The Healthcare Industry
Spurred on by increasing populations, and the rise of a growing middle-class in Asian and African countries, healthcare is now one of the fastest growing sectors of the world economy
There are other reasons for this too though
The fact that a viable longevity treatment is still yet to be created means that people still have a need to access healthcare services that they would otherwise only have a minimal need for. While work is being done by some sectors of the scientific community to reduce people’s reliance on healthcare by focusing on creating longevity and rejuvenation technologies that would enable people to live vastly longer at, or even past, a peak of baseline fitness, with minimal chance of illness and increased resilience to injury, this miraculous biotechnology is still not yet a reality on earth, and at the moment, longevity technology is only a niche field, with sports clubs and leisure pursuits still ranking as a much higher priority for most segments of the populace. Until recently, the concept of different categories of worker types on earth didn’t exist, but because of the lockdowns that have occurred across the world due to the global covid pandemic, those who are involved in the healthcare sector are now deemed as essential workers. This can sometimes lead to increased job satisfaction and enhanced feelings of prestige, and can also come with other perks and benefits such as discounts on essential goods and services
Healthcare can be quite expensive, especially when more complex services or treatments are involved. While most people will need to access healthcare at some point in their lives, not everyone in today’s societies is able to do so. This has led to ethical concerns, many of them quite valid, especially where access to healthcare is denied because some are less well-off than others. Debates in this area centre around the fact that while at one end of the spectrum there are those who work hard and contribute meaningfully to society, they are unable to access the healthcare they need simply because they cannot afford it. Whereas on the other end of the spectrum, there are investors and others who profit through the premiums they charge for the healthcare services they provide
Some healthcare systems are paid for or subsidized nationally, such as the NHS, which has of the biggest workforces in the world. This enables citizens in countries like this to access a wider variety of healthcare services, at little or no cost to themselves. In the majority of countries though, healthcare systems are only partially subsidized, and more often than not this only covers a limited range of services. This means that for the most part, the majority of people on this planet have to pay at least some, if not the full costs, of any treatments they want to access
Healthcare work can be challenging, both physically and emotionally, involving long shift work and unsociable hours. But the pay is above average when compared to many other sectors of the economy, and the rewards can come both with tangible benefits; in the form of the extra discounts you might enjoy within the healthcare sector itself, as well as through external organisations like banks, supermarkets, and other companies that have recently set up discount schemes to reward essential workers. It can also come in the form of intangible benefits too, these can be derived by the way of the enhanced prestige and enormous gratitude you receive back from the people you help
The healthcare profession on the whole is regarded as a very challenging field. To work in this area employers will normally look for the following skills and qualities
- An empathic approach to your work as well as an approachable demeanour. (Needed when dealing with patients so you can provide the best care possible)
- Strong communication skills. (Needed when relaying information to other colleagues, or when giving advice or discussing concerns and treatment options with patients and family members)
- Strong teamworking skills. (Essential when working alongside fellow colleagues so you can deliver the type of care your patients need and deserve)
- The ability to work in a high-pressure environment. (Also essential when working in certain branches of the healthcare profession. Especially when in situations where emergency healthcare is involved)
- Experience or qualifications relevant to the area of healthcare you are seeking to enter
Within the healthcare profession there are many different types of roles you can perform. Each one of these requires a different type of skillset and comes with its own unique rewards and challenges. Here is a look at some of the main ones you can find below
Athletic Trainer – Trains athletes to help them achieve optimal performance levels. Develops and implements training regimens focused on injury prevention, assists in the recovery of injured athletes. Is on hand to perform first aid duties during sporting events.
Salary £35,981 – £51,210, depending on employer and years of experience
Audiologist – Ear specialist that treats and diagnoses ear conditions. Conducts tests on patients using audiometers and other devices, diagnoses conditions, proscribes medication and hearing aids, administers treatments, gives advice and support to those with long term problems.
Salary £36,320 – £52,774, depending on the employer and years of experience
Cardiologist – Treats, diagnoses, and assesses heart problems. Advises on treatment programs, provides referrals, and recommends courses of action. Compiles and assess cardiology reports.
