The healthcare field is currently in a state where it is booming with jobs. The number of jobs in the healthcare field projected in the future is huge as well. From an education and skill level, there are many types of work that can be done in the healthcare field.
The biggest need in the industry is in nursing. Registered Nurses have a ton of flexibility in their work with the ability to choose which medical specialty they want to work in. Nursing careers also have great flexibility in hours from day shifts, night shifts, PM shifts and weekend only shifts. Registered nurse pay is also great and, depending on the state, requires either a two year Associate’s degree or four year Bachelor’s degree. Obtaining licensure in the state is also necessary.
Another great field in healthcare to pursue is in radiologic technology. These jobs include x-ray technicians, sonographers, and CT technicians. Behind the scenes, these technicians work with patients that are having x-rays done for potential fractures, having ultrasounds to see their unborn child and having a CT scan to see a problem inside of the body. Radiologic tech positions work in a clean environment and either require a two year Associate’s degree or four year Bachelor’s degree.
Another area of healthcare that is in need is lab technicians. Medical lab technicians perform tests on blood work, tissue samples, and other body fluids to help diagnose diseases in patients. They have a scientific educational background and work in the confines of a lab, usually without direct patient contact. Lab technician jobs require either a two year Associate’s degree or a four year Bachelor’s degree.
A great field of healthcare that is in need is in rehabilitation therapy. These jobs include physical therapists, occupational therapists, respiratory therapists and speech therapists. Each type of therapist works with a specific patient group after they are coming back from a particular injury or illness. Physical therapists work with patients after a physical injury to get them moving again. Occupational Therapists work with patients to improve their ability to perform daily tasks and work. Respiratory therapists work with patients that have had sickness or injury to their lungs and respiratory systems. Speech therapists work with patients having issues with speech, communication and swallowing disorders. These careers require either a two year Associate’s degree or four year Bachelor’s degree, depending on the field.
A growing healthcare field across the country is behavioral health therapy and counseling. These counselors work with behavioral health patients that may have mental illnesses or addiction issues like alcoholism. They work closely with the patients seeking alcohol treatment. They also work with families to help rehabilitate the patient and help them adjust back to regular life. The level of counselor depends on education level and can require either a two year Associate’s degree, four year Bachelor’s degree or a Master’s degree.
For a person looking to get into a growing healthcare field but not wanting direct contact with patients, the medical billing and coding field may be perfect. With the complicated laws surrounding medical billing and insurance, these jobs process medical bills and code the services correctly to be billed properly. These are typically desk jobs in an office setting and require either a two year Associate’s degree or four year Bachelor’s degree.
The healthcare field is booming and will continue that boom for years to come. Whether a person wants to see patients directly, work closely with them or not at all, the right job is there for a person looking to get into the field.
