Medical Careers

Education, Jobs, and Salaries.

This section covers some of the most in-demand medical professions.

If you want to become a physician, a surgeon, a nurse, or a medical professional in a different field, we invite you to read further to find out more about your career path.

Anesthesiologist Anesthesiologist

An anesthesiologist is responsible for monitoring patient comfort before, during, and after surgical or medical procedures.

Salary$261,730/year
$125.8/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook4%
Audiologist Audiologist

Audiologists work with clients to help them to preserve, manage and improve their hearing.

Salary$83,900/year
$40.34/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook16%
Autopsy Technician Autopsy Technician

Autopsy Technician is to assist with forensic autopsies.

Salary$83,900/year
$40.34/hour
Education3-4 Years
Outlook17%
Cancer Researcher Cancer Researcher

A cancer researcher conducts studies designed to answer specific questions about cancer.

Salary$82,760/year
$39.79/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook8%
Cardiologist Cardiologist

Cardiologists focus on the management of cardiac and vascular ailments.

Salary$201,440/year
$96.85/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook4%
Cardiovascular Surgeon Cardiovascular Surgeon

Cardiovascular surgeons work to repair damage done to the heart and blood vessels.

Salary$252,040/year
$121.1/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook1%
Cardiovascular Technician Cardiovascular Technician

Cardiology technologists work with other health care professionals who test, monitor and evaluate heart function.

Salary$59,600/year
$28.66/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook7%
Chemotherapy Technician Chemotherapy Technician

Chemotherapy technicians, they are trained to dispense drugs that kill cancer cells in cancer patients.

Salary$35,720/year
$17.17/hour
Education1-2 Years
Outlook7%
Child Psychiatrist Child Psychiatrist

Child psychiatrists focus on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of mental and behavioral health issues.

Salary$220,430/year
$105.9/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook16%
Clinical Geneticist Clinical Geneticist

Clinical geneticists typically work in clinical settings when consulting with patients and in laboratory settings when testing takes place.

Salary$84,310/year
$40.54/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook8%
Clinical Laboratory Technician Clinical Laboratory Technician

Clinical laboratory technologists perform simple lab tests and procedures, such as examining and analyzing body fluids and tissue samples.

Salary$54,780/year
$26.34/hour
Education1-2 Years
Outlook11%
Clinical Researcher Clinical Researcher

Clinical researchers plan and monitor trials to test how effective and safe new medical inventions are.

Salary$82,760/year
$39.79/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook8%
Dental Hygienist Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists handle regular cleanings and do thorough exams on new and existing patients to help the dentist decide on how to treat those patients.

Salary$77,230/year
$37.13/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook11%
Dental Technician Dental Technician

Dental technicians work with dentists to make crowns, dentures and bridges.

Salary$41,170/year
$19.79/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook11%
Dentist Dentist

Dentists are health professionals who take care of the teeth, gums, and supporting bones of the mouth.

Salary$178,260/year
$85.7/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook7%
Dermatologist Dermatologist

A sensitive and careful Dermatologist specializing in providing preventive skin care to both children and adults.

Salary$201,440/year
$96.85/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook7%
Dialysis Technician Dialysis Technician

A Dialysis Technician works with people who have kidney disease or other kidney issues.

Salary$35,720/year
$17.17/hour
Education1-2 Years
Outlook11%
Doctor Doctor

Doctors examine, diagnose and treat patients.

Salary$201,440/year
$96.85/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook7%
EKG Technician EKG Technician

EKG Technicians assist physicians in diagnosing and treating cardiac (heart) and peripheral vascular (blood vessel) ailments by performing diagnostic tests.

Salary$59,600/year
$28.66/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook7%
Embalmer Embalmer

Embalmers respectfully prepare and preserve human bodies for public viewing in caskets and delayed burial.

Salary$50,100/year
$24.09/hour
Education1-3 Years
Outlook4%
Emergency Room Doctor Emergency Room Doctor

Emergency Room Doctor focuses on the immediate decision making and action necessary to prevent death or any further disability.

Salary$201,440/year
$96.85/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook7%
Emergency Room Nurse Emergency Room Nurse

An Emergency Nurse takes care of patients in a wide range of situations, from fevers, to minor injuries and major trauma.

