The healthcare industry is forever booming and a career in this field is always promising. If you are looking for a career in the healthcare industry other than the regular ones, here are a few options that you may consider:
A Biomedical Engineer
Technology is the future. The modern healthcare industry depends a lot on the developments taking place in technology as it helps the industry to enhance its performance in many ways. Biomedical engineers are professionals with knowledge of designing and developing medical appliances and healthcare apparatus to be used in the patient care industry. With these machines, the task of healthcare professionals becomes more efficient and steadfast. Another duty these professionals need to perform is training medical assistants to use the appliances so that these can be incorporated into their everyday roles. If you are looking for more of a technical career in the medical field and which is different from regular patient care, then this is a great option to consider.
Education – With a Graduate degree in Biomedical Engineering or a Master’s degree in the field, one can pursue a career as a Biomedical Engineer.
Salary range – For Biomedical Engineers, the salary may range between $75,000 and $125,000 yearly depending on their skills and experience.
A Nursing Assistant
The role of a nursing assistant is very significant in patient care. Nursing assistants help physicians to take the treatment plan further and to make sure the needed aftercare is being provided to the patient after surgery. For patients with immobility and/or cognitive skills issues, a nursing assistant is someone who provides primary everyday care from moving and bathing to serving food and following the treatment plan. A nursing assistant is responsible for measuring the vital signs of the patient at regular intervals to ensure his/her overall well-being. Soft skills like keen observation, effective verbal communication and flexibility in work timings enhance the performance of a medical care assistant.
Education – For becoming a certified nursing assistant, an individual needs CNA training or an associate degree in nursing (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) from a renowned college or university.
Salary range – A certified nursing assistant can be offered an annual salary between $20,000 to $35,000 and more per year. Some professional care assistants also opt to charge on an hourly basis.
A Pedorthist
Muscle abnormalities and weakened bones are one of the most common issues faced by people these days. Factors like old age, surgery that happened previously, venous medical conditions like Varicose Veins and Edema, disorders related to bones, a forceful impact due to an accident and various other reasons result in symptoms like swelling and pain in legs and feet. A Pedorthist is a healthcare professional with the knowledge of designing special footwear for such patients. Almost 90% of senior citizens need medical stockings and specially designed footwear to lessen their symptoms in the lower extremities. The responsibilities of a Pedorthist involve evaluating the patient’s condition using which specialized footwear or corrective device can be designed to assist in recovery or rehabilitation.
Education – A diploma or an associate’s degree in pedorthics or a related field is the basic requirement for becoming a pedorthist.
Salary range – Pedorthists can be offered a salary ranging from $35,000 to $60,000 per year.
A Dental Technician
The roles and responsibilities of a dental technician include taking molds of patients’ mouths and designing a dental device or a fixture. As a patient with a dental issue visits a dentist, the physician suggests the use of a dental fixture. This fixture needs to be designed and manufactured accurately using porcelain, wax, metal, etc. to produce the desired results. Dental technicians use their expertise to assist with the design, manufacturing, fit and repair of the dental fixture such as a denture. Individuals with great design skills can opt for this career which includes creating orthodontic fixtures and devices for patients.
Education – An associate degree or a certification as a Dental Technician is required to work for a company that produces dental fixtures.
Salary range – Being a dental technician, you can earn somewhere between $30,000 and $70,000 yearly depending upon your specialty in the various subdivisions of the field.
When choosing a career in the medical field other than the regular ones, it is important to evaluate your skills and interests before you make the choice.