{"id":2642,"date":"2018-08-30T14:12:43","date_gmt":"2018-08-30T14:12:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/?p=2642"},"modified":"2018-09-14T16:14:23","modified_gmt":"2018-09-14T16:14:23","slug":"in-demand-healthcare-jobs-for-the-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/in-demand-healthcare-jobs-for-the-future\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are the Top 20 Most in Demand Healthcare Jobs for the Future?"},"content":{"rendered":"
Healthcare professionals have some of the brightest futures, according to a recent report by Mercer. The healthcare and social assistance sector is growing faster than any other sector and will provide 2.3 million new jobs between 2016 and 2026. By 2025, there will be a shortfall of certain types of medical workers; particularly those who work in lower-skilled, supportive roles in hospitals<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n This is good news for anyone who wants to enter the healthcare sector, as there will be plenty more jobs to go around.\u00a0 What\u2019s more, we can predict that wages, benefits, and working conditions will improve as employers fight to fill their positions and reduce staff turnover. With that in mind, let\u2019s explore which medical occupations will be in high demand over the coming decades.<\/p>\n According to many news reports, medical professionals are in demand. But what makes them so sought-after? There are some social, economic, and political factors that can account for this growing demand.<\/p>\n So, the medical sector looks promising for job seekers, but which occupation offers the safest bet? That depends on your skills, qualifications, personality, and salary expectations.<\/p>\n According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)<\/strong><\/a>, the average occupation is expected to grow by about 7% between 2016 and 2026. To put things into perspective, the following occupations will grow at least twice as fast as this. So, let\u2019s explore 20 of the fastest-growing (and most promising) healthcare careers.<\/p>\n As the name suggests, home health aides look after patients in their own homes. The duties are varied; they change bandages, dress wounds, help patients take their medicines, and keep an eye on their overall health. You could expect to make $23,210 per year, or $11.12 per hour, according to figures from 2017.<\/p>\n How Fast Is This Occupation Growing? <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n In 2016 there were 911,500 people employed as home health aides, and by 2026 it\u2019s predicted there will be 1,342,700. This means the occupation will grow by a staggering 47%, which is faster than any other healthcare occupation. Our aging population has increased the need for home health workers. Indeed, the Affordable Care Act (2010) has given many more people access to this type of healthcare.<\/p>\n A report by Mercer<\/a><\/strong> predicts that, by 2025, states such as a Montana, North Dakota, and Nevada will have a deficit of home health aides (and other key health workers). So, if you live in one of these states, it shouldn\u2019t be difficult to find work as a home health aide.<\/p>\n How Can I Enter This Career? <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking to find a healthcare job with no experience or qualifications, this occupation could be a good choice for you, because training is usually done on-the-job.<\/p>\n Having said that, if you work for an agency that receives payment from Medicare or Medicaid, you may be expected to achieve certification before you can start work. In some states, certification can be achieved by taking an exam, whereas in other states you\u2019d need to attend training sessions and then take an exam.<\/p>\n Personal care aides are similar to home health aides, though they focus more on personal hygiene and wellbeing, rather than medical assistance. During a visit to a patient\u2019s home, a personal care aid may help the client to take a bath, sort out the laundry, and have a chat over a cup of tea. They will often work closely with friends, relatives, and other healthcare workers to ensure the patient is getting everything they need. You could expect to earn approximately $23,100 per year as a personal care aide.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n How Fast Is This Occupation Growing? <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n This occupation is expected to grow at a rate of 39% between 2016 and 2026, which is much faster than the average growth rate of 7%. In 2016, there were 2,016,100 people employed as personal care aides across America. By 2026, this is expected to rise to 2,793,800. As mentioned, many older people rely on personal care aides to live comfortably in the community, so this demand is only set to rise.<\/p>\n How Can I Enter This Career?<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n You will need a high school diploma (or equivalent), a friendly disposition, and good physical stamina – because you\u2019ll spend most of the day on your feet. As with home health aides, some employers require you to become certified by taking a competency exam, though this is not always necessary.<\/p>\n Physician assistants work alongside other health professionals such as surgeons, nurses, and physicians. Their day-to-day role is very similar to that of a physician, but they will be supervised, and they will not carry out surgical procedures as part of their duties. You could expect to earn $104,860 per year or $50.41 per hour.<\/p>\n How Fast Is This Occupation Growing? <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this industry will grow a massive 37% between 2016 and 2026. In 2016, there were 106,200 people employed as physician assistants, which should grow to 145,900 people by 2026.<\/p>\n The sector is growing so rapidly in response to our aging population. A proportion of older people suffer from chronic disease such as diabetes, and these patients will require ongoing and sophisticated care packages.<\/p>\n How Can I Enter This Career? <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n To become a physician assistant, you\u2019ll need to study a two-year master\u2019s degree that\u2019s accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant<\/strong>.<\/a> Many physician assistants begin their career as nurses or other health professionals, and then study the two-year master\u2019s programme to enhance their knowledge.