In-demand healthcare careers

It is no mystery that with the economic downturnpeople are finding it hard to find employment inspite of being college educated. However, the healthcare industry is one among the fortunate few that is still hiring at a consistent rate. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the healthcare industry is expected to create 3.2 million jobs between 2008 and 2018. Here is a look at some of the most in-demand careers in the healthcare industry.

Registered Nurses (RNs)

Registered Nurses are responsible for looking after patients and educating them about their illness, managing and administering medication, carrying out basic medical procedures and keeping track of medical records. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that RNs form the largest healthcare occupation, with about 2.6 million jobs and employment expected to grow by 22 percent between 2008 and 2018. This makes the overall job prospects for RNs excellent.

Medical Assistants

Medical Assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks in accordance with doctors and other healthcare professionals. Their functions include checking patients’ vital signs, administering treatment, recording and maintaining health progress charts etc. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 34 percent growth of employment opportunities between 2008 and 2018. With 647,500 jobs expected by 2018, medical assistants have a bright future to look forward to.

Pharmacy Technicians

Pharmacy Technicians work under the direct supervision of licensed pharmacists or other healthcare professionals. They are responsible for preparing and dispensing prescription medication and medical devices to patients. Their job roles may vary in different set-ups such as hospitals, assisted-living facilities and nursing homes, but the overall job prospects of pharmacy technicians look good with an estimated employment growth of 31 percent.

Dental Assistant

Dental Assistants are most in demand in the dentistry profession. Their job includes educating patients on oral hygiene, taking x-rays, sterilizing medical instruments etc. Dental assistants’ employment rates are expected to increase by a staggering 36 percent, making it a hot career choice for someone contemplating a career in dentistry.

Radiologic Technologist

Radiologic Technologists perform x-ray imaging of the human body to diagnose medical problems. Employment opportunities for radiologic technicians are supposed to increase by 17% with around 251,700 jobs by 2018.

More career options in healthcare

Other in-demand career options in the healthcare industry are healthcare administrators, medical records and health information technicians, physical therapists, EMTs and paramedics, occupational therapists and more.

A good place to start your career in healthcare would be to look into accredited colleges that offer healthcare programs at the associate and graduate level.

CollegeAmerica is one such college. Reviews about CollegeAmerica point to the financial aid programs for those who qualify as well as other college offerings.You’ll definitely get more information about the college reading a CollegeAmerica review, but read other reviews as well. Compare programs, financial aid options and accreditation and see which program aligns best with your career goals.

Ultimately, whatever career you choose to pursue in the healthcare industry is bound to give you satisfaction and some measure of financial security along with the added perks and benefits of working in the field ofhealthcare.