With new healthcare legislation and an aging baby boomer population, the need for healthcare professionals is stronger today than it has ever been before. A newfound importance has been placed on preventative care, and the country needs to find a way to meet this new demand. That in part is why the health services industry is booming unlike any other time in history.
Every current or soon-to-be student should recognize this and examine their options as they plan for their future. With a bright job outlook and extraordinary benefits, obtaining a degree and pursuing a career in the health sector could be the best move you ever make!
Booming Health Services: Job Outlook
In conjunction with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. News & World Report recently ranked the best health care jobs in America. The list is based in part on the most occupational growth expected among professions. The top 10 best health care jobs include:
- Dentist
- Nurse Practitioner
- Pharmacist
- Registered Nurse
- Physical Therapist
- Physician
- Dental Hygienist
- Physician Assistant
- Occupational Therapist
- Phlebotomist
Dentistry is one of the few professions that are never without work. According to the BLS, dentistry is expected to add over 23,000 jobs by the year 2022. And with an average salary above $160,000, it’s easy to see why dentistry tops the list.
Other numbers to consider when looking at the booming health services job outlook include:
- There are expected to be more than 37,000 nurse practitioner jobs by 2022
- Employment of registered nurses is expected to grow by 19.4% by 2022
- Employment of physical therapists is expected to grow by 36% by 2022
- A total of 123,000 new openings for physicians is forecasted by 2022
As you can see, the need for trained and educated healthcare professionals is expected to skyrocket across the board in the coming years. If you’re considering attending one of the many medical schools at home or abroad, there’s no better time than the present!