Salary$77,460/year
$37.24/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook12%
EMT EMT

As an EMT, you may operate as a single responder to an incident or support a paramedic on a double-crewed ambulance.

Salary$38,830/year
$18.67/hour
Education0-1 Year
Outlook7%
Endocrinologist Endocrinologist

Endocrinologists help patients manage glandular disorders and hormonal issues, as well as a variety of other aspects of metabolism.

Salary$201,440/year
$96.85/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook7%
Forensic Assistant Forensic Assistant

Forensic assistants work in labs and at crime scenes under the direction of medical examiners, coroners or forensic pathologists.

Salary$63,170/year
$30.37/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook14%
Forensic Pathologist Forensic Pathologist

A forensic pathologist is called upon by a coroner to investigate the cause of sudden and unexplained deaths.

Salary$63,170/year
$30.37/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook14%
Gastroenterologist Gastroenterologist

A gastroenterologist is an expert in digestive health and issues related to the stomach, intestines, and bowels.

Salary$201,440/year
$96.85/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook7%
Genetic Counselor Genetic Counselor

Genetic counselors conduct DNA testing to inform parents on whether their baby is likely to inherit medical complications.

Salary$84,310/year
$40.54/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook27%
Geneticist Geneticist

Geneticists study how different life forms vary and how these variations are passed on to succeeding generations.

Salary$84,310/year
$40.54/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook6%
Gynecologist Gynecologist

A gynecologist performs a variety of tests and exams focused on women's health.

Salary$233,610/year
$112.3/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook2%
Health Technician Health Technician

Health technicians help nurses and doctors deliver quality health care services to patients with various conditions.

Salary$46,590/year
$22.4/hour
Education1-2 Years
Outlook9%
Healthcare Administrator Healthcare Administrator

Health administrators are accountable for ensuring the smooth administration of a healthcare company, hospital system, or hospital.

Salary$106,550/year
$51.23/hour
Education1-3 Years
Outlook18%
Hematologist Hematologist

Hematologists also deal with blood diseases that are not cancerous.

Salary$201,440/year
$96.85/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook7%
Hospice Nurse Hospice Nurse

Hospice nursing responsibility is much more than just providing medical ailment to the patient.

Salary$77,460/year
$37.24/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook19%
Immunologist Immunologist

Immunologists study how the immune system functions and they treat patients with immune system disorders.

Salary$201,440/year
$96.85/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook7%
Kinesiologist Kinesiologist

Kinesiologists see the body as a fascinating machine, and they are experts in analyzing, fixing, and fine-tuning its movement.

Salary$90,170/year
$43.35/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook10%
Labor and Delivery Nurse Labor and Delivery Nurse

Labor and delivery nurses help guide mothers through the different stages of labor and coach them through their contractions.

Salary$77,460/year
$37.24/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook12%
Laboratory Assistant Laboratory Assistant

As a Lab Assistant you will follow instructions and safety protocols in handling blood borne pathogens.

Salary$54,780/year
$26.34/hour
Education1-2 Years
Outlook11%
Medical Assistant Medical Assistant

Medical Assistant is responsible for a variety of patient care, technical, and clerical related functions.

Salary$35,720/year
$17.17/hour
Education1-2 Years
Outlook23%
Medical Biller Medical Biller

Medical Biller is in charge of calculating and collecting payments for medical procedures and services.

Salary$35,210/year
$16.93/hour
Education1-2 Years
Outlook11%
Medical Coder Medical Coder

Medical Coder review clinical documentation to ensure accurate diagnostic and procedural coding.

Salary$35,210/year
$16.93/hour
Education1-2 Years
Outlook11%
Medical Examiner Medical Examiner

Medical Examiners conduct autopsies, collect evidence, bodily fluids and tissues for toxicology testing and microscopic study.

Salary$35,720/year
$17.17/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook7%
Medical Lab Technician Medical Lab Technician

Medical lab technician analyzes bodily fluids and tissues for proper diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.

Salary$54,780/year
$26.34/hour
Education1-2 Years
Outlook11%
Medical Records Clerk Medical Records Clerk

Medical Records Clerk is in charge of managing patient health files in a facility.