Salary £66,803 – £99,400, depending on the employer and years of experience
Cardiographer – Conducts cardiovascular tests to assess breathing output. Duties include working with echocardiographs (ECG), cardiac ultrasound scanners, pacemakers, performing exercise tolerance tests, monitoring vital signs, and analysing and supplying cardiology reports.
Salary £46,809 – £55,375, depending on the employer and years of experience
Chiropractor – Relieves problems with the bones, muscles, and joints through massaging and stretching techniques. Performs or provides referrals for X-rays, MRI scans, ultrasound, and other relevant tests. Advises on referrals to other specialists as necessary.
Salary £27,923 – £51,834, depending on employer, clients, and years of experience
Dental Assistant – Performs a variety of dental related duties that can vary between administrative and clinical functions such as; routine dental procedures like teeth cleaning, taking x-rays, maintaining lab equipment, scheduling appointments and follow-ups with patients, updating dental records, performing payment and billing duties.
Salary £24,890 – £34,893, depending on the employer, and years of experience
Dental Hygienist – Conducts initial dental screenings, takes patient X-rays, administers local anaesthetic, assists dentist with routine treatments and dental procedures.
Salary £26,530 – £37,212, depending on the employer, and years of experience
Dental Technician – Works in a lab where they receive orders from dental clinics to make, design, and repair dental prosthetics.
Salary £25,821 – £43,610, depending on the employer, and years of experience
Dentist – Provides oral health services including routine cleaning and preventive maintenance on teeth and gums, performs cosmetic and medical procedures, gives advice on good oral health to patients, assesses dental charts, and recommends treatment courses. Salary £49,310 – £98,521, depending on the employer, and years of experience
Dermatologist – Specialises in skin, hair, and nail conditions. Examines and assesses patients conditions and implements treatment regimens, does operations like cryosurgery to treat skin cancer, performs diagnostic biopsies, administers UV light therapy treatments, etc.
Salary £38,741 – £48,067, depending on the employer, and years of experience
Dialysis Technician – Administers dialysis treatments. Cares for patients after having undergone dialysis treatment.
Salary £27,390 – £38,062, depending on the employer, and years of experience
Dietary Aide – Prepares meals under the instruction and guidance of a dietary manager for patients with specific dietary requirements based on their conditions or medications. Will prepare food dishes and deliver them to patients.
Salary £21,903 – £29,177, depending on the employer, and years of experience
Dietitian – Works with and advises patients on areas such as nutrition, food allegories, illness, and eating disorders. Keeps up to date with guidelines and prepares educational materials to promote healthy eating in schools, local community centers, medical facilities, etc.
Salary £27,289 – £42,307, depending on the employer, and years of experience
Emergency dispatcher – Takes emergency calls from members of the public, prioritising call importance by assessing the information given, using effective questioning to get as much information as possible, calming and reassuring the caller, relaying information onto the relevant emergency service, providing first aid and medical advice where required.
Salary £25,459 – £33,782, depending on the branch of service, employer, and years of experience
Emergency medical technician – Performs first responder duties in medical emergencies. Evaluates, stabilizes, and provides emergency medical care. Fully documents patient condition. Transports patients to hospitals and to other medical facilities as required.
Salary £27,590 – £41,217, depending on the employer, and years of experience
Endocrinologist – Endocrinologists specialize in treating hormone related conditions. They will diagnose conditions and implement treatment regimens, update medical records, requests and assesses samples such as blood work as required.
Salary £49,248 – £88,911, depending on employer and years of experience. Engine machinist
Environmental Health Officer – Protects public health by enforcing legislation relating to public safety and environmental health issues. Inspects places where the commercial processing or distribution of unpackaged food is involved, ensures correct health and hygiene standards are being met, (these duties may extend to include inspecting air, noise, water, and land pollution depending on roll). Writes reports and recommendations, provides advice and assistance to businesses, members of the public, and other agencies on health and safety related matters.
Salary £38,298 – £46,092, depending on the role, employer, and years of experience
Epidemiologist – Expert who specialises in epidemiology, a branch of medicine that tracks the distribution and pattern of illness and diseases. Collects samples and analyses data, studies demographical and population information to look for trends that might enable more effective control measures or treatments.
