As the US economy has recovered from the 2008 crash, one sector that has shown an impressive growth rate is the healthcare industry. The number of available healthcare jobs has been growing year on year, as new technology, an ageing population, and legislative healthcare changes all take an effect. The range of healthcare careers is huge and extends far beyond the obvious choices of becoming a physician or surgeon, both of which require years of expensive training.
To help to get a clearer idea of which healthcare career path you would like to take, here is a brief guide to some of the most popular healthcare options.
Registered nursing
Registered nurses are one of the most in-demand groups of healthcare professionals in the US, and the registered nursing sector is predicted to continue to grow by 19 percent by 2021. So, there will be ample opportunities to become a registered nurse in the future. And training to become a registered nurse has never been easier to access. There are nursing schools in Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin and the rest of the US, and whether you are planning to study in Milwaukee or Manchester, you should be able to find a good college in your state.
Physical therapy
Physical therapists enjoy a wide variety in their work, and the demand for physical therapists is currently exceeding the available supply. The job of the physical therapist is to work with a range of patients, from the elderly to the disabled, helping them to cope with pain, to recover from treatment, or to help them improve their strength and become more self-reliant. It’s a rewarding and challenging career, and a good option if you want advanced medical training but don’t want to be a physician.
Medical assistants
Medical assistants carry out a variety of administrative or clinical functions in a number of different work settings, from dental practices to specialist clinics. In a sense, medical assistants are the backbone of the healthcare industry, providing support for medical staff, and enabling the smooth running of the medical side of any healthcare facility.
Pharmacy technician
The role of a pharmacy technician is to support the work of pharmacists in providing drugs and other healthcare products to patients. Technicians are a vital part of any pharmacy and carry out administrative and logistical tasks, though the precise list of responsibilities will vary from state to state. One of the advantages of this role is that there are few official qualification requirements, and many employers offer on-the-job training, making this an ideal option if you are concerned about your level of qualification.
Healthcare administrator
The continuing changes to healthcare legislation have created an increase in demand for healthcare administrators, who handle the difficult task of overseeing the budgets and personnel matters of a healthcare facility. This is a demanding but rewarding role that requires a range of skills, however, it does not demand medical qualifications and can be financially very attractive.
Conclusion
There has never been a better time to consider a healthcare career in the US. While the range of employment options in healthcare is vast, the roles outlined above are some of the most popular and accessible career options in this fast-growing, dynamic sector.
