Anyone looking to go into the healthcare industry should have no problem finding a job. The Affordable Care Act has given millions of people access to health insurance creating a need for more doctors and healthcare professionals. Advances in biomedical technology have created dozens of specialty medical fields in recent years, and the aging U.S. population has opened up more career opportunities in healthcare. Here are a few healthcare careers that have solid growth potential over the next several years.
Nursing
The need for highly skilled nurses will grow over the next 10 to 20 years. Nurses who are referred to as advanced practice registered nurses such as nurse anesthetists, midwives, and nurse practitioners are in high demand, and they can have annual incomes of over $100,000. APRNs have to have a master’s degree in the field of their specialty, and there are dozens of colleges and universities across the U.S. that enable registered nurses to earn an RN to MSN online degree. Being able to study from the convenience of your own home is a great feeling.
Physical and Occupational Therapy
Millions of people suffer from pain and limited mobility due to accidents, physical disabilities, and wear-and-tear as a result of aging. Physical and occupational therapists use hands-on specialized techniques to help people improve their mobility and ability to complete daily living tasks. Physical and occupational therapists work in a variety of environments such as hospitals, schools, long-term care facilities, and private clinics.
Physician Assistants
Physician assistants work under the supervision of doctors, and they have the ability to diagnose and treat patients just like doctors. They also coordinate healthcare services for patients with nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals. Physician assistants need a minimum of a master’s degree, and they have to be licensed. The Affordable Care Act encourages patients to seek treatment in outpatient and ambulatory care facilities, making physician assistants in high demand.
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Healthcare Information Technology
Qualified professionals who have degrees and experience in computer science and IT administration are in high demand at healthcare facilities. Today, medical records, billing, and data collection are all being done electronically, and this has become a major function in virtually all healthcare facilities. Plus, the ACA regulations and HIPPA compliance have created a strong need for healthcare IT professionals. Healthcare IT proves there is more to the health care profession than just doctors and nurses. In most cases, people do not have to spend years and tens of thousands of dollars to go to medical school to be in the healthcare industry. Choosing a specialized health care field can lead to a secure and lucrative career.