黑料传送门

If you're interested in a healthcare career that enables you to support and care for others, you might be drawn to nursing. From providing direct care to advocating for patients鈥� needs and educating them about lifestyle choices, nurses play a vital role in the healthcare field. However, nursing is just one aspect of the vast and diverse healthcare industry. Numerous jobs outside of nursing offer the opportunity to make a positive difference in patients' lives. And if you鈥檝e already earned a nursing degree, many of the skills you learned in a nursing program can apply to other roles. Whether you鈥檙e interested in hands-on patient care, administrative leadership, healthcare technology, or public health, there鈥檚 a path to fit your strengths and ambitions. Keep reading to explore some of the top careers that are similar to nursing, including job responsibilities, salary expectations, and required skills.聽聽

10 Careers Similar to Nursing聽

1. Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)聽

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) perform many of the same tasks as registered nurses, including gathering patient data and assisting with medical needs. However, the educational requirements for these roles vary significantly. RNs must complete a state-approved nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. In contrast, the minimum education required for a CNA is a high school diploma or GED, along with the completion of a state-approved CNA certification program.

On an average day, a CNA may perform the following tasks:

• Monitoring vital signs: Because changes in vital signs can indicate life-threatening medical issues, CNAs regularly record patients鈥� temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and other data points.聽
• Moving or turning patients: By regularly repositioning patients, CNAs help prevent bedsores and other painful complications in those with limited mobility.聽
• Assisting with daily living tasks: To ensure patient comfort and hygiene, CNAs assist with bathing, dressing, eating, and other activities.
• Stocking supplies: CNAs support medical providers by ensuring that patient rooms are fully stocked with basic supplies.聽
• Collecting patient data. CNAs may gather and record basic information such as patients鈥� weight, height, and age.聽
• Monitoring patients鈥� health: While CNAs are not responsible for administering medications, they play a vital role in monitoring patients鈥� responses to treatments. CNAs report patient symptoms to nurse practitioners, physicians, and other providers to ensure timely interventions.

CNAs work in hospitals, long-term residential facilities, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, adult day care centers, and home healthcare settings. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the was $38,200 as of May 2023. While being a CNA is a great job in and of itself, it鈥檚 often used as a stepping-stone to other healthcare roles.聽

2. Sonographer聽

Diagnostic medical sonographers use ultrasound tools and technologies to take images of patients鈥� internal organs and tissues. Physicians use these images to diagnose illnesses and monitor patients鈥� medical conditions.聽

Sonographers are responsible for the following job tasks:

• Operating equipment: Sonographers use ultrasound technology to perform scans of patients鈥� bodies, collecting images that provide invaluable insights to physicians and specialists.聽聽
• Maintaining equipment: To ensure image quality, sonographers regularly assess equipment for malfunctions, sanitize machines between patients, and ensure ultrasound gel and other supplies are stocked.聽
• Evaluating the quality of sonographic images: Sonographers assess ultrasound images to detect abnormal results.聽
• Writing reports: To support proper care coordination, sonographers carefully record imaging data and generate reports summarizing imaging results.聽
• Discussing patient concerns: Acting as a source of both information and emotional support, sonographers explain procedures to patients, answer their questions, address their concerns, and ensure patient comfort during imaging procedures.聽

Sonographers work in hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, private practice offices, clinics, and outpatient care centers. Some travel to patients' homes, using mobile ultrasound equipment to provide services for those with limited mobility. A job as a sonographer typically requires at least an associate degree. As of May 2023, the average was $66,170.

