What are the Top Healthcare Careers?

by Linda Bright

A lot of people want to be a part of the health care industry due to a number of reasons. Many want to be health care professionals due to the rewards and benefits that this field of work provides. Some wants to be part of the health care team because they want to be of service to mankind. So, what are the top healthcare careers that you can join to achieve your purpose? Here are the top three of the health care jobs that lets you help the sick and earn an income.

1. Registered Nurses
The number one health care career is that of registered nurses. They are a vital piece to the health care industry as they provide care, education and treatment to patients and folks. They also act as assistants to doctors and other medical professionals as they possess a vast knowledge of patient care. There are two educational paths that lead you to become a RN - the bachelor's degree that takes about four years, and the associate's degree that takes about two years. The annual wage of nurses in 2012 is approximately $65,918.

2. Nurse Practitioners
Nurse practitioners have advanced to another level of education, moving beyond nursing. It involves prescribing of medications and diagnosing health problems. In order to become a nurse practitioner, you must meet the educational requirements of a registered nurse and possess a master's degree. A nurse practitioner earns as much as $95,000 to $122,000 per year.

3. Doctors
The enrolment in medical schools has declined due to the high costs of pending lawsuits and malpractice insurance. The education of doctors remains lengthy and demanding with four years preparatory for medicine, four years medicine proper, and three to five years of residency depending on specialization. However, the compensation of physicians ranges from $175,000 to $272,000 depending on specialties such as surgery.

Labels: administration, becoming a doctor, Healthcare, Nurse Practitioner, registered nursing