The healthcare industry is one of the biggest employment sectors in the UK. In 2021, more than 1 million employees were working in the healthcare industry, which is constantly increasing every year. One of the biggest advantages of starting a career in the healthcare industry is the widespread job opportunities it offers.
Being a widely diverse market, healthcare even employs people with non-medical backgrounds. That’s right, you can even find jobs in the healthcare sector without any experience in the medical field. For instance, accounting, technical support, and transportation are essential parts of running seamless operations within a healthcare institute. It means even if you have a non-medical background, you can secure a position in healthcare and start your career in one of the highly reputed industries. In this guide, we have put together a complete list of the top 5 highest paying jobs (medical and non-medical) aspirants can choose to start a stable career.
Surgeon
Do you know that surgeons make anywhere between £50,000 to £130,000 per year? In the medical world, surgeons are at the top of the food chain. For readers who don’t know, surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in performing different types of surgeries. Since surgeries are highly complex, surgeons are paid high salaries as well.
But, that doesn’t mean that anyone can become a surgeon. One has to go through extensive medical programs and study thoroughly to sharpen their skills and gain in-depth expertise. A medical program is on the expensive side, which means if you want to become a surgeon, it’ll be crucial to plan your finances.
Anesthesiologist
Anesthesiology is a highly respected and rewarding career option in the UK. Anesthesiologists, known as anesthetists in the UK, play a critical role in ensuring patient safety and managing pain during different surgical procedures.
The demand for anesthesiologists in the UK remains high, as they are an integral part of the healthcare system. Anesthesiologists work in hospitals, surgical centers, and other medical facilities, collaborating with surgeons, physicians, and other healthcare professionals.
The average salary of anesthesiologists in the UK varies depending on factors such as experience, location, and sector of employment. According to the British Medical Association's 2021-2022 pay scales, the basic starting salary for a junior doctor (Foundation Year 1) is around £29,100 per year. As doctors progress through training, their salary increases. Senior anesthesiologists can earn significantly higher salaries, with the average consultant anesthesiologist salary ranging from £82,096 to £110,683 per year.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is crucial for anesthesiologists to maintain and enhance their knowledge and skills throughout their careers. They must engage in regular training, attend conferences, and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.
Orthodontist
Orthodontics presents a promising and fulfilling career path in the UK, as orthodontists concentrate on identifying and addressing dental and facial irregularities, primarily focusing on rectifying misaligned teeth and jaw structures. For decades, Orthodontists have been an integral part of the UK’s medical history and they will continue to be one in the coming years as well.
The average salary range for an orthodontist in the UK is between £45,000 and £120,000 per year. Specialist orthodontists who have established successful private practices or work in high-demand areas may earn higher salaries. It's important to note that these figures are approximate, and salaries may vary.
The educational background required to be an Orthodontist includes:
- Dental Degree: Begin by obtaining a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from a recognized dental school. This typically takes five years.
- Foundation Training: After graduating, dentists enter a one-year Foundation Training program, which provides them with practical experience in various areas of dentistry.
- Dental Core Training: Following Foundation Training, dentists interested in specializing in orthodontics can apply for Dental Core Training (DCT) positions in Restorative Dentistry. This training provides a broad range of experience in different dental specialties, including orthodontics.
IT and Informatics
IT and Informatics is an excellent career option in the healthcare industry in the UK. With the growing reliance on technology and digital systems in healthcare, there is a high demand for skilled professionals who can manage and optimize healthcare information systems.
IT and Informatics professionals play a crucial role in healthcare organizations by managing electronic health records (EHRs), implementing and maintaining healthcare information systems, ensuring data security and privacy, and leveraging technology for improved patient care and operational efficiency.
The UK government has been actively promoting the digitization of healthcare through initiatives such as the National Health Service (NHS) Digital program. This creates a favorable environment for IT and Informatics professionals to contribute their skills and expertise in the healthcare industry.
The average salary for IT professionals working in the healthcare sector ranges from approximately £35,000 to £70,000 per year. However, this salary can vary depending on whether you choose a public or private healthcare institute for your career.
Finance and Accounting
Healthcare organizations, including NHS trusts, private hospitals, and healthcare companies, require skilled accountants to navigate complex financial regulations, optimize revenue cycles, and make strategic financial decisions. The importance of financial stability and effective resource allocation in healthcare creates promising career prospects for finance and accounting professionals.
In recent years, there has been a growing focus on financial efficiency and accountability within the healthcare sector, emphasizing the need for skilled professionals who can handle the unique financial challenges of the industry. Accountants working in the healthcare sector make £35,000 to £60,000 or more.
Conclusion
These top jobs in the healthcare sector offer competitive salaries, job security, and opportunities for professional growth. They allow individuals to make a meaningful impact on patient's lives and contribute to the overall healthcare system.
However, it's important to note that the healthcare sector is vast and dynamic, providing a multitude of other rewarding job opportunities beyond the top five mentioned in this blog. From medical research and healthcare administration to occupational therapy and clinical psychology, there is a diverse range of roles to suit various interests and skill sets. To explore these jobs, simply sign up with Vocation Wizard and our job portal will help you connect with employers in the healthcare sector.
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