When you think of working in the medical field, you may imagine making life and death decisions in split second or delivering bad news to a patient. But many jobs in the healthcare field aren’t quite as stressful and they often come with decent salaries and job security. If you’re not up for high intensity, stressful situations but would like to work in a field that will always need workers, read on for some low stress, well-paying healthcare jobs.
Audiologist
Audiologists diagnose and treat hearing and balance problems. Most work in offices of health practitioners, while others work in hospitals or for educational services. A doctorate in audiology is required for entry into the field. The 2015 median annual pay for audiologists was $74, 890*.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer/Cardiovascular Technician
Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists or technicians use specialized imaging equipment to create images and conduct tests that help physicians diagnose and treat illnesses. Most work in hospitals, while others work in physicians’ offices. An associate’s degree and/or certification is required. Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technicians earned a median annual salary of $63,630 in 2015.
Dietician
Dieticians and nutritionists advise patients and clients on what to eat in order to help treat or prevent health problems. They work in hospitals nursing homes, clinics and for state or local governments. A bachelor’s degree and internship training are required. Some states require that dieticians and nutritionists obtain a license in order to practice. Dieticians earned a median annual salary of $57,910 in 2015.
Medical Laboratory Technician or Technologist
Medical laboratory technicians and technologists collect samples and test body fluids, tissue and other substances. Most work in hospitals, while others work in doctor’s offices and diagnostic laboratories. A bachelor’s degree is required for technologists, while technicians need an associate’s degree or post-secondary certificate. A license may be required in some states. Medical laboratory technicians and technologists earned a median annual salary of $50,550 in 2015.
Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Nuclear medicine technologists administer radioactive drugs to patients, operate imaging equipment, and ensure that the medical machinery is working properly. Most work in hospitals, but they may also work in doctor’s offices or diagnostic laboratories. Nuclear medicine technologists must have an associate’s degree and they earned a median annual salary of $73, 360 in 2015.
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Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists work with patients to help them improve their abilities to carry out daily activities. They may work in hospitals, therapy clinics, schools, or nursing homes. A master’s degree is required, and many occupational therapists have a doctorate degree. The median annual pay for occupational therapists was $80,150 in 2015.
Optometrist
Optometrists perform eye examinations, diagnose and treat vision problems, and prescribe contacts and eyeglasses. A doctorate degree is required in order to practice as an optometrist. Optometrists earned a median annual wage of $103, 900 in 2015.
Radiologic and MRI Technologists
Radiologic and MRI technicians or technologists perform x-rays and other imaging tests on patients. Over half of radiologic and MRI technologists work in hospitals. An associate’s degree is required for entry into the field. Certification is usually required for radiologic technologists. Employees in this field earned a median annual salary of $58,120 in 2015.
Recreational Therapist
Recreational therapists plan and implement recreation-based treatments for injured or disabled individuals. Treatments may include arts, crafts, music, social outings, and games. Most recreational therapists work in hospitals or skilled nursing facilities. A bachelor’s degree is required. Median annual pay for recreational therapists was $45, 890 in 2015.
Speech Language Pathologists
Speech pathologists help diagnose and treat speech and swallowing disorders. They work in schools, hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. A master’s degree and license is required for most jobs. Speech pathologists earned a median annual salary of $73,410 in 2015.
*Sources:
http://www.careercast.com/jobs-rated/least-stressful-jobs-2016
https://www.mainstreet.com/slideshow/12-jobs-low-stress-decent-pay
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/