16 Types Of Jobs In A Hospital (With Responsibilities)

Hospitals typically require clinical and non-clinical staff to undertake various everyday operational tasks. These professionals work in many different positions to take care of patients, maintain hospital premises and handle administrative duties. By learning about the various jobs available in hospitals, you can decide to pursue the one that would suit your career goals. In this article, we look at the different types of jobs in a hospital and find out about their specific duties and salaries.

Types of jobs in a hospital

The different types of jobs in a hospital can range from entry-level to highly-experienced work opportunities for professionals with medical and non-medical educational qualifications. The work you can do in clinical and non-clinical settings include the following positions:

1. X-ray technician

National average salary: ₹37,864 per month

Primary duties: X-ray technicians maintain radiology supplies and set x-ray equipment at correct radiation levels to perform safe x-ray procedures on patients per the doctor's directions. They take diagnostic images of bones, organs and tissues to determine illnesses, injuries and diseases. These professionals discuss the necessity of further x-rays with the radiologist and keep accurate records of patients and their specific x-ray procedures.

2. Pharmacist

National average salary: ₹21,500 per month

Primary duties: A pharmacist is responsible for compounding and dispensing prescription and non-prescription medications and other personal products. They may advise people on how to take the medicines, when to take them and if there might be any side effects. Pharmacists supervise pharmacy assistants, direct them on stocking the shelves, maintain an accurate record of the pharmacy inventory and remove expired products. They place new orders as required, receive and check the shipments and comply with legal regulations that govern pharmaceutical practice.

Related: How To Become A Pharmacist: A Complete Guide

3. Occupational therapist

National average salary: ₹45,882 per month

Primary duties: Occupational therapists develop treatment plans and assist injured, disabled and sick patients with performing physiotherapy exercises to regain and improve their mobility skills. Along with learning to bathe, dress and perform various basic tasks, patients may recover enough to move about in public and hold jobs. The occupational therapists may advise patients about redesigning their home environments and using special equipment to facilitate physical rehabilitation. They may also advise caregivers and family members on the patients' specific requirements.

4. Medical technologist

National average salary: ₹25,500 per month

Primary duties: As qualified health professionals, medical technologists perform various medical laboratory tests with specialised equipment to analyse biological samples and cultures. They record their test findings of the sample biochemical compositions, determine if these are normal or abnormal and write reports. They comply with laboratory best practices, maintain equipment and monitor the supply inventory.

5. Dietitian

National average salary: ₹61,800 per month

Primary duties: Dietitians are responsible for planning personalised and healthy diets for patients to help them recover from illnesses, manage chronic conditions and develop better eating habits. They analyse the patients' physical condition, check if they have any dietary restrictions and determine a nutrition plan to benefit them. These professionals discuss the dietary plan with the responsible doctors and educate patients on the relevance of having proper meals. They monitor how patients respond to the diet and may make necessary changes to facilitate their recovery.

6. Registered nurse

National average salary: ₹25,164 per month

Primary duties: A registered nurse assists doctors in examining patients and follows their instructions in providing necessary care, recording their vital signs, administering medications and recommending diagnostic tests. They maintain accurate patient health records, write health reports and inform doctors about any changes in patient health. They educate patients and their families on following the correct treatment protocol and provide them with emotional support during the treatment.

Related: Nursing Roles And Responsibilities: A Complete Guide

7. Physician assistant

National average salary: ₹25,200 per month

Primary duties: Working under a licensed physician, a physician assistant is responsible for examining patients, diagnosing their conditions and treating them per the physician's instructions. That can include suturing wounds, setting broken bones, ordering diagnostic tests, providing surgical assistance and prescribing medications. They recommend lifestyle changes to patients, maintain their health records and interact with their insurance companies.

