Northeast Florida is one of the most important and influential life sciences communities in the nation. Home to some of the world’s most renowned health care centers, it stands at the forefront of accessible, quality care. In a region where thousands of patients are treated every day, care centers and health care businesses are looking to add qualified professionals to their teams.
The Life Sciences field is one of the fastest growing job sectors in Northeast Florida. Jacksonville is home to over 20 high-profile health care facilities and leads the nation in cutting-edge biomedical research. 1 out of every 8 jobs in the region is classified under life sciences, with over 121,000 people employed across a variety of health-related fields.
“Health care is more than doctors and nurses,” says Kat Hasanovic, System Director for Clinical Informatics at Baptist Health. “The hospital is a city of opportunity with a need for a wide range of professionals and workers.” In Northeast Florida, thousands of positions and specialties are available for anyone interested in a career in life sciences.
Patient Care
Treating and caring for patients is the cornerstone of the life sciences industry. While doctors and nurses are familiar roles in the health care field, patient care also encompasses diagnostic, therapeutic and technical aspects of the health care system. These areas are essential to delivering high-quality clinical services. Dental Hygienists, Nutritionists, Physical Therapists, Surgical Technicians, and a variety of other careers provide opportunities to focus on patient care. Home to 1 of 3 Mayo Clinics (the #1 ranked hospital in Florida), Brooks Rehabilitation (ranked #1 in Adult Specialty and #16 in Rehabilitation nationally), and 1 of 7 MD Anderson Cancer Center (ranked #1 in the nation for cancer care) partnerships in the country, Jacksonville offers remarkable possibilities for careers in clinical medicine.
Health Care Business
The business side of life sciences is vital to helping health care centers run smoothly and efficiently. Positions such as Health Service Manager, Medical Records Specialist, Pharmacy Aide and Medical Office Assistant are indispensable elements of the health care industry. With the emergence of digitized health care and Telehealth, the need for talent in the health care industry is more important than ever. Individuals with business savvy are essential to ensuring that the region’s health care system can focus on delivering the highest quality of care to its patients.
Many companies in Northeast Florida are distinguished leaders in the health care business industry. Availity is a Jacksonville-based company focused on connecting health care and insurance providers in innovative and efficient ways. Forcura, a heath care technology company that aims to improve workflows for health organizations, is also headquartered in Jacksonville. These companies and numerous others offer a wide range of possibilities for business-minded Northeast Florida residents to contribute to the success of the health care industry.
Biomedicine
Biomedical professions focus on applying biological and physiological principles to clinical practice. Stem cell research, organ rejuvenation and gene therapy are a few of the many areas explored in the biomedical industry. This research-oriented field is ideal for someone looking to advance and improve health care for both patients and providers. Some examples of biomedical positions include Clinical Lab Technician, Biotech Researcher, Medical Equipment Preparer and Biochemist. These areas focus on the science behind health care and ensure that hospitals and clinics remain at the forefront of innovative and effective care.
Florida is home to 10% of all biotech companies, including Medtronic and Zimmer Biomet, making it an ideal place for anyone looking to pursue a career in medical biotechnology.
Jacksonville: The Proton Therapy Capital of the U.S.
Proton therapy is a type of therapy that uses beams of protons to irradiate diseased tissue and destroy cancer cells in the human body. This innovative form of treatment is used to fight many different types of cancer and is considered an effective alternative to chemotherapy. Jacksonville is home to 3 different proton therapy centers (UF Health, Mayo Clinic and Ackerman Cancer Center) – more than any other city in the country.
Life Sciences Career Pathway
A career in life sciences is a sustainable vocational choice for anyone looking to contribute to the health of the Jacksonville region. The average salary for a career in life sciences is $71,288, and a variety of career pathways exist to help you obtain the credentials you need. Hospitals, clinics and life science companies keep a constant eye on Northeast Florida for talent recruitment and value top-notch educational providers in the region. Different careers in health care require different levels of education, and most require specific certifications. Becoming qualified for a job in life sciences can be done right here in Northeast Florida, with 6 regional colleges and degree or certification programs available.
Whether you are driven to provide quality health care to patients, want to apply business skills to the health care industry, or are excited by innovative and impactful research, there is no better place to pursue a career in life sciences than Northeast Florida.