3. Radiologic Technologist聽

Radiologic technologists, also called radiographers, use medical imaging equipment to take pictures of the body. Their work enables physicians to make accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.聽

Radiologic technologists are responsible for the following job duties:聽

• Operating diagnostic imaging equipment: Radiographers use X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology to view patients鈥� internal anatomy.聽
• Explaining procedures to patients: Providing both information and support, radiographers ensure that patients understand the procedure and know what to expect.聽
• Adhering to safety protocols: An essential aspect of a radiographer鈥檚 job is to protect patients from injuries and excessive radiation exposure.
• Maintaining equipment: Radiologic technologists regularly calibrate machines, troubleshoot errors, and report malfunctions. They ensure compliance with all safety and maintenance best practices.聽
• Collaborating with physicians and radiologists: Technologists work closely with other medical providers to analyze and interpret images.聽
• Keeping accurate patient records: To ensure effective care coordination, technologists document imaging results in patients鈥� medical records, ensuring that the records show the most up-to-date information.聽

Most employers require radiologic technologists to have at least an associate degree, with many preferring candidates with a bachelor鈥檚 degree. Recent data shows that vary, with 11% of positions requiring a bachelor鈥檚 degree and 17% requiring a post-secondary certificate. The BLS reports that radiologic technologists earn an of $83,740.聽

4. Clinical Technologist聽

Clinical technologists or laboratory technologists test samples for pathogens or abnormal cells that indicate disease or infection. They often work in hospitals, clinics, laboratories, or postsecondary schools.聽

The daily tasks involved in a clinical technologist job include:聽

• Performing laboratory tests on blood, tissue, or urine samples: Clinical technologists use equipment such as centrifuges and microscopes to closely scrutinize specimens and identify signs of disease.聽
• Ensuring compliance: To maintain a safe and effective laboratory, clinical technologists must adhere to all safety and quality assurance standards.聽
• Labeling and storing samples: In a clinical setting, mislabeled or improperly stored samples can lead to confusion and misdiagnoses. Technologists follow best practices to prevent sample contamination or degradation.聽
• Detecting abnormalities: As they analyze samples, technologists look for signs of disease or illness, such as abnormal cells and high bacteria levels.聽
• Performing drug screens: Some technologists test urine and blood samples for illicit substances. They generate toxicology reports for hospitals, employers, courts, and medical examiners.聽
• Assisting with treatment decisions: Working closely with physicians and lab technicians, clinical technologists provide valuable insights into diagnoses and treatment options.聽

This job typically requires at least a bachelor鈥檚 degree as well as clinical training and certifications. The for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians was $60,780 as of May 2023.聽

5. Physical Therapist Assistant聽

Working under the supervision of physical therapists (PTs), PT assistants play an essential role in helping patients recover from illnesses and injuries. They help with exercises and pain management while motivating and inspiring patients.聽

Some of the job responsibilities in this role include:聽

• Guiding patients through physical therapy exercises: To help patients improve their strength and range of motion, assistants help patients complete stretching routines, bodyweight exercises, and balance and coordination activities.聽
• Assisting with pain management: Along with physical exercises, PT assistants perform massages, ultrasound therapy, and electrical stimulation to maximize patient rehabilitation while minimizing pain.聽
• Documenting patient data: Assistants keep a close eye on patients, checking for signs of discomfort and recording patient progress over time.聽
• Educating patients: To facilitate continued recovery, assistants teach patients and their families how to complete exercises at home with minimal equipment.聽
• Maintaining equipment: Assistants regularly clean and maintain equipment such as resistance bands and balance boards to create a sterile environment and reduce the risk of injuries.

Physical therapy assistants can work in hospitals, private physical therapy offices, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, and in-home healthcare settings. The job typically requires at least an associate degree, with some employers preferring individuals with a bachelor鈥檚 degree. PT assistants must also complete a clinical internship and pass the National Physical Therapy Exam to gain licensure. The for physical therapy assistants was $65,860 as of May 2023.聽

6. Medical Transcriptionist聽

Medical transcriptionists convert spoken doctors' notes into clear text for accurate patient records. With advancements in technology, many physicians now use voice recognition software, decreasing the need for manual transcription. However, transcriptionists are still employed to proofread AI-generated transcripts, correct errors, and integrate information into electronic health records (EHRs).

