Tremendous employment opportunities are currently available in healthcare, with the vast majority of job openings in the private sector. Credentials are paramount in this industry, as healthcare careers are closely identified with the level of education required, certifications, and licensure.
A number of healthcare occupations are projected to grow 25% or more during the next decade, compared to the average for all occupations, 5%.
Healthcare offers significant opportunities for job seekers with a high school education, some of which require very brief formal or on-the-job training.
Career laddering is also more readily available in healthcare than perhaps any other industry, for example starting out as a personal care aide with just on-the-job training; then gaining brief formal training to become a home health aide which adds further medical knowledge and care tasks; then undertaking a 4-12 week training program and passing state certification to become a certified nurse assistant, with increasing wages and responsibility at each step.
Other high-demand careers requiring high school education include physical therapy aides, occupational therapy aides, and medical secretaries.
A large number of healthcare careers entail short-term training lasting from a few months to about two years. Many of these also require passing a certification exam and / or licensure. In-demand examples include surgical technologists, medical assistants, phlebotomists, LPNs, dental assistants, EMTs and paramedics, licensed massage therapists, and pharmacy technicians.
Apprenticeships may be available for several healthcare occupations. These include dental assistants, EMTs, healthcare sanitary technicians, nurse aides, paramedics, and pharmacist assistants.
Bachelor’s degree level careers in demand include nutritionists, registered nurses, radiation therapists, and medical and health service managers.
A number of high-demand healthcare careers require graduate education, licensure, and board certifications, such as family and general practice doctors, surgeons, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and psychologists.
Is a career in the healthcare industry for you? Keep these points in mind:
- Advancement potential is excellent for those willing to further their education. Note that some employers pay for additional credentials.
- Work can be fast paced, involve many hours on your feet, and require multitasking.
- At facilities that provide care 24/7, it is typical to work rotations that include some days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Many careers in healthcare offer the opportunity to make an important difference in people’s lives.
- Because of the hiring boom, it may be relatively easy to change employers or relocate to a new area, though states’ licensure and certification requirements differ.