10 Best Healthcare Careers

By: Andrea Miller

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Do you want to learn more about the 10 best healthcare careers? Jobs in healthcare are often well-paid and in high demand, which means that you will have permanent job security. Schooling for these some of these careers is just two years. Read on to find out about the 10 best healthcare careers.

  1. Home health and personal care aides. These healthcare workers take care of people who are confined to their homes because of illness, injury or disability. This is one of the 10 best healthcare careers because opportunities are expected to expand rapidly over the next decade and because hours are usually flexible. This career offers the opportunity for part time, evening, and weekend work. A college degree is usually not required.
  2. Substance abuse/behavioral health counselors. Are you a good listener who wants to make a difference in people's lives. If you want to become a licensed mental health counselor, you won't have any trouble finding a job. In addition to career security, you'll also have the knowledge that you are helping those in need. A master's degree is required.
  3. Skin care specialists. With its high pay and flexible hours, skin care specialist is definitely one of the 10 best future careers. In addition, no college degree is required. These specialists usually attend a vocational program and do an apprenticeship.
  4. Social service assistants. If you like to help people and want financial security, this job is for you. Social services assistants help physical and mental health patients function in the world, usually under the guidance of a social worker. A college degree is not required for this career.
  5. Medical assistants. Job prospects are expected to be excellent for medical assistants, who provide clerical and billing help for physician's offices and hospitals. Though vocational programs are available, many medical assistants receive on-the-job training. The potential for flexible hours also puts this on the list of 10 best healthcare careers.
  6. Physical therapists assistants/aides. People in this healthcare career help physical therapists rehabilitate patients who have been injured or disabled. An associates degree is usually required. This field is expected to grow rapidly over the next decade.
  7. Pharmacy technicians. This career lands on the 10 best healthcare careers list because of the bounty of job opportunities and the potential for flexible hours. Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists prepare medications and wait on customers. Most work in a retail setting.
  8. Dental hygienists. Dental hygienists help dentists clean teeth and take X-rays. A flexible schedule is a great part of this job; many hygienists work part-time. A hygienist education program and state license is required.
  9. Dental assistants. These professionals are similar to dental hygienists, but perform more clinical tasks so that the dentist can devote his time to more complex procedures. Job prospects for dental assistants are excellent, and no college degree is typically required.
  10. Physical therapists. Employment is expected to grow faster than average for physical therapists, making it one of the 10 best healthcare careers. Pay for this job is quite good. A physical therapist training program is required after a bachelor's degree is received.
Posted on: Nov. 25, 2010