Some common job duties in a medical transcriptionist role include:聽

• Generating transcripts: Whether they鈥檙e transcribing dictated doctor鈥檚 notes, organizing minutes from a medical conference, or updating patients鈥� files, a transcriptionist鈥檚 overall goal is to ensure that the records are up-to-date and accurate.聽聽
• Ensuring the accuracy of patient reports: While transcriptionists aren't expected to have doctor-level medical expertise, they must be knowledgeable enough to spot inconsistent or missing information.聽
• Integrating dictated reports into patient records: Transcriptionists add new reports into EHRs, ensuring that doctors and nurses can access all the information they need to care for patients.聽
• Collaborating with other professionals: Transcriptionists work with health information technicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure that patient records are free of errors or omissions.聽
• Complying with legal regulations: Since they regularly deal with sensitive medical information, transcriptionists must adhere to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other strict privacy laws.聽

Medical transcriptionists most often work for hospitals, doctors' offices, and transcription service companies. Many are self-employed, meaning they have the freedom to choose their own schedules and workloads. The minimum education needed to be a medical transcriptionist is typically a high school diploma, but some facilities prefer to work with transcriptionists who have completed a training or certificate program. According to the BLS, the is $37,060 a year.聽

7. Surgical Technologist聽

Surgical technologists provide preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care for patients undergoing surgery. They鈥檙e sometimes called 鈥渟crub techs鈥� because their work requires them to 鈥渟crub in鈥� before assisting with surgical procedures. This is a hands-on role that involves direct collaboration with the rest of the surgical staff.聽聽

Surgical technologists perform the following tasks:

• Preparing the operating room: Surgical technologists assist with sterilizing the OR and stocking it with surgical instruments such as scalpels and sponges.聽
• Preparing the patient: Surgical technologists disinfect incision sites, position the patient on the operating table, apply drapes, and make sure that the patient is ready for the operation.聽
• Checking equipment: To lessen the chances of equipment failures, technologists conduct pre-operative checks of equipment such as suction devices and cauterization machines.聽
• Assisting surgeons during operations: Surgical technologists pass instruments and sterile supplies to the surgeon during the procedure. They may also hold instruments such as clamps in place while a surgeon operates.聽 聽
• Counting tools and supplies: Surgical technologists keep track of the supplies used during surgery so that no items are left inside the patient鈥檚 body.聽
• Assisting with initial wound care: To prevent infection, surgical technologists apply sterile bandages and other dressings to incision sites immediately after surgery.聽

Surgical technologists work in hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and physician offices. The job usually requires an associate degree or postsecondary certificate as well as hands-on clinical experience. According to the BLS, surgical technologists earned a of $60,610 as of May 2023.聽

8. Nurse Case Manager聽

Nurse case managers are registered nurses who coordinate and oversee patient care. They work directly with patients, providers, and insurance companies to facilitate high-quality, personalized healthcare delivery.聽

Typical job responsibilities for nurse case managers include:聽

• Assessing patients鈥� needs: To ensure patients receive the appropriate treatment, nurse case managers evaluate their healthcare requirements and unique circumstances and then create a tailored care plan.聽
• Coordinating care: Case managers schedule appointments, arrange referrals, organize support services, and handle other logistical tasks so that patients can focus on recovery.
• Collaborating with providers: Before finalizing a care plan, nurses consult with physicians, specialists, nurses, and nurse practitioners to align efforts and keep everyone on the same page.
• Managing insurance claims: Acting as an intermediary between patients and insurers, case managers submit medical documentation, communicate with adjusters, and advocate for patients during denials and disputes.聽
• Educating patients: Nurse case managers provide education and guidance to help individuals navigate complicated medical decisions.
• Offering emotional support: Although they are not therapists, case managers provide compassionate support to patients by listening to their concerns, offering reassurance, and easing their worries.聽

