Healthcare is one of the rapidly-growing job markets worldwide, given the rise of advancement, patient care improvements, and treatment innovation. Projections reveal that the US healthcare industry is likely to embrace 2.4 million jobs by 2026. These statistics show significant employment changes and growing demand for various professions.
This growth primarily stems from a large aging population and the heightened demand for medical care services. If you're aspiring for a healthcare career, you can pursue medical and non-medical paths for a rewarding career. Keep reading to explore major healthcare fields with roaring international demand and higher financial stability.
Home Care Aides
The population of aging and elderly citizens is rapidly rising, coinciding with an increasing demand for home health aides. Home healthcare professionals assist seniors, the elderly, and individuals with physical, mental, and other disabilities. These aides help patients with their daily routine, hygiene, meals, medicinal intake, and managing symptoms.
Many home health aides work under the supervision of nurses to examine vital signs and administer medications. Generally, this position does not require any formal training or education. On average, home health aides make over $23,000 annually.
Public Health Careers
Projections reveal a striking 11% increase in public health careers over the next decade. Given the rise of chronic illnesses and an unprecedented pandemic, there is a greater need for research, awareness, and innovation. Public health professionals spread awareness, promote healthy habits, assist with policymaking, and improve patient care standards.
In recent years, there's a growing demand for several lucrative experts in the public health domain. These include epidemiologists, public health consultants, health educators, public health administrators, and clinical research coordinators. Professionals working in public health organizations and government health sectors have much to gain by pursuing an online MPH degree.
A master's in public health can open up scores of lucrative opportunities that allow professionals to make a global impact. They can dedicate their lives to improving existing treatments or improving healthcare accessibility in remote communities.
Physician Assistants
The US BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) reveals a 37% job opportunities growth for physician assistants by 2026. Similar to locum tenens hospitalist, physician assistants are trained practitioners who diagnose illnesses and design treatments, much like actual doctors. However, assistants work closely under the supervision of a licensed physician. They also coordinate and consult with other medical practitioners and nurses.
Recent regulation shifts and telehealth protocols are encouraging patients to seek medical care outside of hospital environments. This trend stems from the ongoing shortage of physicians and the rising demand for physician assistants.
Physician assistants work in ambulatory care centers, outpatient facilities, private clinics, and hospitals. Professionals require a master's degree and a state-mandated license to practice as a physician assistant. On average, these healthcare professionals make over $100,000 annually.
Nursing Professionals
Nursing is one of the fastest-growing healthcare careers worldwide, with rising demand for nurses with various specializations, training, and experience. There is a significant demand for registered nurses, nurse anesthetists, midwives, and doctoral nurses. Additionally, projections reveal a 31% increase in nursing jobs by 2026.
Nurses are the backbone of any given healthcare facility, be it a clinic, a mental health facility, or a hospital. Registered nurses assist with administrative roles and patient care coordination, while nurses with clinical training assist physicians and surgeons. Advanced practice registered nurses' demand is swiftly on the rise because they bring specialized expertise and training.
Nurses assist with surgeries, childbirth, pediatric care, emergency rescues, elderly care, and much more. Advanced practice registered nurses pursue a master's degree in a chosen specialization and obtain a professional license. On average, these professionals make over $110,000 annually.
Nurses who pursue doctoral programs enjoy lucrative career advancement opportunities with enormous financial rewards and flexibility. Today, nursing is ripe with leadership opportunities, and doctoral nurses often dedicate themselves to research and innovation.
Physical Therapists
Physical therapists' demand is rising given the rise in chronic illnesses, inflammation, and arthritis-related complications. These professionals work with patients who suffer from inflammatory illnesses, such as arthritis. They also work with patients recovering from injuries or mobility-restricting illnesses.
Physical therapists help their patients regain mobility and find constructive ways to manage and overcome their pain. Projections reveal a 30% increase in job opportunities for physical therapists. These professionals work in multiple settings, such as hospitals, private clinics, health clubs, colleges, sports clubs, and more.
They often work with athletes to help them heal muscular damage, prevent injuries and build up strength. Physical therapists are required to pursue advanced academic programs and obtain licensure and certifications.
Medical Assistants
A non-medical career path enjoying an incredible rise in demand, medical assistants enjoy financial stability and job security. If you aspire to work in healthcare settings without committing to medical education, here's an ideal path. Statistics reveal that medical assistant jobs are likely to increase by a whopping 29% by 2026.
These professionals work in hospitals, clinics, doctor's offices, and other healthcare settings. Their responsibilities include maintaining patient records, medical histories, and recording all personal information. Additionally, they coordinate and communicate with doctors, manage schedules, make appointments, and more.
Many seasoned medical assistants help doctors record vital signs, take medical exams, read blood pressure levels, and administer medications. While some assistants focus only on administrative duties, others participate in clinical roles, such as administering injections. Aspirants can apply for this job with a high school diploma since it involves on-the-job training.
However, in recent years, hospitals and healthcare organizations require assistants who are licensed and certified. It is ideal to pursue an acclaimed certification program to increase your marketability. On average, medical assistants make over $32,000 annually.
Counselors/Therapists
The rise of digitization and technological advancements has given rise to mental health illnesses and challenges. In the old days, therapists would have private practices, and patients would sprawl on expensive couches to regale their stories. But today, mental health issues are rising alarmingly, and therapists work in multiple settings.
These settings include schools, universities, hospitals, community centers, offices, commercial venues, and more. Counselors and therapists do not prescribe medication but utilize cognitive, behavioral, and psychoanalytical techniques to treat illnesses.
The demand for skilled counselors and therapists is rising across rehab centers, mental health facilities, and corporate organizations. These professionals pursue at least a master's degree with multiple certifications and licensure.
Conclusion
Are you aspiring for a rewarding and lucrative career in healthcare? People often wrongfully assume that physicians and surgeons are the only financially satisfying careers in the healthcare sector. That's not true.
In recent years, health technicians, IT experts, nursing professionals, and physician assistants have emerged as highly lucrative careers. You can enjoy a lucrative healthcare profession even with a non-medical job.
