The 7 Most In-Demand Healthcare Careers

Updated on May 19, 2021

The healthcare sector is in a period of rapid growth, and that looks set to continue well into the future. Having proven itself to be recession-proof, more people than ever before are looking at career options in the industry, and there is high demand for those employees.

Choosing the right healthcare career for you will depend on your skills, education, and ambitions. It would also be beneficial if you use a professional resume writing service.

For those looking specifically at job security, then here are the seven career options that are expected to continue to rise in demand. If you’re looking for a reliable and satisfying career change, then here are the employment prospects that you should start looking at first.

Respiratory Therapist

For patients that have problems with their breathing, a respiratory therapist can be life-changing. This is a non-physician role and is targeted primarily at patients with asthma or emphysema. In this role, you will treat a wide variety of patients, and you will have a variety of locations to work in. Respiratory therapists are often found in medical care environments and ER facilities. With an average salary of $55k and an expected growth rate of 19% by 2020, this is a career choice that remains in high demand. Your role will include:

  • Interviewing and examining patients with breathing problems
  • Performing medical tests
  • Consulting with doctors to discuss treatment options
  • Keeping clear records of patient plans
  • Educating patients on the best home treatments

Genetic Counselor

These are the professionals that help a patient to assess their potential risk of inherited conditions. These can include both birth defects and genetic disorders. This is a highly skilled role with an average salary of just under $57k. However, demand is extremely high for these positions, and there is expected growth of up to 29% for those that opt for this career path. Your education is going to be vital for this career, with a minimum expectation of a Master’s Degree qualification.

O&P Professionals

Orthotists and prosthetic professionals are the people that design the aides needed for medical support. This is a fast growing career option, and by helping to design, measure, and fit artificial limbs, braces, and other prosthetic devices that patients will need can be very rewarding. The expected salary is high as well, with average earnings being around $62k, although this will be determined by whether you opt for public or private healthcare positions. This is the ideal career for those that want to help, although you will need a high level of education to meet the requirements. It is expected that as demand grows, there will be an increased demand for O&P professional staff members.

Pharmacist

This is not a career that many people really consider when they’re considering employment prospects in the healthcare sector. This might be a mistake, as pharmacists are highly valued all around the world. From working at pharmacies such as Rite Aid Pharmacy to an in-hospital setting, and being able to offer expert advice on medication can transform the lives of patients, there’s a lot of satisfaction to be had by becoming a pharmacist. They also perform small medical procedures, and may do vaccinations and medical screenings as well as dispensing essential medicines. With an expected demand growth of 14% by 2020 and an average salary of $116,670 per year, this is certainly a career with perks. You will need a Doctoral or professional degree, with the four years that it takes to get your Doctor of Pharmacy qualification.

Family Nurse Practitioner

If you’re looking for a career that opens up whole new possibilities, then becoming a family nurse practitioner is a fantastic option to consider. These professionals work in a variety of settings, and can be found in hospitals, clinics, and private care facilities. This is a potentially very lucrative career option, with the average salary anywhere between $97k and $100k. This will be dependent on your level of education, but you can improve your chances of getting into this high demand role by obtaining a Masters. The online MSN FNP program makes it easier than ever to get the qualification that you need to fill this position, and with demand for FNPs on the rise, this could be a life-changing career to pursue.

Dental Hygienist

Most people are aware of just what a dentist does, and you will probably know already if this is a career option that suits you. If you’re not inclined to spend your days tending to people’s teeth, then it might be worth looking at alternatives. However, if you’re looking for job security then becoming a dental hygienist could be the ideal role. Not only can you earn an average of $70k per annum, but there is also expected to be a rise in demand for dentists of up to 33% by 2020. The requirements for becoming a dental hygienist will vary by state, but at the minimum, you will need an Associate’s Degree.

Medical Assistant

Not every career in healthcare will require a degree, and becoming a medical assistant is one of the most positive areas to look at. If the idea of more education puts you off, then it might be worth doing some research on your suitably to becoming a medical assistant. Assisting with doctors and nurses with the basic health care tasks such as giving injections, preparing examination rooms, and even taking part in minor procedures, means that you will be on the front line of the healthcare services. This is another career option with high growth rates, and average earnings of around $34k. For those with no medical experience, getting the required level of education can take less than a year, making this one of the more accessible options for those looking for a healthcare career.

As a sector, healthcare continues to grow. As a potential area to focus on in terms of your career, there are many reasons why you might be investigating the potential choices available to you. Make sure that you understand the education levels that will be required and start looking at your options. You could be settling into your new career before you know it, fully aware that your job is not at risk from changing trends or the threat of any future recession.

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