Healthcare is a growing field with greater job security and growth than most industries. Introverts might look at the more popular healthcare careers and decide to avoid the field altogether, but nurses and physicians represent only two of the hundreds of career options in the medical field. Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, you can find a career in healthcare that suits your personality.
A few healthcare careers for introverts to consider:
Clinical Laboratory Technologist
Medical and clinical laboratory technologists perform tests to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. They analyze samples of body fluids, maintain lab equipment, and help conduct medical research. Half of laboratory technologists have a bachelor’s degree or higher, while 37 percent have some college. The median wage for medical and clinical lab technologists in 2008 was $53,500.*
Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
Medical records and health information technicians process, organize, and maintain records of hospital or clinic patients. They also review records for accuracy, prepare business or government forms, and transcribe medical reports. Twelve percent of medical records and health information technicians have a bachelor’s degree or higher, 51 percent have some college, and 37 percent have a high school education or less. The median annual wage for medical records technicians in 2008 was $30,610.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists compound and dispense medications. They also advise customers on medication dosage, drug interactions, and side effects. Pharmacy is a good field for introverts because most interaction is one-on-one with customers and patients. Pharmacists in the United States must now have a doctorate of Pharmacy (PharmD). The median annual wage for pharmacists was $106,410 in 2008.
Nutritionist
Nutritionists and dietitians develop meal plans based on specific nutritional needs of patients or clients. They often work with patients that have medical conditions requiring special diets. The median annual wage for nutritionists and dietitians in 2008 was $50,590.
Introverts shouldn’t feel limited to working alone. One-on-one interaction fulfills an introvert’s social needs without draining his or her energy. Introverts can even enjoy working with many different people throughout the day if they have down-time before or after work. Introversion is only one component of personality, and personality is just one of many factors to consider when choosing a career.
*Salary and education information from O*NET
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