Working in the healthcare industry has always been a popular career choice. Healthcare is typically a broad term that is used to talk about careers that provide health services to people who need them. Working in the healthcare industry is becoming even more popular and we expect to see this continue to increase throughout 2020.
In 2007, the healthcare-sector helped the U.S. economy recover from the financial crisis. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, between 2006 and 2016 the health sector increased 7% faster than the rest of the economy. Between 2016 and 2026, it’s predicted that:
- The rate of growth in this sector will decrease slightly
- This rate will still be much higher than the rest of the economy
- Health care jobs will grow at three times the rate of the rest of the economy
- Over 11.6 million health care workers will be needed to fill new positions or replace workers who leave the profession or retire
Over the last few years, we’ve seen a rise in the number of people applying to train to work in this sector. There are lots of reasons why people consider working in the healthcare industry including:
- The pay and benefits
- The progression opportunities
- It is such a rewarding career choice
- The chance to make a difference
Here are some of the main reasons why working in the healthcare industry is so popular:
The Healthcare Industry is Growing at an Incredibly Fast Rate
The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics believes that the healthcare industry will grow exponentially during 2020. Currently out of the 20 fastest-growing careers in the U.S., eight of them are in the healthcare industry. These include:
- Home health aides
- Nurse practitioners
- Physician assistants
- Occupational therapy assistants
- Physical therapist assistants and aides
- Medical assistants
- Genetic consultants
- Personal care aides
While many careers are reducing their number of positions, the healthcare industry continues to grow. This has led to thousands of professionals changing careers and finding new roles in this industry.
Many people choose to change careers later in life. If you’re thinking about changing to a new career then why not consider completing one of these online accelerated BSN programs from Baylor University? This program will teach you all you need to know about becoming a nurse.
The Pay Has Increased and the Benefits Have Improved
The U.S. is currently experiencing a shortage of skilled workers in the healthcare industry. This is because:
- The population is getting older
- People are living longer than ever before
- The population is getting bigger
- Healthcare is easier to access
- The Baby-Boomer population is reaching retirement age
- Medical professionals are retiring
- Some medical professionals are changing careers
The shortage of healthcare professionals has led to health care providers increasing employee wages and offering them better benefits in order to retain them.
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics has said that admin jobs in the healthcare industry offer a salary of approximately $85,000 per annum. But if you’re interested in an even higher-paying career then a role as a neurosurgeon might be worth considering. Neurosurgeons can earn an average of $609,639 per year.
No Two Days Are Ever the Same
In most cases, our work environments are usually uneventful and boring. Roles in health care are completely the opposite, in fact, you’re unlikely to ever have two days that are the same. Health professionals can look forward to:
- A fast-paced work environment
- A constantly changing atmosphere
- A sense of fulfillment when they’re at work
- Facing new challenges on a daily basis
- Meeting lots of new people
- Working alongside a range of other health professionals
The Career Opportunities Are Endless
The career opportunities in the healthcare industry are endless and they will continue to change and evolve as new technology and new medicines are introduced.
Working your way up from the bottom will allow you to see where you want to focus your attention. You may choose to complete a specialized degree in pediatrics or you may want to specialize in diabetes care. Whatever you choose there will be career progression opportunities available to you. Many people change their mind a number of times before choosing their final career. Some hospitals may even allow you to train in a number of fields.
You Can Travel
Medical professionals are needed in every country around the world. Your career may start in America, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t travel once you’re qualified. You could choose to work in a developing community or travel to a large city in another part of the world. The opportunity to travel the world while working is one of the main reasons people choose a career in the healthcare industry.
You Can Have Flexible Hours
Most healthcare providers are open to patients whenever they need it. These companies need to make sure that they employ enough workers to offer these services safely. Because of the number of staff these providers employ, most healthcare professionals are able to choose what hours they want to work. Many of them choose not to work 9-5 and instead choose the hours to suit their personal lives and to create a better work-life balance.
It’s Rewarding
There are very few other careers that are as rewarding as working in the healthcare industry. The desire to take care of other people is one of the main reasons why people choose to start a career in this industry.
You get the opportunity to help others while also earning a good living. It doesn’t matter which role you choose; they’re all needed to make sure patients get the care they deserve and need. This is one of the main reasons why so many people are choosing a career in the healthcare industry.
There are lots of benefits to working in the healthcare industry. Whether you take on a role as a surgeon, an anesthetist, or an administrator, there are a number of benefits that come with working in these positions. From the high salaries you could earn and the positive job outlook to the chance to do something good, make a difference and have a better work-life balance, you certainly won’t find anything better than working in the healthcare industry.