Top Healthcare Careers in Demand: Salaries and Education Requirements

Healthcare careers are plenty and in demand. It is a great time to enter this fantastic profession. Here are some top healthcare positions, pay ranges, and educational requirements for you to consider. 

Physician

• Pay range: $200,000 - $400,000+ per year
• Education: Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree and completion of a residency program in their chosen specialty.
• Physicians are medical professionals who are responsible for diagnosing, treating, and managing various medical conditions and diseases 

Physician Assistant

• Pay range: $90,000 - $130,000+ per year
• Education: Master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) or related field, plus state licensure and certification.
• Physician assistants work under the supervision of a licensed physician to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive healthcare services. They work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. PAs typically need a Master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies, and they must be licensed by the state. 

Registered Nurse

• Pay range: $50,000 - $100,000+ per year
• Education: Associate's degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), plus state licensure and certification.
• Registered nurses are responsible for providing and coordinating patient care in a variety of healthcare settings. They can work in hospitals, clinics, schools, and other healthcare settings. RNs are typically required to have an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in nursing and must be licensed by the state. 

Physical Therapist

• Pay range: $70,000 - $110,000+ per year
• Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, plus state licensure.
• Physical therapists help patients recover from injuries and illnesses by improving their physical mobility and function. They work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. PTs typically need a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and must be licensed by the state.

Occupational Therapist

• Pay range: $60,000 - $100,000+ per year
• Education: Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree, plus state licensure.
• Occupational therapists help patients develop or regain the skills needed to perform daily activities, such as dressing, cooking, and driving. They work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. OTs typically need a Master's degree in occupational therapy and must be licensed by the state. 

Pharmacist

• Pay range: $90,000 - $150,000+ per year
• Education: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, plus state licensure.
• Pharmacists are healthcare professionals who are responsible for ensuring that patients receive safe and effective medications. Their responsibilities include:
  

Dentist

• Pay range: $100,000 - $200,000+ per year
• Education: Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree, plus state licensure.
• Dentists are healthcare professionals who specialize in oral health and are responsible for diagnosing, treating, and preventing dental and oral health problems. 

Note that these pay ranges can vary depending on location, experience, and specialty. Additionally, healthcare professionals may pursue additional certifications or things that can further impact their pay and educational requirements.