Health Industry's Growth Expected to Draw Job Seekers of All Levels

Despite the lagging economy, the health care industry has remained relatively strong during the recent recession.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that health care added about 245,000 jobs from December 2008 to April 2010. From doctors to physical therapists to the wide-ranging nursing field, there is substantial demand for workers.

As a result, the  medical field is open to a variety of prospective employees at all levels of experience, including students just getting their certificates or degrees, those looking to change careers, and health care workers who may have left the industry for a time and want to return to the profession.

For those entering or re-entering the profession, taking time to research how the health care industry has expanded in recent years and continues to become more specialized is worth the effort. Major health facilities often post job openings with detailed descriptions and requirements on their websites. By reviewing posted jobs, someone new or starting out in the field can ascertain what kind of training they may need to qualify for available jobs.

For those returning to the medical field after an absence, becoming knowledgeable about how the industry is changing will provide an inside track on existing skills may fit new opportunities.

Large health facilities may have career fairs of their own, but they often participate in job fairs with other health care providers as well. At these events, potential health workers can find out specific duties, requirements and training for jobs in the field at various employers. By talking to representatives of various health care facilities, they also can learn how their skills -- and previous experience -- may match job openings. 

Shortages and public policy are creating new jobs

Nationwide, the shortage of primary care doctors, nurses and other health care workers  may be compounded by the universal health plan that will likely require even more workers. But for job seekers, the biggest problem may be choosing which area of health-related work fits best with their training, experience and specific interests.

The addition of an estimated 30 million people to the country's medical plans can only translate into additional need for workers in this field and more opportunities than ever before. The Association of American Medical Colleges predicts a primary care physician shortage of 46,000 by 2025, and if universal health care is passed, the physician shortage would increase by 25 percent, according to the Wall Street Journal.

But that increases the need for health care workers who are doing many of the tasks that previously were performed by primary care physicians during patient exams and other medical visits. Development of "medical home" teams of primary care doctors with physician assistants, nurse practitioners and other health workers is gaining momentum.

In addition, related health occupations -- dentists, pharmacists and social workers -- also will grow as the industry expands.

According to the BLS, the health care industry now has 14 million workers -- 13.6 million working in health facilities and about 400,000 self-employed. Through 2016, an additional 3 million jobs are expected to be added to this sector, more than in any other industry. The growth rate in the coming decade is projected by the BLS to be twice that of all industries combined.

Earnings vary widely, but are generally ahead of other fields

Not only are the jobs there, but they often require certificate programs and associate degrees that take considerably less time than four years of college. That means less expense for training, and a quicker entry into the field to earn a paycheck.

The most recently updated BLS figures show registered nurses earning $25 to $28 an hour, and licensed practical and vocational nurses earning $16 to $18 an hour. By comparison, medical assistants earn about $11 to $13 an hour, while nursing aides and home health care aides average $9 to $11 an hour.

Two of the fastest growing segments of health care work are for physical therapy assistants and aides and for physician assistants, at projected employment growth of 29 percent and 27 percent, respectively.

Earnings for these careers are higher than for many health workers. The BLS places the earnings of physical therapy assistants at $39,000 to $46,000 and from $21,000 to $24,000 for therapy aides. Therapy assistants typically have an associate degree, and aides often can be trained on the job.

According to the American Academy of Physician Assistants, median income for physician assistants ranged from about $69,000 to $80,000 in 2006. These jobs require an associate degree, plus licensing and additional certification for specialties.

Beyond those working with patients, there are thousands of jobs in health care that require administrative workers to keep medical records and run offices for health care organizations. In large hospitals, there also is a need for non-health workers, such as staff for cafeterias and other services.

The prospective health care worker has a variety of work settings in which to ply their trade -- from large medical centers to physician's offices. With such competition to attract qualified workers, the choices for the job seeker are abundant.

Where on-the-job training or continuing education may be required for the employee to continue to progress in the field, however, the greatest opportunities will be found in large health facilities that can support training programs. Some hospitals also provide tuition assistance if the employee agrees to work for their facilities for a specified period of time, according to the BLS.

Beyond the considerations of job growth and salary levels, however, the health care industry is a hands-on field that requires the highest degree of "people skills" from those who want to thrive in their workplace. Wanting to help others, having a sincere concern for patients and dealing effectively with a diverse number of people and situations are qualities that prospective employees in health care need to succeed in this expansive -- and expanding -- work force.