The US Bureau of Labor Statistics currently projects a 16 percent growth for healthcare careers by 2030. This growth will add over two million more jobs to the workforce. This growth is due to our nation’s aging baby boomer population who will all reach 65 years old by that same year.
With this pending growth in an aging population, the demand for healthcare jobs will be at an all-time high. See if one of these best healthcare careers is a good match for your own skillset.
Find out more here on what the best health care careers are that are out in the job force today. Your new profession just might be calling, so be sure to keep reading!
Today’s Best Healthcare Careers
Jobs in the healthcare industry cover roles that have direct and indirect contact with patients. Some professionals working in healthcare see and examine patients on a regular basis. Almost every profession below will need a BLS CPR Certification to practice in the field.
Others process and manage patient health information (HIM). They secure this data for medical practitioners to use on a regular basis.
Here’s an in-depth look at both categories:
Doctor
The Association of American Medical Colleges believes that the US will see a shortage of more than 120,00 doctors and physicians in this country that can take care of our aging population. That’s why our first line of direct patient care involves physicians.
Doctors engage with patients to diagnose and treat their medical injuries and illnesses. These physicians collect a patient’s medical history and update it whenever the patient comes to see them.
Physicians will also request outside tests for special conditions. They analyze these results to develop treatment plans for their patients. patient.
Doctors choose their specialty field of expertise. These areas might include pediatrics, dermatology, or surgery. Surgeons can specialize in areas as unique as cardiology or arthroscopy shoulder surgery.
Nurse
Registered nurses (RN) provide care to patients and help doctors with medical procedures. Nurses will also operate the medical equipment in a hospital or doctor’s office and give out medication to a patient. RN’s can specialize in specific fields of medical expertise like pediatrics or oncology.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) are similar to vocational nurses (LVN). Both These professionals provide patient care, like bathing or changing a bandage. Certain states will allow an LPN/LVNs to administer medication to patients as well.
LPN/LVNs take vocational training at two-year community colleges to receive an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN). LPN/LVN candidates must also pass a National Council Licensure Examination certification exam before they can be hired.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Certified Nursing Assistants are the entry-level for the nursing profession. CNA’s help a patient with dressing or feeding, especially in a nursing home. They will also record information, answer patient calls, and clean patient rooms.
A CNA student completes a 75-hour training course, such as the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP.) Subjects covered in this program range from infection control, CPR, and range of motion exercises. Candidates are then required to pass their own state’s competency test for licensure.
Physical Therapist
These professionals help patients that have an injury that limits their range of motion or ability to move throughout their daily life. Examples of these injuries include amputation, brain trauma, or stroke.
Patients will be referred to a physical therapist through their regular doctor. Physical therapists routinely develop recovery plans for their patients. These plans focus on treatments that reduce the need for prescription drugs or surgery.
Medical Research Analyst
Medical research analysts work with teams that direct medical studies or clinical trials. A medical research analyst will identify research subjects. They can also schedule interviews with current or previous patients.
Research projects can range from evaluating medical devices to new drugs. These professionals also research the newest biological procedures for the human body.
Medical Records Technician
A medical records technician creates medical health information when a patient is admitted to a hospital or health care facility. These professionals oversee these records while the patient is in the hospital. Examples of this medical information range from lab procedures to x-rays.
A medical records technician will also transfer any doctor’s note to the patient permanent medical files. They use specialized programs that input and update patient information for doctors. Insurance companies use this information as well.
Electronic Health Record Developer
Electronic health record (EHR) developers design an electronic healthcare record system. They make sure these systems will be used in the right ways and will program, any upgrades that improve efficiency.
Some of the tasks that an electronic health record developer regularly executes include running system test scenarios. They’ll also analyze the results of these scenarios. EHR developers will also collect input from any of their clients so that they can program future system improvements.
EHR developers can also create policies and procedures that your staff can use. They will also deliver ongoing training programs for medical staff for any versions or upgrade to the system.
Cancer Registrar
Cancer registrars manage the historic files for cancer patients. A cancer registrar can gather information on your cancer patient’s medical treatment or status.
This information is important for any ongoing medical research. This information can justify future public funding requests.
Most cancer registrars work with the hospital. You’ll also find cancer registrars working for both federal and government agencies as well.
A cancer registrar has their Certified Registrar Tumor (CRT) certification. Professionals with this credential affirms their skills with medical coding concepts as well as other national standards.
What’s The Next Step?
Still considering a career in the healthcare industry? If so, then you should start today.
Are you considering a career as a nurse? If so, maybe you should consider pursuing the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program to start you off in this exciting career field.
Are you interested in pursuing a field in medical health information? If so, get your Certified Registrar Tumor (CRT) certification.
For more advice on the best healthcare careers, don’t forget to check out the rest of our website. We’re here to give you the most trending advice on your next best career move, no matter what area it’s in!
