Five Growing Health Care Fields

The health care industry is expected to continue booming for the next several years, as baby boomers continue retiring and changes in medical care cause more jobs to open up. Hospitals and clinics have a multitude of position types needed to keep things running smoothly, and going to medical school isn’t a requirement for many of them.

Here are five jobs that will continue to blossom and grow for the next several years:

1. Medical Records and Health Information Technician—A 21% growth rate means thousands of new jobs will be opening up for those who are interested in maintaining accurate medical records (both paper and electronic).

Education required is a certificate in health information technology, and possibly an associate’s degree or a professional certification, depending on the employer.

2. Medical & Health Services Manager—This field is expected to see a 22% growth rate from 2010 to 2020. If you’re good with people, this could be a good field to get involved in, since it could mean managing a facility or department. Education needed is at least a bachelor’s, possibly a master’s degree in health services, long-term care administration, public health, public administration, or business administration.

3. Registered Nurse—This field is projected to grow by 26% by 2020, and is a vital field in health care. Nurses provide patient care, work with doctors, perform diagnostic tests, give medication, and more. An associate’s degree in nursing (AND) or an approved nursing program is necessary, and you will be required to pass the national nursing exam (NCLEX-RN) to be licensed.

4. Dental Assistant—Expected growth rate here is 31%. Depending on the state, you many need to attend an accredited dental assisting program (associate’s degree or certification) or pass a state exam.

5. Physical Therapy Assistant—A stunning 46% growth rate is projected for Physical Therapy Assistants. You will assist patients, helping them regain movement after trauma by massaging, stretching, or exercising muscle groups. An associate’s degree from an accredited physical therapy program is required by most states to pursue this as a career path.