If you’re majoring in health care or have just graduated, you might search for career opportunities that capitalize on your skills. But we know how overwhelming it can be to figure out what career path to take after college.
You’ve got roles in patient care — like registered nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, and caregivers — or administration, like managing health care systems and patient access portals.
But which roles are growing and (more importantly) hiring? To help, we explore the top 10 jobs in health care and list companies currently hiring on Handshake.
Is health care a good career path for you?
Health care is one of the fastest-growing industries, with a projected job growth of 13% over the next decade. An aging population and advancements in medical technology have created a lot of demand for skilled health care providers and professionals.
You may work closely with patients and their families, so empathy, patience, and compassion are key. Good communication skills are also big, as you’ll need to convey important information to your care team, patients, and their families.
In terms of specific skills, it depends on the career path you choose. But, in general, it’s good to be detail-oriented, organized, and able to think on your feet.
Best degrees for health care jobs
When it comes to getting a job in health care, several degree programs can help give you a competitive edge:
- Health science. This degree provides a broad overview of the health care industry and prepares you for various careers, including roles in health education, administration, and research.
- Nursing. As a nurse, you’ll be on the front lines of patient care, working with individuals to assess their health and provide treatments and medications. Some careers would be certified nurse assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), licensed vocational nurse (LVN), registered nurse (RN), or nurse practitioner (NP).
- Behavioral health. This degree focuses on the connection between mental health and overall wellness and prepares you for careers in counseling, social work, and psychology.
- Public health. This degree provides a broad understanding of population health, including how social, economic, and environmental factors affect health outcomes. For example, a vaccine logistics associate oversees the distribution and delivery of vaccines.
- Nutrition and dietetics. As a nutritionist or dietitian, you’ll work with individuals to develop healthy eating plans and educate them about the role of food in their well-being. For instance, a pediatric nutritionist works with patients aged 0 to 18.
- Pharmacy. As a pharmacist, you’re responsible for dispensing medications and providing patients with information about their use, side effects, and interactions with other medications.
Additional certifications or licenses
Many health care jobs require certain licenses and certifications to ensure you’re qualified to provide quality care to patients. You can get them from the government or professional groups.
For example, doctors and nurses need a medical license, while pharmacists need a pharmacy license. Radiologic technologists need a radiology license.
Some jobs also need certifications to show you know what you’re doing. For example, CNAs must pass a test to show they can care for patients.
Some other health care jobs with certifications include certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), certified surgical technologist (CST), and certified health education specialist (CHES).
When you search jobs, pay attention to the certifications required, so you don’t waste time on the application process for job postings you don’t qualify for.
Industries where you can build a health care career
While health care is a growing industry, there are plenty of opportunities to build a career in related fields. For example, working for a pharmaceutical company or a medical device manufacturer can give you valuable experience in the industry.
Here are some of the top industries with health care positions available:
- Pharmaceuticals. Pharma companies develop, test, and manufacture drugs and other medical products.Check out the top 10 entry level jobs for pharmaceutical majors.
- Medical device manufacturing. This industry involves creating and selling products used in medical procedures and treatments, such as surgical instruments, implants, and diagnostic equipment.
- Insurance. Health insurance companies play a vital role in health care, as they help patients pay for medical expenses and provide reimbursement to health care providers.
- Government. There are many health care-related jobs available in government, including working for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Nonprofits. Nonprofit organizations, such as the American Cancer Society and American Heart Association, are dedicated to promoting public health and wellness.
This is just a small sampling of the industries where you can build a health care career. Scroll down for a list of companies hiring on Handshake.
Top 10 entry-level jobs in health care
Before signing up for ALL the job alerts, explore these 10 entry-level health care jobs.
1. Pharmacy technician
Pharmacy technicians work under a licensed pharmacist’s supervision to help dispense medications and provide patient care. They may also perform administrative tasks, such as maintaining patient records and managing inventory.
Median salary: $36,740 a year
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Completion of a pharmacy technician training program (usually less than a year)
- Some states require pharmacy technicians to be licensed or registered
Skills:
- Attention to detail
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Basic math skills
2. Certified nurse assistant
Certified nurse assistants (CNAs) provide basic care and assist patients with daily activities, like bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom. They work under the supervision of RNs and LPNs in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other health care settings.
