The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that healthcare careers will grow by 16 percent by 2030. This job growth is due in part to the aging US baby boomer population who reach 65 years old that year.
With this upcoming population growth, the need for professionals in healthcare jobs will be high. Sound like an interesting job for you? If so, learn more here on what the best careers in healthcare are today.
One of these fields might be a good match for your skills. Your new career could be right around the corner.
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Today’s Best Careers in Healthcare
Today’s careers in the healthcare industry include roles that directly and indirectly contact a patient. Some of these professionals working in healthcare examine and speak with patients every day.
Others manage and process the patient’s health information (HIM). These professionals routinely secure these data sources for medical practitioners to use every day on their job.
Here’s an in-depth look at each of these categories:
Doctor
The Association of American Medical Colleges estimates that there will be a shortage of more than 120,00 physicians in the US to care for our nation’s aging population.
Doctors engage with patients to diagnose and treat their medical injuries and illnesses. Doctors also request specialized tests for unique conditions. They’ll analyze these results to develop patient treatment plans.
Doctors choose their field of expertise or specialty. These areas might include dermatology, surgery, or pediatrics.
Nurse
The nursing field encompasses a range of professional levels. A registered nurse (RN) helps doctors with medical procedures and provides care to patients.
RNs also operate medical equipment found in a doctor’s office or hospital and give out medication to patients.
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) provides patient care, like changing bandages or bathing. Some US states allow LPNs to administer patient medication as well.
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) is the entry level for nursing. A CNA helps patients with feeding or dressing. They also clean patient rooms and record patient health information.
CNAs complete 75 hours of training with organizations like the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP.) You can find out more when you visit here about other education and training requirements for healthcare professionals.
Medical Records Technician
Medical records technicians create medical health information when patients are admitted to a health care facility or hospital. They manage the patient’s records while they are admitted to the health care facility.
Examples of these medical records range from x-rays to lab procedures. Medical record technicians use specialized computer programs to update and input patient specifics for the doctor. Insurance companies will also use this information.
Cancer Registrar
Cancer registrars manage a cancer patient’s historic files. Most cancer registrars work in federal or governmental agencies, and hospitals.
A cancer registrar has a certification called Certified Registrar Tumor (CRT.) This credential confirms that the registrar has skills in health coding concepts.
Next Steps
Still interested in choosing a career path in the healthcare industry? If so, then you should start right now.
Are you interested in the nursing field? If you are, then consider signing up in the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program to start in this rewarding field.
Do you want to pursue a position in the medical health information field? Then a Certified Registrar Tumor (CRT) certification is your next step.
Don’t forget to check our website for even more facts on what the best careers in healthcare are. Let us help you on the path to your next best career adventure!