“I think health care is more about love than about most other things. If there is not at the core of these two human beings who have agreed to be in a relationship where one is trying to help relieve the suffering of another, which is love, you can not get to the right answer here.”
—Donald Berwick, former Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
By Kitty Waldorf
The United States healthcare system, renowned for its advanced technology and extensive patient care, faces an ongoing demand for skilled professionals. This demand, fueled by an aging population, technological advancements, and evolving healthcare needs, creates significant opportunities for qualified professionals from around the world. While navigating the US immigration and licensure process can be complex, several health industry roles consistently seek international talent.
Here are five top healthcare industry jobs that attract professionals from all corners of the globe to the US, along with their primary duties, requirements, typical work settings, and salary expectations:
- Registered Nurses (RNs):
Nursing is the most consistently in-demand healthcare profession in the US, and foreign-trained nurses are a vital part of the workforce. Their compassion, critical thinking, and direct patient care skills are highly valued across all healthcare settings.
Primary Duties:
◗ RNs provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members. They administer medications, monitor vital signs, perform diagnostic tests, and collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement care plans.
Requirements:
◗ Possess a nursing degree equivalent to a US Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
◗ Pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses).
◗ Obtain a state nursing license in the state where they intend to practice.
◗ Demonstrate English proficiency (often through exams like TOEFL or IELTS).
Work Settings:
◗ Hospitals (the largest employer), physicians’ offices, long-term care facilities, schools, home healthcare services, and even correctional facilities. The work can be physically and emotionally demanding, often involving shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Salary:
◗ For international nurses specifically, average hourly pay can range from $38 to $40, with top earners making over $100,000 annually, depending on location, experience, and specialization. - Physical Therapists (PTs)
As the population ages and the focus on rehabilitation and preventative care grows, the demand for physical therapists is steadily increasing. International PTs are highly sought after to help patients recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and improve mobility.
Primary Duties:
◗ PTs diagnose and treat individuals of all ages who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. They develop individualized treatment plans, using exercises, manual therapy, modalities, and patient education to restore function, reduce pain, and prevent disability.
Requirements:
◗ Hold a degree in physical therapy equivalent to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from an accredited US program (often requiring a credential evaluation).
◗ Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
◗ Obtain state licensure in the desired practice state.
◗ Demonstrate English proficiency.
Work Settings:
◗ Hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, schools, and sports and fitness centers.
Salary:
◗ The median annual wage for PTs was about $99,710 in May 2023 (BLS). - Medical and Health Services Managers
Behind every thriving healthcare institution are skilled medical and health services managers. Women often excel in this field due to their strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Primary Duties:
◗ Medical and health services managers plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services. They manage budgets, staff, and facilities; ensure compliance with healthcare laws and regulations; and develop strategies to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. Their roles range from managing an entire hospital to overseeing a specific clinical department or a group of physicians.
Requirements:
◗ A bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, business administration, public health, or a related field is typically the minimum. Many positions, especially in larger organizations or for advancement, require a Master’s in Health Administration (MHA) or a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Relevant work experience in a healthcare setting is also essential.
Work Settings:
◗ Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, public health departments, and insurance companies. Their work is primarily office-based, but they often interact directly with medical staff and patients.
Salary:
◗ The median annual wage for medical and health services managers was about $110,680 in May 2023 (BLS). - Software Developers in Healthtech:
The digitization of health records, advancements in telemedicine, AI in diagnostics, and personalized medicine platforms create a robust need for tech professionals with a passion for health through a nontraditional clinical role.
Primary Duties:
◗ These developers design, develop, and maintain software applications specifically for the healthcare industry. This can include electronic health record (EHR) systems, medical imaging software, health management apps, clinical decision support tools, bioinformatics software, or digital therapeutics. They work closely with medical professionals to ensure functionality and compliance.
Requirements:
◗ A bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field is typically required. Knowledge of programming languages (eg, Python, Java, C++), database management, and cloud platforms is crucial. Experience with healthcare standards (like HIPAA, HL7, FHIR) is highly advantageous.
Work Settings:
◗ Large tech companies, specialized health IT firms, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals with in-house IT departments, or startups. Work environments are often office-based, with increasing opportunities for remote work.
Salary:
◗ The median annual wage for software developers generally was about $127,260 in May 2023 (BLS). - Pharmacists
Pharmacists play a crucial role in medication management, patient safety, and advising both patients and healthcare providers. While the path to licensure can be rigorous for foreign graduates, the demand for their expertise remains steady.
Primary Duties:
◗ Pharmacists dispense prescription medications, provide expert advice on their safe and effective use, and counsel patients on potential side effects and drug interactions. They also administer immunizations, conduct health and wellness screenings, and collaborate with physicians to optimize patient therapy.
Requirements:
◗ Have their academic credentials evaluated and certified by the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination (FPGEE®) certification program.
◗ Pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX).
◗ Pass the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE), which is state-specific.
◗ Complete an internship or residency (requirements vary by state).
◗ Demonstrate English proficiency.
Work Settings:
◗ Hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and pharmaceutical companies. They can also work in government agencies, academia, and managed care organizations.
Salary:
◗ The median annual wage for Pharmacists was about $132,750 in May 2023 (BLS).
While the journey for international healthcare professionals to work in the US involves navigating credentialing, licensure, and immigration processes, the high demand and rewarding nature of these roles make them attractive and viable career paths for global talent. Their contributions are invaluable to the diversity and strength of the American healthcare landscape, and salaries can vary based on the practice setting, experience, and geographical location. ■
Kitty Waldorf is a self-excellence professional with more than 14 years of experience in MENA and US markets, focused on education, healthcare, and security and defense. She has been voted as the Best Life Coach of the Nation’s Capital since 2019. In 2023, she was named the Winner of the Best Life Coaching Category in Washington City Paper readers’ poll.
