Career Advice & News Center

Thanks to an aging population and ever-expanding healthcare technology, health care is the fastest growing segment of the United States economy. With future growth in virtually every area of the health care industry, from jobs that require little more than a high school diploma to jobs that require many years of post-graduate work, occupational opportunities in healthcare have never been more plentiful. 

Registered Nurses. Even though there are currently 2.6 million registered nurse jobs in the United States, more than in any other healthcare sector, demand is still expected to increase 22% by 2018. This continued growth will be driven by an emphasis on preventative care and greater technological advancements in healthcare. Registered nurses typically receive a bachelor's degree.

Health Information Technologist. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the demand for digitized patient health records will create an estimated 35,000 jobs nationwide. To meet this demand, schools are developing health information technology programs. Health Information Technologists are increasingly needed in hospitals, medical labs, clinics, and physicians' offices.

Geriatric Nursing Assistant. Across the nation, an average of 10,000 people are turning 65 every day, according to the Social Security Administration. This aging population needs geriatric nursing assistants for jobs in nursing homes, hospitals, and home health situations. Nursing assistant certificates can be earned in as little as two months from some learning institutions, and the demand for nursing assistant jobs is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations.

Cardiovascular Technician. Since older people suffer from cardiovascular disease more than younger people, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that cardiovascular technicians, who operate cardiovascular medical devices, will grow by 52% over the next six years.

Physician Assistant. The doctor gap has been widening, and as doctors have to take on more and more patients, physician assistants will be needed to make up the difference. The U.S. Bureau of Labor expects the need for physician assistants to rise by over 50%.

Hospital Public Relations Specialist. Like most industries, the health care industry is becoming more technologically savvy, and hospitals will be hiring more public relations personnel to help them reach patients and customers through social media and other online marketing venues.

Massage Therapist. A shift toward alternative medicine has boosted many jobs in healthcare, including massage therapy. Massage therapists may work in offices of physicians, private practices, spas or travel companies, or holistic medical practices.

Counselors and Psychologists. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in counseling and psychology are expected to grow by 43% over the next decade. This change, too, is influenced by the aging baby boomers who must deal with new stressors in their lives such as changes in lifestyle and decreasing vitality.

Medical Billing Specialist. One of the fastest-growing jobs in healthcare, medical billing specialists may see an expected growth of 66% by 2018. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these jobs generally require an associates degree, and employees can expect to work in hospitals, nursing care facilities, physicians' offices, and outpatient care centers.

Pharmacy Technician. Pharmaceutical research and development has burgeoned in recent years, and now the aging population will be using those developments. A 50% increase in pharmacy technicians will be needed to supply the demand of so many customers in hospitals, nursing homes, and retail pharmacies.

Those interested in jobs in healthcare have many options to choose from in today's market. The trend is expected to continue, so honing skills for one of these in-demand jobs will surely increase a professional's marketability and job security.