Different Types of Medical Jobs: A Complete Guide to 25+ Healthcare Careers in 2025
08 Dec, 2023
If you've been searching for emerging healthcare career paths, you may have stumbled across the term eOptometry and wondered what it means for your professional future. I've spent years helping healthcare professionals navigate the evolving job market, and I can tell you that understanding niche and emerging specialties — from eOptometry to cardiopulmonary tech roles to medical science liaison positions — can give you a genuine competitive edge in today's crowded landscape.
At healthcareers.app, we built our platform because we believe every healthcare professional deserves clarity when it comes to career options. The healthcare industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the United States, and new roles, technologies, and specializations are emerging every year. In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through what eOptometry is, how it fits into the broader telehealth revolution, and how it compares to other unique healthcare careers like cardiopulmonary technology and medical science liaison (MSL) work. Whether you're a new graduate exploring your options or a seasoned professional considering a pivot, this article is for you.
eOptometry refers to the practice of delivering optometric services — eye exams, vision screenings, prescription renewals, and consultations — through digital and telehealth platforms. Think of it as telemedicine specifically tailored for eye care. Using remote diagnostic tools, high-resolution imaging, and video consultations, optometrists can now evaluate patients without requiring them to visit a traditional brick-and-mortar clinic.
The concept gained significant traction during the COVID-19 pandemic, when in-person healthcare visits dropped dramatically. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), telehealth visits increased by 154% during the last week of March 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. Eye care was no exception. Patients needed ongoing vision management, and providers needed safe, efficient ways to deliver it. eOptometry emerged as a practical solution — and it's here to stay.
In a typical eOptometry workflow, a patient might use an at-home vision testing kit or visit a retail location equipped with automated refraction technology. The data collected — including visual acuity measurements, retinal images, and intraocular pressure readings — is then transmitted securely to a licensed optometrist for review. The optometrist evaluates the results remotely, provides a diagnosis or updated prescription, and may schedule a follow-up video consultation if needed.
Some eOptometry platforms also incorporate artificial intelligence to pre-screen for conditions like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, flagging high-risk cases for immediate attention. This hybrid approach combines the efficiency of technology with the expertise of trained eye care professionals.
If you're an optometrist or ophthalmic technician, eOptometry opens up new career avenues. You could work for a telehealth startup, join a hospital system expanding its virtual care offerings, or even launch your own remote practice. The demand is growing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of optometrists is projected to grow 9% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. Much of this growth will be driven by an aging population and increased adoption of telehealth technologies.
For those who aren't licensed optometrists, there are still opportunities in eOptometry. Roles in health IT, platform development, patient coordination, and telehealth administration are all critical to making remote eye care work. At healthcareers.app, we're seeing more and more listings that blend clinical knowledge with digital fluency — and eOptometry is a perfect example of that trend.
While eOptometry represents the digital frontier of healthcare, the cardiopulmonary tech role is a more traditional — but equally vital — career path. A cardiopulmonary technologist, sometimes called a cardiopulmonary technician, specializes in diagnostic testing and treatment procedures related to the heart and lungs. These professionals work directly with patients, performing electrocardiograms (EKGs), stress tests, pulmonary function tests, and assisting with cardiac catheterizations.
I've worked with thousands of allied health professionals over the years, and cardiopulmonary techs consistently tell me they love the blend of patient interaction and technical skill their job requires. It's a role that puts you at the center of critical care without the years of schooling required for a physician or advanced practice provider.
Most cardiopulmonary tech positions require an associate degree in cardiovascular technology, respiratory therapy, or a related field. Many employers also prefer or require certification through organizations like Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
In terms of compensation, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that cardiovascular technologists and technicians earned a median annual wage of approximately $62,740 as of May 2023. Salary can vary significantly based on geography, experience, and specialization. Techs who pursue additional certifications or specialize in areas like invasive cardiology or electrophysiology often command higher salaries.
The job outlook is encouraging. The BLS projects employment of cardiovascular technologists and technicians to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032, roughly in line with the average for all occupations. However, I'd argue that real-world demand often outpaces these projections, especially in rural and underserved areas where hospitals struggle to recruit qualified allied health professionals. If you're willing to relocate or work in a less competitive market, the opportunities are significant.
