Skill and Caring
There’s more to healthcare careers than you think
Everyone knows that job opportunities in healthcare are booming. But what if you’re not looking for a job that puts you on the front line of patient care?
Fortunately there is much more to healthcare than doctors and nurses. Hospitals and health centers are staffed with technicians, researchers, therapists and assistants too.
Even better, many of these high-demand, good-paying healthcare careers require just two years of college to get started. That’s two good reasons to consider these professions. But a commitment to good healthcare, strong people skills and a desire to help others are still important for success in most of these jobs.
The first step for most allied health careers is taking foundation classes in math and science. Many healthcare programs such as radiologic technologists, surgical technicians and dental hygienists, are selective, admitting only a certain number of qualified students each year who have mastered the prerequisites.
Science and care
Take radiography for example. Radiologic technologists not only take x-rays, they may be certified to perform MRIs, ultrasounds or nuclear medicine studies. They work in hospitals, out-patient clinics and, sometimes, doctor’s offices.
“Aside from an understanding of anatomy and physiology, students in radiologic technology need algebra or statistics, as well as the basics in physics to understand X-rays and the equipment,” says Aaron Sarff, coordinator of the radiologic technology program at Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, Illinois.
“Technical skills are important, but that’s just one small part of it. The best technologists are motivated by giving people good care,” he adds.
“Some students say they chose radiologic technology for a career because they’re interested in health care but not interested in becoming a nurse.” Attention to the needs of patients is still important, especially in a hospital when patients may be sick or injured. “Technologists may see 10 or 15 patients a day and could be with them for only 5 to 30 minutes. But depending on the patient’s health and needs, they might start IVs, help with biopsies or even help clean up an accident,” says Sarff.
Professionalism and people skills
Other healthcare professionals are on the front lines of preventive care. Dental hygienists, for example, not only clean and polish teeth, they educate their clients about nutrition and care that’s essential for healthy teeth.
Theresa Grady, associate professor of the dental hygiene program at Community College of Philadelphia explains that dental hygiene careers require broad skills, “Students learn about radiography, nutrition, anatomy, bio-chemical systems, pharmacology and anesthesiology along with their clinical training in the college’s free dental clinic.”
“Good hygienists,” she says “like working with people and helping others. They’re also thorough, fast and conscientious.”
Health Careers
Medical Equipment Technicians
Median pay (2018): $49,210 annually, $23.66 hourly
Number of jobs (2016): 47,100
New openings through 2026: 2,000
Dental Hygienist
Median pay (2018): $74,820 annually, $35.97 hourly
Number of jobs (2016): 207,900
New openings through 2026: 40,900
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Median pay (2018): $67,080 annually, $32.25 hourly
Number of jobs (2016): 122,300
New openings through 2026: 21,100
Surgical Technologist
Median pay (2018): $47,300 annually, $22.74 hourly
Number of jobs (2016): 107,700
New openings through 2026: 12,600
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2019
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