This paper surveys the most promising career paths in the healthcare industry, drawing on data from the American Medical Association, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and other authoritative sources. It examines projected growth rates, educational requirements, and median salaries across a broad range of fields—including occupational therapy, physical therapy, home health care, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, dentistry, nursing, and health information systems. The paper also considers ancillary roles within each field and concludes with general guidance on professional advancement. It is useful for students and advisors evaluating healthcare career options.
The American Medical Association (AMA, 2011) lists more than eighty careers in the healthcare industry. All Health Care (2011) points out that ten of the twenty fastest-growing occupations are in healthcare fields. The fifteen most promising jobs in the healthcare industry include home health aides, medical scientists, physician assistants, athletic trainers, dental assistants, dental hygienists, veterinary technicians, physical therapy assistants, medical assistants, veterinarians, physical therapists, occupational therapy assistants, radiation therapists, occupational therapists, and surgical technologists (All Health Care, 2011). However, nursing, pharmacy, psychology, dentistry, counseling, gerontology, and health information systems also remain growing fields in the healthcare sector.
Occupational therapy and related professions address the needs of patients who require assistance with daily living. Occupational therapists help patients with physical, mental, emotional, or developmental disorders who would otherwise struggle with living independently. Projected growth in the occupational therapy field is over 26%, and the median wage earned by occupational therapists is $66,700. Occupational therapy assistants help occupational therapists in their work. Whereas an occupational therapy assistant requires only an associate's degree, an occupational therapist requires a post-baccalaureate degree (All Health Care, 2011).
Physical therapists are required in a number of different healthcare organizations and treat a wide range of patients. Physical therapy is a distinct field of study, and licensed physical therapists must hold post-baccalaureate degrees. The estimated growth in the field of physical therapy is over 30%, and the median wage is quite high at $72,790 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2011).
Home health care is one of the fastest-growing fields in the healthcare industry. A home health aide does not need a college degree or any formal education, as "they usually are trained on the job by registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, experienced aides, or their supervisor" (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2011). Home health aides provide a minimum of direct medical care but do attend to the daily living needs of clients, such as cooking, cleaning, and health monitoring.
Home health care is closely related to careers in long-term care and gerontology. The gerontology field focuses on senior patient populations and their attendant occupational as well as medical needs. Careers in gerontology range from those in the research sector to those in nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and pharmacology.
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