Now let's shift gears entirely and answer a question I hear surprisingly often from healthcare professionals considering non-clinical careers: what does a MSL do? A Medical Science Liaison (MSL) is a specialized professional — typically with an advanced scientific degree like a PharmD, PhD, or MD — who serves as a bridge between pharmaceutical or biotech companies and the medical community.
MSLs don't sell products. Instead, they engage with key opinion leaders (KOLs), researchers, and healthcare providers to share scientific data, support clinical trials, and provide medical education. It's a strategic, relationship-driven role that combines deep scientific expertise with exceptional communication skills.
I've seen pharmacists, physicians, nurses with advanced degrees, and even optometrists transition into MSL positions. The appeal is understandable: MSL roles typically offer competitive salaries (often $150,000 to $200,000+ for experienced professionals), the ability to work remotely or travel, intellectual stimulation, and freedom from the burnout that plagues many clinical roles.
The transition isn't always easy, though. Most companies require a terminal degree in a health science field, and breaking into the role without prior industry experience can be challenging. I always recommend that aspiring MSLs invest in networking, attend medical affairs conferences, and consider MSL-specific training programs to strengthen their candidacy.
The MSL profession has grown dramatically over the past two decades. According to a report by the MSL Society, the number of MSLs in the United States has increased by over 200% since the early 2000s. As pharmaceutical and biotech companies continue to expand their pipelines and launch complex therapies, the need for scientifically credentialed professionals who can translate data into real-world insights will only increase.
One of the things I love about healthcare is the sheer diversity of career options. Let me briefly compare these three paths side by side to help you think about which might be the best fit:
No single path is better than another — it all depends on your education, interests, personality, and long-term goals. At healthcareers.app, we encourage professionals to explore broadly before narrowing their focus. The healthcare field is vast enough to accommodate every kind of talent.
Based on my experience helping job seekers find their ideal roles, here are some practical tips for exploring careers like eOptometry, cardiopulmonary technology, or MSL work:
Absolutely. eOptometry is a growing subset of the telehealth industry, and it's backed by advances in remote diagnostic technology and increasing patient demand for convenient care. Licensed optometrists, ophthalmic technicians, and telehealth administrators can all find meaningful roles in this space. As telehealth regulations continue to evolve and become more permissive, I expect eOptometry to become an increasingly mainstream component of eye care delivery.
Most cardiopulmonary tech programs are two-year associate degree programs, though some professionals enter the field with a bachelor's degree in a related discipline. After completing your education, you'll typically need to pass a certification exam. From start to finish, you can be working in the field within two to three years, making it one of the more accessible allied health careers in terms of time investment.
A typical day for an MSL might include meeting with key opinion leaders to discuss new clinical trial data, presenting at a medical conference, collaborating with internal teams on medical strategy, responding to unsolicited medical inquiries from healthcare providers, or reviewing scientific publications. MSLs often travel extensively — some estimates suggest 50% to 70% travel time — though remote work has become more common in recent years. The role is intellectually demanding but highly rewarding for those who love science and relationship building.
Yes, and many professionals do. For eOptometry, the transition is most natural for licensed optometrists and ophthalmic professionals who want to incorporate telehealth into their practice. For MSL roles, healthcare professionals with advanced degrees — such as pharmacists, physicians, or doctoral-level scientists — are strong candidates, especially if they have research experience or therapeutic area expertise. In both cases, I recommend building relevant skills and connections before making the leap.
Specialized healthcare job boards like healthcareers.app are your best bet. We curate listings across a wide range of healthcare specialties, including telehealth, allied health, and pharmaceutical industry roles. Professional associations and LinkedIn are also excellent resources for discovering opportunities in fields like eOptometry, cardiopulmonary technology, and medical science liaison work.
The healthcare industry is far more diverse than many people realize. Whether you're drawn to the technology-forward world of eOptometry, the hands-on clinical environment of a cardiopulmonary tech, or the strategic, science-driven work of an MSL, there's a path that aligns with your skills and passions. I encourage you to explore these options with an open mind, invest in your professional development, and leverage resources like healthcareers.app to discover opportunities you might not find elsewhere. The best career moves often start with curiosity — and in healthcare, there's always something new to be curious about.
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