Salary$46,590/year
$22.4/hour
Education0-6 Months
Outlook11%
Medical Researcher Medical Researcher

A medical researcher focuses on the science behind medicine.

Salary$82,760/year
$39.79/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook8%
Medical Technician Medical Technician

Medical technicians, work closely with nurses to provide quality care for patients.

Salary$35,720/year
$17.17/hour
Education3-4 Years
Outlook11%
Medical Transcriptionist Medical Transcriptionist

Medical transcriptionists help create permanent medical records from recorded reports.

Salary$35,210/year
$16.93/hour
Education1-2 Years
Outlook-3%
Midwife Midwife

Midwife provides support and guidance throughout the birthing process.

Salary$108,810/year
$52.31/hour
Education3-4 Years
Outlook12%
Morgue Assistant Morgue Assistant

Morgue assistants prepare bodies for autopsy, and mortuary assistants help prepare bodies for burial.

Salary$58,360/year
$28.06/hour
Education0-6 Months
Outlook14%
Morgue Technician Morgue Technician

Morgue assistants, play an important role in the postmortem examination process.

Salary$58,360/year
$28.06/hour
Education1-2 Years
Outlook14%
Mortician Mortician

Mortician works at a funeral agency, providing funeral-related services.

Salary$58,360/year
$28.06/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook3%
Mortician Assistant Mortician Assistant

Morticians guide family and friends through the logistics of mourning their deceased loved ones.

Salary$58,360/year
$28.06/hour
Education1-2 Years
Outlook4%
MRI Technician MRI Technician

An MRI technician administers magnetic resonance imaging for overall diagnosis.

Salary$63,120/year
$30.34/hour
Education1-2 Years
Outlook11%
Neurologist Neurologist

Neurologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the nervous system.

Salary$201,440/year
$96.85/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook7%
Neurosurgeon Neurosurgeon

A neurosurgeon performs all the same tasks as a standard surgeon.

Salary$252,040/year
$121.1/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook1%
Nurse Practitioner Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Practitioners often hold a similar role to those of primary physicians, independently treating and assessing patients within the bounds.

Salary$111,840/year
$53.77/hour
Education1-2 Years
Outlook26%
OBGYN OBGYN

Obstetrician-gynecologists develop treatment plans to maintain a woman's healthy lifestyle by monitoring early symptoms of possible health issues.

Salary$233,610/year
$112.3/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook2%
Obstetrician Obstetrician

For the obstetrician, patient care is largely directed by the stage of the pregnancy, known as trimesters.

Salary$233,610/year
$112.3/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook2%
Oncologist Oncologist

An oncologist studies cancer and provides medical treatment for people diagnosed with cancer.

Salary$201,440/year
$96.85/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook7%
Ophthalmologist Ophthalmologist

An Ophthalmologist is a medical doctor specializing in eye and vision care.

Salary$203,450/year
$97.81/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook7%
Optometrist Optometrist

An optometrist is a primary health care provider that specializes in eye care and visual health.

Salary$122,980/year
$59.12/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook10%
Oral Surgeon Oral Surgeon

Oral surgeons treat diseases, defects and injuries through surgery on the maxillofacial and oral areas.

Salary$237,570/year
$114.2/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook7%
Orthodontist Orthodontist

Orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the alignment of the teeth and jaws.

Salary$230,830/year
$110.9/hour
Education2-4 Years
Outlook7%
Orthopedic Surgeon Orthopedic Surgeon

Orthopedic surgeons treat injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, which includes your muscles, bones, and joints.

Salary$252,040/year
$121.1/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook1%
Orthopedist Orthopedist

Orthopedics, or orthopedic services, aim at the treatment of the musculoskeletal system.

Salary$201,440/year
$96.85/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook7%
Osteopath Osteopath

As an osteopath, you'll use your expert knowledge of the musculoskeletal system to treat various health issues.

Salary$201,440/year
$96.85/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook7%
Paramedic Paramedic

Paramedics are trained to administer on-site emergency care.

Salary$38,830/year
$18.67/hour
Education1-2 Years
Outlook7%
Pathologist Pathologist

As a pathologist you'll diagnose, treat and prevent a range of diseases.

