When we think of a job in the healthcare field, the first thing that occurs to us is the high salaries people such as surgeons and physicians earn. While the packages are quite attractive, people’s hopes and aspirations are often let down. Mostly because preparing yourself for these jobs can take a lot of time and money. Even after getting a decent job, people get stuck clearing up student debt. However, in the modern age, healthcare has spread rapidly into the vast majority of jobs, thanks to new technology and research. Now, you don’t have to travel vast distances, spend years getting a doctorate, or increase your burden in student debt, to have a job successfully. It’s time to forget the misconception that healthcare jobs are only for people with a doctorate. There are plenty of top-paying positions available for people with a master’s degree. These jobs not only provide people a decent wage, but they are also bound to grow even further in the coming years.
Here are nine healthcare jobs that you should find helpful if you have earned a master’s degree.
Nurse Anesthetists
Before we delve deeper into the topic, you need to know how to prepare for healthcare jobs. After all, the field is a competitive one, and education matters most. So, if you’re interested in following a path to healthcare jobs, then be sure to check out online health care programs. It can provide you with the best courses right at your doorstep, thanks to the internet.
Moving on to the topic, a well-known healthcare job that you can get with a master’s degree is a nurse anesthetist. As the name suggests, these nurses provide anesthesia to patients, which can be during surgical, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures. They are also responsible for reviewing a patient’s medications and previous illnesses or allergies to ensure that the anesthesia does not have any harmful effects. Throughout procedures, the nurse remains with the patients, checking their health and anesthesia. The median annual wage for the job is currently at around $167k, which is quite well. To qualify for this job, you’ll need a clinical experience of one year, as well as a master’s degree.
Assistant Physicians
Also known as PAs, these well-paid workers are responsible for assisting physicians and surgeons in their routine work. A few of their everyday tasks include reviewing the medical history, diagnosing illness and injuries, examining a patient, and often prescribing medication for treatment. PAs mostly work under a physician’s supervision; however, they can carry out some tasks independently. To get a job as a physician assistant, you’ll at least need a master’s degree. The typical annual wage for PAs is around $108k, and it’s expected for the job to grow by 37% in 2026.
Cardiovascular Perfusionists
A cardiovascular perfusionist’s general duty is to help surgeons stay focused on performing the surgery by carrying out other essential tasks. Most of these tasks include monitoring healthcare equipment, such as lung and heart machines, for the ongoing procedure. These perfusionists are also responsible for the maintenance of these machines. Moreover, perfusionists safely administer the medication needed by the patient during operations. The job can provide you with a median annual salary of around $128k and is a great path to take for people with a master’s degree.
Nurse Practitioners
Serving as primary care providers, these nurses carry out most of the same tasks as physicians. For example, diagnosing patients and providing them treatment. Nurse practitioners stay in touch with doctors and physicians while often developing treatment plans. Many NP also specializes in particular patient needs, for example, mental health, old age health, and pediatric health. The job’s median annual wage is currently at $107k, and entry-level education is a master’s degree. Moreover, this job will grow by 45% by 2029, as reported by the bureau of labor statistics.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
These are nurses responsible for helping patients cope with various psychiatric disorders. They monitor the mental conditions of patients while they go through procedures and care. The nurses often have to work with psychiatrists and other professionals to deliver their best mental care. That’s why an essential part of the skills required by psychiatric NPs is a strong ability to communicate to work with other professionals. These nurses’ median salary is around $106k, and the job necessitates a master’s degree as an entry-level education.
Genetic Counselors
Genetic counselors excel in providing consultation to families at risk due to genetic disorders or are worried about congenital disabilities and inherited conditions. Genetic counselors also study the genes of their patients to get a better insight into the problem. Other healthcare workers may ask for information from genetic counselors for help with their patients on specific diseases. People who own a master’s degree can start their careers in this job, with a median annual salary of around $80k.
Occupational Therapists
People with disabilities that affect their daily living, for example, children with genetic disabilities or people who have gone through an accident, seek help from occupational therapists. These medical professionals work with patients and help them through therapeutic exercises such as stretches. Other activities, including improving socialization and coordination, are also done with the help of occupational therapists. They also help patients learn how to use the equipment required to improve their conditions. The minimum education needed for this job is a master’s degree.
Nurse Researchers
These workers are responsible for carrying out research on illnesses and existing healthcare facilities to develop new procedures with better outcomes and safety standards. They collect and analyze data to draw conclusions and aid their research. Many of these nurses often have to work with researchers in fields related to their research. Employers for this job usually prefer a master’s degree. The average annual salary is $81k currently.
Nurse-Midwives
Specializing in women’s healthcare, these nurses perform tasks like gynecological exams on their patients. They also develop family planning programs and provide prenatal care. Nurse-midwives work during labor and help in emergencies such as hemorrhaging. During a cesarean birth, these nurses serve as assistants to surgeons. A master’s degree must become a nurse-midwife and earn salaries of around $100k.
Conclusion
It’s always a good idea to plan, as you’re well-prepared beforehand. If you’re about to gain your master’s degree in healthcare, then it’s the right time to start researching your career. Indeed the jobs mentioned above will prove to be quite successful for you.