<\/p>\n Nurse practitioners are advanced-level nurses who coordinate a patient\u2019s care; they differ slightly from registered nurses as they have a higher level of responsibility. They take a more active role in testing, and potentially diagnosing conditions, and are often responsible for training junior staff members. In 2017, the average salary for a nurse practitioner was $110.930 per year or $53.33 per hour.<\/p>\n How Fast Is This Occupation Growing? <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n This particular occupation will grow by 36% between 2016 and 2026. In 2016, there were 155,500 nurse practitioners, which is expected to rise to 211,600 by 2026. As mentioned, the aging population will require more comprehensive care packages, and nurse practitioners have the skills and knowledge to manage these care packages effectively.<\/p>\n How Can I Enter This Career? <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n All nurse practitioners hold a master\u2019s degree. After achieving registered nurse (RN) status, nurses must work for at least one year before they can apply for the master\u2019s. In rare cases, you can apply for the nurse practitioner master\u2019s degree if you haven\u2019t studied nursing previously, but you\u2019d need to have studied something very similar such as psychology, social care or biological sciences, and have clinical work experience. In these cases, it\u2019s possible to take a \u2018bridging course\u2019 to give you access to the master\u2019s program.<\/p>\n Physical therapist assistants (PTA\u2019S) work under the direction of a physical therapist, to help patients become more mobile. PTA\u2019s work with injured patients, as well as those suffering from long-term health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and cerebral palsy. A PTA will often get involved in the administrative side of things, too. Physical therapist assistants earn approximately $57,430 annually.<\/p>\n How Fast Is This Occupation Growing? <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n In 2016, there were 88,300 PTA\u2019s employed across the US, which is set to rise to 115,800 by 2026 \u2013 a growth increase of 31%. There are two reasons for this growth. Firstly, orthopedic complaints, arthritis, and degenerative disorders are, unfortunately, quite common in the aging population. Physical therapy can help to keep these patients mobile. Moreover, the use of sports-rehab therapists is at an all-time high, so PTA\u2019s who are trained in sports injury rehabilitation will be in particular demand over the next decade or so.<\/p>\n How Can I Enter This Career?<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Besides good physical stamina and an ability to encourage others, you\u2019ll need to complete a 2-year associates degree. You should check with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education before committing to any course of study, to check that it is accredited. Before working, you\u2019ll also need to pass the National Physical Therapy Exam and obtain your license to practice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Medical assistants are \u201call-rounders,\u201d so this job suits people who enjoy variety. One minute you could be taking a patient\u2019s vital signs, and the next minute you could be scheduling their next appointment or arranging their medical records. In addition to taking a patient\u2019s vital signs, medical assistants may participate in examinations, or collect blood samples. They usually work in physician\u2019s offices or hospitals. In 2017, medical assistants earned about $32,480 per year or $15.16 per hour.<\/p>\n How Fast Is This Occupation Growing? <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Over the next eight years, this occupation will grow by 29%, which is exciting for anyone looking to enter healthcare because many medical assistant vacancies are entry-level positions. In 2016, there were 634,400 medical assistants employed across America, which is expected to rise to 818,400 by 2026. In real terms, this is a lot of additional job openings.<\/p>\n The industry seems to be crying out for highly-organized and flexible professionals who can oversee the care for increasingly larger numbers of patients. This is already evidenced by the massive demand for practitioner nurses. When a clinic is well organized, this allows specialist doctors more time to work with the patients that need their assistance. So, if you\u2019ve got strong organization skills, why not consider a career as a medical assistant? You might find yourself in very high demand over the coming years.<\/p>\n How Can I Enter This Career? <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n This is another healthcare job you can do with little schooling. Most medical assistants will have a high school certificate, and some will have a diploma or college course in a relevant subject. Employers offer intensive on-the-job training for medical assistants, so healthcare experience is not usually necessary.<\/p>\n Genetic counselors work with individuals, or couples, to help them understand the risks of passing on a genetic disorder to their child. A genetic counselor studies a client\u2019s DNA to assess risk, but a large part of their role is talking with the client and counseling them on the information available. In 2017, the average genetic counselor earned $77,480 annually or $37.25 per hour.<\/p>\n How Fast Is This Occupation Growing? <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n In 2016, there were 3100 genetic counselors in America. This figure is set to rise to 4000 by 2026. In real terms, the employment numbers are quite low compared to other healthcare jobs, but the industry is growing at a rate of 29%. So, if you have an interest in genetics, it\u2019s certainly a career worth considering.<\/p>\n Why such sudden growth? Well, laboratory tests and genomics techniques are a lot more sophisticated these days so that genetic counselors can get a better understanding of our DNA profiles. Moreover, many more health insurers are starting to cover genetic testing, and six out ten Americans<\/a><\/strong> say they would be interested in accessing genetic testing, so there certainly seems to be a market for it.<\/p>\n How Can I Enter This Career? <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n To become a genetic counselor, you\u2019d require a master\u2019s degree in genetics or genetic counseling. In 2016, there were 33 master\u2019s degree programs in the United States that were accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling. You\u2019d also need to obtain a license to practice. This involves passing an initial exam and taking continuing education courses throughout your career. This occupation is competitive to enter, but the massive industry growth is starting to make it more accessible.