Non-Clinical Healthcare Careers: Alternative Paths for Professionals Interested in the Industry

When many people think of healthcare careers, they often think of jobs that involve direct patient care, such as doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. However, the healthcare industry also offers a variety of non-clinical career paths that can be equally rewarding and challenging. In this article, we'll explore some of the alternative career paths in healthcare, including their job prospects and educational requirements, and how they can provide a fulfilling career for those interested in the industry.

Why Healthcare is a Good Career Path

Before delving into non-clinical healthcare careers, it's essential to understand why healthcare is a good career path in the first place. For starters, the healthcare industry is proliferating, with a projected employment increase of 15% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This growth is due to several factors, including an aging population, medical technology advances, and increased healthcare access.

Another benefit of working in healthcare is the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives. Healthcare professionals have the unique ability to provide care and support to individuals and communities in need. Additionally, healthcare careers can offer competitive salaries and benefits, job security, and opportunities for career advancement.

Healthcare Career Paths

While clinical healthcare careers are essential and highly valued, a variety of non-clinical healthcare careers are critical to the industry's success.

Here are a few examples of non-clinical healthcare career paths:

Healthcare Administration Healthcare administrators manage healthcare facilities and organizations, such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They oversee operations, finances, human resources, and strategic planning. Healthcare administrators need a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration or a related field, although some employers prefer a master's degree. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for medical and health services managers was $104,280 in May 2020, with the top 10% earning over $195,630 annually.

Health Information Management, Health Information Managers, are responsible for maintaining and securing patient health records and managing health information systems. They ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, manage data analysis and reporting, and develop policies and procedures related to health information management. Health information managers typically need a bachelor's degree in health information management or a related field. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for health information managers was $104,280 in May 2020.

Public Health Public health professionals work to promote and protect the health of communities and populations. They identify and monitor public health issues, develop and implement health promotion programs, and collaborate with healthcare professionals and community organizations. Public health professionals need a bachelor's or master's degree in public health or a related field, although some positions may require a doctoral degree. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for health educators and community health workers was $48,140 in May 2020.

Public Health Job Prospects

Public health is an expanding field, with job prospects expected to grow over the next decade. According to the BLS, employment of health educators and community health workers is projected to grow 13% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to an increased focus on public health and the need for individuals and organizations to promote health and wellness.

Public Health Degree Career Paths

A public health degree can lead to various career paths in the public and private sectors. Here are a few examples:

Epidemiologists investigate patterns and causes of diseases and other health issues in populations. They collect and analyze data, conduct research studies, and develop public health policies and programs. Epidemiologists typically need a master's degree in public health or a related field. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for epidemiologists was $74,560 in May 2020.

Health Policy Analyst Health policy analysts work to develop, implement, and evaluate healthcare policies and programs. They analyze healthcare data, research healthcare issues, and make recommendations to policymakers and other stakeholders. Health policy analysts typically need a master's degree in public health or a related field. According to PayScale, the average annual salary for a health policy analyst is $67,000.

Biostatisticians use statistical methods to design studies and analyze public health and medical research data. They work in various settings, including government agencies, academic institutions, and private companies. Biostatisticians typically need a master's or doctoral degree in biostatistics, statistics, or a related field. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for mathematicians and statisticians, including biostatisticians, was $93,290 in May 2020.

Conclusion

Healthcare is a vast and expanding industry with various career paths that offer job security, competitive salaries, and opportunities for personal fulfillment. Non-clinical healthcare careers, such as healthcare administration, health information management, and public health, are critical to the industry's success and offer a range of job prospects for individuals with diverse interests and skill sets. Pursuing a degree in public health can lead to various career paths, including epidemiology, health policy analysis, and biostatistics, among others. As the healthcare industry continues to grow and evolve, it is essential to consider alternative career paths that offer the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives and contribute to the industry's success.