To become a nurse case manager, an individual must first complete a state-approved nursing program and pass the NCLEX exam to become a registered nurse. Depending on the state and the particular employer, RNs may need to pursue additional certifications or a master鈥檚 degree to qualify for nurse case manager roles. Many different educational routes may lead to nurse case management jobs. Some nurse case managers earn degrees in health and human services or healthcare management and then get their nursing credentials. Others start with a nursing degree and then earn additional certifications. Nurse case managers earn an of $98,869.聽

9. Nursing Assistant聽

While the term 鈥渘ursing assistant鈥� is sometimes used interchangeably with certified nursing assistants, these roles differ in their scope of practice, work environments, and educational requirements. Nursing assistants typically work as private caregivers in home care settings, where they assist elderly or disabled patients with daily living tasks and monitor them for signs of illness. Unlike CNAs, nursing assistants are not subject to strict certification requirements, and most positions only require a high school diploma. The for nursing assistants is $37,838.

Nursing assistants perform a variety of tasks under the supervision of registered nurses or licensed practical nurses, including:聽

• Assisting patients with daily living tasks: Nursing assistants help patients with everyday tasks like eating, bathing, and dressing, which promotes both physical and mental well-being.
• Facilitating patient mobility: Nursing assistants safely reposition patients to prevent bedsores and other complications caused by lack of movement. They help transfer patients from beds to wheelchairs or walkers and may also assist with range-of-motion exercises aimed at promoting better mobility.聽
• Monitoring patients鈥� health status: An important part of the job involves simply checking in on patients and determining when patients need a higher level of care.聽
• Cleaning patient areas: Some nursing assistants also help with light housekeeping chores, such as changing bed linens or taking out the trash.聽聽
• Transporting patients: Nursing assistants may transport patients to and from appointments. They may also communicate information about the patient's condition to healthcare professionals to enhance continuity of care.
• Administering medication: In some states, nursing assistants are authorized to administer certain medications to patients. However, the laws surrounding medication management vary depending on experience, training, certificates, and other factors.聽聽
• Providing companionship: While helping with practical tasks, nursing assistants offer companionship, emotional support, and a listening ear.

10. Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians improve healthcare outcomes by managing prescription medications and ensuring they are dispensed accurately and safely. They work in a variety of settings, including pharmacies, retail stores, hospitals, and long-term care facilities such as nursing homes.聽

The daily responsibilities of a pharmacy technician include:聽

• Preparing prescriptions: Pharmacy technicians prepare medications for customers by counting pills, measuring liquids, and sometimes, compounding raw materials.
• Managing medication inventory: Technicians monitor medication levels closely and order supplies as needed.聽
• Labeling medications: Technicians label containers with all relevant instructions to ensure that patients understand dosage and safety information.聽
• Assisting customers: When a customer fills a prescription, a technician gathers crucial details, relays the prescription information to the pharmacist, and collects payment from the customer.聽
• Checking for drug interactions: To ensure customer safety, technicians evaluate customers鈥� patient histories, current medications, and allergies before dispensing a new medication.聽
• Processing insurance claims: Technicians submit insurance claims to providers and troubleshoot any issues that arise.聽聽

Requirements for this job vary, but most pharmacy technicians need to complete an accredited degree program and earn a certification. Healthcare professionals in this role earn a of $40,300.聽

Next Steps聽

The healthcare field offers a range of exciting career opportunities for nurses and other healthcare professionals. Whether you鈥檙e a current nurse in search of a new job or you鈥檙e entering the healthcare field for the first time, there are countless options to explore.聽

黑料传送门 can equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to excel in a healthcare career. Our healthcare degree programs are offered mostly online, and they鈥檙e designed with input from employers and industry leaders, so you know you鈥檙e learning the most in-demand skills. Our nursing bachelor鈥檚 degrees cover patient care, pharmacology, and other healthcare fundamentals, while our nursing master鈥檚 degrees dive into more complex and specialized topics, preparing you for advanced roles with lucrative salaries. 黑料传送门 also offers bachelor鈥檚 degrees in healthcare administration and health information management, as well as a master's in healthcare management that can prepare you for roles focused on optimizing healthcare systems.聽