Healthcare has changed vastly in the past 100 years and is poised to grow significantly in the next decades. These changes are due to numerous factors, such as changing technologies and worldwide demographics.
This means that the medical industry is ready for a massive employee boom across all sectors in the next several years. Here are some of the top growing areas where those looking to get in on the changes ahead can find an amazing job.
More Home Health for Baby Boomers
As the Baby Boomer generation ages, there is sure to be an increased need for aides and nurses who serve patients in their own homes. This generation puts great stress upon the joys of being in one’s own home, and these individuals are expected to want to stay at home rather than head to assisted living facilities and nursing homes.
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Increased Needs for Healthcare Management
Healthcare managers lead teams in the medical industry. They are often administrators in hospitals, or they may work as floor managers or inter-office planners and consultants. The increased need for people with these degrees is mainly due to the increased population, the aging population and healthcare reform. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics, “Most medical and health services managers have at least a bachelor’s degree before entering the field; however, master’s degrees also are common. Prospective managers typically have some work experience in an administrative or a clinical role in a hospital or other healthcare facility. The median annual wage for medical and health services managers was $96,540 in May 2016… Employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 20 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. As the large baby-boom population ages and people remain active later in life, there should be increased demand for healthcare services.”
Improvements in Technology
Technology has created numerous jobs as people must gain specialized degrees to work with many of the new machines. For example, those with a medical sonography degree will be in great demand as researchers continue to find ways that ultrasound technology can diagnose and treat diseases. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics (BLS), “The median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers was $69,650 in May 2016… Overall employment of diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians is projected to grow 17 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. As the large baby-boom population ages, the need to diagnose medical conditions—such as blood clots and heart disease—will likely increase. Imaging technology is a tool used in making these diagnoses.”
Technology has also changed greatly for patient data management, and healthcare workers now work with mobile health apps, electronic health records and telehealth communications.
Constant Needs for Nurses
Perhaps the medical sector where an employee boom will be most noticed is nursing. Colleges and universities will have to work hard to educate the influx of people in nursing programs throughout the next decade. According to the BLS “Registered nurses usually take one of three education paths: a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN), an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), or a diploma from an approved nursing program. Registered nurses must be licensed. The median annual wage for registered nurses was $68,450 in May 2016. Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 15 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will occur for a number of reasons, including an increased emphasis on preventive care; growing rates of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity; and demand for healthcare services from the baby-boom population, as they live longer and more active lives.”
In addition to Registered nurses there are also Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) provide basic nursing care. They work under the direction of registered nurses and doctors. “The median annual wage for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses was $44,090 in May 2016. Employment of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses is projected to grow 12 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. As the baby-boom population ages, the overall need for healthcare services is expected to increase. LPNs and LVNs will be needed in residential care facilities and in home health environments to care for older patients.”
Because the medical industry is so huge, people of nearly any background and educational level can take part in this upcoming employee boom. Many medical degrees take two years or less, and some healthcare systems support employees who are going for advanced degrees.
As the industry continues to change and research develops, employees throughout all sectors will need to invest in continuing education to stay on top of the changes in technology and practice.
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