Healthcare Support Occupations: What They Are, Examples, Education, and Progression
Healthcare support occupations are a vital part of the healthcare industry, working alongside doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure patients receive the best possible care. These occupations encompass a wide range of job roles, from medical assistants and patient care technicians to dental assistants and occupational therapy aides.
Examples of Healthcare Support Occupations
Some examples of healthcare support occupations include:
- Medical assistants
- Patient care technicians
- Dental assistants
- Pharmacy technicians
- Occupational therapy aides
- Physical therapy aides
- Mental health technicians
Education and Training for Healthcare Support Occupations
Many healthcare support occupations require varying levels of education and training, depending on the specific job role. For example, medical assistants typically need a postsecondary certificate or diploma program, while dental assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent.
Additionally, some healthcare support occupations require certification or licensure. For example, pharmacy technicians may need to pass an exam and meet other requirements in order to become certified in their state.
Progression in Healthcare Support Occupations
Some healthcare support occupations offer opportunities for advancement and progression within the field. For example, a medical assistant may be able to progress to a supervisory role or become a physician assistant with additional education and training.
Other healthcare support occupations may not offer as many opportunities for progression, but still provide a valuable and fulfilling career.
Getting into Healthcare Support Occupations
If you’re interested in entering the field of healthcare support occupations, there are several steps you can take. First, research the specific job role you’re interested in and the education and training requirements for that role.
You may also want to consider gaining relevant experience or volunteering in a healthcare setting to demonstrate your interest and dedication to the field.
Finally, network with healthcare professionals and organizations to learn more about job opportunities and gain advice and mentorship from those already working in the field.
| Geography | Job Level | Pay Type | Average Salary (National) | Lowest Salary (National) | Highest Salary (National) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US National Average | All levels | – | $34,444.80 | $31,220.80 | $77,646.40 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL | All levels | Incentive-based pay | $60,112.00 | – | – |
| Monroe, LA | Part-time | – | $20,550.40 | $19,864.00 | – |
Healthcare support occupations encompass a wide range of roles that provide assistance to healthcare professionals, such as nursing assistants, medical assistants, dental assistants, and pharmacy technicians. The salary data shows that the average salary for healthcare support occupations in the US is $34,444.80, with the lowest salary being $31,220.80 and the highest salary being $77,646.40.
The data also shows that unionized healthcare support workers earn higher salaries compared to those who are not in a union. The average salary for unionized workers at all levels is $45,448.00, while nonunion workers earn an average of $34,444.80.
In terms of job level, healthcare support occupations are divided into seven levels, with level 02 being the lowest and level 07 being the highest. The salary data shows that as the job level increases, so does the salary. For instance, those in level 02 earn an average of $29,556.80, while those in level 07 earn an average of $77,646.40.
The data also shows that full-time healthcare support workers earn more on average than those who work part-time. Full-time workers at all levels earn an average salary of $37,065.60, while part-time workers earn an average of $32,094.40.
Finally, the data table shows that the geography where healthcare support workers are employed can also affect their salary. For example, healthcare support workers in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL, earn an average salary of $60,112.00, which is significantly higher than the national average. On the other hand, those in Monroe, LA, earn an average salary of $20,550.40, which is much lower than the national average.
