As the healthcare industry continues to grow and evolve, healthcare careers are becoming more varied and in-demand than ever before. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare occupations are projected to add more jobs than any other occupational group between 2020 and 2030, with a projected growth rate of 15% over the decade. In this blog post, we will explore the top healthcare careers in high demand for 2023 and beyond.
Top 5 Fastest Growing Healthcare Careers
Home Health Aide: Home health aides are healthcare professionals who provide in-home personal care and assistance to patients who are unable to care for themselves due to age, illness, or disability.
The demand for home health aides is expected to increase significantly as the population ages. As people live longer, the need for in-home care services is expected to rise, especially as individuals prefer to receive care in the comfort of their own homes rather than in a hospital or other institutional setting.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of home health aides is projected to grow 34% from 2020 to 2030, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to the aging baby boomer population and the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, which require ongoing care and assistance.
Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of in-home care services, as many individuals prefer to avoid hospitals and other medical settings.
In terms of education and training, home health aides typically do not require a formal education, but they must complete a training program and pass a competency exam in their state to work for a Medicare-certified home health agency. The training program covers topics such as basic caregiving skills, communication, and infection control.
Home health aides typically earn around $25,280 per year. However, this varies depending on factors such as location, experience, and employer.
Overall, home health aide is a rewarding career in the healthcare industry that offers job security and a fulfilling work environment, especially for individuals who are passionate about helping others and making a positive impact in their communities.
Physician Assistant: Physician assistants (PAs) are healthcare professionals who work in collaboration with physicians to provide patient care services. They are trained to perform a wide range of tasks, including taking medical histories, conducting physical exams, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, and assisting in surgery.
The projected job growth rate for this career is 31% between 2020 and 2030. This growth is driven by several factors, including an aging population that requires more medical care and a growing emphasis on preventive care and chronic disease management.
The high demand for physician assistants is also reflected in their earning potential. According to the same Bureau of Labor Statistics report, the median annual wage for physician assistants was $118,800 as of May 2020, with the highest 10% earning more than $164,210.
To become a physician assistant, you typically need a master’s degree from an accredited physician assistant program. These programs usually take about two years to complete and include both classroom instruction and clinical rotations. After completing their education, physician assistants must also pass a national certification exam and obtain a license to practice in their state.
In summary, physician assistants are an essential part of the healthcare team, and the high demand for their services makes this career an excellent choice for individuals looking to enter the healthcare field. With competitive salaries, a projected job growth rate of 31%, and a relatively short educational path, becoming a physician assistant can be a rewarding and lucrative career choice.
Physical Therapist: Physical therapy is a crucial part of healthcare that helps patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities regain their strength, mobility, and range of motion. Physical therapists work with patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, to develop individualized treatment plans that help them reach their physical goals and manage pain.
Physical therapists, also called Physiotherapists use various techniques, exercises, and modalities to help their patients, including manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and equipment such as weights and resistance bands. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, and private practices.
The projected job growth rate for physical therapists is 25% between 2020 and 2030.
In addition to a high demand for physical therapists, the career also offers competitive salaries and job stability. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for physical therapists in 2020 was $91,010, with the top 10% earning more than $128,630 per year. Physical therapy is also a rewarding career that allows professionals to make a positive impact on their patients’ lives.
To become a physical therapist, individuals must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program and obtain a license in their state of practice. Additionally, physical therapists must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as they work closely with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals. They must also be physically fit and able to assist patients with movements and exercises as needed.
Medical and Health Services Manager:
Medical and health services managers play a critical role in healthcare by overseeing the administrative and business aspects of healthcare organizations. They work to ensure that healthcare facilities operate efficiently, effectively, and within budget while also delivering high-quality patient care.
These professionals are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of healthcare facilities, including hiring and training staff, developing and implementing policies and procedures, managing finances, and ensuring compliance with regulations and laws. They work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians and nurses, to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.
The projected job growth rate for medical and health services managers is expected to be 32% between 2020 and 2030. The demand for these professionals is being driven by several factors, including an aging population, advances in medical technology, and changes in healthcare regulations.
To pursue a career in medical and health services management, individuals typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in healthcare administration, public health, or a related field. In addition to formal education, relevant work experience and professional certifications, such as the Certified Medical Manager (CMM) or Certified Healthcare Executive (CHE), can help individuals stand out in this competitive field.