Salary$201,440/year
$96.85/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook7%
Pathology Assistant Pathology Assistant

Pathology Assistant assists professionals in pathology laboratories by undertaking routine tasks and performing tests on specimens.

Salary$35,720/year
$17.17/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook11%
Pediatric Nurse Pediatric Nurse

Pediatric nurse practitioners serve as vital links between medical professionals and young patients and their families.

Salary$77,460/year
$37.24/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook12%
Pediatrician Pediatrician

Pediatricians investigate, diagnose and treat internal diseases and disorders in children from birth up to, and including, adolescence.

Salary$184,410/year
$88.66/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook2%
Pharmacist Pharmacist

Pharmacists provide patients with the appropriate medication and dosage their doctor has prescribed.

Salary$125,510/year
$60.34/hour
Education3-4 Years
Outlook-2%
Pharmacy Technician Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians are responsible for a variety of tasks including maintaining prescription inventory.

Salary$35,250/year
$16.95/hour
Education1-2 Years
Outlook7%
Phlebotomist Phlebotomist

As a phlebotomist, you draw blood from patients for medical analysis, research, donation or transfusion.

Salary$36,480/year
$17.54/hour
Education0-1 Year
Outlook23%
Physician Physician

Physicians diagnose and treat the diseases, physiological disorders and injuries of patients.

Salary$203,450/year
$97.81/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook7%
Physician Assistant Physician Assistant

Physician assistants carry out many of the same functions as traditional medical doctors.

Salary$112,410/year
$54.04/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook31%
Plastic Surgeon Plastic Surgeon

Plastic surgeons shape and mould regions of the body like the ears, face, trunk, hands and other extremities.

Salary$252,040/year
$121.1/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook1%
Podiatrist Podiatrist

As a podiatrist, you'll help people relieve pain and treat infections of the feet and lower legs.

Salary$142,680/year
$68.6/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook6%
Primary Care Physician Primary Care Physician

Primary care physicians are known to be the healthcare providers that manage and coordinate primary care for their patients.

Salary$201,440/year
$96.85/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook4%
Psychiatrist Psychiatrist

Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health, including substance use disorders.

Salary$220,430/year
$105.9/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook16%
Radiation Therapist Radiation Therapist

A Radiation Therapist uses advanced technology and imaging equipment to create a treatment plan.

Salary$91,620/year
$44.05/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook9%
Radiologist Radiologist

Radiologists examine and diagnose disorders and diseases using x-rays and radioactive materials.

Salary$63,120/year
$30.34/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook7%
Radiology Assistant Radiology Assistant

Radiologist assistants are expected to play a prominent role in performing advanced imaging procedures and techniques.

Salary$63,120/year
$30.34/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook9%
Radiology Technician Radiology Technician

Radiology techs assist physicians or radiologists in using medical imaging equipment.

Salary$63,120/year
$30.34/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook9%
Reflexologist Reflexologist

Reflexologist treats the entire body through applying pressure to reflexes in the feet.

Salary$89,060/year
$42.82/hour
Education0-1 Year
Outlook22%
Registered Nurse Registered Nurse

Registered nurses observe, assess, monitor, and document patient symptoms, reactions, and progress.

Salary$77,460/year
$37.24/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook12%
Residency Coordinator Residency Coordinator

Residency Coordinator provides administrative support to the residency program managers and program director of the residency.

Salary$69,180/year
$33.26/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook12%
Respiratory Therapist Respiratory Therapist

A respiratory therapist helps patients who are having trouble breathing.

Salary$63,950/year
$30.75/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook21%
Sonographer Sonographer

Sonographers assist doctors to diagnose different body conditions through the process of Sonography.

Salary$75,780/year
$36.44/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook19%
Surgeon Surgeon

As a surgeon, you'll perform operations by cutting open a patient's body to repair, remove or replace damaged part.

Salary$252,040/year
$121.1/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook1%
Surgical Technician Surgical Technician

The Certified Surgical Technician is responsible and accountable for the quality of care she/he provides to the patient in the operating room.

Salary$50,110/year
$24.09/hour
Education1-2 Years
Outlook9%
Ultrasound Technician Ultrasound Technician

Ultrasound technician's job normally involves operating ultrasound equipment in a medical facility or clinic.