Salary £29,386 – £38,561, depending on the employer, and years of experience
General Practitioner – Provides first point of contact care for patients. Performs a wide and versatile range of functions including assessing and diagnosing conditions, updating medical records, proscribing treatments and referrals, and providing advice on treatment regimens to help with underlying conditions.
Salary £41, 500 to £55,780, depending on employer and years of experience
Geneticists – Performs a wide variety of roles based on their area specialization. This includes studying and performing genetic research on humans, animals, plants, and other microorganisms for basic research purposes. Trying to find cures to illnesses and genetic disorders in humans and animals. Genetic engineering that increases yields in crops and enhances humans or animals past the baseline. Creating other miraculous biomedical products or technologies through the discipline of genetic engineering.
Salary £45,700 – £98,128, depending on employer and years of experience
Haematologist – Performs tests and analyses bloodwork. Looks for blood-based anomalies. Diagnoses and treats patients with blood and bone marrow disorders. Performs biopsies and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation procedures.
Salary £38,793 – £47,142, depending on employer and years of experience
Haematology Physician Assistant – Performs patient care duties. Assists with tests and analysis of bloodwork. Assists with medically related procedures. Consults the lead haematologist in areas relating to patient care and treatment regimens.
Salary £29,330 – £37,698, depending on employer and years of experience
Healthcare Chaplain – Provides spiritual guidance and support to patients. Listens and provides advice on life, beliefs, and spiritual matters. Offers support and guidance to patients and helps them cope with the emotional and physical trauma of illness and injury.
Salary £26,784 – £33,355, depending on employer and years of experience
Immunologist – Diagnoses and treats allergic conditions specifically as they affect the immune system Salary £38,000 – £52,000, depending on employer and years of experience
Laboratory Technician – Prepares cultures and specimens, analyses samples and records test results. Writes reports and keeps accurate records. Is also responsible for checking and ordering test supplies, and keeping lab equipment clean and sterile.
Salary £26,348 – £55,020, depending on employer and years of experience
Mammographer – Physician or radiological technologist trained in interpreting mammograms.
Salary £28,776 – £33,022, depending on employer and years of experience
Massage Therapist – Practicing or certified therapist who uses messaging techniques to soothe and relax the body. Provides relaxation using practiced massage techniques.
Salary £22,654 – £34,381, depending on employer, clients, and years of experience
Medical assistant – Provides a range of administrative and support services for physicians, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals such as; appointment scheduling, patient record maintenance, insurance coding, and billing duties. Additionally, they will also perform clinical duties such as taking vital signs, administering medications prescribed by physicians, and preparing patients for medical procedures.
Salary £26,914 – £37,423, depending on employer and years of experience.
Medical Laboratory Technician – Analyses patient samples and bloodwork, prepares lab reports based on the results of these. Is responsible for keeping lab equipment clean and sterile.
Salary £27,988 – £44,370, depending on employer and years of experience
Mid-wife – Performs examinations and assists with deliveries. Can perform medical procedures such as episiotomies if required. Gives advice and educational classes on fertility and contraception. Maintains and updates patient records.
Salary £26,300 – £41,128, depending on employer and years of experience
Neonatologist – Works in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), where they provide care to newborn babies who may suffer from a number of issues following birth such as prematurity, low birth weight, birth defects, birth asphyxia, or other illnesses that place them at risk of death.
Salary £36, 200 – £49,981, depending on the employer and years of experience
Nephrologist – Doctor specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of the kidneys. Will treat and diagnose conditions, implement treatment regimens, update patient records, etc.
Salary £46,692 – £66,010, depending on the employer and years of experience
Neurologist – Specialises in brain and spinal cord treatments. Updates patient records, diagnoses brain and spinal conditions, implements treatment regimens.
Salary £60, 696 – £102,981, depending on the employer and years of experience
Nephrology Physician Assistant – Specialist trained in renal care. Will care for patients, consultant nephrologist doctors on care and treatment regimens, update patient records, and administer treatments as instructed.
