Healthcare is a booming career field. It offers employment in a wide variety of medical specialties in a range of locations. It provides the satisfaction of helping others while earning an excellent salary. Healthcare employees are also in high demand. Here are four healthcare career paths that are in demand and offer a challenging and fulfilling career.
Nursing
The world needs 6 million more nurses to achieve global healthcare targets. According to a statement by the World Health Organization (WHO), there is an estimated shortage of 5.9 million nurses. Nurses are at the forefront of the COVID-19 response and are working tirelessly to care for our loved ones even when their own lives are at stake. Every hospital in the United States is potentially short of nurses at the moment. The need is so great that many facilities are fast-tracking the process. Systems that typically take 2-3 weeks to hire a nurse are now hiring in 2-3 hours. Travel nurses are in high demand and are a staffing priority. Intensive care units, emergency departments, and infection control currently have the most significant need.
Respiratory Therapists
A primary symptom of the coronavirus is shortness of breath. There is a significant shortage of ventilators as well as the healthcare providers who operate this specialized equipment. However, respiratory therapists do much more than just operating mechanical ventilators. Respiratory therapists test lung capacity, analyze blood gases and treat breathing and cardiopulmonary disorders. Employment for respiratory therapists will increase by 21 percent through 2028. This growth rate is much faster than the national average for all occupations.
Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Although it is not the most well-known healthcare career path, clinical laboratory technology is undoubtedly one of the most vital. These professionals prepare solutions and reagents. They collect samples, examine cells, and analyze data. Clinical laboratory technologists create charts, reports, and graphs as well as discuss their findings with physicians and other medical personnel. The work these professionals do is critical to the accurate diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The job outlook for medical technology is excellent, with employment increasing by 18 percent over the next ten years. This change is faster than the average for all occupations.
Medical Assistants
With employment projected to increase by 23 percent in the next ten years, medical assisting is an excellent career choice. Medical assistants take care of administrative and clinical tasks in physician offices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Their duties vary according to location, specialty, and size of the practice. Typical duties may include:
- Measuring vital signs
- Helping physicians with patient examinations
- Administering injections and medications
- Preparing blood samples
- Recording patient history and personal information
If you are a healthcare professional in search of a new challenge, look at what is currently available now at Power Personnel. The recruiters at Power Personnel can help you find a position that fits your lifestyle and helps you reach your healthcare career goals.