Salary$75,780/year
$36.44/hour
Education2-4 Years
Outlook19%
X-Ray Technician X-Ray Technician

As a X-ray technicians, you'll responsible for obtaining x-ray images of patients via radiographic imaging procedures.

Salary$63,120/year
$30.34/hour
Education4+ Years
Outlook9%

Work Environment

Medical professionals may work in hospitals, clinics, nursing care facilities, physician offices, and other healthcare providers.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, physicians and surgeons held around 727,000 jobs in the United States in 2020, while registered nurses held 3.1 million jobs.

There were 335,000 medical dosimetrists, medical records specialists, and health technologists and technicians in the United States, most of them working in hospitals, outpatient care centers, or offices of physicians.

Health information technologists, medical registrars, surgical assistants, and healthcare practitioners and technical workers held 81,400 jobs, most of them working for general medical and surgical hospitals, in offices of physicians, or the field of educational services.

Career Path

The career path for a medical career varies depending on the position.

If you want a career in the medical field, taking classes in anatomy, biology, or chemistry in high school is a good idea.

There are professions, such as a dental assistant or medical assistant, that can be practiced with a diploma or certificate that can usually be obtained in 1-2 years.

The curriculum varies depending on the type of credential one is seeking.

Accredited programs usually include classroom and laboratory work and a portion of supervised practical experience.

Registered nurses need around four years of post-secondary training consisting of a bachelor’s of science degree program or an associate’s degree in nursing.

Diploma programs in nursing are also available at hospitals or medical centers and are usually 2 to 3 years long.

Master’s degree programs and accelerated programs are also available for those who want to become registered nurses and already have a bachelor’s degree in another field.
Registered nurses need a nursing license issued by the state where they want to practice.

To become licensed, nurses must graduate from an accredited nursing program, and they must pass the National Council Licensure Examination.

Some registered nurses advance to a nurse anesthetist, nurse-midwife, or nurse practitioner position (also known as advanced practice registered nurses – APRN) if they continue their training and earn a master’s degree or a doctoral degree.

APRNs are allowed to prescribe medications in many states and are typically paid more than registered nurses.

Physicians and surgeons need many years of training beyond high school.

First, they have to earn a bachelor’s degree that can be obtained in four years.

Although there are no specific undergraduate degree requirements, medical school applicants usually take classes in biology, physical science, and other healthcare-related subjects.

The next step is to finish medical school, which takes four more years.

The admission process to a medical school is highly competitive, and applicants need to submit their college transcripts, scores from the Medical College Admission Test, and letters of recommendation.

Some schools offer combined undergraduate and medical school programs that last between 6 and 8 years.

The first years of medical school focus on classroom classes, laboratories, and small groups where students learn about anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, physiology, medical ethics, and medicine-related laws, among other topics.

The last years of medical school are spent working with patients under the supervision of experienced physicians.

Then, depending on the specialty, physicians need between 3 and 9 years spent in an internship and residency program.

Physicians who want to subspecialize in areas such as infections diseases need to complete a fellowship that lasts between 1 to 3 years.

All physicians need a license before being allowed to practice, but requirements vary by state.

Licensure requirements include completing the required educational programs and passing a standardized national exam.

Medical Doctors take the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination, while Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine are required to take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination.

M.D.s and D.O.s who choose to seek board certification in a specialty need to spend up to 9 years in residency training.

After completing the residency period, candidates for board certification have to pass a specialty examination from a medical certifying board.

Certification is also sometimes required for other medical workers.

For example, dental assistants who want to perform coronal polishing or other special duties need a certificate from the Dental Assisting National Board- a credential that can be earned after passing an exam.

This section also includes medical billers and coders.

Health information technologists and other technical workers usually need a postsecondary certification before entering an occupation in this field.

Some positions may require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

Postsecondary programs in health information technology usually include classes in medical terminology, classification and coding systems specific to the medical field, health data requirements and standards, and more.

Employers may prefer candidates who have a certification as Certified Professional Coder, Certified Coding Associate, or Registered Health Information Technician.

