Lesser-Known Careers in the Healthcare Industry

If you’re considering one of the many careers in the healthcare industry, there are many other lesser-known professions. Listed below are several that may be of interest.

Medical Dosimetrist

A dosimetrist plays an instrumental role in the treatment of cancer patients. They receive the prescription from the radiation oncologist and design a specific radiation treatment plan for the patient. Then, they produce a lethal dose designed to kill the cancer without damaging other organs in the body. They are part of the radiation team and generally work alongside oncologists in hospitals and cancer treatment centers. The average salary is $100,000.00. 

Physical Therapist Specializing in Neurological Therapy

You know what a therapist does. However, there are many different types of therapists. One lesser-known therapist is a neurological therapist that specializes in functions of the brain. The medical condition vertigo affects millions of people each year. While many of the cases are mild and the symptoms will disappear on their own, some patients will benefit from vertigo treatment. A physical therapist can get to the source of the problem, provide the proper treatment method and alleviate the symptoms. The average annual salary is $70,000 to $85,00.00.

Pharmacologists

Pharmacologists are behind the scenes in the laboratory, testing new medications and their reactions in living organisms. They are often employed by pharmaceutical companies. Pharmacology has several different fields such as toxicology, which works with poisons and venom to find antidotes. Neuropharmacology is another field that focuses on chemical processes occurring in the brain and nervous system to find effective treatments for mental and neurological diseases. The average annual salary is approximately $43,000.00

Dental Technician

You go to the dentist and have regular cleanings and fillings. However, when you require a bridge, crown or a full set of dentures, it’s the dental technician that creates them. They work independently, in their own room, a dental lab, in a dental office. They use the x-rays provided by the dentist to re-create natural-looking teeth. Depending on your experience, a dental technician can earn between $30,000. And $70,000. Per year. 

Music Therapist

It’s well known that music is a natural healer that can often break barriers and promote faster learning and healing and reduce pain. Music therapists are gaining recognition as a positive tool in helping people with serious depression, learning disabilities and physical limitations due to an accident or disease. Music is very relaxing and generates a positive mood in patients making them more able to learn. It’s also fantastic for patients with high blood pressure due to excessive amounts of stress. The average salary is $40,000.00 per year. 

Cardiac Perfusionist

A cardiac perfusionist works alongside surgeons with patients undergoing open-heart surgery. They are the ones who operate machinery that pumps the blood of the patient during the operation while the heart remains stopped. It’s a growing profession with many opportunities. The average annual salary is between $65,000 and $135,000.

Orthotic/Prosthetic 

Professionals in the field of orthotics or prosthetics create, fabricate and customize the devices for children and adults of any age. They are responsible for producing devices such as braces, artificial limbs, and other medical devices. They often work at hospitals and other professional facilities and many work in a manufacturing facility. The average salary is approximately $60,000 per year.

Medical Cardiovascular and Sonographer Technologists

Image workers such as medical cardiovascular and sonographer technologists use high-tech equipment to create images that allow physicians to make accurate diagnoses of their patients. Many of these health care professionals work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and labs. The average annual salary is $67,000.00.

Finding your dream job in the healthcare industry can include many lesser-known professions that offer a good salary and advancement opportunities.