Despite what some pundits are staying, robots and automated technologies will not replace huge sectors of the labor market. Technology may contribute to a shift in needs, but as technology rapidly unfolds, new jobs are created and a well-trained workforce has never been more valuable. From innovations in medical technology to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, health care is a prime example of how better technology contributes to more jobs.
As a result of an ageing population and the development of better instrumentation to provide more precise and earlier medical diagnoses, additional trained nurses and technicians are needed to administer tests and consult with patients. In addition, better portable patient-monitoring technology allows for elderly patients to remain home instead of being placed in assisted living facilities. Highly-trained professionals are needed to perform home visits and work closely with primary healthcare providers to ensure a quality continuum of care.
For health professionals with a penchant for technology, careers in the IT industry and in instrumentation are opening up faster as the decade unfolds. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the field of nursing (including registered nurses, nurses with specialities and nurse practitioners) is growing at a much faster rate than the average pace of all other careers, and will continue to do so throughout the decade. It is expected that over 700,000 new jobs need to be filled to keep up with growing demands.
The BLS also reports that over 40,000 new medical technologists and technicians will be needed through at least 2020 as hospital and other healthcare facilities struggle to meet the demands of an aging population that is living longer and seeking more proactive healthcare solutions.
In addition to professionals interested in working directly with patients, a number of back office health care jobs are also in demand. Software engineers, systems experts and healthcare medical coders are among the many career opportunities growing alongside recent developments in technologies that support the health care industry. The BLS reports that in the field of health information technicians, growth is better than average with close to 40,000 new jobs expected before the decade ends. However, in order to be ready to seize new opportunities, top training is required.
The most convenient benefit about exploring new career opportunities in many of these fields is that reputable online programs exist to assist professionals in their career goals. Taught by industry leaders, online courses offer the expertise and the flexibility modern professionals need to reach the next level of professional development.
