Not ready to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to become a doctor? Don't give up on the medical field quite yet. Healthcare is a multi-trillion dollar industry -- the largest and fastest growing in the US -- and it offers excellent careers at all levels of experience and education.
A Quick Checkup on the Healthcare Industry
Healthcare is the largest and fastest growing industry in the US. In the span of a decade, healthcare costs are expected to double, rising from $1.9 trillion in 2004 to an estimated $4.0 trillion in 2015, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid.
A Changing Society, A Changing Healthcare System
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics attributes healthcare's huge growth to our society's aging population and advances in medical technology. Both result in longer life expectancies and higher survival rates, impacting the healthcare industry by creating:
- Greater dependence on long-term healthcare facilities
- Demand for more outpatient care facilities
- A larger, more complex healthcare system
The Symptoms: A Healthcare Career Boom
Eight of the 20 fastest growing professions and 19% of all new jobs over the next decade will be in the healthcare industry, according to BLS data. In fact, "if current trends continue, 30% to 40% of all new jobs created over the next 25 years will be in healthcare," concludes Business Week.
M.D. Not Necessary for Hot Healthcare Careers
Not everyone wants to invest the time or money needed to become a doctor, and luckily, they don't have to. In The Changing Face of the Health Care Industry, Lynn Wallis explains that our nation's healthcare system is so large and multi-faceted it requires healthcare professionals with a range of education, experiences, and skills.
So whether it's more money, more flexibility, or more one-on-one interaction you are looking for, there's probably a healthcare career for you. Here are 4 hot healthcare careers:
1. Nurses: The Backbone of the Healthcare Industry
Nurses specialize in patient care, helping treat patients and educate them about their diseases or illnesses. They work in all types of settings, from clinics to nursing homes to ER rooms, and can specialize in countless fields from pediatrics to cardiology. Nursing is already the largest field in the healthcare industry, employing 2.4 million people, and is still growing rapidly. In fact, the profession expects to add 1.2 million jobs over the next decade. Employers are offering tons of perks to recruit nurses including:
- Changing workloads
- Expanding responsibilities
- Increasing pay
- Improving working conditions
- Subsidizing continuing education
An Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) requires two to three years to complete, and a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) takes about 4 years, but in return offers greater opportunity for career growth and specialization. Many nurses enter the field as registered nurses and continue their education through a RN-to-ADN or RN-to-BSN program.
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For the Record: Nursing Stats
- Projected Growth: 52%
- Education: Diploma, Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Average Salary: $52,330 in May 2004
2 and 3. Medical Assistants and Medical Technicians: Behind the Scenes and In the Action
Medical assistants and medical records technicians are two of the behind-the-scenes players that make healthcare institutions run smoothly, and both fields are experiencing huge demand. Medical Assistants welcome patients and perform basic clinical tasks, and medical records technicians keep patient records and ensure that medical charts are properly filled in. An associate's degree or certificate program is required for both.
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For the Record: Medical Assistants Stats
- Projected Growth: 52.1%
- Education: On-the-job training or certificate programs
- Average Salary: $26,160
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For the Record: Medical Records Technicians Stats
- Projected Growth: More than 27%
- Education: 2-year associate's degree
- Average Salary: $25, 590
4. Physician Assistants: The Perks of an MD without the Stress
Ranked the 5th best career in Money Magazine's Best Jobs in America, physician assistants get the best of both worlds -- they perform most of the tasks that physicians would, but normally work a standard 40-hour work week and don't have to put in years of medical school.
Admission to physician's assistants programs requires post-secondary education and experience in allied health. An ADN or BSN or a degree in a related field is recommended to enjoy the best job prospects.
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For the Record: Physicians' Assistant Stats
- Projected Growth: 49.6%
- Education: 2-year degree program and national certification
- Average Salary: $69,410
With tons of flexibility and growth potential, these hot healthcare careers might be just what the career doctor ordered.