8. Respiratory therapist

National average salary: ₹51,500 per month

Primary duties: Respiratory therapists diagnose, treat and monitor patients with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, undeveloped lungs, lung disease and other respiratory conditions. They inspect, test and operate respiratory therapy equipment like ventilators, aerosol generators, artificial airways and gas administration apparatus. They assist healthcare professionals with medical procedures. Additionally, they provide emergency care like artificial respiration, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and external cardiac massage.

9. Surgeon

National average salary: ₹2,50,000 per month

Primary duties: Surgeons assess patients with injuries, deformities, diseases or chronic conditions and determine if it is possible to treat them surgically. Most surgeons specialise in specific areas, such as orthopaedic, paediatric, cardiac, neurology or reconstructive surgery. For performing operations, they work with a team of other surgeons, anaesthesiologists and nurses. They prescribe medications and recommend post-operative care, diet and physical therapy.

10. Anaesthesiologist

National average salary: ₹1,11,000 per month

Primary duties: An anaesthesiologist is responsible for administering anaesthesia to patients before surgery. They assess the patient's condition, review their medical history and determine the correct type and amount of anaesthesia that they can safely administer to them. During the surgery, they make necessary adjustments in the anaesthesia and monitor the patients to ensure there are no complications and assist the patients in regaining consciousness afterwards. Anaesthesiologists may specialise in specific fields, such as pediatrics and cardiology.

11. Medical records clerk

National average salary: ₹20,833 per month

Primary duties: A medical records clerk is responsible for gathering, processing, organising, updating and maintaining the patients' personal information, medical histories and admission and discharge details. They assist with audits, departmental investigations and issue medical files, records and paperwork to the hospital departments when needed. Along with being timely and efficient in administrative duties, medical records clerks require a sound knowledge of medical terminology and processes.

12. Coding specialist

National average salary: ₹25,434 per month

Primary duties: Working in the hospital's billing department, coding specialists or medical coders review patient insurance data and health claims to ensure that the hospital receives reimbursement. They use correct medical alphanumeric codes to classify medical diagnosis, services, procedures and equipment provided for each patient. These codes make it easier for the hospital administration to maintain accurate patient records, billing information and other relevant data. In case of denied claims, coding specialists may work with insurance companies to find appropriate solutions.

13. Information technology specialist

National average salary: ₹1,41,666 per month

Primary duties: Information technology specialists undertake the installation, updating, upgrading, troubleshooting and maintenance of the hospital's computers, networks and servers. They evaluate and monitor the IT systems to ensure they are secure against cyberattacks and that the data storage is private and safe. Along with maintaining electronic health record systems, they assist with network administration work.

Related: What Is An Information Technologist? (A Complete Guide)

14. Medical social worker

National average salary: ₹24,216 per month

Primary duties: A medical social worker assists with the mental and physical care management of patients. They talk to them and their families about their health condition and discuss their ongoing treatment and expected recovery. In case of life-threatening illnesses, they provide emotional support, coping strategies and bereavement counselling. Medical social workers also help people with anxiety and depression issues. They may visit patients at home to check on their well-being.

15. Human resources manager

National average salary: ₹1,50,000 per month

Primary duties: A human resources manager is responsible for recruiting hospital staff, overseeing existing employees and implementing workplace policies. They organise employee onboarding and professional development programmes, resolve workplace disputes, take disciplinary actions and ensure workplace safety. They conduct work performance reviews, handle employee salaries and benefits, report to the hospital management and comply with legal regulations.

Related: Human Resource Planning: Meaning, Importance And Key Steps

16. Chief executive officer

National average salary: ₹2,45,207 per month

Primary duties: A chief executive officer develops the hospital's strategic vision and healthcare policies. They handle the hospital administration and are responsible for planning, directing and supervising the hospital's day-to-day operations. They coordinate with assistant executives, department heads, and staff managers to ensure the hospital operates smoothly and that patients receive quality care. They report to the hospital's board of directors and stakeholders and represent the hospital in its media and public relations events.

Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at the time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organisation and a candidate's experience, academic background and location.