Health Care Rapidly Expanding in All Sectors
The health care field as a whole is currently experiencing growth that is much higher than any other industry. From jobs in the field like doctors and nurses to related industries such as health insurance, Americans are dealing with some aspect of the health industry on a daily basis.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is predicting that health care occupations will have some of the highest job growth of any industry from 2008 to 2018. Some of the BLS’ predicted medical jobs increases are:
- Cardiovascular technologists (24% growth)
- Health information and medical records technicians (20% growth)
- Pharmacy technicians (25% growth)
- Physicians and surgeons (22% growth)
- Radiologic technologists (17% growth)
- Registered nurses (22% growth)
- Surgical technologists (25% growth)
The BLS expects that the overall high growth will continue beyond 2018, but is unable to predict with certainty the exact percentage.
The job growth is in addition to having significant numbers of full-time professionals currently employed. Health professionals have numerous jobs available. These include:
- Cardiovascular technologists (49,500 jobs in 2008)
- Health information and medical records technicians (172,500 jobs in 2008)
- Pharmacy technicians (381,200 jobs in 2008)
- Physicians and surgeons (661,400 jobs in 2008)
- Radiologic technologists (214,700 jobs in 2008)
- Registered nurse (2.6 million jobs in 2008)
- Surgical technologists (91,500 jobs in 2008)
With significant jobs available and high growth, it’s easy to see why the health industry is one of the largest employers. After all, everyone will feel sick or unwell at some point in their life. The size of the health industry has been increasing due to several factors such as:
- Advanced pharmaceuticals
- An aging baby boomer population
- Improved ability to diagnose medical issues
- Improved medical tools
- Improved understanding of diseases and illnesses
- Increasing life expectancy
- Medical research
While there will be numerous job openings available for health professionals, some common resume elements can help to increase the chances of landing a position of choice. These include:
- A clean criminal record
- Able to pass a background check
- An internship in the field or occupational specialty
- Certified in organizational or vendor specialties
- Familiarity with medical technology
- Speaking a foreign language
- Willing to relocate
These is not a guarantee of receiving employment. However having these resume elements can assist a health professional when applying for a competitive position. They can also increase the chances of receiving a promotion or raise. Professionals with high levels of current education are the most likely to be in a management or supervisory position.
Health occupations typically have competitive pay and decent overall compensation packages. Additional compensation might include:
- Child care
- Flexible scheduling
- Overtime shifts available if desired
- Maternity / paternity leave
- Paid vacations
- Sick leave
Medical services and pharmaceutical companies may also compensate employees with stock options. Stock options provide an incentive for employees to perform especially well since the stocks’ value fluctuates depending upon the company’s success. Stock options may pay out periodic dividends to the owners throughout the year.
Another rapidly expanding facet of the health industry is health insurance. Health insurance plans can help people deal with unexpected medical costs. Some health insurance plan points to consider include:
- Co-pays
- Coverage limits
- Deductibles
- Exclusions
- Out of pocket maximum
- Procedures covered
- Premiums
- Prescription drug coverage
A health insurance plan typically is paid for on a periodic basis. It helps the policy holder pay for regular medical expenses or unexpected medical bills.
Health insurance has generally been increasing to cover a higher percentage of the population, but a significant number of people still lack health insurance. They may be deterred by a high priced plan or simply think that they will stay healthy.
However going without health insurance leaves people vulnerable to an unexpected accident or injury. Only health insurance can protect people from these kinds of incidents. Medical bills are one of the most common causes of bankruptcy and can quickly cause severe damage to a person’s credit. A bankruptcy due to medical expenses has become so common than legal analysts have coined the term “medical bankruptcy” to describe it. Health insurance helps to protect against significant and unexpected medical bills.
Most health insurance plans can be easily compared online before signing up for one. This allows potential customers to look for a health insurance plan that fits their needs. For example, a single professional in their 20s doesn’t need the same health insurance plan that a family of 4 does. Choosing the right health insurance plan can avoid unnecessary expense.
At the very least, consider signing up for a basic health insurance plan. This can help a person pay for basic screening and tests. It may also lead to savings in the future if a customer sticks with a single health insurer for a long period of time.
With the rapid expansion of the health care field overall, working professionals can find a job that suits their education level and interests. Everyone needs to consider which health service providers and insurance plans are best for them, even people who are not medical professionals. Whether directly or indirectly linked to the field, the health industry is something that affects and will continue to affect everyone.