Median salary: $30,290 a year
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Completion of a state-approved CNA training program (usually less than a year)
- Certification by passing a state competency exam
Skills:
- Compassion and empathy
- Good communication skills
- Physical stamina and strength
- Attention to detail and the ability to follow instructions from team members
3. Physical therapist assistant
Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) work under the direction and supervision of licensed physical therapists to help patients recover from injuries or illnesses. They assist with exercises, massages, and other treatments to help patients improve their mobility and manage pain.
Median salary: $61,180 a year
Qualifications:
- Associate degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program
- Licensure or certification is required in most states
Skills:
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Physical stamina and strength
- Ability to follow instructions from a supervising Physical Therapist
4. Surgical technologist
Surgical technologists work alongside surgeons, nurses, and other health care professionals to prepare operating rooms for surgeries and assist during surgical procedures. They help ensure surgical instruments are properly sterilized, and all equipment is in good working order.
Median salary: $48,510 per year
Qualifications:
- Associate degree
- Certification is required in most states
Skills:
- Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
- Ability to stand for long periods
- Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment
- Knowledge of surgical instruments and procedures
5. Medical assistant
Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks. They may take patient histories, measure vital signs, prepare exam rooms, and assist with minor procedures. They may also schedule appointments, maintain patient records, and do billing.
Median salary: $37,190 a year
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Completion of a medical assisting program (usually less than a year)
- Some employers may prefer or require certification
Skills:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work well in a team environment
- Basic knowledge of medical terminology and procedures
- Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks
6. Home health aid
Home health aides provide in-home care for patients who are elderly, disabled, or need assistance with daily activities. They may help with bathing, dressing, grooming, meal preparation, and light housekeeping.
Median salary: $29,430 a year
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Completion of a state-approved home health aide training program (usually less than a year)
- Certification or licensure is required in some states
Skills:
- Compassion and empathy
- Ability to lift and move patients
- Good communication skills
- Ability to work independently and follow instructions
7. Mental health technician
Mental health technicians work in psychiatric hospitals, clinics, and other behavioral health facilities, providing care to patients with mental illnesses or disorders. They may help patients with daily living, lead group therapy sessions, and monitor patients’ behaviors and conditions.
Median salary: $36,230 a year
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Completion of a state-approved mental health technician training program
- Some employers may prefer or require certification
Skills:
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Compassion and empathy
- Strong observational skills
- Ability to work as part of a team
8. Nursing assistant
Nursing assistants — also known as nurse aides or nursing attendants — help patients with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and eating, and may take vital signs and assist with medical procedures under the supervision of an RN or LPN.
Median salary: $29,660 a year
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- May not require certification
Skills:
- Compassion and empathy
- Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
- Ability to work well in a team environment
- Ability to lift and move patients
9. Phlebotomist
Phlebotomists draw blood from patients for medical tests, transfusions, or donations. They work in hospitals, clinics, and blood banks and may perform other laboratory tasks, like processing blood samples and ensuring blood products are properly stored and transported.
Median salary: $37,380 a year
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Completion of a phlebotomy training program
- Certification or licensure is required in some states
Skills:
- Ability to follow strict protocols and procedures
- Good hand-eye coordination
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Knowledge of medical terminology and laboratory procedures
10. Occupational therapy assistant
Occupational therapy assistants work under the direction of occupational therapists to help patients develop and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. They may help patients with exercises, activities, and other treatments to improve fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive abilities.
Median salary: $61,730 a year
Qualifications:
- Associate degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program
- Licensure or certification is required in most states
Skills:
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Physical stamina and strength
- Knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy
Find your dream health care career on Handshake
If you’re interested in finding a career in health care, you’re in luck! There are plenty of entry-level opportunities available for full-time and part-time work. Plus, the health care industry is growing and evolving, so there’s a need for skilled professionals.
Join Handshake today and explore the exciting opportunities available in health care!
Sources:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292052.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes312021.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home-health-aides-and-personal-care-aides.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/psychiatric-technicians-and-aides.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/oes/2019/may/oes311131.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/phlebotomists.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes312011.htm