What are the Fastest Growing Jobs in Healthcare?
Healthcare is among the fastest-growing job markets in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in healthcare are projected to grow 14 percent from 2018 through 2028. Some 1.9 million jobs will be added over the next decade, more than any other job sector on the market.
Changing demographics, new technologies, and a complex regulatory landscape mean the world of healthcare is constantly evolving. All these factors present the need for qualified, dedicated professionals to meet challenges and opportunities in the expanding field of healthcare.
While not an exhaustive list of the vast range of career options, following is a window into some of the fastest-growing jobs in healthcare and top careers for graduates of a health care administration program.
Growing Jobs in the Healthcare Industry
Physician Assistant:
A key player on the team of doctors, nurses, and surgeons providing patient care, physician assistants are on the front lines of primary care. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, PAs earn on average $108,610 annually. Projected job growth shows an increase of 31 percent through 2028, much faster than average and one of the fastest-growing jobs in healthcare.
Genetic Counselor:
This is an occupation seldom discussed when choosing a career in healthcare, but one well worth considering. Helping to evaluate and assess genetic and inherited risk factors, genetic counselors combine personal guidance and cutting edge biotechnology for families across the country. Earning on average $80,370 per year, projections show the field expanding 27 percent by 2028, much faster than average.
Physical Therapist:
The demand for physical therapists is strong. Driven largely by an aging baby boomer population remaining active later in life, physical therapy is one of the fastest-growing jobs in healthcare. Job forecasts show 22 percent growth over the decade. The median salary for physical therapists is $87,930 per year.
Nurse Practitioner:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics includes in this category “Nurse Anesthetists” and “Nurse Midwives” along with Nurse Practitioner. Whatever the specific application, nurse practitioner is yet another of the fastest-growing jobs in healthcare. Growing at a rate of 26 percent through 2028, opportunities abound for skilled nurse practitioners. The position also offers an average annual salary of $113,930.
Careers for Health Care Administration Graduates:
While many of the top growing jobs in healthcare are clinical positions, some of the top jobs are health care support positions perfect for graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration. Some of these jobs are outside of the hospital and other medical care settings.
Medical Records and Health Information Technician:
With the mainstreaming of Big Data, medical records technology and management is rapidly changing. As medical groups large and small work to implement Electronic Health Records (EHR), the need for data technicians is growing. At an annual salary of $40,350, the pay is more modest than some other healthcare jobs. Nonetheless, this is a good entry-level position. It allows young professionals a clear pathway for advanced training and career development while gaining valuable work experience. Growth estimates of 11 percent are stronger than average.
Medical and Health Services Manager:
Strategizing and administering the delivery of patient care is an ideal career option for talented business professionals interested in health care. The average yearly salary for medical and health service managers is $99,730. Job growth expectation is18 percent through 2028.
Insurance Underwriter:
Insurance underwriters are tasked with accepting or rejecting insurance applications, evaluating the level of financial risk, determining the terms of that insurance, and communicating information from the insurance company to healthcare providers. According to the BLS, the annual median wage for insurance underwriters was $69,380 in May 2018.
Social Welfare Administrator:
Health care administration graduates may find their niche as a social welfare administrator or community service manager. In this position healthcare professionals are responsible for efficient, quality implementation of social service and/or community programs. Administrators manage activities, staff, and volunteers, and maintain relationships with other organizations. Social welfare administrators may work for non-profit, private for-profit, or government agencies. Employment for this career is expected to grow 13 percent from 2018 to 2028.
Your Career in Healthcare
A career in healthcare offers plenty of room to grow with many expanding opportunities to apply your strengths, skills, and compassion. Studying for a Bachelor of Health Science through the online degree program offered by Touro University Worldwide is a solid first step. The concentration in Health Care Administration prepares students with the theoretical and philosophical foundation in the principles of health care administration and management.