The field of medicine is full of employment opportunities for prospective job seekers. In 2019, healthcare accounted for almost 18% of the United States’ GDP, which makes it one of the leading sectors that contribute to the growth of the economy — and it’s only expected to develop even further in the years to come. This is due to several converging factors: rapid advancements in medical technology, the country’s aging population, and the rise in chronic diseases. Consequently, there’s a high demand for skilled workers in this field, especially due to the ongoing healthcare crisis.
If you’re looking for a career to pursue with lots of job security and you have a degree in medicine or at least relevant experience in this line of work, this is the industry for you. Here are some of the most in-demand and high-paying healthcare jobs for you to consider.
EMTs and Paramedics
Both emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics are the first to arrive on the scene of medical emergencies, serious accidents, acts of terrorism, and natural disasters. EMTs are able to administer glucose, CPR, and oxygen, while paramedics perform more advanced life support procedures for patients such as administering medication, intubation, defibrillation, and intravenous cannulation. There’s plenty of urgent care opportunities to look forward to, with a growth rate that’s 23% faster than most occupations.
Laboratory Technician
As medical technology continues to develop at a rapid pace, there’s a growing need for highly skilled technicians who can understand and operate medical equipment. There are also several career paths for medical laboratory technicians to choose from, including but not limited to a cytogenetic technician, pathology assistant, anesthesia technician, and X-ray technician. It’s projected that the demand for more medical and clinical laboratory technicians will rise by up to 11% within the next few years.
Registered Nurse
Registered nurses have plenty of duties to oversee, such as monitoring the daily condition of patients, updating patient records, administering medication, and speaking with patients and family members about healthcare plans, treatments, and payment options. Aspiring nurses have the option to choose from a variety of specializations, such as intensive care, pediatric, obstetrical, and emergency. There are even positions available in educational institutions.
Over a million new jobs are created in this profession every year, and the projected employment growth rate is set at 19% between now and 2022.
Physical Therapist
Physical therapists and physical therapist aides design and administer physical therapy treatment plans to manage pain or improve mobility for patients who suffer from injuries, chronic illness, or aging individuals. The field of physical therapy is experiencing marked growth in terms of job opportunities as more and more of the country’s aging population rely on these services.
Optometrists and Ophthalmologists
Optometrists are also known as eye care professionals. They specialize in maintaining the health of their patient’s eyes. Prescribing lenses, testing vision, and prescribing treatment for certain eye conditions. Some optometrists may even be able to do simple surgeries, depending on where they’re located and what the state legislation mandates.
On the other hand, ophthalmologists treat more serious eye conditions and perform intensive treatments. They can treat more serious eye diseases such as glaucoma, crossed eyes, eye trauma, and cataracts, and they may even perform plastic surgery.
As the population becomes more dependent on their computers and mobile devices, there will be more and more people in need of eye care treatment, which is why both optometrists and ophthalmologists are in high demand.
Hospital Administrator
There are also several in-demand occupations in the health sector for job seekers who have a degree that isn’t in medicine. A good example of such is a hospital administrator, which are highly sought-after in medical facilities. This position doesn’t require a background in medicine. Instead, it focuses on candidates with experience in business administration and management. Hospital administrators ensure that all departments in a hospital are working efficiently and that the entire operation remains financially viable.
Pharmacist
Although being a pharmacist requires an educational background in medicine, it’s another example of a job that doesn’t require an individual to deal with patients directly. This is a highly technical job that requires almost 6 to 8 years of schooling on average and a comprehensive state-administered exam to receive a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), which is needed to become a pharmacist. Due to how intensive the training required to become one is, it’s a job that pays well and there is always a very positive job outlook for fresh graduates due to the shortage of fully trained and licensed pharmacists.
The health sector promises stable and fulfilling careers for job seekers to pursue. These were just some of the most in-demand positions, but there is plenty more to explore.
