Jobs in healthcare are projected to grow by 15% in the next decade. If you’re thinking that just means a horde of newly-minted doctors joining the field, though, then you’ll need to think again. The range of healthcare occupations is expanding, and this guide will help you understand how the industry is likely to evolve in the near future.
Expected Healthcare Trends
Technological progression is going to play an important role in the evolution of healthcare professions. You can already see areas where IT and healthcare intersect today, like Health Informatics. Also known as health information systems, this specialty involves the organization and analysis of patient health records through digital means.
As many health organizations transition away from paper records, jobs like “health information technician” and “clinical informaticist” are going to become even more critical in improving health outcomes. Similarly, the rise of tools like healthcare chatbots will necessitate a greater number of savvy developers interested in health fields.
You can expect similar changes in other branches of the healthcare trade as well — new technologies are developed, and the ability to use those technologies increases in demand. Technological advancement isn’t the only trend set to transform the healthcare industry, though. You’ll also be seeing a rise in demand for skilled healthcare administrators.
Employment for medical and health services managers should grow by 32% over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, so this is an area that prospective job seekers will want to start preparing for now. Healthcare management will be critical in helping organizations navigate the many changes on the horizon, so expect roles in this niche to stay relevant even as healthcare evolves.
Another area where healthcare will continue to evolve is disaster response. Climate change continues to impact conditions globally, intensifying the effects of catastrophic events like hurricanes, wildfires, droughts, and the like. This will increase the need for emergency healthcare responses wherever disaster strikes, and so, health workers who are trained for and willing to travel to these areas will also be in high demand.
Finally, with all the trends sweeping healthcare, the very nature of recruitment and staffing will see some changes as well. Contract, temporary, and “gig” roles will see an increase in healthcare organizations, as will recruitment through nonstandard means. In addition to placement through traditional healthcare staffing firms, you’ll also want to keep your eye on social media to stay abreast of the latest job openings.
Healthcare Jobs to Watch
Now that you understand the trends that will be affecting healthcare trades in the coming years, the list of growing occupations should come as no surprise. Expect the following jobs to grow in demand over the next 10 years.
Athletic Trainers
Trainers specialize in helping people treat and prevent injuries that stem from physical activity. As people (particularly older ones) become more focused on improving their fitness and well-being, the demand for athletic trainers is expected to grow. You’ll be able to find work as a trainer at most schools, in addition to hospitals, fitness centers, and sports teams.
Home Health Aides
The aging population will also fuel the need for more at-home healthcare services. Home health aides provide basic health services for individuals confined to their residences, and may also assist with housekeeping tasks, shopping, running errands, and other essentials that a patient with impaired physical abilities may require assistance with.
Health IT Specialists
You can find IT specialists in almost every industry, and healthcare is no exception. Within the context of healthcare organizations, IT specialists are often responsible for helping maintain electronic health records and other digitized patient data. They might also assist with health data analytics and reporting. You’ll find such roles present in just about every kind of health facility imaginable — from small physician offices up to the largest hospitals.
Medical Assistants
As the population ages, there will be an increased demand for physicians and preventative healthcare. As physicians become busier, they will need help keeping up with their increased administrative duties, which is where medical assistants enter the picture. These workers handle a range of routine office duties and will be key players in helping local healthcare facilities accommodate greater demand.
Genetic Counselors
Advances in the understanding of DNA enables professionals to analyze genetic material for abnormalities and potential risk factors. Genetic counselors will stand at the forefront of assessing both individual and family risk for inherited conditions and genetic disorders, working in hospitals, laboratories, and even physician offices.
Telemedicine Practitioners
Technology will continue to improve the ability of healthcare professionals to apply their talents remotely, fueling the rise of telemedicine nurses and surgeons. These roles will function similarly to their traditional counterparts, with the main difference being the vast distances between practitioner and patient.
Virtual Healthcare Manager
Just as with practicing medicine, the role of managing healthcare facilities will also incorporate more remote elements in the coming years. Through a combination of telepresence and advanced software, we may see the emergence of hospitals with only minimal administrative roles in their physical location.
Key Takeaways
While these are just some of the healthcare jobs that will be in high demand over the next decade, the trends sweeping the industry are clear.
Technology, remote systems, and increased demand for administrative acumen are going to shape healthcare for years to come.
By prioritizing these skills, you’ll be putting yourself ahead of the curve when it comes to securing one of the many healthcare professions of the future.
