Highest Paying Allied Healthcare Careers in NY

June 22, 2017

Did you know that the healthcare sector is among the fastest-growing in the United States? Did you also know that 60% of the most in-demand jobs of this field are in the allied health sector? In New York State, more than a million healthcare workers are employed in the private and public sector. That’s one out of every seven jobs!

If you’re thinking about starting an allied healthcare career in New York, read on to learn more about educational requirements for health degrees and jobs, and the salaries of these exciting opportunities!

1. Pharmacy Technicians

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Pharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists dispense prescription medication to customers or other health professionals. Pharmacy technicians are expected to maintain a wealth of knowledge in areas like pharmaceutical terminology, how to administer drugs correctly, drug classification and pharmacy management. Most pharmacy techs find work in local drugstores.

  • Mean annual salary in New York: $32,230
  • Mean hourly wage in New York: $15.49
  • Employment in New York State: 17,660 jobs

Educational Requirements

Unlike some states, New York does not require pharmacy technicians to hold a license. Employers typically require a high school diploma or a GED, and pharmacy tech certification programs are a great idea, as most pharmacy chains require completion of a training program. Diploma and certificate programs can be completed in a couple months, or may take as long as a year to complete.

The AIMS Education Pharmacy Tech training program prepares pharmacy technicians to work in a variety of settings. Not only do students receive instruction in pharmaceutical terminologies, pharmaceutical administration, and pharmacy management, but they’ll also be placed in a 120-hour clinical internship, where they’ll gain real world experience. Students can expect to receive their pharmacy technician certificate within 3-4 months of study.

2. Medical Assistants

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Medical assistants, or MAs, are expected to manage both administrative and clinical tasks. Their job responsibilities will vary based on the location, employer, and specialty of their practice. More specifically, MAs might work directly with patient care and treatment, or they may manage patient records and health information.

  • Mean annual salary in New York: $35,530
  • Mean hourly wage in New York: $17.08
  • Employment in New York State: 23,870 jobs

Educational Requirements

Employers typically require a minimum of a high school diploma. Learning through on-the-job training may be possible, but most employers prefer candidates with formal training and certification. Most medical assistant training courses take around nine months to a year to complete and should include a clinical internship with practical training in a real work environment.

3. Phlebotomy Technicians

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Phlebotomy techs, or phlebotomists, are responsible for drawing blood for testing, donations, and research, and preparing blood for lab work. They may also manage transfusions and blood donations. As a phlebotomist, you’ll work closely with patients and can work in a variety of settings, like testing laboratories, blood banks, and hospitals.

  • Mean annual salary in New York $37,910
  • Mean hourly wage in New York: $18.23
  • Employment in New York State: 6,550 jobs

Educational Requirements

Like most states, phlebotomists in New York are not required to obtain a state license. Most employers, however, prefer to hire certified phlebotomists who have completed a phlebotomy training program. These programs can take anywhere from 1 - 4 months to complete.

After finishing your training program, it is recommended that you take the Phlebotomy Technician Certification exam from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), or the National Phlebotomy Technician Certification Exam from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).

Phlebotomists often use their phlebotomy skills as a jumping-off point to further their medical careers. In fact, many later return to school or receive extra training to start new careers as surgical techs or medical assistants.

A strong phlebotomy technician certificate program provides hands-on training and offers students eligibility for various certification exams. Full-time students can expect to complete the program within a month or two, while those attending classes at night or on weekends can receive their certificates within a few months.

4. Cardiographic Technicians

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Cardiographic techs are responsible for assessing the electrical movement of patients’ hearts using an electrocardiogram machine (EKG). Patients with cardiac diseases and abnormalities may be tested with Holter monitoring and stress testing as well. Cardiac technicians monitor and interpret the EKG readouts, and work under the supervision of cardiologists.

  • Salary range in New York: $33,000 - $42,000
  • Hourly wage in New York: $15 - $20

Educational Requirements

For students looking to complete a short program that includes a clinical internship, the Cardiographic Technician (CCT) program at AIMS is an excellent choice. The program trains students to monitor EKG machines and interpret their readouts. Students also learn to do Holter monitoring and stress testing. This 200-hour program can be completed in as little as 2 - 3 months and includes an 80-hour clinical internship.

