If you’re looking for a career in an industry that is lucrative, stable, and provides room for growth, the healthcare sector is one to consider. Showing no signs of slowing down, it is projected that there will be an increase of 22% or roughly 3.2 million new jobs by the year 2018. With that many vacancies, your chances of gaining employment are significantly higher than other industries.
Why such an increase? There are several reasons why job seekers have found no shortage of careers in healthcare online. Here are a few factors:
Aging
The baby boomer generation is getting older. Now aged 65 and older, one of the largest age groups now requires medical services to sustain a healthy life. With the average life expectancy of a man (80 years old) and a woman (86 years old) having also increased, the need for medical services for a longer period of time is necessary. From nursing homes and doctor’s offices to pharmacies and home health care, there is an increased need for qualified workers to assist the elderly.
Retirements
Here’s another area where age plays a significant role in the increased need for healthcare workers – retirements. Now that the largest population group (boomers) are reaching retirement age, they are leaving the workplace. Many were employed in the healthcare industry as nurses, doctors, pharmacy techs, and the like, results in a ton of vacancies that need to be filled.
Insurance
The Affordable Healthcare Act has also played a major role in the need for more healthcare personnel. Now, that individuals and families that weren’t previously insured have adequate coverage, the demand for medical services has increased with it. With Medicare programs also extending their services, individuals with low or no income, pre-existing conditions, and disabilities are able to get the treatment they need.
Awareness
With diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes becoming more prevalent in the world, people are inclined to seek medical attention more often. Preventative services like physicals, x-rays, MRI’s, scans, mammograms and more allow patients to be aware of what’s going on with their bodies so that they can prevent or reduce their chances of catching life-threatening or long-term illnesses and diseases.
Improved Services and Treatment
There are a lot of reasons that patients will avoid going to the doctor. Outside of fear, one of the main reasons is due to poor treatment options and or services. Invasive surgeries, medications with adverse side effects, and poor service like long wait times, have all but pushed people to steer clear of the doctor. However, thanks to advancements in modern technology, medical professionals are able to provide innovation options for treatment. They have also gone to great lengths to repair their relationships with their patients, therefore, increasing their willingness to make and keep medical appointments.
Finding a Job in Healthcare
Though there is a projected increase in job growth within the healthcare industry over the next few years, there are some positions that are more in-demand than others. Start by reviewing the top careers in the medical field and determine which positions are best matched with your existing skills and education. Some of the best jobs include:
- Registered nurse
- Radiation therapists
- Physical therapists
- MEdical assistants
- Midwife
- Nurse Practitioner
- Dental Hygienists
- EMTs
- Pharmacy techs
Creating a resume and online profile with job boards that focus on the healthcare industry can increase your chances of finding a job most suited for you. Other recommendations would include starting off entry-level and working your way up as many higher paid medical positions require you to have extensive education, training, and in-field experience.
As long as there are individuals who need medical assistance, there will always be a need for medical professionals. If you have the education, experience, and passion to care for others, a career in healthcare could essentially be an ideal choice. With perks like fringe benefits, continued education reimbursement paid time off, and the room for advancement, finding and keeping a job in this field should be a breeze.