The healthcare industry is experiencing a huge bump in part to COVID and in part to aging baby boomers. Most of today’s in-demand jobs are in the healthcare industry. The healthcare industry is expected to grow 15% from 2019 to 2029 – faster than the average for ALL occupations.

For millennials looking to change professions or grow within one of the healthcare professions, now is an excellent time. Here are some of the future healthcare jobs in demand within a hospital or medical setting. Of course, there are a number of healthcare jobs that are outside of a clinical setting. Don’t worry, I’ll let you know what some of those are, too. 

• Physician Assistant (PA)

Being a physician assistant requires an advanced degree. PAs diagnose and treat patients. Often PAs work in rural areas. PAs also work in hospitals, physician offices, and care clinics. Becoming a PA is hard work, but the benefits are rewarding. PAs often do similar work as doctors, especially in rural areas. 

• Nurse Practitioner (NP)

This is often the next step for registered nurses along their career path. NPs have a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). While duties will vary depending on where you work, most NPs diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and implement treatment plans. NPs work in hospitals, physician’s offices, and outpatient care centers. 

• Registered Nurse (RN)

There are a lot of career paths for RNs. To become an RN, you can get a 2-year degree from an accredited program or a 4-year or other advanced degree. Nurse anesthetists have a doctorate. Qualified nurses are highly sought to work in hospitals, care facilities, doctor’s offices, clinics, and schools. One career path for RNs is to work as traveling nurses. If you love to travel, this may be an excellent career choice for you. Typically, assignments are three months with an option to renew or move to another location. RNs have a lot of flexibility with their schedules. Some work four 10-hour days, or three 12-hour days. Some work regular 9 to 5 shifts. The flexibility and opportunities for RNs make this career choice appealing. 

• Healthcare Managers

Healthcare managers manage all aspects of a healthcare practice. Healthcare managers work in hospitals, care facilities, or in private settings. A bachelor’s degree is required but often a master’s is necessary in healthcare administration or healthcare management. Healthcare managers are responsible for making sure that everything from scheduling to facilities to healthcare runs smoothly. This is a job for someone who is hyper-organized, able to think on their feet, and is excellent at communicating and implementing changes.  

• Medical Assistant (MA)

Becoming an MA is the fast track to starting a career in the medical field. Most facilities will require some college. Many community colleges offer MA programs. MAs perform administrative and clinical tasks. They work in hospitals, physician offices, clinics, and care facilities. The MA is responsible for checking patients in, recording pertinent information, and checking vital signs. They also schedule appointments and assist doctors with patient exams. 

Each of the careers above are geared towards working in a medical setting. However, there are a lot of healthcare jobs that work in outpatient settings. Some include massage therapy, athletic trainer, physical therapist or physical therapy aid, and others. The dental field includes positions as hygienist, dentist, and dental assistant. Other options include working as a radiation tech, dietitian or nutritionist. If you prefer to work in a private setting or specialty clinic, one of these options might work best for you. 

The list is long of future healthcare jobs in demand. When you’re ready to start a career in the healthcare industry, find a position that suits your personality. Take the Myers-Briggs personality test to help you figure out your strengths. Ask to shadow or interview someone already working in the field. Sign up as a volunteer at the hospital to get your feet wet and decide if it’s a job you would enjoy. 

There are a lot of ways to decide if working in healthcare is right for you. I definitely recommend a little self-reflection before jumping into a 4-year or doctorate program. 

Ready to discover your career purpose? Click HERE for a FREE course to discover your most authentic career!