Besides the formal training, good workers in the medical field need some personal skills:

  • Compassion is important for any medical career, especially for those who work directly with patients or interact with patient families.
  • Dexterity is important, especially for those who perform procedures on patients.
  • Patience is also required when working with patients because sometimes patients are scared or uncooperative, and those who perform medical procedures have to remain calm in any circumstance.
  • Physical stamina is also needed because most medical workers have to spend many hours on their feet, and some have to help patients who cannot move.
  • Physicians and surgeons, in particular, have to be detail-oriented to ensure that the patients receive the appropriate treatment.
  • Communication skills are also needed when talking to patients and their families.

Salary Information

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage across all healthcare professions in the United States is $69,870, as of May 2020, higher than the median wage for all industries- which was $41,950.

However, salaries in this field vary widely, and some medical professionals earn much less than the national average.

For example, the median annual wage for healthcare support occupations, such as home health aides or medical transcriptionists, was $29,960.

Dental assistants reported a median annual wage of $41,180 in 2020, close to the national median across all industries.

As a dental assistant, you can make anywhere between less than $29,000 and more than $58,000 depending on experience level, education, region, and employer.

The median annual wage for physicians and surgeons was calculated at $208,000, but salaries vary based on the medical specialty.

The highest-paying medical profession in 2020 was the anesthesiologist occupation- with a median annual wage calculated at $271,440.

Surgeons were remunerated $251,650 per year, while obstetricians and gynecologists made $239,120 per year, on average.

Pediatricians, on the other hand, were remunerated with $184,570 per year, on average, which is lower than the median for all physicians and surgeons.

Genetic counselors earned $85,700, on average, with salaries ranging between less than $67,000 and more than $126,000 as of May 2020.

The median annual wage for health information specialists was $51,840, with salaries ranging between less than $30,000 and more than $105,000.

The federal government is one of the highest-paying fields for health information technologists, with the median salary estimated at $99,750.

Technologists who worked in offices of physicians, on the other hand, made $46,590 per year, on average.

Job Prospects

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the healthcare field, in general, will grow 16 percent by 2030, resulting in 2.3 million new jobs.

The most spectacular growth rate is estimated for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners- professions that will grow 45 percent by 2030.

A higher-than-average growth rate is also estimated for genetic counselors, a profession that will grow 26 percent over the decade.

Overall employment for physicians and surgeons will grow 3 percent from 2020 to 2030, with approximately 22,700 openings expected to occur each year, on average.

The demand for physicians overall is projected to grow mainly due to the growing and aging population- a phenomenon that will lead to an increased rate of chronic diseases.

However, employment prospects vary depending on the physician’s specialty.

The demand for psychiatrists will grow 13 percent over the decade, while the demand for surgeons will decrease by 3 percent.

Employment will increase for dental assistants, a profession that will grow 11 percent by 2030.

Dentists will see job growth of 8 percent, over the decade, with 5,000 new jobs expected to appear each year.

Employment prospects will also grow for medical records and health information specialists with an expected growth rate of 9 percent.

This growth is explained, in part, by the widespread use of electronic health records and the increase in the older population.

Much of the employment for some medical professions will also result as the nation recovers from the COVID-19 recession.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to start a career in the medical field?

The answer to this question varies depending on the profession you are targeting.

Some medical professions require less than two years of training beyond high school.

However, if you want to become a physician or a surgeon, you will need between 11 and 17 years of training, consisting of a bachelor’s degree program, medical school, and an internship or residency.

What prospects do medical professions have?

Most medical professions will grow in the next decade, but rates vary depending on the specialty and the occupation.

The demand for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners will grow 45 percent from 2020 to 2030, while the demand for physicians and surgeons, in general, will grow only 3 percent.

How do I know if a career in the medical field is right for me?

If you’re passionate about science and you’re willing to spend several years in post-secondary training, a career in the medical field can be a right fit for you.

Besides specialized training, medical professionals also need some personal assets.

Those who work directly with patients need compassion, communication skills, as well as patience, and attention to detail, among other skills.

What is the highest-paying medical profession?

Although salaries in the medical field vary depending on the specialty and the occupation, physicians and surgeons reported some of the highest median salaries in the field.

Anesthesiology is the medical specialty with the highest median salary.

Anesthesiologists earned $271,440 per year, on average, as of May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.