10 health care jobs that will grow by 10K in the next 10 years
It’s not just nurses and surgeons (though they’re on the list, too).
Everyone knows health care is booming—an aging population combined with retiring providers has created a talent crunch, leaving many health care organizations scrambling to fill a wide variety of positions. But some positions are really booming.
Andrew Swanson, vice president of MGMA Health Care Consulting Group headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, provided some insight as to why these jobs are growing at such a steady pace.
“Expanded coverage across the population is much of the reason,” he says, “in addition to the increased use of ‘extenders,’ or assistant-level positions that help health care employees provide and manage patient care.”
Afraid you don’t have the proper credentials for one of these jobs? Relax, the fields that are expanding cover a wide range of skill sets, licensing requirements and salaries. These 10 positions are expected to grow by at least 10,000 new jobs over the course of the next decade, according to information from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Dental assistant
What you’d do: Dental assistants help dentists take care of patients, often by taking X-rays, keeping records and scheduling appointments.
What you’d need: Some states require people in this position to go through an accredited position and pass an exam; other states have no requirements.
Why it’s growing: In general, there’s been a push for people to practice at the top of their licenses, Swanson says, referring to the concept of people spending most of their time working to the fullest extent of their education and training. Things that primary care providers, such as physicians and dentists, used to do in exams are now being done by assistants, which is driving demand at the assistant level.
What you’d make: $46,540 per year
Licensed practical nurse and licensed vocational nurse
What you’d do: LPNs and LVNs handle some basic nursing duties, such as taking vital signs of patients. They are often supervised by registered nurses or doctors.
What you’d need: People in this position must complete a state-approved program and get a license.
Why it’s growing: According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, demand in LPNs will rise as a result of new care models that require more caregivers. “All this work trickles down as physicians and surgeons are doing the work at the top of their license,” Swanson says.
What you’d make: $59,730 per year
Nursing assistant
What you’d do: Nursing assistants provide basic care for patients. They may work in hospitals or long-term-care facilities; they support primary caregivers.
What you’d need: You must complete a state-approved program and pass an exam to practice.
Why it’s growing: Increased demand across the nursing profession to provide more care to a larger population means growth in all areas, including nursing assistants. “Because of the boom in who has access to health care, we need more of these [assistants] to deal with more patients,” Swanson says.
What you’d make: $38,130 per year
Medical and health services manager
What you’d do: Medical and health services managers may manage a department or entire practice. They’re often responsible for spearheading changes in response to evolving legislation or regulation.
What you’d need: A bachelor’s degree is often required, while larger practices may require a master’s degree.
Why it’s growing: The Affordable Care Act means more people are insured, fueling a need for providers, so it follows that there’s growth in management as well.
What you’d make: $110,680 per year
Registered nurse
What you’d do: RNs provide and coordinate patient care in a variety of settings. While advanced degrees can help, experience often trumps degrees in many cases. Newly graduated nurses often have trouble finding that first job, but even a year’s experience can make a big difference, he says. Look at rural and underserved areas to get your start.
What you’d need: Most employers require an associate’s degree in nursing or a diploma from an approved nursing program. Some employers may require a bachelor’s degree in nursing. You’ll also need a license.
Why it’s growing: According to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, nurses will see expanded roles in preventive care and care coordination, leading to increased demand. “Health plans are rewarding systems for hiring nurses with bachelor’s degrees—it’s part of a bigger trend for better education for providers, which is driven by better reimbursements,” Swanson says.
What you’d make: $86,070 per year
Occupational therapy assistant
What you’d do: OT assistants help people recover and improve skills such as feeding themselves, getting dressed and other skills needed for living.
What you’d need: An associate degree is required, and most states require licenses as well.
Why it’s growing: As people live longer, they often need help living independently, and OT therapists help them keep their self-care skills strong. “There’s a bigger push for people to go into therapy as opposed to clinical treatment,” Swanson says. “All therapy is growing in leaps and bounds.”
What you’d make: $65,450 per year
Nurse practitioner
What you’d do: The scope of practice varies by state and institution, but nurse practitioners generally provide primary or specialty health care to patients. Often serving as physician extenders in outpatient settings, nurse practitioners can look for opportunities in telemedicine, as well as in underserved or rural areas.
What you’d need: The position requires a master’s degree, as well as a state license and national certification.
Why it’s growing: According to HRSA, the role of nurse practitioners is expected to grow as they are given wider responsibilities in response to a shortage of primary care providers.
What you’d make: $128,490 per year
Physician and surgeon
What you’d do: Physicians serve as primary care providers in a general practice setting or for specialties, such as oncology or cardiology. Surgeons perform surgery according to their specialty.
What you’d need: People in these positions need four years of undergraduate education, four years of medical school and then further training in their specialties.
Why it’s growing: Increased access to insurance coverage coupled with retirements are driving demand. In addition, as chronic disease rates grow and more people are diagnosed with complex cases of multiple diseases, the level of expertise must grow to treat it, Swanson says.
What you’d make: $239,200 per year
Personal care aide
What you’d do: Personal care aides may help people with caring for themselves and getting out in the community.
What you’d need: There are no formal education requirements, and training often comes on the job.
Why it’s growing: An aging population plus high turnover in the industry fuels demand for this position.
What you’d make: $33,530 per year
Medical secretary
What you’d do: Medical secretaries perform clerical tasks in medical offices. They may make appointments, file documents and support other staff.
What you’d need: Employment requirements may include an associate degree or higher, depending on the role.
Why it’s growing: “The medical secretary of today is not the medical secretary of 20 years ago,” Swanson says. “Today, they have to be multitaskers—part records-keeper, part front-desk person, part triage. Demand is booming for someone who has the skills.” A degree or experience in records management or customer service is a good start.
What you’d make: $43,380 per year
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