When it comes to job growth, health care is one of the industries that are expected to grow like crazy over the next few years. The growth comes from the increase in population and a greater emphasis on wellness and health.
With a growing industry, the need for professionals also increases. Whether you’re unsure of what career to pursue or are looking at what you should specialize in, there are a lot of opportunities out there. Here are some health care professions that you can get into.
If any of these careers interest you, you can utilize tools such as those offered by Proactive Healthcare Recruiters to quickly find a job in your desired specialization.
1. Registered Nurse
There is a huge demand for compassionate, competent, and qualified nurses in the health care field. Registered nurses, commonly known as RNs, coordinate and provide patient care, record their medical data, perform diagnostic tests, assess patient condition, operate and monitor medical equipment, and educate patients on proper follow-up care. RNs are needed in virtually every medical facility. These places include home health care services, schools, nursing homes, doctors’ offices, clinics, health-focused government agencies, and hospitals.
To become a registered nurse, you usually need to get either a certificate from an accredited nursing program, an associate degree in nursing, or a bachelor’s degree in nursing. No matter which state you live in, you’ll need to get the proper license; although, the requirements vary by state. If you pursue nursing, you can expect to make a median salary of $68,450.
2. Nurse Practitioner
A step up from an RN is becoming a nurse practitioner. This profession is midway between being a physician and a registered nurse. As a nurse practitioner, you’ll perform all of the standard nursing duties as well as have the ability to coordinate primary patient care, order tests, develop treatment plans for patients, and prescribe medications.
To become a nurse practitioner, you have to obtain a master’s degree or higher in an advanced nursing program. You’ll also need to pass a national exam. Be sure to check the requirements and policies on nurse practitioners as they vary from state to state. You can expect to make a median salary of $107,460.
3. Home Health Aide
Home health aides travel to patients’ homes to take care of their daily living and medical needs. These patients typically suffer from a chronic illness or are elderly who are not living in assisted living facilities. If you pursue a career as an aide, your duties will include checking vitals, helping with walking, dressing, using the bathroom, leaving the house, and dressing, and administering treatments or medications. This job, in particular, is growing quickly as older adults seek to stay in their own home as they age.
To become a home health aide, you have to have a high school diploma or a certificate of equivalent value. Most home health agencies provide their employees with on-the-job training for their aides, though having a background in health care or medical terminology may be helpful in further advancing your career. You can expect to make a median salary of $22,170 in this career.
4. Dental Hygienist
The position of a dental hygienist is often overlooked in the medical field. They’re the ones who are doing the hard work during your dental appointments. Dental hygienists clean your teeth, evaluate signs of dental disease, assist dentists with procedures, take x-rays, apply treatments, and educate patients on proper dental care.
To become a dental hygienist, you need to have an associate degree from an accredited dental program. As with all the other medical professions listed, you do need to be licensed, so check your state’s requirements. The median salary for this career is $72,910.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking to get into a field that is unlikely to face a downturn anytime soon, consider a career in health care. While it may be a scary journey, an opportunity in the health care industry might just be the right path for you.