<\/p>\n We\u2019ve already mentioned physical therapist assistants, but physical therapists are going to be in demand, too. Physical therapists work closely with patients to enhance their mobility and improve their physical wellbeing. As a physical therapist, you could expect to earn $86,850 per year or $41.76 per hour.<\/p>\n How Fast Is This Occupation Growing? <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Between 2016 and 2026, this occupation is expected to grow by 28%. It is one of the few Doctoral medical careers that are expected to grow at a rate faster than average. As mentioned, this demand will continue to grow due to our aging population. Also, now more than ever, amateur athletes are willing to invest in physical therapy to help them recover from sports injuries.<\/p>\n How Can I Enter this Career? <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n To become a physical therapist, you\u2019d need to study an accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Some physical therapists begin their career as a physical therapist assistant and study the Doctoral part-time; this extends your training time but ultimately makes things a lot more affordable.<\/p>\n Occupational therapy assistants (OTA\u2019s) work under the direction of an occupational therapist. These allied health professionals work closely with other agencies to improve a patient\u2019s day-to-day living. For example, they may work with a pregnant policewoman, to advise her and her employer on the adjustments needed to support her health.<\/p>\n Alternatively, they made evaluate the needs of a stroke patient, to see what kinds of adjustments should be made to the home to enable them to move about safely. An OTA will often take charge of the administrative side of things. They will regularly contact patients and other agencies to help move things forward. OTA\u2019s earn approximately $52,690 a year.<\/p>\n How Fast Is This Occupation Growing? <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Over the next eight years, the demand for OTA\u2019s will rise by 28%. In 2016 there were 39,300 OTA\u2019s, and by 2016 there are expected to be 50,700. Again, this is partly due to the aging population and a need for interdisciplinary care in the patient\u2019s home. It may also be because the healthcare industry (and insurers) are recognizing that many additional \u201clifestyle\u201d factors can affect health and wellbeing. This has placed a higher value on allied health professionals such as OT\u2019s and OTA\u2019s.<\/p>\n How Can I Enter this Career? <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n To become an OTA, you\u2019d need to study a 2-year associates degree that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. You\u2019ll also need to pass a qualifying exam, to use the title \u201cCertified Occupational Therapy Assistant.\u201d<\/p>\n In terms of personal qualities, you\u2019ll need to be compassionate but also assertive. In many cases, you\u2019ll be an advocate for the patient, because you\u2019ll be informing other agencies of any adjustments they need to make, so good people skills are essential.<\/p>\n A massage therapist might not come to mind when you think of a typical healthcare worker, but massage therapy can promote stress-relief, recovery, and rehabilitation. Massage therapists work in physician\u2019s offices, hotels, and spas, and many will work in conjunction with other health professionals such as physical therapists. In 2017, the average massage therapist earned $39,990 per year or $19.23 per hour.<\/p>\n How Fast Is This Occupation Growing? <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n In 2016, there were 160,300 massage therapists employed across the US, and this is predicted to rise to 202,400 by 2026. In other words, this occupation is growing at a rate of 26%, which is much faster than average.<\/p>\n This growth is probably because more people are considering \u201calternative\u201d treatments to manage a wide variety of different health conditions. Most health insurers do not cover massage therapy treatments, but this doesn\u2019t seem to be stunting the industry\u2019s growth which shows that many people are willing to pay for this type of treatment.<\/p>\n How Can I Enter This Career? <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n To become a massage therapist, you should study for a diploma that includes at least 500 hours of study and hands-on experience. Some employers prefer candidates who have completed at least 1000 hours of training.\u00a0 In most states, you\u2019ll also need to obtain a license to practice.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Phlebotomists draw blood from patients for testing, transfusions, research, and donation. Part of their role is to encourage patients to feel comfortable with the blood-drawing process. They play a crucial supportive role in hospitals, laboratories, and blood donor centers. Phlebotomists earn $33,670 per year, or $16,19 per hour, on average.<\/p>\n How Fast Is This Occupation Growing? <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n In 2016, there were 122,700 phlebotomists employed in the US, and this figure is expected to rise to 30,100 by 2026. The phlebotomy industry is predicted to grow<\/a><\/strong> at a rate of 25% over the next eight years. This growth is probably in response to a growing aging population, but also the fact that blood analysis and blood diagnostic techniques have become more sophisticated in recent years, and many people\u2019s health insurance now covers diagnostic procedures.<\/p>\nHealthcare Professionals and Future Demand<\/h2>\n
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Medical Careers In-Demand for the Future<\/h2>\n
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Home Health Aide<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Personal Care Aide<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Physician Assistant<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Nurse Practitioner<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Physical Therapist Assistant<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Medical Assistant<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\n
Genetic Counselor<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\n
Physical Therapist<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\n
Occupational Therapy Assistant<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Massage Therapist<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Phlebotomists<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n