of their patients’ teeth. These impressions allow them to make dentures and other dental appliances. They also teach their patients how to use dental floss and how to brush their teeth properly. Patients also learn about the best foods to eat and the worst foods to eat from their dentists.
Dentists must learn how to properly use the instruments of dental care, including scalpels, brushes, forceps, probes, mouth mirrors, drills and X-ray machines.
Dentists can also choose to practice in a specialty area. They can become periodontists, pediatric dentists, orthodontists, oral pathologists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, endodontists, dental public health specialists and dental anesthesiologists.
There is also a place for dentists in the academic sphere. These dentists perform research or teach on a part-time basis. They may also offer their services at dental clinics where they can supervise the dental students.
3. Podiatrist
The median pay for podiatrists is $129,550 per year. That averages out to $62.28 per hour.
Podiatrists provide medical care for the feet, ankles and lower legs of their patients. They also perform surgery on these areas. They diagnose diseases of these areas of the body and treat them.
Podiatrists examine the feet, ankles and lower legs by first taking the patient’s history. Then, the podiatrist performs an examination. During the examination, the podiatrist may take X-rays, laboratory tests and examine the problem areas. The treatments podiatrists prescribe may by orthotics that help the patient move his or her feet better.
Podiatrists also perform surgery on the feet. They may need to remove bone spurs or repair fractures. They may also operate on the feet and ankles for the purpose of correcting any deformities.
Podiatrists teach their patients how to care for their feet and give them general wellness techniques. When it is necessary, they prescribe medications for their patients.
Podiatrists may be the first to learn that a patient is at risk for diabetes or vascular disease. In this case, the podiatrist will refer the patient to a physician for diagnosis and treatment of diabetes. They must spend a lot of time treating patients diagnosed with diabetes.
Podiatrists treat several other foot ailments, including ingrown toenails, heel spurs, calluses, arthritis and congenital deformities. A podiatrist can go into a specialty that requires that he or she reconstruct the feet and the ankles. There are also specialties in podiatry that include sports medicine and pediatrics.
You will find podiatrists working in outpatient care centers, hospitals or government centers.
The job prospects for podiatrists are set to grow as much as is expected for all occupations. From 2018 to 2028, the employment rate for podiatrists will grow at a 6 percent rate. The population is continuing to increase, so the expectation is that podiatrists are going to be needed in the years to come.
4. Pharmacist
The median pay for pharmacists is $126,120 per year. This averages out to $60.64 an hour.
Pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients. They have extensive knowledge on the safe and effective use of these medications. Pharmacists may also perform several other duties in the healthcare arena, including giving immunizations, conducting health and wellness screenings, and giving patients advice on how to live healthier lives.
The pharmacist will be the one to verify that the physician’s instructions are correct and that the patient’s medicine bottle contains the right amount of medicine. The pharmacist will also ensure that the medication that is being prescribed is not going to interfere with other medications that the patient is taking. The pharmacist must also ensure that new medications will not adversely affect that patient’s medical conditions.
The pharmacist ensures that the patient knows how to properly take his or her medication. He or she will also discuss the side effects that the medication may cause.
A pharmacist is also charged with administering flu shots and other immunizations to patients. They are also the ones to consult when a particular supply or piece of equipment is needed to treat a health condition.
Pharmacists also need to work closely with the patients’ insurance companies to ensure that these patients receive the medications that they need.
Pharmacists can work in many different environments. Some of these are general merchandise stores, grocery stores and hospitals, but most pharmacists work in pharmacies and drug stores. This is a job in which pharmacists spend the majority of the day on their feet. They may also work odd hours. Several pharmacists work nights and on the weekends.
The demand for pharmacists is projected to grow in hospitals and clinics. As the baby boom generation continues to age, it is going to be the reason that pharmacists are going to be needed in the next several years.
5. Nurse Practitioner
The median salary for a nurse practitioner is $113,930 per year. That averages out to $54.78 per hour.
Nurse practitioners are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses or APRNs, and they provide specialized care for their patients that includes primary and specialty healthcare. This job can be different as you travel from state to state.