Salary £28,220 – £41,483, depending on the employer and years of experience
Neuropsychologist – Diagnoses and studies disorders which affect the brain and nervous system. Administers tests such as EEG’s, NCS’s, EMG’s, EP’s, to monitor the effects of drugs and treatments. Consults with other healthcare professionals on best courses of action and treatment regimens for patients.
Salary £31,562 – £59,481, depending on the employer and years of experience
Neuro radiographer – Specialises on imaging the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system.
Salary – £30,945 – £42,201, depending on employer and years of experience
Nurse (Registered) – Provides patient care, takes patient vitals, administers medicine and shots, cleans and dresses injuries, monitors patient process and updates patient records, implements care plans, and works alongside other healthcare professionals to deliver the necessary patient care as required.
Salary £29, 398 – £44, 210, depending on employer and years of experience
Obstetrician – Healthcare professional dedicated to medical care during pregnancy. Provides both antenatal care and postnatal care. Assists with deliveries and will perform medical interventions, such as caesareans, where complications during pregnancy arise. Salary £46,510 – £68,083, depending on employer and years of experience
Occupational Therapist – Works with those who have physical or mental developmental conditions, as well as with those who are injured, disabled, or elderly – with a view to helping them recover and rehabilitate.
Plans and assists with basic social and life-building skills such as cooking, shopping, reading, or other basic activities. Works with patients and family members, providing advice and assistance on health and lifestyle matters.
Salary, 27,823 – £52,433 depending on employer and years of experience.
Oncologist – Doctor specialising in cancer treatments. Diagnoses and implements treatment regimens for patients. Updates medical records, works with other healthcare professionals to provide the appropriate care for patients.
Salary £44,895 – £68,108, depending on employer and years of experience
Oncology Physician Assistant – Provides specialist care for cancer patients. Updates medical records, administers medicine and consults with oncologist on treatments, working with other healthcare professionals to provide the most appropriate level of care for patients.
Salary £28,090 – £43,760, depending on employer and years of experience
Ophthalmologist – Assesses, diagnoses, treats, and prevents a range of various conditions using a blend of medicine and surgical techniques.
Salary £27,407 – £65,300, depending on employer and years of experience
Optometrist – Examines eyes and administers eye tests. Prescribes and fits spectacles or contact lenses. Proscribes medicine and advises on treatment courses to treat and manage eye conditions.
Salary £30,871 – £71,306, depending on employer and years of experience
Orthopaedist – Examines, diagnoses, and treats eye disorders. Administers tests, updates medical records, prescribes spectacles or contact lenses where required. Also proscribes medicine and advises on treatment courses to manage eye conditions. Works with other professionals to administer the best eye care possible.
Salary £31,893 – £42,149, depending on employer and years of experience
Paediatrician – Specializes in medicine that is centered around diagnosing and treating health conditions that affect babies, children, and young people.
Salary £38,118 – £66,786, depending on employer and years of experience
Paediatric Physician Assistant – Specialises in healthcare centered around babies, children, and young people. Provides care to infants and young patients, gives support and advice to patients and family members, updates medical charts, and administers medicine and treatments under the guidance of a lead paediatrician.
Salary £26,184 – £33,890, depending on employer and years of experience
Pathologist – Examines dead bodies and body tissues. Identifies causes of death. Performs tests on tissues and blood samples for clinical or forensic purposes.
Salary £39,011 – £79,671, depending on employer and years of experience
Pharmacist – Checks prescriptions, prepares and dispenses medications, advises on safe and effective use of medications.
Salary £34,790 – £46,210, depending on employer and years of experience
Pharmacy Technician – Assists pharmacists by checking prescriptions, measuring out exact dosages, printing labels with patient details, advising on safe and effective use of medications, checking stocks and ordering supplies, and selling pharmaceutical and cosmetic products in-store.
Salary, £23,600 – £28.112, depending on employer and years of experience
Phlebotomist – Works as a dedicated clinical support worker taking blood samples. Is trained to find the best places on a patient to take blood, uses great attention to detail to organise and match the correct samples with each patient on file, sending these onto the lab for analysis.
Salary £23,016 – £32,865, depending on employer and years of experience
Physical Therapist – Works with those suffering from serious physical injury or long-term medical conditions, with a view to helping rehabilitate them. Conducts treatment regimens including basic exercise, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, and massage therapies.
