Healthcare careers are soaring in popularity and are expected to continue adding new positions at a rapid clip through the end of the decade.
The number of available healthcare and social assistance positions, from higher-level executive jobs to entry-level positions, is expected to increase by 2.6% annually, or by an additional 5 million jobs over the next 10 years. The projected increase may be related to the demand for more healthcare workers to assist the aging population, specifically Baby Boomers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
A January, 2015 study by U.S. News & World Report ranked the best jobs for people to consider based on six industry lists, including “Best Healthcare Jobs.” The rankings were compiled using a list of seven measurement criteria, including 10-year growth volume, 10-year growth percentage, median salary, job prospects, employment rate, stress level and work-life balance.
In compiling the best healthcare jobs, the publication looked at a variety of occupations, from practitioners, to support staff and personal care. Here are the 10 best jobs, as determined by U.S. News & World Report:
1 – Dentist: Dentists don’t just protect teeth. They can be on the frontline of detecting serious health issues such as diabetes, oral cancer and heart disease. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for dentists is $146,340, and it’s expected that 23,300 new dentist positions will be created through 2022.
2 – Nurse Practitioner: Nurse practitioners typically have an array of skills and can work independently or with a physician when administering care. Their median annual salary is approximately $93,000, and the BLS predicts 37,100 new jobs for these professionals through 2022.
3 – Physician: Physicians represent the penultimate job in healthcare as they diagnose, treat and advise patients to ensure long-term health. Their median annual salary is roughly $186,850 and the BLS expects 123,300 new jobs through 2022.
4 – Dental Hygienist: Hygienists provide more than dental cleanings. They educate and advise patients on the best way to maintain oral hygiene. The median salary for a dental hygienist is $71,110, although many can work part-time. In addition, the job market for hygienists is expected to increase by more than 33% through 2022, significantly faster than the national average job rate for all other occupations.
5 – Physical Therapist: Like dental hygienists, the projected job growth rate for physical therapists is much higher than the national average for all other occupations (36%). Physical therapists can work with a variety of patients, from supporting paralytics with mobility issues, to helping cancer survivors regain strength, to assisting athletes as they recover from injury. According to the BLS, physical therapists earn an average of $81,030 a year.
6 – Registered Nurse: RN’s help make up the foundation of a hospital or healthcare facility, which may answer why this career field is projected to grow 19% over the next decade. Registered nurses help provide quality patient care, perform diagnostic exams and administer medications and treatment plans, among other duties. According to the BLS, the 2013 median annual salary for a registered nurse was $66,220.
7 – Physician Assistant: Physician assistants typically work directly under a physician, helping interpret imaging and blood tests, conducting routine exams and documenting patient progress. Their 2013 median annual salary was $92,970, and BLS projections estimate more than 33,000 jobs will be added by 2022.
8 – Diagnostic Medical Sonographer: On average, sonographers earn $66,410 a year, according to the latest data from the BLS. In addition, this field is projected to grow by roughly 27,000 new jobs by 2022. Working as a sonographer typically suits individuals with a good social/technical balance. In addition to interacting with patients on a daily basis, diagnostic sonographers must master medical equipment to get the best, clear images, so the doctor can diagnose the patient.
9 – Occupational Therapist: Occupational therapists are hands-on with patients, helping with physical, mental and developmental disabilities so individuals can re-enter society. The 2013 median salary for occupational therapists was $76,940, and a 29% job growth rate is expected by 2022.
10 – Occupational Therapy Assistant: This is an in-demand position as occupational therapy assistants typically work side-by-side occupational therapists, assessing patient abilities and limitations and contributing to treatment care plans to help aging patients continue their quality of life. According to the BLS, the 2013 median salary for occupational therapy assistants was $55,270. Additionally, this field represents one of the largest expected job growth rates in the nation, with a projected 42.6% job growth, or 12,900 new jobs created by 2022.
From top to bottom, there’s no denying the increasing demand for skilled healthcare workers in the United States. Between a variety of career opportunities, job benefits, good salaries and solid work-life balances, it’s easy to see why these jobs fields are desirable and in such high demand.
