With the large Baby Boomer generation aging, the need for professionals in healthcare field continues to grow. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that healthcare-related industries will add the most American jobs between 2012 and 2022, and the Center for Health Workforce Studies estimates an increase of over two million jobs between 2010 and 2020.
If you’re considering a career in the healthcare field, but the idea of nursing home care or nursing critically ill patients isn’t for you, don’t worry. The job growth for healthcare trumps most other fields and the variety of growing jobs is wide. You’ll be able to find a health career based on what you love.
Jobs Helping Athletes
If you love sports, consider becoming an athletic trainer and work with a range of athletes from local football heroes to Olympic champions. Being a trainer places you on both sides of the training process. You will help athletes prepare and train for competition and help rehabilitate athletes after injury.
Physical therapists that specialize in sports rehabilitation are an essential part of an athlete’s recovery after injury. These specialized personnel help injured athletes regain strength and improve mobility so they can get back to competing. With demand increasing by an estimated 36 percent by 2022, you shouldn’t have a problem finding a job in this field.
Jobs Helping People with Confidence
If helping people gain self-esteem and confidence is something you enjoy, consider becoming a dentist. One of the first tips to increase confidence is to smile more. But what if you’re embarrassed of your smile? The need for dentists is expected to increase by nearly 24,000 jobs by 2022.
Becoming an esthetician is another way you can help people with confidence. These professionals evaluate skin conditions and develop treatment plans to improve the health and appearance of their clients’ skin. An estimated 40 percent more esthetician jobs will arise between 2012 and 2022.
Jobs Helping Children
If you love children, consider being a pediatrician. Jobs for pediatricians are expected to grow 18 percent—faster than the average for most types of doctors. Pediatricians work with families to give advice on nutrition and growth, but are also there when kids are sick.
If being a doctor isn’t in the cards for you, give some thought to pediatric nursing. Pediatric nurses work in a variety of environments ranging from clinics and urgent care to pediatric oncology and newborn care. Projected need for pediatric nurses is estimated at 22 percent by 2020.
Becoming a healthcare professional doesn’t have to require nearly a decade of college either. Many colleges like Ohio University offer online nursing programs or blended online and classroom programs for other health fields.
Taking the first step is the hardest. When you base your healthcare career choice on what you love, you are taking a step in the right direction to a lifelong career that you will love.