5. Medical Billing and Coding Specialists

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Medical billing and coding specialists can expect to see incredibly fast-growing careers in the allied health field, with projected job growth of 21% over the next decade. Coding specialists convert patient records and hospital data into codes that insurance companies process for billing, research, and statistical objectives.

Additionally, medical billing and coding specialists may schedule appointments, work with patients to explain insurance benefits or restrictions and speak with insurance companies to clarify any existing issues.

  • Mean annual salary in New York: $39,970
  • Employment in New York State: 9,520 jobs

Educational Requirements

Medical billing and coding specialist programs are available at technical and community colleges. You can expect the program to take anywhere from four months to a year to complete. Medical billing and coding specialists who study at technical schools may also be able to complete their studies part-time while continuing to work at other jobs.

Four-year bachelor’s degrees in Health Information Management or Health Care Administration are available from colleges and universities. A bachelor’s degree in these programs may result in higher management positions. Associate degree programs take two years, and credits you receive during these programs may apply towards a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

6. Neurodiagnostic Technologists

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 Neurodiagnostic (END or NDT) technologists record the electrical activity in the brain and nervous system using tests like EEGs and evoked potential studies in order to find brain abnormalities. NDT techs need to be comfortable working with neurodiagnostic equipment, and they need to work well with people of all backgrounds.

  • Mean annual salary in New York: $50,040
  • New York mean hourly wage: $24.06

Educational Requirements

There are multiple pathways to becoming a neurodiagnostic technologist. You have the option of obtaining a bachelor’s degree, an associate degree, or a certificate.

The ABRET approved neurodiagnostic technologist program at AIMS usually takes anywhere from 14-17 months to complete. The NDT program requires students to fulfill a 500-hour clinical internship. Not only does this internship offer useful training in the real world, but each student receives a mentor, whose job is to prepare and counsel them. Upon completion of the program, graduates can sit for the EEG certification exam offered by ABRET.

7. Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographers

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Diagnostic cardiac sonographers use non-invasive ultrasound imaging equipment to help diagnose and treat patients with unknown heart conditions. They are also responsible for thoroughly reviewing patient files, recognizing abnormalities in test results, and working with physicians who oversee diagnostic procedures. Most sonographers find work in general hospitals, imaging centers, and private clinics.

  • Mean annual salary in New York: $71,570
  • Mean hourly wage in New York: $34.31
  • Employment in New York State: 4,730

Educational Requirements

You can begin a career as a cardiac sonographer in a variety of ways, but The American Society of Echocardiography highly recommends that echocardiographers complete at least one year of training, complete with lab work and an internship.

Many community colleges and technical schools offer diagnostic cardiac sonography programs that last under two years. Admission requirements vary, but some programs may require applicants to have an associate degree.

Students looking to apply to one of these programs should focus on programs that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Graduates of a CAAHEP accredited program who pass the required exams are eligible for certification through ARDMS.

8. MRI Technologists

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MRI techs are responsible for performing MRI procedures on patients. This includes explaining the procedures, preparing patients for scans, and positioning patients. Techs gather images of the insides of patients’ bodies by using a computerized MRI scanner.

Because an MRI can often be stressful for patients, techs may sometimes need to calm them. MRI techs work under guidelines set by radiologists and ordered by physicians. They most often work in general hospital settings.

  • Mean annual salary in New York: $74,670
  • Mean hourly wage in New York: $35.90
  • Employment in New York State: 1,550 jobs

Educational Requirements

Two-year and Four-year degrees in radiology are available for future MRI techs. For those looking for a shorter route, however, MRI tech certificate programs provide a quicker way to enter the field. These programs include classroom instruction, hands-on training, and clinical experience through an internship.

When deciding on a program, choose one that is either approved by ARRT or accredited by ARMRIT. Both of these professional organizations are approved by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

The MRI Technologist training program offered by AIMS prepares students for challenging and rewarding careers as MRI techs.

There’s Never Been a Better Time to Join the Field

There are tremendous opportunities available for those in the allied healthcare sector, with job growth in New York predicted to increase by 13.1% from 2014-2024. With affordable options and flexible training opportunities, students can enter straight from training programs into a well-paying job in New York!
 

There’s never been a better time to join this booming industry, so what are you waiting for? If you need help picking the best allied health career, read more about the Top-Paying Allied Health Careers