The Best Healthcare Jobs of 2021

July 7, 2021

When you are considering a career change in 2021, a job in healthcare may be a good fit for you. The need for healthcare workers is expected to grow exponentially within the next 10 years.

In fact, healthcare job opportunities are supposed to grow more than any other occupation type!

But where do you start?

Read on to find out more information about the best healthcare jobs of 2021.

What Are the Best Healthcare Jobs?

The good news is that local healthcare jobs are in high demand, and many of them pay a great salary. As another rewarding benefit to working in healthcare, you will have the opportunity to change and save lives. 

Whether you're interested in administrative work, becoming a physician's assistant, or somewhere in between, you are sure to find something on this list that will pique your interest!

Medical Assistants (MA)

MA's record vital signs and ask health history questions of patients. They usually work in a doctor's office or hospital setting. 

  • Average salary:$35,850 
  • Required education: Certification
  • Expected career growth: 19% in 10 years

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN)

LPN's provide intricate medical care via a hospital, nursing home, or home health agency. They assess patients, supervise medical staff, coordinate care plans, insert IV's, administer IV medication, administer medication, take vital signs, provide wound care, collect samples, and report to a physician or physician's assistant.

  • Average salary: $75,330 per year
  • Required education: Associates or Bachelor's degree
  • Expected career growth: 7% in 10 year

Nurse Practitioners (NP)

NP's examine, diagnose, and prescribe medications. They usually work in an office, hospital, or another medical facility.

  • Average salary:$117,670 per year
  • Required education: Master's degree
  • Expected career growth: 45% in 10 years

Physician Assistants (PA)

PA'S examine, diagnose, and treat illness in an office, hospital, or another medical facility. They work under the supervision of a doctor. 

  • Average salary:$115,390 per year
  • Required education: Master's degree
  • Expected career growth: 31% in 10 years

Sterilization Surgical Technicians

Sterilization surgical technicians sterilize medical equipment in a surgical setting. They also clean operating rooms and set up the sterilized equipment for surgery.

  • Average salary: $49,710 per year
  • Required education: Certification or Associates degree
  • Expected career growth: 7% in 10 years

Ophthalmology Technicians

Ophthalmology technicians ask health history questions and prep patients for examination. They're also responsible for cleaning equipment and rooms between patients. 

  • Average salary:38,620 per year
  • Required education: High school diploma, certification
  • Expected career growth: 9% in 10 years

Medical Billers and Coders

Medical billers and coders do billing for healthcare facilities. They work with insurance companies as well. 

  • Average salary:$44,090 per year
  • Required education: Certification and/or associates degree
  • Expected career growth: 8% in 10 years

Speech Therapists

Speech therapists provide speech assessments, diagnoses, and treatment for patients. They can do this in hospitals, home health, or nursing home settings. 

  • Average salary: $80,480 per year
  • Required education: Master's degree, license
  • Expected career growth: 25% in 10 years

Physical Therapists

Physical therapists provide physical assessments, diagnoses, and treatment for patients. They can also work in hospitals, home health, or nursing home settings.

  • Average salary: $91,010 per year
  • Required education: Doctorate degree, license
  • Expected career growth: 18%

Dental Assistants

Dental assistants provide patient care, take X-rays, and set appointments. They clean equipment and rooms between patients. 

  • Average salary:$41,180 per year
  • Required education: Varies from on the job training to certification
  • Expected career growth: 7% in 10 years

If you have found these interesting but still wanna look more, check out this list for more of the best healthcare careers in 2021!

Taking the Healthcare Career Leap 

So, you have found the perfect healthcare career for you and you are trying to find an employer that will be a great fit for you! 

Once you have met the education qualifications for your career of choice, you will want to think about a few things to prepare for the next step. Check out the list below of things to consider when you are preparing for your next step in the job search process: 

1. Evaluating Compensation Packages and Employee Benefits

Now that you have learned about the various healthcare career opportunities we have listed, let's talk about other things to consider when choosing the right career for yourself. 

Compensation packages consist of more than your salary. 

When evaluating compensation packages,  here are a few things to compare with each employer:

  • Salary 
  • Paid time off (vacation  or sick pay)
  • Bonuses
  • Medical, dental, or life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401k
  • Employee discounts
  • Paid training 

2. Creating an Attractive Resume 

When creating a resume to use when applying for your prospective position, you want to stand out from the rest of the applicants.

Here is some food for thought to help you catch your future employer's eye:

Read the job description that you are applying for. Look for keywords and qualifications. Make sure that you include those in your resume

Make sure your resume is organized. It should be easy to read.

Keep it brief. One page is ideal for an attractive resume. Include only the most recent, relevant information

Highlight your skills and achievements

Look for specific instructions from the employer and include the things that are asked for in your resume. Proofread and edit where needed before applying

Look for examples of resumes of others in your field of work and compare your resume to those

3. Salary Negotiation

Whether you're a newbie or have years of experience, it's a good thing to ask for the salary that would work best for you.

Figuring out an approach for salary negotiation can seem intimidating, but it doesn't have to be.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

  • Show your worth- Give examples of the value and experience you offer
  • Come prepared- Know that they will resist but that's okay because you have planned ahead with answers
  • Be flexible- You don't have to give in right away but it is great to research to know what salary is realistic for your career choice
  • Ask for it in writing- Some companies give this to you automatically, but if they don't, ask for it when you come to an agreement
  • Know when to fold- If their offer doesn't match your needs, know when to continue your search for a better fit

4. Preparing for an Interview

It is so exciting when you have a date finally set for an interview. It is great to be prepared and doesn't have to be overwhelming.

Here are a few tips to help get you prepared:

  • Research your prospective employer
  • Prepare answers to common interview questions
  • Make a list of questions that you want to ask
  • Map out the commute time to your destination and plan to be early in case of construction
  • Plan your outfit and dress professionally
  • Make sure you have extra copies of your portfolio, resume, as well as keys, or anything else you may need on hand the night before your interview

We're Here to Help

Quadrant offers a wide variety of the best healthcare jobs for job seekers. We are recognized as the largest healthcare staffing agency in the Baltimore/Washington, D.C. area.

If you are looking for a healthcare job or looking for employees, please contact us to help you with your search. You can also reach us by calling (703) 650-1000 or emailing info@quadrantinc.com.