The healthcare industry is thriving with job opportunities that extend beyond the traditional roles of doctors and nurses. In Nigeria, the healthcare market, which was valued at over $15 billion in 2018, is projected to grow to exceed $18 billion by 2023. This expansion is driven by a growing need for healthcare services, particularly with an aging population and an increased emphasis on preventive care. As a result, there is an increasing demand for a diverse range of skilled professionals to ensure the healthcare system operates efficiently. Many healthcare positions require less schooling than it takes to become a doctor, allowing individuals to enter the workforce more rapidly.
If you are interested in a healthcare career but are hesitant about the lengthy education required for medical school, there are numerous alternative roles you can pursue. Before we explore these various opportunities, it’s important to understand why these roles are vital to the industry.
The Importance of Non-Physician Healthcare Roles
Healthcare systems worldwide are becoming increasingly active, and each country faces its unique set of challenges. Take Nigeria as an example: prior to recent reforms, less than 5% of the population was covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme. This underscores a critical demand for non-physician healthcare workers. In a system that often grapples with limited resources and infrastructure, roles such as medical assistants and healthcare managers are invaluable. These professionals play a pivotal role in streamlining the delivery of medical services, making healthcare access more efficient for everyone in Nigeria.
It’s also noteworthy that certain specialized roles in healthcare, such as those in biochemistry, are gaining prominence. For those considering such careers, reviewing list of the highest paying biochemistry jobs in Nigeria can provide insight into the array of available opportunities. These critical roles extend beyond supporting doctors and nurses; they offer a unique avenue for individuals to contribute to their communities in a different, yet impactful, manner. The situation in Nigeria highlights the global necessity for such specialized jobs. Let’s now explore some of these career options you might consider.
Non-Physician Jobs in Healthcare You Can Pursue
The healthcare field requires dedicated professionals in diverse areas such as management, technology, research, among others. Below, we will highlight seven non-physician roles in healthcare that you can pursue:
1. Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare administrators, also referred to as healthcare managers, are responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating the delivery of medical services. Their daily responsibilities can range from managing finances and overseeing facility operations to recruiting medical staff, making policy changes, maintaining electronic records, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Individuals aspiring to become healthcare administrators typically require at least a bachelor’s degree for entry-level roles. Popular majors in this field include healthcare administration and business administration. Many employers, however, give preference to candidates who hold a master’s degree in healthcare administration (MHA) or business administration (MBA). Additionally, voluntary certification can be obtained through professional bodies such as the Healthcare Leadership Alliance.
2. Health Educator
Health educators instruct individuals on behaviors that foster wellness. They create educational resources, facilitate workshops, and offer training on various health-related subjects, including nutrition, exercise, smoking, stress management, and substance abuse prevention. Employment opportunities for health educators are available in a variety of settings, such as healthcare institutions, governmental bodies, private companies, and nonprofit organizations.
To pursue a career as a health educator, one typically requires a bachelor’s degree in fields such as health education or public health. While a bachelor’s degree is sufficient for many entry-level positions, some employers might give preference to candidates with a master’s degree.
3. Medical Assistant
Medical assistants support physicians in a variety of settings, including clinics, hospitals, and other medical facilities. Their responsibilities typically include administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and handling billing and coding. Additionally, they perform fundamental clinical duties which include taking medical histories, measuring vital signs, drawing blood, and preparing patients for examinations.
To enter this profession, one must obtain a postsecondary certificate or diploma from an accredited medical assisting program, which typically takes one to two years to complete. Although not mandatory, many medical assistants opt for certification through organizations like the American Association of Medical Assistants, as it can offer a significant advantage in the competitive job market.
4. Healthcare Social Worker
Healthcare social workers support patients and their families by navigating the challenges associated with illnesses, injuries, and disabilities. They offer services that include counseling, crisis intervention, case management, and assistance in accessing community resources. These professionals work in a variety of environments such as hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, and directly within patients’ homes.
To enter this field, a bachelor’s degree in social work is typically the minimum educational requirement for most entry-level roles. Pursuing a master’s degree, however, can open up a wider range of career opportunities. In addition to educational qualifications, all states mandate that healthcare social workers obtain license, which commonly involves completing an accredited program, gaining supervised clinical experience, and passing a licensing examination.
6. Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians support licensed pharmacists by handling administrative tasks and the day-to-day activities involved in preparing and providing prescribed medications. Their responsibilities often include counting tablets, measuring dosages, verifying patient information, managing inventory, processing payments, and other related tasks. While many pharmacy technicians are employed in retail pharmacies and hospital settings, opportunities also exist in mail-order pharmacies, pharmaceutical distribution companies, and clinics.
The qualifications for pharmacy technicians differ by state, but generally, a high school diploma or its equivalent is required, along with completion of a formal training program or on-the-job training. Additionally, some states mandate that pharmacy technicians obtain certification and a license.
7. Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical therapist assistants work under the guidance and supervision of physical therapists, aiding patients who are recovering from injuries and illnesses to regain movement and manage pain. Their responsibilities include monitoring patients during treatments, aiding in therapeutic exercises and activities, documenting patient progress, adjusting treatments based on physical therapists’ instructions, and contributing to the development of discharge plans. They have a range of employment opportunities, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, schools, home health care agencies, among others.
To qualify as a physical therapist assistant, one must obtain an associate degree from an accredited program. Furthermore, most states require physical therapist assistants to hold a license, which usually means passing a national examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
Conclusion
The healthcare sector presents a variety of fulfilling careers for those interested in the medical field but not interested in becoming doctors or nurses. Positions such as medical assistants, dental hygienists, healthcare administrators, health educators, social workers, occupational therapists, pharmacy technicians, and physical therapist assistants represent the broad range of non-physician roles available. These professions offer quicker paths to employment than the lengthy education required for physicians and provide significant opportunities to impact patient care positively. For those considering a transition into healthcare, these roles can be an excellent start and do not require a medical degree.