Turn on the television or open up the newspaper and you’ll see countless stories about a bad economy and a worsening job market. For those looking at starting a new career during these tough times, healthcare seems to be one of the few industries with a positive job outlook. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, between 2008 and 2018, healthcare is projected to create 3.2 million jobs for Americans. Below are five professions within the healthcare industry that are helping create that positive trend.
Lab Technicians
Average Salary: $36,030*
Education: Associate’s degree or certificate
Overview
Laboratory Technicians spend much of their day in a laboratory setting working with blood, urine and other samples. They prepare specimens with special attention paid to infection control, making sure to follow proper procedures to minimize hazards to themselves and others. Lab technicians operate automated analyzers and may specialize in a certain area of testing.
Demand
Genomics (the genetic study of cells) has been technologically advancing at a rapid rate for the last few years. Because of these advances, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects the field to grow faster than other occupations. Additional laboratory testing is being encouraged due to increasingly powerful testing methods – another factor that is fueling growth in this field.
Health Information Technicians
Average Salary: $35,010*
Education: Associate’s degree
Overview
You may know them by another name – medical records/file clerks. Health Information Technicians are often responsible for compliance with regulations, and spend much of their time reviewing records for accuracy. They work with medical personnel in the retrieval of patient medical records and make sure the records are released to other healthcare facilities, making sure to follow strict guidelines.
Confidentiality is an important part of the technician’s job, as is the development of efficient record keeping procedures. They work with government forms and often enter patient information into computer systems, so attention to detail is vital.
Demand
Employment is expected to grow at a much faster rate than the average for all occupations according to the BLS. A growing population and its needs for healthcare services are attributed to the rapid growth in health information technology.
Healthcare Managers
Average Salary: $93,670*
Education: Master’s degree in health care administration, health sciences, public administration, public health, long-term care administration or business administration
Overview
Healthcare Managers are in charge of delivering healthcare through planning, directing, coordinating and supervising the industry as a business. They are usually a specialist within a specific department but can sometimes manage an entire system. Healthcare managers face a complex regulatory environment and are pushed to improve efficiency in facilities while maintaining a high quality of care. A manager can expect to handle a variety of topics, including personnel, operations, admissions and finances.
Demand
Because of an ever-expanding and diverse healthcare industry, employment is expected to grow 16 percent from 2008 to 2018, which is faster than other occupations. Requirements to improve efficiency and quality, as well as a demand to comply with changing regulations could also increase the demand for these positions.
Medical Assistants
Average Salary: $29,760
Education: Certificate or Associate’s Degree
Overview
Medical assistants are often charged with the task of keeping healthcare facilities and offices running smoothly from both an administrative and clinical standpoint. A wide range of duties vary depending on the setting where the assistant is employed. They may record vital signs, take medical histories, explain treatment procedures or prepare patients for examinations. They should, however, not be confused with Physician Assistants, who treat patients under the supervision of a physician.
Demand
A 34-percent growth from 2008 to 2018 is expected, which is much higher than the average for all occupations. The growth of an aging population will drive the increased necessity of healthcare workers, including medical assistants. In order for doctors to care for more patients, medical assistants are seeing more work opportunities.
Registered Nurses
Average Salary: $67,720
Education: Bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree, or a diploma from an approved nursing program
Overview
Registered nurses are vital to the care and well being of patients, and are responsible for helping treat and educate a patient and his or her family about medical conditions and treatments. RNs often provide emotional support and advice, all the while making sure a patient’s medical history, symptoms and test results are accurate and kept confidential.
Registered nurses will often specialize in a certain field of medicine and may even work in alternative workplaces such as treatment centers, rehabilitation units or home health. RNs are expected to administer medicines and IVs, record observations and consult with physicians on a daily basis.
Demand
Job growth is expected to be excellent, but can vary depending on geographic location. Over 580,000 new jobs are expected from 2008 to 2018, with additional job openings expected as retiring nurses leave the occupation. Preventative care is a driving force behind the job growth and positions in physician offices are leading the way with 48 percent of the growth.
*All average salary information is from the U.S. Department of Labor’s May 2010 Occupational Employment Statistics. Other key statistics come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
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