Healthcare

5 Reasons Why The Future of Healthcare Jobs Are Bright

Written by Joanna Hughes

Job seekers are looking to the healthcare field as one of the fastest growing occupational sources in the United States. Over the years 2012 to 2022, healthcare-related jobs are expected to account for one of the highest sectors in job growth, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Not since 2008 has the hospital industry made the number of jobs available as it has since the last quarter of 2014. Aside from hospital workers, employees are needed to fill positions in physician’s offices, urgent care clinics and home healthcare jobs. A convergence of events has made this an exciting time if you are seeking a job in healthcare. That being said, here are 5 reasons why the future of healthcare jobs are bright:

1. Increasing Population of Elderly People

America is growing older, and baby boomers are reaching a time when they require medical services such as geriatric medicine. For an increasing number of older Americans, home healthcare is required. Increases in mind-altering diseases such as Alzheimer’s, diabetic-associated problems and cardiac disease raises the demand for healthcare providers. In addition, with an emphasis on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, older Americans are visiting their doctors and becoming involved in wellness programs, all of which require trained professionals to meet the demand. Ancillary services such as those that provide durable medical equipment are also increasing.

2. Better Healthcare Availability

With the passage of the Affordable Care Act, more Americans are gaining access to healthcare services. Under the ACA, the insured are able to visit the doctor, have their eyes examined and get laboratory tests done. This means that increasing numbers of optometrists, physicians, physician’s assistants, nurses and laboratory technicians are necessary.

In the next 10 years, the population is expected to grow by nine percent in the United States, increasing the need for more healthcare providers and personnel. In addition, with better medical care for chronic conditions, such as kidney disease that requires continuing treatment, the expansion of dialysis centers will require trained technicians.

3. Evolution of Healthcare Records

As healthcare reform is implemented, paperless medical records are replacing paper charts. Hospitals, medical offices and insurance companies are turning to electronic medical records. This relies on transcriptionists, computer experts and technicians to help bring about the transformation and maintain the records.

4. Wellness Programs

More businesses and facilities are offering wellness programs. This is in line with the recognition that wellness is about more than medicine. Nutritionists, therapists and others are finding jobs in this proactive addendum to routine healthcare.

5. Increased Jobs in the Hospital Sector

Although the economy began to recover after March 2010, hospitals were not adding jobs. That changed in 2014. In the last quarter of that year, 100,000 jobs were added, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This surge is expected to continue with approximately 28.1 percent growth in ancillary healthcare jobs accompanied by a 21.5 percent growth spike in the number of medical providers.

According to Forbes, healthcare jobs have grown exponentially, and the growth does not seem to be slowing. Job search services such as TheJobNetwork are available to help you look for opportunities in the burgeoning healthcare field. This free service is easy to use and provides alerts via email to let you know when healthcare jobs are available.

About the author

Joanna Hughes

Joanna Hughes is a freelance writer who specializes in business, human resources and the job market. She lives with her family in the beautiful White Mountains region of New Hampshire.