Salary, 24,313 – £47,433 depending on employer and years of experience
Physician – Doctor who performs a range of generalised or specialised medical duties. Studies, diagnoses, and treats injuries and illnesses relevant to their given field of specialisation.
Salary £45,133 – £88,645, depending on the employer, area of qualification/ specialisation, and years of experience
Physician’s assistant – Physician’s assistants give support to fully fledged physicians and surgeons by providing a range of medical services to the patients under their supervision. Working closely with physicians and other senior health care professionals, the range of duties they perform includes, but is not limited to, performing examinations, ordering patient tests and assessing their outcomes, and implementing treatment plans where required.
Salary £44,578 – £89,212, depending on employer and years of experience
Podiatrist – Healthcare professional specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and conditions of the feet and ankles.
Salary £26,682 – £34,102, depending on the employer and years of experience
Psychiatrist – Medical practitioner specializing in the treatment of mental illnesses. Assesses and diagnoses patients. Prescribes medications, referrals, and recommendations regarding the treatment and courses of action for patients.
Salary £29,056 – £73,322, depending on employer and years of experience
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner – Assists with the care and treatment of those with mental illnesses. Updates patient records, provides therapeutic support, and prescribes medications.
Salary £35,209 – £48,580, depending on employer and years of experience
Psychologist – Engages patients by listening, assessing, and diagnosing underlying mental problems or conditions. Listens to and supports patients and clients with various psycho-analytical techniques designed to help them understand, manage, cope, and overcome a range of psychological problems, life issues, traumatic events, and personal feelings. Keeps strict patient confidentiality, specializes in the treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders.
Salary £33,782 – £95,789, depending on employer, clients, and years of experience
Public health practitioner – Works with individuals, organisations, and community groups, to promote awareness and encourage healthy lifestyle choices. This covers areas such as nutrition, exercise, pregnancy, smoking cessation, substance abuse, etc. Also performs and promotes other basic medical services such as health screening, blood drives, immunisation programs, etc.
Salary £27,904 – £35,388, depending on employer and years of experience
Pulmonologist – Diagnoses and treats respiratory conditions, administers medicine, treatments, and referrals, assesses patient progress and updates patient charts.
Salary £41,312 – £51,089, depending on employer and years of experience
Radiographer (Diagnostic) – Performs patient assessments to determine the appropriate radiographic technique, prepares patients for radiology procedures, uses imaging technology such as X-ray, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, CT, MRI, nuclear medicine, angiography and mammography to diagnose illness and injuries. Assesses and updates records accordingly.
Salary £26,920 – £46,211, depending on employer and years of experience
Radiographer (therapeutic) – Uses radiation treatments to treat patients. Develops treatment plans and advises patients on treatment outlines, updating patient charts accordingly.
Salary £26,769 – £45,800, depending on employer and years of experience
Social worker – Builds trust and relationships with clients. Works with carers, hospitals, day centres, schools, residential accommodation organisations, and other organisations, to help provide the best care and support possible.
Salary £27,800 – £36,579, depending on the employer and years of experience
Sport Psychologist – Works with athletes and other sporting professionals to help optimise performance. Develops training plans and provides training recommendations. Provides educational literature and works with coaches, trainers, P.E teachers, gyms, and health facilities to promote exercise as a healthy lifestyle choice.
Salary £24,560 – £44,093, depending on the employer and years of experience
Surgeon – Performs scheduled routine, cosmetic, or emergency surgery intended to increase health span, lifespan, or cosmetic appearance.
Surgeons will perform operations in any number of different fields depending on their area of specialisation such as cardiothoracic, neurosurgical, oral and maxillofacial, plastic and reconstructive, etc.
Salary £64,490 – £250,702, depending on the employer, area of specialisation, and years of experience
Yoga Instructor – Plans out yoga sessions and implements them. Teaches and instructs students on poses and postures. Instructs on meditation and relaxation techniques, instructs on breathing and visualization techniques, teaches the historic aspects of yoga.
Salary £18,530 – £36,125, depending on employer, clients, and years of experience