The median annual wage for medical and health services managers was $104,280 in May 2020, with the top 10% earning more than $195,630. While salaries may vary depending on factors such as education, experience, and location, medical and health services managers are well-compensated for their critical role in healthcare organizations.
In summary, medical and health services management is an important and rewarding career path in the healthcare industry. With a projected job growth rate of 32% between 2020 and 2030, there are numerous opportunities for individuals interested in pursuing this career to make a positive impact on the healthcare system while also advancing their professional and financial goals.
Registered Nurse:
Registered Nurses (RNs) are healthcare professionals who provide direct patient care and support to individuals, families, and communities. They work in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, schools, and community health centers, and may specialize in areas such as pediatrics, emergency care, critical care, and mental health.
In addition to providing patient care, RNs are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including assessing patient needs, developing care plans, administering medication and treatments, educating patients and families about healthcare and illness prevention, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.
The job growth rate for Registered Nurses is projected to be 12% between 2020 and 2030. This growth is being driven by a number of factors, including the increase in chronic diseases, and advances in medical technology that require specialized nursing care.
To become a Registered Nurse, individuals typically need to complete a nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Nursing programs can be found at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree levels, and may take two to four years to complete depending on the program.
In addition to formal education and licensure, RNs need a variety of skills to be successful in their roles. These include critical thinking, communication, empathy, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills. Many RNs also pursue additional certifications or advanced degrees to specialize in a particular area of nursing or to advance their careers.
The median annual wage for Registered Nurses was $75,330 in May 2020, with the top 10% earning more than $116,230. Salaries may vary depending on factors such as education, experience, and location, but RNs are generally well-compensated for their important role in the healthcare system.
Overall, Registered Nursing is a highly rewarding and in-demand career path in the healthcare industry, with a strong job outlook and opportunities for career advancement and specialization.
Best Profession in 2023
While it’s difficult to predict the best profession in 2023, healthcare careers are likely to continue to be in high demand. Among the top healthcare careers, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and physical therapists are projected to be among the most fastest-growing professions in the coming years.
Most In-Demand Healthcare Job
Nurses, particularly registered nurses, are among the most in-demand healthcare jobs over the years. With a projected job growth rate of 12% between 2020 and 2030, registered nurses are expected to add over 221,900 new jobs to the healthcare industry. The demand for nurses is driven by the aging baby boomer population and the increased need for healthcare services.
Fastest Growing Healthcare Career Today
Home health aides are currently the fastest-growing healthcare career, with a projected job growth rate of 34% between 2020 and 2030. This growth is driven by the increasing number of elderly individuals who prefer to receive care in their homes rather than in a healthcare facility.
Skills in High Demand for 2023
As healthcare technology continues to advance, healthcare careers that involve data analysis and technology will be in high demand. Additionally, soft skills such as communication, empathy, and problem-solving are essential for healthcare professionals to provide high-quality patient care.
Healthcare Field that Makes the Most Money
Physicians, particularly those in specialized fields such as orthopedics, cardiology, and gastroenterology, are among the highest-paid healthcare professionals. However, other healthcare careers such as nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants also have high earning potential.
Health Career with the Most Unfilled Job Opportunities
According to a recent report from the Association of American Medical Colleges, the healthcare industry is expected to experience a shortage of up to 139,000 physicians by 2033. This shortage is particularly acute in primary care, psychiatry, and surgical subspecialties.
Conclusion
In conclusion, healthcare careers are a growing and dynamic field with numerous opportunities for career growth and development. Among the top healthcare careers in high demand for 2023 and beyond are home health aides, physician assistants, physical therapists, medical and health services managers, and registered nurses. Nurses are currently the most in-demand healthcare job, and home health aides are the fastest-growing healthcare career.
In the coming years, healthcare professionals with skills in data analysis and technology, as well as soft skills such as communication and empathy, will be in high demand. Physicians in specialized fields have the highest earning potential, but other healthcare careers such as nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants also offer high salaries.
Finally, the healthcare industry is facing a shortage of physicians in primary care, psychiatry, and surgical subspecialties. This shortage highlights the need for increased investment in healthcare education and training to ensure that the demand for healthcare services can be met in the coming years.
A career in healthcare offers numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth, and the top healthcare careers in high demand for 2023 and beyond are well-suited for individuals who are passionate about helping others and making a positive impact in their communities.
