There are many different types of health careers. Which one interests you? Do you like interacting with people? Working behind the scenes? A flexible schedule? You have many options!
NIH Job: Biologist
Biologists at the NIH are scientifically challenged daily through exciting life science research. NIH offers opportunities for biologists to gain new skills and techniques in nearly all specialty areas of biomedical research to meet the agency’s mission and address national needs. Biologists are tasked with investigating ways to prevent, treat, and even cure common and rare diseases.
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Why health: careers you can feel good about
Health careers allow you to choose a job that reflects your values:
- Helping others: Health is a field that is dedicated to helping individual patients manage their care. You can prevent disease, promote healthy living, address public health concerns, and more.
- Treating everyone with dignity: Nearly a quarter of American adults (22.8% or 58.7 million people) report that they had a mental illness in the past year. You can help by providing support and treatment.
- Making a difference: Your time, talent, and experience can help reduce health disparities and build healthier communities.
Pathways into health: work while you’re in school
Did you know that you can get started working in health without enrolling in an expensive or time-intensive degree or certificate? You could start your journey in high school. Pathway programs let you try out different types of health career paths.
Work while you learn
Jobs that are in demand today and tomorrow
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has information on health occupations and their education requirements and average pay. The projected rate of growth of health occupations is 21%, compared to the average of 4% for all occupations. Here are a few of the roles that should have the highest number of new jobs available.
Home health and personal care aides
Home health and personal care aides support older adults and people with disabilities or chronic illnesses and help them with daily living activities.
Entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median pay: $33,530
Typical pay range: $23,910 to $42,450
Occupational therapy assistants
Occupational therapy assistants help people who have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities by providing them with independent living skills.
Entry-level education: Associate’s degree
Median pay: $67,010
Typical pay range: $48,670 to $89,230
Medical and health services managers and directors
Medical and health services managers and directors plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of health employees, clinics, or public health agencies.
Entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Median pay: $110,680
Typical pay range: $67,900 to $216,750
Opportunities in rural and underserved communities
Over 60 million people live in rural America. They face their own unique health challenges, and there are often fewer health workers serving these communities. Working in rural communities can help to address disparities in health care. It also connects patients with local resources to address social needs, which can be particularly challenging in rural and tribal areas.
Individuals who work in rural communities often have a lower cost of living and can enjoy the perks of living in a smaller, more interconnected community. The federal government provides scholarships, research grants, trainings, postings of open jobs, and more to support health professionals ready to work in rural areas:
Opportunities in mental health and substance use treatment
Millions of Americans are being treated or seeking treatment for mental health conditions or substance use disorders. Providers are needed more than ever to keep up with the demand for services. A career in behavioral health services gives you an opportunity to change people’s lives.
Behavioral health describes a wide range of services including mental health promotion and treatment, substance use disorder prevention and treatment, and recovery support. Careers usually require certification or licensure at the state level — ranging from peer support counselors who have lived experience to roles requiring medical degrees. Learn more about behavioral health jobs:
