If you are looking for a career where you can easily find work after graduation, then consider choosing one in the healthcare and medical industry. It has some of the fastest-growing work opportunities around.
In fact, in the coming years, the medical field will have some of the fastest growth of any industry, according to bls.gov. Two of the major factors causing the jump in employment are the number of aging adults and an increase of people with access to health insurance.
Here are five of the fastest growing positions in the field. Make your mark on the industry with one of these roles that doesn’t require years and years of training. You’ll get into the field fast, earn a fair income, and make a difference every day.
Physical Therapist Assistant And Aides
Help others regain strength and mobility after injuries or surgeries as a physical therapist assistant (PTA). You’ll walk patients through exercises, help them stretch, use specialized equipment, and teach them how to continue therapy at home. To be a PTA, you’ll need an associate degree. You will have to become licensed or certified, too.
Physical therapist aides have less direct contact with patients, focusing instead on administrative tasks such as cleaning and setting up the treatment space. However, you will help patients move from area to area during their regimens and assist them by scheduling appointments. Physical therapist aides can begin work with a high school diploma and be trained on the job.
By 2032, it is expected that the employment of physical therapy assistants and aides will increase by around 27,600 job openings (bls.gov). The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reported in 2023 that the average salary for physical therapist assistants was $65,860. Physical therapist aides in 2023 made an average of $34,810.
Occupational Therapy Assistants And Aides
As an occupational therapy assistant or aide, you’ll help patients with everyday life skills. You may work with patients with developmental issues or help people with debilitating diseases find new ways to do common tasks. Aides have more of a support role, doing clerical work and patient transportation.
To become an assistant, get your associate degree as well as your license. The requirements for aides are lighter—you can work with a high school diploma or GED. Both the roles of occupational therapy assistants and aides are expected to see an increase in demand by 2032. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupational therapy assistants made an average salary of $68,170 in 2023, and aides averaged $42,060.
Home Health Aide
Once people reach an age or situation where they need consistent medical help, home health aides step in to care for them. Home health aide workers are in high demand. They check vital signs and give medications, as well as help patients perform light home tasks such as meal planning and cooking.
There are over 3.4 million home health aide workers in the United States currently, and it is predicted by 2032 that number will increase by 22 percent. While most aides have at least a high school diploma; no formal postsecondary education is needed. However, some workplaces will have you complete a level of certification. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2023, home health aides made an average of $33,380 and the top 10 percent made $42,450.
Phlebotomist
Phlebotomists work in hospitals, doctors' offices, and blood banks drawing blood for samples and donations. You’ll calm patients, keep a clean environment, and make sure vials are accurately labeled. Most employers look for you to have formal training. Certificate programs usually are completed in less than a year.
Currently, there are over 139,400 phlebotomists in the U.S. By 2032, that number is projected to grow by 10,800, an employment increase of 8 percent (bls.gov). In 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average salary of a phlebotomist was $43,130, with the top 10 percent earning $55,330.
Medical Assistant
Medical assistants perform all kinds of administrative and clinical work in many different healthcare settings. You’ll do anything from taking vitals and helping with examinations to filling in medical records and scheduling appointments. Students who have completed a certificate program will find the job market in their favor, although you are able to enter the workforce with only a high school diploma.
By 2032, the job growth for medical assistants is predicted to increase by 14 percent, which is much faster than average for all occupations. The average salary for medical assistants in 2023 was $43,350 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10 percent of medical assistants earned $56,480 or more.
Don’t Wait. Begin Today!
You can begin a medical career in as few as 10 months. Thanks to the huge employment growth numbers happening in healthcare fields, you’ll most likely have your pick of jobs, as well. Find classes near you to get started!
