There are many reasons why healthcare is a great field to work in. The truth is that healthcare is a stable industry with above average wages and generous benefits offered for most full-time positions. Jobs in healthcare are seemingly perpetually in demand now, so you’ll be likely to have several attractive job possibilities by the time you graduate. Though it can be competitive and expensive to earn the academic credentials you’ll need to pursue certain medical careers, there are more accessible ways to work in medicine than most people realize. If you want to find out more, read on for details about three in-demand healthcare jobs and what they entail.
1. Nurse Practitioners
There is no doubt that nurses are in high demand in the healthcare industry right now. This is because nurses play a critical role in the delivery of quality healthcare. They work in a wide variety of healthcare settings, and they are responsible for providing care to patients of all ages. Nurses also play an important role in the education and training of other healthcare professionals. The growing demand for trained nurses and rampant understaffing at many hospitals has made travel nursing a lucrative option for those who can handle the lifestyle. Resources like Fusion Marketplace travel nursing jobs make it simpler than ever to find and apply for the travel assignments you want.
Nursing is generally considered to be a meaningful career with reliable job security and an above average median wage. The average salary for a nurse practitioner is $123,780, though it can vary depending on which state you live and work in. Job growth in the industry is projected to be much faster than the national average over the next decade, so you can rest assured that your skills will be desperately needed for the foreseeable future.
2. Medical Assistant
Medical assistants are a vital part of any healthcare team, and their steady job market is a testament to that. To become a medical assistant, you just need to complete a medical assisting program. Medical assistants don’t need a lot of training, which is another reason why their job market is so strong. Most medical assistant programs only take a year or less to complete, and vocational schools and community colleges usually offer them. If you’re looking for a stable, in-demand healthcare career, medical assistant is definitely a job you should consider.
3. Neurologist
A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the nervous system. This includes diseases of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Neurologists may also treat conditions such as migraine headaches, multiple sclerosis, and seizures. To become a neurologist, a doctor must complete a four-year residency in neurology after completing medical school. Neurology is a highly specialized field, so many neurologists also complete additional training in one or more subspecialties, such as neurosurgery, neuroradiology, or electromyography.
By 2025, the current neurologist shortage in the United States is expected to worsen considerably. This ongoing lack of qualified neurologists is a critical issue that must be addressed. The pressure of student debt has made many young medical students prioritize their earnings rather than their clinical interests, and low reimbursement rates have plagued neurology for years. People often suggest increasing the number of residency slots for neurology, but compensation must be addressed as well. Improving rates and looking for ways to offer financial incentives to neurologists are more likely to be effective tactics than just adding slots.
Healthcare is a rapidly changing field and employees need to keep up with the latest advances in clinical research. They work with patients in a hands-on setting in many instances and are tasked with stepping up to diagnose and treat some of the most complex illnesses in the world. This is an immensely difficult challenge but it is also rewarding work. There are hundreds of different healthcare jobs and there is a shortage of qualified medical professionals in many parts of the country right now, so it’s likely that you can find steady and reliable employment that is related to your personal and professional interests.
