In the United States, the field of healthcare is experiencing rapid growth, offering numerous job opportunities for individuals interested in making a career out of assisting others. Even those with limited experience can explore various entry-level positions.
Here are details on the top seven entry-level healthcare jobs, tailored for individuals passionate about providing care, featuring job descriptions, workplace responsibilities, salary expectations, projected job growth, and more.
1. Patient Care Liaison
A crucial role in healthcare, a patient care liaison acts as a vital link between patients and healthcare providers, representing the interests of both parties. This profession is ideal for empathetic individuals who enjoy establishing meaningful connections with patients and guiding them through the intricacies of the healthcare system. Key responsibilities include:
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1. Scheduling aftercare for patients requiring rehabilitation post-treatment.
2. Providing information to healthcare providers about patient health history, concerns, or complaints.
3. Collecting and sharing patient data with medical professionals.
4. Clarifying medical terminology for patients, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of procedures.
5. Meeting patients to discuss treatment options, healthcare coverage, and preparing for medical procedures.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) cites a median annual salary of $60,840 for patient care liaisons, with a projected 9% industry growth from 2020 to 2030.
2. Registered Nurse (RN)
Registered nurses (RNs) work closely with patients and their families, offering emotional support and coordinating appropriate care. Possessing specific qualifications and having passed the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX), RNs may specialize in areas such as geriatric nursing, cardiac nursing, or burn care. Their diverse responsibilities encompass:
1. Administering medications and IVs, changing wound dressings, and interpreting patient information.
2. Conducting physical examinations and diagnostic tests.
3. Observing and documenting patient behavior.
4. Collecting patient health history.
5. Collaborating with doctors to determine the course of action.
6. Educating patients and families on treatment plans and overall health maintenance.
Indeed reports an average annual salary of $91,494 for RNs, with a projected 6% growth from 2020 to 2030, creating an estimated 203,200 jobs annually.
3. Critical Care Nurse
Critical care nurses, also known as intensive care unit (ICU) nurses, handle patients in critical or life-threatening situations. This specialization requires advanced training to care for individuals with severe illnesses or injuries. Responsibilities include:
1. Administering medications and intravenous insertions.
2. Providing continuous support to critically ill patients.
3. Monitoring vital signs and managing medical equipment.
4. Maintaining records of a patient’s health status.
5. Evaluating and treating a patient’s condition.
Salary.com estimates an average annual salary of $80,400 for critical care nurses, with growing demand and an expected 332,190 new jobs by 2029.
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4. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Also known as vocational nurses, LPNs offer basic care and comfort to patients in settings like nursing homes, clinics, and private residences. While similar to RNs, LPNs have less responsibility and require less education, typically completing a one-year training program for licensure. Responsibilities include:
1. Recording medical histories.
2. Assisting with hygiene and wound care.
3. Checking vital signs like blood pressure, temperature, and weight.
4. Administering prescribed medications.
5. Educating patients and families on release instructions.
6. Providing immunizations and entering information into computer systems.
The U.S. BLS reports a median salary of $48,070 for LPNs, with a projected 9% growth, resulting in 58,800 new job openings annually from 2020 to 2030.
5. Medical Laboratory Technician
Playing a crucial role in patient diagnosis and treatment, medical laboratory technicians collect samples and conduct tests that help detect diseases. These professionals contribute to providing life-saving treatment by supporting doctors and medical professionals. General daily tasks include:
1. Operating lab equipment, conducting tests, and discussing findings with physicians.
2. Ensuring quality control of samples.
3. Analyzing bodily fluids like blood, urine, and tissue samples.
4. Preparing and processing samples according to laboratory standards.
The U.S. BLS reports a median annual salary of $57,800 for clinical laboratory specialists, with a promising job outlook featuring an 11% growth rate from 2020 to 2030, generating approximately 25,600 new roles annually.
6. Surgical Technologist
Surgical technologists, also known as operating room technicians, assist in getting everything ready for surgery. They make sure the patient and the operating room are prepared for the surgery, and they provide crucial help to the surgeons during the operation. Their key responsibilities include:
1. Aiding in moving tissues away from the surgical area.
2. Giving surgeons the tools they need during surgery.
3. Helping prepare patients for surgery.
4. Checking that the operating room has enough supplies and all equipment is working properly.
5. Getting rid of needles and gauze.
6. Cleaning and sterilizing tools.
7. Putting dressings on surgical sites.
According to information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these healthcare professionals earn a median annual salary of $48,530. The number of jobs in this field is predicted to grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030, creating approximately 9,600 new positions each year.
7. Billing and Coding Specialist
Billing and coding specialists keep track of important patient information and help healthcare providers with billing to insurance companies and individuals. They keep records of medical care, including treatment details, insurance plan information, payment data, and more. Most importantly, they work closely with patients’ health insurance providers to make sure medical bills get paid. Their daily tasks include:
1. Requesting payment from insurance companies.
2. Reviewing patient data and assigning codes for analysis and billing.
3. Correcting rejected claims.
4. Organizing and managing databases and registries.
5. Ensuring compliance with HIPPA regulations in record-keeping.
6. Managing electronic health records.
7. Tracking payments.
8. Following up with patients and insurance companies about unpaid bills.
Billing and coding specialists earn a median annual salary of $46,660, according to the BLS. This career is expected to grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030, resulting in an average of 14,900 new jobs per year.
Start Building Your Healthcare Career
If you find any of these careers appealing, you might want to explore a bachelor of science in healthcare management degree. This program is designed to equip you with the education, skills, and confidence needed to be a successful manager in the healthcare industry. You can play a crucial leadership role in various patient care environments, including doctors’ offices, hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities, and government offices. Upon completing the program, your experience and skills can set you apart, opening doors to raises, promotions, and new career opportunities. This is an opportune time to pursue a healthcare management degree, offering numerous job openings across different fields, competitive salaries, the chance to make a positive impact on individuals and communities, and emotional fulfillment.
For those interested in patient-facing roles, nursing bachelor’s degrees are excellent options. Nurses are in constant demand as the healthcare industry continues to expand rapidly. Whether you’re just starting or enhancing your credentials, a nursing degree can provide the skills and credentials to impact patient outcomes positively, influence the industry, and make a real difference in your community.degree and launch a new career.
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