A nurse practitioner has the duty of taking the patient’s medical history and the symptoms that he or she is currently experiencing. They may also perform medical examinations when a doctor is not available. They are also engaged in creating treatment plans for patients, and they order diagnostic tests when necessary. They may also perform these diagnostic tests when needed.
Nurse practitioners have been trained on several pieces of medical equipment, and they are capable of operating and monitoring that equipment. They can also diagnose many medical conditions.
Nurse practitioners can recognize when there is a change in a patient’s condition, and they can analyze test results. When a treatment plan needs to be altered in any way, a nurse practitioner is capable of doing it.
Nurse practitioners have the duty of administering medications to their patients, and they analyze patients’ responses to those medications. When it is necessary, they consult with physicians and other medical personnel. When someone is needed to teach patients what they need to do to manage their illnesses, a nurse practitioner can perform the duty.
Nurse practitioners can perform many of the duties that physicians perform, including prescribing medication, ordering medical tests and diagnosing the patients’ medical conditions. They can also choose specialties, so some people opt to serve children, pregnant women or patients with mental health disorders. Nurse practitioners may also perform the duties of registered nurses.
6. Optometrist
The median pay for an optometrist is $111,790 per year. This averages out to $53.75 per hour.
Optometrists examine the eyes and other related parts. They diagnose the problems that their patients are having with their eyes, and they treat these problems as well. Optometrists follow up with their patients’ eye diseases and other disorders. They also follow up with patients with injuries to the eyes. When patients need corrective lenses, optometrists prescribe glasses and contact lenses.
The optometrist is an eye doctor, and he or she gives the patient vision tests. The optometrist also analyzes the results of these tests. The optometrist will also be the professional to diagnose diseases and conditions of the eye. Some of these are glaucoma, nearsightedness and farsightedness. The optometrist may be able to prescribe medication.
An optometrist is also trained to perform surgery that corrects problems with the eyes. The optometrist will also examine the patient’s eyes before and after the surgery. The optometrist may detect the presence of other medical conditions, and some of these include diabetes and high blood pressure. When these ailments are detected, the optometrist will refer the patient to the appropriate physician.
Some optometrists may specialize in treating a condition known as “low vision.” These patients do not have 100 percent of their sight. Other optometrists opt to only treat babies and older children.
In some cases, patients need optometrists to inform them on how smoking affects their eyesight. If the patient is overweight, this is also a reason that the patient’s eyesight can suffer, and the optometrist will be the one to explain this to the patient.
The baby boom generation will be responsible for the growth of this profession. In the later years, people need corrective lenses more often, and this will cause the employment of optometrists to grow by 10 percent from 2018 to 2028.
7. Physician Assistant
The median pay for a physician assistant is $108,610. That averages out to $52.22 an hour.
Physician assistants work closely with surgeons, doctors and other healthcare workers. They are charged with taking the patients’ medical histories, or they may just review them. They have the capability of ordering diagnostic tests, and they can also interpret those tests.
When patients come in to see a physician assistant with an injury or an illness, the physician assistant will be able to diagnose the condition and offer the patient treatment. Some of these treatments include setting broken bones and giving patients the immunizations that they need.
Physician assistants may also have the duty of teaching their patients about how to manage their conditions. For example, they can explain what parents need to know about caring for a child with a particular illness or injury.
Physician assistants also have the ability to prescribe medications and ensure that the patient is receiving the best care possible. Physician assistants are also the ones to participate in outreach programs. They form a part of several areas of medical care, such as the emergency room, the operating room, doctors’ offices and psychiatric care. A physician assistant may even be given the duty of closing a patient’s incisions after surgery. They can also examine children and give them their vaccinations.
The physician assistant may have the opportunity to be the primary provider in areas where the community is being underserved. This is common in clinics in rural areas, but the physician assistant will work closely with the physician when it is necessary to do so.
Because physician assistants can perform many of the duties of the physician, their services are going to be needed in the years to come as the population ages. Employment of physician assistants is expected to grow at a 31 percent rate until 2028.
8. Veterinarian
The median pay for a veterinarian is $93,830 every year. This averages out to $45.11 an hour.
Veterinarians take care of animals, but they also work to ensure that the public’s health is not in danger.
