As the average age of the American population continues to increase, so does the need for healthcare providers. Though the demand for skilled workers in most healthcare professions is expected to rise in coming years, there are three specific jobs where demand is expected to be quite high in 2013 as well as into the future. These three professions would make an ideal career choice for those interested in working in the medical field.
While there is a strong demand for physicians in all areas, doctors interested in working as a general practitioner in a family practice can expect high demand for his or her services. This high demand is partially due to many doctors choosing to work in specialized areas instead of a general family practice. Unlike a specialist, a general practitioner works in all areas of medicine depending on patient need. From setting broken bones and treating depression to making referrals to specialists in other fields, a general practitioner is the often the primary provider of medical care to most people. Family practitioners earn about $85 per hour or about $177,000 per year.
Another healthcare career in high demand is registered nurse. This demand is fueled by a number of factors including a general increase in healthcare needs, a general shortage of doctors and the growing expertise of registered nurses. As registered nurses provide a number of important healthcare services such as dispensing medications, providing injections and overseeing patient medical records, nurses are needed at many levels of healthcare services from working in surgical services to home health. Registered nurses generally earn just over $30 per hour or about $65,000 per year.
Another healthcare profession expected to experience a large increase in demand in 2013 and coming years is home health aide. Home health aides work to provide personal and medical care to patients in the patient’s home. For example, a home health aide may assist a patient with bathing, provide medications or change bandages. With additional training, a home health aide may also help the patient to properly use medical devices. Home health aides work for a number of employers from local hospitals and hospices to government agencies. Home health aides generally earn about $10 an hour or about $20,000 per year. However, higher levels of pay can be earned with experience and additional education and training.
Recent government legislation, such as the Affordable Care Act, is expected to increase the number of Americans with health insurance. As the number of people with health insurance rises, the demand for healthcare professionals at all levels will further increase. For those interested in a career in the healthcare industry, the positions of family practitioner, registered nurse or home health aide are three of the best of many possible great career choices.
