5 Quality Growing Opportunities In Healthcare

The healthcare industry continues to grow every year, making it a prime opportunity for just about anyone. One reason for the popularity is that there is a wide range of jobs available most of the time. Even women without a healthcare background are pursuing training to switch careers. There are many growing opportunities in healthcare that don’t require years of education or training.

There are also jobs in healthcare that combine with other areas of expertise, such as technology, chemistry, business administration, and data analytics. If you want to pursue a healthcare career but are unsure about education requirements and responsibilities, take a look at these 4 quality, growing opportunities in healthcare.

Medical Assistant

Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks on behalf of a hospital or doctors’ office. This position is one of the fastest growing healthcare jobs in the US. In fact, between 2010 and 2020, it is estimated that the number of medical assistant positions available will increase by 31%, well ahead of the national average for other healthcare jobs.

Medical assistants can begin work with very little training. However, the most senior and highest paying roles will be given to those who have more advanced or specialist knowledge. Training for this position takes about 9 to 12 months for certification or about 2 years for an Associates Degree program. Another position that is supportive in the healthcare industry and doesn’t require extensive schooling is a certified nurses assistant (cna). There are training programs that range from 12 weeks to 6 months depending on your state. Talk to a career counselor and ask, “What cna positions near me are the most promising?”

Anesthetist

An anesthetist, or anesthesiologist, is responsible for putting patients under when they are about to undergo a procedure. Anesthetists are essential members of any surgical team and the position is well paid, with plenty of room for progression and steady work.

There are a number of different qualifications that anesthetists can pursue; these vary state-by-state. An anesthetist is one of the highest paying jobs in the country and is highly competitive. Additionally, if you are a nurse, consider becoming a nurse anesthetist.  This NBCRNA Recertification course from Valley Anesthesia with a Bachelors Degree takes about 8 years to complete. Being an anesthesiologist requires a doctorate level education and has extreme responsibility.

Physical Therapist

Physical therapists help a number of different patients, from athletes, who have been injured playing sport, to patients who have decreased mobility due to a serious injury or illness.

They devise individual care routines for their patients based on their experience and the patient’s symptoms. Work as a physical therapist is very rewarding, as you are often helping patients to reclaim a significant part of their lives. Physical therapists have completed a graduate degree and may even continue on to become doctors.

Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians are responsible for assisting pharmacists in preparing prescriptions and dispensing medications. Sometimes, pharmacy technicians also compound (mix) medicines according to instructions on a prescription, but this is much rarer than it used to be.  To become a pharmacy tech, you must complete about 600 hours of instruction and 200 hours of externship over a 10-month period. Some choose to obtain an Associates Degree.

Dementia Care Specialist

The latest reports from 2020 revealed that over 55 million people in the world live with dementia, and this figure is likely to double every 20 years. It’s one of the most devastating conditions in the world today, which is why there’s a growing demand for dementia care specialists in the healthcare industry. 

Hospitals and care providers are actively looking for quality people to specialize in dementia care. Subsequently, there’s been a significant rise in dementia care training programs to help equip the next generation with necessary skills to handle this work. These courses aren’t difficult to get into and don’t take long to complete. If you’re dedicated to helping people and dementia is something close to your heart, then this could be the opportunity you’re looking for.   

Obviously, these are only just a select few growing opportunities in healthcare. There are many to research and pursue. I encourage you to think outside the box, as well. Consider other types of jobs that can impact the health of others. Opportunity is all around us to make a difference!