Healthcare Jobs

With a rapidly aging population and new advances in medical technology, there has never been a better time for healthcare jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be a 26% increase in health care jobs over the next few years, even as other fields decline, stay the same, or grow modestly in the face of a difficult economy. For this reason, healthcare jobs are often called "recession-proof."

Healthcare jobs are among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, because the demand for trained healthcare personnel continues to expand.

What types of healthcare jobs are available? Healthcare professionals include nurses, physicians, anesthesiologists, research technicians, radiologists, dentists, medical and dental assistants, pharmacists, and many others.

Healthcare professionals find work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices, nursing and residential care facilities, and laboratories. Ambulatory healthcare services - such as ambulances and helicopter transport services, blood and organ banks, pacemaker monitoring services, and smoking cessation programs - also employ a small percentage of healthcare workers. Nursing, personal home care, and medical assistance are expected to be hot areas in coming years.

What about education? All healthcare jobs require education and training, though some do more than others. To be a physician you need a four-year undergraduate diploma, and successful completion of medical school/residency. Other jobs may require only the completion of a certification course.

Because healthcare jobs often require very specific training, you should make sure that your certifications are up to date before beginning your job search. Make an effort to stay informed about changing medical policies, including medical management and insurance reform.