Animals are a veterinarian’s patients, and they perform the same services that physicians perform for their human patients. These include examinations with the purpose of diagnosing illnesses and determining whether or not the animal is healthy. If the patient is injured, the veterinarian will be the one to treat and dress the wound. Sometimes, animals need surgery, so veterinarians will perform surgical procedures. Veterinarians test their patients for the diseases common to them. They also give them vaccinations.
Veterinary offices and clinics also contain several pieces of equipment, and the veterinarian has been trained on the use of this machinery. For example, veterinarians also use X-ray machines.
A veterinarian is also a teacher, and he or she advises human parents on how to care for the furry members of their families. When an animal needs medication, the veterinarian can prescribe it.
When the time comes, the veterinarian is the person to euthanize animals.
There are also what are known as “food animal veterinarians.” Their patients are pigs, cows, sheep and cattle that are being raised to be a part of the human food supply. These veterinarians travel to where their patients are, and this includes farms and ranches. They teach the managers about how to adequately house and feed the animals.
A specialty for veterinarians is the “food safety and inspection veterinarian.” These veterinarians inspect animals for diseases. They also administer vaccines and conduct research that will improve the health of animals. They also ensure that all government food safety regulations are being met.
9. Physical Therapist
The median pay for a physical therapist is $87,930 a year. This averages out to $42.27 an hour.
A physical therapist works to improve a patient’s ability to move. If there are issues with pain, the physical therapist will help the patient manage it. Physical therapists generally work with patients in rehabilitation facilities. They also help people diagnosed with chronic illnesses or injuries.
The physical therapist’s patients are people of all ages. They may have functional issues related to injuries to their backs or necks. Many other people require the services of a physical therapist, and they include people suffering from arthritis, strains, sprains or amputations. They may also treat those with fractures, neurological disorders, and sports or work injuries. Patients with cerebral palsy or stroke may also need to see a physical therapist.
A physical therapist is trained in reading notes from surgeons, doctors and other healthcare workers. They review their patients’ medical histories and diagnose their patients’ abilities to move by observation, but they may also use other methods.
After they have assessed their patients’ conditions, they can formulate a treatment plan that lists the goals and the outcomes that physical therapists hope to accomplish.
Physical therapists give their patients exercises and equipment that is meant to ease their pain. They also use hands-on therapy that increases the patient’s ability to move and prevents the possibility of additional injury or pain.
As time goes by, the physical therapist monitors the patient’s progress so that adjustments can be made to ensure that the patient continues to improve.
A physical therapist can specialize in one particular area of care. For example, some people choose to go into geriatric or orthopedic care. They may also specialize in physical therapy for victims of stroke, or they may wish to concentrate on sports injuries.
10. Occupational Therapist
The median pay for an occupational therapist is $84,270 per year. This averages out to $40.51 an hour.
Occupational therapists treat their patients in normal settings. These patients are disabled, injured or ill, and they need help developing, recovering and improving so that they can continue to live their lives.
One group of people that occupational therapists help are those diagnosed with cerebral palsy. These people need help performing daily tasks. Occupational therapists help their patients use leg braces and wheelchairs. They also help them learn how to feed themselves.
Occupational therapists are instrumental in helping schools accommodate students with disabilities. For example, they modify classrooms so that students can function adequately.
Occupational therapists work with the very young to the elderly population. They may engage with infants for the purpose of offering early intervention therapy so that they are not developmentally delayed. They also observe their elderly patients and make suggestions for how they can improve their environments.
Occupational therapists are also employed in mental health settings. These patients may have been diagnosed with mental illnesses or developmental disabilities. In this setting, an occupational therapist will teach patients several things, including how to ride a bus, how to balance a budget, how to manage their time and how to do household chores. The occupational therapist is also the person to help those addicted to drugs or alcohol.
Occupational therapists have also been charged with helping patients diagnosed with eating disorders or those suffering from depression. If the patient experienced a particularly traumatic event, he or she can receive help from an occupational therapist.
The job prospects for occupational therapists are expected to grow by 18 percent between 2018 and 2028. This is a lot faster than the average for all of the other professions. Occupational therapy will be important for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, autism and cerebral palsy.