Top 15 Careers in Women’s Health

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Women’s health is a vital and growing sector in the healthcare industry. With many rewarding career opportunities, it offers personal fulfillment, long-term patient relationships, community impact, societal influence, and economic growth.

Whether you are considering a career change or looking to enter the workforce, a job in women’s health can provide a meaningful and fulfilling career path.

In this article, we will explore the top careers in women’s health, the benefits of working in this sector, and how to find job opportunities. So, if you are passionate about helping women lead healthier lives, keep reading to learn more about the exciting possibilities in this field.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

A career in women’s health offers a wide range of possibilities. Here’s a look at some of the top career choices in this field, each playing a unique and important role in supporting women’s health and well-being.

The following list of careers were chosen based on a variety of factors such as, job growth, salary, and popularity.

Women’s health nurse practitioners (WHNPs) play a crucial role in addressing the unique health needs of women. They provide a wide range of services, including patient assessments, treatment planning, reproductive healthcare, gynecological care, patient education, preventive care, and care coordination.

By focusing on holistic well-being and health promotion, WHNPs help improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance the quality of life for their patients. To become a WHNP, you need to earn a master’s or doctorate degree in nursing, along with certification in women’s health.

Women’s health physical therapists specialize in treating conditions that affect women’s reproductive health and musculoskeletal system. They use a variety of techniques, including therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and patient education, to address issues such as pelvic floor disorders, prenatal and postnatal care, and musculoskeletal discomfort.

They play a key role in helping women maintain mobility and physical function, improving their quality of life.

A women’s health dietitian provides personalized nutritional guidance tailored to the unique needs of women at different stages of their lives. They offer hormone regulation, weight management, reproductive health, and mental well-being strategies. These professionals contribute significantly to overall health and well-being by empowering women to make informed dietary choices.

Women’s mental health counselors provide a safe and confidential environment for women to express their thoughts and emotions. They assist women in navigating personal issues, including those related to reproductive health and domestic violence.

These counselors equip women with practical tools for coping and empowerment, and they work collaboratively with clients to set goals and implement action plans. To become a women’s mental health counselor, you need to earn a master’s degree in counseling or a related field and gain state licensure.

Mammography technicians, or mammographers, play a critical role in the early detection of breast cancer. They operate specialized imaging equipment to obtain detailed images of the breast tissue.

These professionals prepare patients for mammography procedures, maintain and operate imaging equipment, and report findings to physicians. By providing high-quality imaging services, mammography technicians significantly contribute to early cancer detection and improved patient outcomes.

Domestic violence nurses play a crucial role in supporting victims of domestic abuse. They’re trained to identify signs of abuse and provide emotional and practical support. By providing care, education, and resources, these professionals can help victims navigate the healthcare system and access the help they need.

To become a domestic violence nurse, you need to first become a registered nurse (RN), and then you can pursue additional training and certifications in forensic nursing and related fields.

Women’s health researchers conduct research on a wide range of health conditions that affect women, from common diseases like heart disease and diabetes to reproductive health issues. Their research contributes to our understanding of these conditions and informs the development of new treatments and preventive measures.

They work in various settings, including universities, non-governmental organizations, and government agencies. To become a women’s health researcher, you typically need a degree in a health-related field, followed by a master of public health (MPH) or a related advanced degree.

Infertility specialists, also known as fertility physicians or reproductive endocrinologists, specialize in diagnosing and treating fertility issues in both men and women. They evaluate a couple’s fertility problems, determine the most effective treatment options, and develop personalized treatment plans.

They monitor patients throughout treatment cycles, adjust plans as necessary, and perform procedures such as egg retrieval and embryo transfer. To become an infertility specialist, you need to earn a medical degree, complete a residency in obstetrics and gynecology, and then complete a reproductive endocrinology and infertility fellowship.

Lactation consultants provide expert advice and practical support to breastfeeding mothers. They help with latching difficulties, low milk supply, and mastitis. They also educate mothers on breastfeeding techniques and the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby.

To become a lactation consultant, you must complete specific educational and clinical requirements and pass the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) exam.

Labor and delivery nurses are healthcare professionals who assist during childbirth. They monitor the mother and baby during labor, manage any complications, and help with delivery. They also provide postpartum care and education on newborn care.

To become a labor and delivery nurse, you need to have an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and then gain experience in a labor and delivery setting.

Midwives provide comprehensive reproductive healthcare to women before, during, after, and in between pregnancy. They care for women from the pubescent to postmenopausal period. They assist during normal vaginal births and provide prenatal postpartum care. In some settings, they care for healthy newborns during the first 28 days of life. Midwives also offer guidance on breastfeeding, newborn care, and maternal recovery.

To become a midwife, you need to complete a midwifery education program and pass a national certification exam.

Obstetricians/gynecologists, or OB-GYNs, specialize in women’s reproductive health. They provide essential services such as prenatal care, childbirth, and gynecological surgeries. They treat various conditions such as sexually transmitted infections, chronic pain, and infertility and perform cancer screenings. To become an OB-GYN, you must complete medical school, followed by a residency in obstetrics and gynecology.

Sonographers in women’s health specialize in imaging the female reproductive system. They operate imaging equipment to capture high-quality sonographic images, identify and communicate normal and abnormal imaging results to physicians, and prepare and educate patients for procedures.

To become a sonographer specializing in women’s health, you need to earn an associate or bachelor’s degree, complete a certificate program in diagnostic medical sonography, and obtain professional sonography certification.

An oncologist in women’s health, specifically a gynecologic oncologist, diagnoses and treats cancers of the female reproductive system. They identify tumors, determine if the disease has spread, and recommend appropriate treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

This work requires a strong foundation in medicine, and the path to becoming a gynecologic oncologist involves completing a bachelor’s degree, medical school, a residency in obstetrics and gynecology, and a fellowship in gynecologic oncology.

Women’s health educators play a crucial role in the community by developing and implementing educational programs that promote women’s health. These programs focus on a variety of topics, from reproductive health and family planning to cardiovascular health and stress reduction.

To become a women’s health educator, you typically need a degree in public health or a related field.

Note: The insights on this page were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed July 26, 2024.