Certain roles are becoming more and more important as the healthcare sector develops and grows in order to fulfill the population’s increasing expectations. Knowing which positions in healthcare are in high demand and what credentials are necessary to pursue these fulfilling careers is crucial if you’re thinking about pursuing one.
In 2023, we will explore several high-demand healthcare positions, along with their respective job descriptions and educational requirements.
Best Practices for Healthcare Jobs
Ranking the top healthcare positions requires an impartial technique, helping you decide where to invest your time and money based on these criteria.
- Unemployment rate: An area with a low unemployment rate has a strong need for professionals. As a result, there are more job chances.
- Median Salary: Jobs with competitive salaries and benefits are likely to attract more candidates and may indicate higher demand.
- Job Prospects: It’s crucial to consider future job prospects because demand is ever-changing.
- Industry Surveys and Reports: Industry surveys and reports that rank healthcare professions based on factors like job satisfaction, work-life balance, growth opportunities, and advancement potential.
- Educational requirements: Jobs with higher educational requirements may have a lower supply of qualified professionals, making them potentially higher in demand.
Healthcare Jobs in Demand
Physician Assistant (PA)
An individual who works as part of a larger team of healthcare professionals under a licensed physician is known as a physician assistant or a physician associate.
Physician assistants work under the supervision of physicians, diagnosing and treating illnesses, performing physical exams, ordering tests, and assisting in surgeries.
In certain states, PAs have the ability to treat patients independently of a medical physician.
Becoming a PA requires one to complete a Master’s degree from an accredited physician assistant program. They must also pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) to obtain their license.
PAs earn a median salary of $121,530 and employment of PAs is projected to grow 28 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
There are many opportunities to find work as a physician associate due to the number of openings available.
Medical and Health Services Manager
They work in hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care institutions, and more, and they oversee the daily operations of healthcare facilities.
To become a healthcare administrator, a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration or a related field is typically required. Many employers prefer candidates with prior experience in healthcare management.
The median salary for this profession was $101,340 in May 2021.
About 56,600 openings for medical and health services managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade according to the bureau of labor statistics.
Physician
A medical professional who practices medicine, which is concerned with promoting, maintaining, or restoring health through the study, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of disease, injury, and other physical and mental impairments, is known as a physician, medical doctor, or simply doctor.
Doctors of osteopathic medicine (DO) and medical doctors (MD) are the two main categories of physicians. The body’s musculoskeletal system, preventative medicine, and holistic patient care are all areas that DOs concentrate on in addition to the same therapeutic techniques, such as medicines and surgery.
Both clinical and nonclinical environments are places where physicians work. Hospitals and doctor’s offices are examples of clinical environments; government departments, charities, and insurance firms are examples of nonclinical settings.
Physicians frequently earn a median salary of $208,000, which is competitive. With a 0.3% unemployment rate and great demand, there are many options for qualified physicians to obtain employment. As a result, doctors have very high job security.
However, before receiving their medical degrees, doctors train for several years as interns or residents. They must finish a four-year undergraduate program, four years of medical school, and three to seven years of residency training to gain knowledge in the specialty they have chosen.
Nurse Practitioner
A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse who has completed additional education and training beyond that of a registered nurse (RN).
NPs are healthcare professionals who, like physician assistants (PAs), can examine patients, order diagnostic tests, diagnose ailments, and administer therapy under the supervision of a physician. They are also permitted to work independently of a doctor in several states.
They work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, physicians’ offices, and clinics. Most advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) work full time.
Related: Levels of Nursing
NPs must earn at least a master’s degree in one of the APRN roles. They must also be licensed in their state and pass a national certification exam.
Average median salary is $123,780
Dentist
A dentist is an oral health expert who identifies and cares for problems with gums, teeth, and other oral tissues. They also educate patients and perform restorative procedures such as fillings and crowns.
Some dentists run their own business and employ just one or two people. In their practices, other dentists have partners, whereas others work for reputable dental practices as associate dentist.
- An undergraduate degree
- Pass the Dental Admission Test
- Pass the Integrated National Board Dental Examination
- Obtain a state-specific license.
Average median salary is around $163,220,
Overall employment of dentists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031.
Nurse Anesthetists
A nurse anesthetist specializes in anesthesia and related services. They frequently assist doctors and surgeons in administering anesthesia, monitoring vital signs, and overseeing patient recovery.
Nurse Anesthetists can work in outpatient care centers, general medical and surgical hospitals, offices of other health practitioners, colleges, universities, and other professional schools.
You need a bachelor’s degree and a registered nurse licensure. One must also have a minimum of one year of experience in a critical care setting, and also need to complete an accredited graduate-level nurse anesthesia program.
Average median salary is $123.780.
Physical Therapist Aide
Physical therapists receive indirect patient assistance from physical therapy aides, who handle more administrative aspects of physical therapy. They frequently organize appointments, transport patients, and set up equipment.
They work in physical therapist offices and hospitals.
Physical therapist aides usually need a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training to become one.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be a 24% rise in jobs in the sector, therefore there will be many options to obtain employment.
Registered Nurse
Registered nurses have a high demand as a profession because they are always relevant in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care institutions.
RNs provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions.
To become an RN, you typically need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, although an Associate Degree in Nursing might be sufficient for some entry-level positions. After completing the education, you must pass the NCLEX-RN.
The median annual wage for registered nurses was $77,600 in May 2021.
Optometrist
An optometrist provides medical therapy for eye diseases. They diagnose vision problems and frequently recommend eyeglasses or contact lenses to improve visual acuity. Additionally, optometrists can treat diseases like glaucoma and refractive problems or offer vision therapy.
They work in offices or in optical goods stores.
To become an optometrist, individuals must first obtain a bachelor’s degree. They need to take and pass the Optometry Admission Test before enrolling in a 4-year optometry school. Afterward, they must pass additional exams and meet licensing requirements.
Report from the U.S bureau of labor statistics puts the annual median salary at $124,300.
Conclusion: The healthcare industry is ever evolving, with certain jobs standing out due to high demand. Pursuing a career in these in-demand healthcare roles can offer a fulfilling and rewarding path for aspiring healthcare professionals.
