The Medical Field is Not Just for Doctors and Nurses Anymore
Okay, it’s no surprise that the healthcare industry is the perennial favorite when it comes to offering careers that have staying power. Here are eight to consider.
This ain’t your daddy’s healthcare industry. Nowadays, while job seekers are looking for careers that aren’t as likely to be impacted by the poor economy, downsizing or affected by offshoring, many people are turning to healthcare, a growing industry because of the aging population. For job seekers just starting out in the job market and trying to decide what career to pursue or what major to take in college, here are some ideas that they might not have thought about.
Art Therapist
Any job seeker who wants to blend her artistic side with the field of healthcare might want to consider a career as an art therapist. The American Art Therapy Association actively promotes the field while the Art Therapy Credentials Board offers individuals the opportunity to become board certified. A master’s degree is the benchmark. Jobs can be found in a number of places including hospitals, clinics, residential programs, schools, and elder care facilities. Top earning therapists can earn over $50,000/annually, though private practice generally pays more.
Behavioral Geneticist
Because recent information has pointed to a link between genetics and human behavior, the area of behavioral genetics looks to be a growing field as researchers focus on identifying gene-related therapies for age-old problems. Expect to get an advanced education – think PhD – and to focus in academia and research. For further information, check out the Behavior Genetics Association.
Certified Legal Nurse Consultant (CLNC)
For job seekers who are considering a career as a nurse, but might want an added twist, consider becoming a CLNC. They work behind the scenes educating attorneys on medical cases since most attorneys are trained in the law, not the medical field. Job seekers with active RN licenses (with or without a BSN) can attend an accredited program and obtain their certification. Many CNLCs charge $100 to $150 an hour for their services.
Genetic Counselor
With a specialized graduate degree and experience in genetics and counseling, job seekers may want to become genetic counselors. Their role is to provide information and support to families who have members with birth defects or genetic disorders or who may be at risk for these conditions. They may also work in the fields of research or teaching. The American Board of Genetic Counseling can provide certification, while the National Society of Genetic Counselors is the primary professional association.
Informatics Specialist
Whether it is health informatics, bioinformatics, or clinical informatics, this field combines data management and health science to determine how health information is received, managed, and communicated. With 200 accredited training programs, it is clear this field is growing. Information from the American Medical Informatics Association indicates that the Department of Labor Statistics estimates a 49 percent growth in the next few years, highlighting the importance of finding resources, such as a custom college essay writing service, to stay ahead in this expanding domain.
Medical Illustrator
Here’s a career that can blend the creative with the healthcare field. Medical illustrators take their knowledge of anatomy and physiology as well as other medical concepts to create educational materials for publications and journals. With a BA/BS in life science and certification as a medical illustrator (CMI) most medical illustrators earn somewhere in the $50,000 to $75,000 range.
Patient Advocate
Here’s a career that even U.S. News and World Report indicated at the end of 2025 would be one to keep an eye on in the future. Because so many people – young and old – find it difficult to understand their healthcare needs and plans, patient advocates can help educate patients and negotiate fees.
Wellness Coach
Primarily a corporate or consulting position, the wellness coach typically provides health and wellness coaching and education to the employees in an organization. While basic requirements include an undergraduate degree in a related field, some organizations seek LVNs and RNs. Being a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) helps, too. Salary will depend on location and size of the employee population, but usually exceeds $50,000/annually.
