According to the US Census Bureau, the year 2030, will mark an unprecedented increase in the number of aged citizens in the country. In a couple more decades, the number of older people will be more than the number of babies. This indicates that the number of people who will need healthcare and hospice services will also keep increasing. Healthcare industry is turning out to be extremely lucrative, and healthcare professionals are in high demand now more than ever.
Apart from the lucrative aspect of healthcare jobs, they are also high on job satisfaction rate. The personal interactions and the wholesome nature of these jobs give purpose beyond the attraction of money.
With an increase in life expectancy and the fact that most elderly people retire with a healthcare plan, healthcare is also becoming a lucrative industry.
- Physician Assistant
Physician assistants typically work under the supervision of a doctor. But they are skilled professionals who can diagnose and treat patients. They share the workload of specialists by taking over cases that need regular supervision and monitor patients’ progress as well.
Physician Assistant courses are offered separately. This is a three-year medical course which covers a large portion of a regular medical degree syllabus.
- Nurse practitioner
With an advanced degree in Nursing, nurse practitioners are considered a step above nurses, since they can diagnose illnesses and prescribe medicines. The extent of their duties differ depending on the laws in each state. They typically work under specialists and perform procedures such as biopsies and lumbar punctures. Registered nurses are required to have a Master’s degree in Nursing (MSN) or doctorates.
- Home health aides
Home health aides step in to help older people who face challenges in daily tasks due to diminished physical or cognitive capacities. The job can be 24/7 and often involves monitoring their medical and dietary needs. They are also qualified to give emergency medical care if required.
Home health aides are required to take a 4-month course. Due to the delicate nature of the job, home health aide liability insurance is highly recommended before going into the workplace.
- Physical therapy assistant
Physical therapy assistants help people who are recovering from injuries and illnesses that restrict their movement to regain regular movement. This is done through regular exercises, massages and readjustments. Physical therapy assistants work under licensed physio therapists and work closely with patients, monitoring their development. Physical therapy assistant jobs are highly lucrative especially in the home care industry.
- Healthcare manager
Healthcare managers work closely with hospital administrators, financial planners and hospital staff and are in charge of taking care of the overall financial wellbeing of a healthcare facility. This job requires a certified course qualification, some level of financial understanding and managerial skills. They coordinate between the humanitarian aspects and the economic aspects of running a healthcare facility which also requires strong communication skills.
- Respiratory therapists
Respiratory therapists work with people who suffer from pulmonary and cardio pulmonary diseases such as bronchitis or stroke. These have long-lasting effects and cause further damage if the pulmonary and cardiac pathways are not maintained well. Respiratory therapists prescribe exercises and monitor of their development. They also prescribe measures to alleviate distress such as fluid draining from lungs. This job requires a two-year degree, although a 4-year bachelor degree is often preferred.
- Speech and language therapist
For people who experience difficulty in articulation or processing of language, speech therapist offer long term regular therapy and exercises to overcome the underlying problems. Stuttering, learning disabilities and aphasia are some of the most common speech and language issues. These require practice and muscle movement which have proven to be highly effective. Courses such as B.Sc. in speech and hearing are typically required to be a speech and language therapist.
- Phlebotomist
Phlebotomists are skilled at drawing blood and conducting tests and research on blood samples. They are increasingly coming into demand as a high specialist job, as more people prioritize safe and pain-free blood sampling.
- Prosthetist
Prosthetists design, mould and put together prosthetic limbs for amputees, people who have lost their limbs or have congenital handicaps. They also design cosmetic devices such as braces. Prosthetists work with patients long term, adjusting and customizing the products to their individual needs.
- Nurse anesthetist
The duties of a nurse anesthetist include preparing a patient for anesthesia, administering the exact dose, monitoring their vitals during a surgery and helping them recover post surgery. Nurse anesthetists are advanced nurse practitioners specialized in this field.
Health care industry is one of the fastest growing industry with attractive pay and job security. Thanks to the growing nature of health care needs, this industry is expected stay just as promising in the coming decade.