Currently, careers in healthcare are arguably more in-demand than they have ever been. With a large sector of the population approaching retirement age and more and more people opting to have and use health insurance, there is a shortage of healthcare providers that is rather on the unprecedented side.
This shortage applies to most jobs in the field of healthcare. Physicians, nurses and technicians are all in short supply. This is particularly true for regions and states that are more rural in nature as it can be more difficult to provide good healthcare to parts of the population that are more set apart from bigger cities and more highly populated areas.
While a shortage in healthcare providers is naturally not a positive thing, it does mean, however, that job opportunities in a variety of specializations are plentiful. The level of job security within the healthcare community, as well as enticing salaries, are enough to encourage many people to pursue a career in healthcare.
Here are three such careers that are currently on the rise:
Radiologic Technologist
One career in healthcare that is in particular demand at the moment is that of radiologic technologist.
What is a Radiologic Technologist? If you have ever been to a hospital or private practice where you had to receive an MRI, a CT scan, or something of that nature, then you have encountered one of these skilled technicians.
Often referred to as rad techs, a radiologic technologist operates the machinery involved in the capturing of diagnostic images. The equipment that rad techs operate and the information that can be gained from such imaging procedures is crucial to a physician’s ability to provide an accurate and precise diagnosis to a patient.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median annual wage for magnetic resonance imaging technologists was $73,410 in May 2019. And the median annual wage for radiologic technologists and technicians was $60,510.
Physician’s Assistant
The job of a physician’s assistant, or a PA, is an important one in the current climate of healthcare. Because there are fewer physicians to go around, it is possible for a doctor to administer quality healthcare to more patients by employing a few PAs at their practice. Essentially, a PA can evaluate and help to diagnose a patient so long as they are working under the supervision of a physician.
Physician assistants typically need a master’s degree from an accredited educational program. Earning that degree usually takes at least 2 years of full-time postgraduate study. All states require physician assistants to be licensed. Physician assistant graduate school applicants typically have experience caring directly for patients.
The salary of a PA is one of the more enticing aspects of the job. The BLS projects that the employment of physician assistants will grow 31 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. And the median annual wage for physician assistants was $112,260 in May 2019. The ability to practice more or less in the same way that a physician does makes this a great option for those who do not wish to earn an MD in order to help patients.
Nurse Practitioner
A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse and a type of mid-level practitioner. NPs are trained to assess patient needs, order and interpret diagnostic and laboratory tests, diagnose disease, formulate and prescribe treatment plans.
Overall employment of nurse practitioners is projected to grow 45 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will occur primarily because of an increased emphasis on preventive care and demand for healthcare services from an aging population.
According to Payscale Nurse Practitioners (NPs) earn just under $100,000/yr.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Those who are looking to work in healthcare in a capacity that can make a true difference in the lives of patients suffering from communication disorders might wish to become a speech language pathologist. By diagnosing and offering a course of treatment for children and adults who struggle with verbal communication, you can help improve someone’s life in a major way.
Speech-language pathologists typically need at least a master’s degree. Most states require that speech-language pathologists be licensed. Requirements vary by state.
The employment of speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 25 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. As the large baby-boom population grows older, there will be more instances of health conditions that can cause speech or language impairments, such as strokes or dementia.
The median annual wage for speech-language pathologists was $79,120 in May 2019.
You might also like:
