Rapidly Increasing Healthcare Jobs
Healthcare jobs are currently one of the hottest employment fields available. Jobs are available in every region for professionals of all skill levels. With a shortage of qualified professionals and high annual growth rate, healthcare employment is an appealing prospect for people searching for their next job.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that many healthcare jobs will have higher than average growth over the next decade. Some of the BLS’ predictions for healthcare occupations include:
- Chiropractors (20% growth)
- Physical therapists (30% growth)
- Physicians and surgeons (22% growth)
- Radiation therapists (27% growth)
- Registered nurse (22% growth)
- Respiratory therapists (21% growth)
- Speech-language pathologists (19% growth)
All growth predictions are for the decade from 2008 to 2018. The average growth rate for all non-medical jobs is only expected to be between 7 to 10% each year. Healthcare will be adding jobs at a considerably higher rate compared to all other occupations.
Growth is expected to be at its highest in rural and small-town areas. These types of locations have been experiencing chronic shortages of qualified medical professionals. As the population continues to grow, the demand for medical services will increase and worsen the shortages considerably.
Professionals who are willing to set up their own practice or who have a generalized medical degree should be able to begin working in nearly any part of the country.
In addition, supporting jobs for healthcare facilities and jobs directly or indirectly related to healthcare are also available. These can include:
- Custodial / janitorial
- Food service
- Health insurance
- Medical / pharmaceutical research
- Medical products manufacturing
- Security services
Because of the rapid expansion and need for more healthcare, professionals are able to move up to higher positions more quickly compared to slower-growing industries. With hard work and a decent resume, professionals in healthcare are often able to receive their first promotion or raise within their first year of work.
Management positions in healthcare are also looking for highly qualified professionals who are capable of overseeing entire departments or facilities. Professionals aiming for a management position should consider a business or finance major in addition to their medical degree. Management professionals may have to handle a budget and plan for expenses.
Salaries will vary by the professional’s amount of responsibility, level of education, and record of service. Additional compensation packages are typically generous and can include:
- Available overtime if desired
- Child care services
- Flexible work schedules
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement benefits
- Sick days off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vacation time
Successful healthcare professionals share some common traits such as:
- Able to communicate with a wide range of people
- Able to smile frequently
- Able to balance personal and work lives
- Strict attention to detail
- Willing to put in extra effort
Because most healthcare occupations revolve around caring for patients, professionals with excellent interpersonal communication and medical skills can attract more patients. This is especially true for medical professionals who provide care that may not be necessary for good health. For example, elective cosmetic surgery requires professionals to demonstrate excellent technical skills, but also connect with their patients to ensure repeat business.
As medical knowledge and technology advances daily, healthcare professionals need to keep updated on any new discovery in their field. Expect to attend seminars or have to pass continuing education requirements frequently. Continuing education is often a requirement for a medical license renewal.
For professionals who enjoy taking care of others, healthcare jobs are widely available in nearly every occupation. There are jobs to fit every resume and education level. With a continuous and growing need for qualified professionals, people can easily make healthcare into a lengthy career.