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The healthcare industry is one of the few career fields that, despite hard economic woes, is hiring at an alarming rate. Healthcare jobs are expected to grow faster than any other industry roughly 22%, or 3.2 million new jobs, by 2018. As baby boomers age, and Generation X has children, healthcare professionals will become more in-demand than ever. What are the hottest healthcare fields, and who are hiring these much-needed professionals? Find out now.

#1 Registered Nurse

One of the most in-demand careers in the entire US, registered nurses are projected to generate over 580,000 new jobs by 2016. This does not count the hundreds of thousands of jobs that will become available when older nurses retire. Those following the path toward becoming a registered nurse will find abundant job prospects and ample opportunities.

Current Employment: 2.5 million

Projected Employment, 2016: 3,092,000

Projected Need: 1 million employees

Overall Job Growth: 23%

Job Growth by Industry:

Offices of Physicians: 39%

Home Health Care Services: 39%

Outpatient Care: 34%

Employment Services: 27%

General Medicine and Surgical Hospitals: 22%

Nursing Care Facilities: 20%

Employment Change by 2016: 587,000 new jobs

#2 Home Health Aide

Home health aides function as caregivers to the many people who are unable to leave their homes or live on their own. Home health aides may check vital signs, administer medicines, and help with daily tasks. The job outlook for home health aides is excellent, especially as baby boomers age and home health aides retire or advance into other careers.

Current Employment: 787,000

Projected Employment, 2016: 1,171,000

Projected Need: 454,000 employees

Overall Job Growth: 27%

Employment Change by 2016: 384,000 new jobs

#3 Medical Assistant

Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks in a variety of work settings. A staple of the healthcare industry, medical assistants are in demand all over the US. Employment for medical assistants is estimated to grow much faster than average, and job opportunities should be abundant for medical assistants with formal training or certification.

Current Employment: 417,000

Projected Employment, 2016: 565,000

Projected Need: 199,000

Overall Job Growth: 27%

Employment Change by 2016: 148,000 new jobs

#4 Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists in providing medication and health care products to patients. Technicians don’t answer questions regarding prescriptions, but they do count tablets, label bottles, and perform administrative duties. Responsibilities ultimately vary depending on state laws. Because there is currently few state, and no Federal, requirements for formal training, a career as a pharmacy technician, many employers have on-the-job training, which is appealing to individuals who want to further their education without attending multiple years of school.

Current Employment: 285,000

Projected Employment, 2016: 376,000

Projected Need: 178,000

Overall Job Growth: 27%

Employment Change by 2016: 91,000 new jobs

#5 Medical Secretary

Medical secretaries and medical transcriptionists must have a detailed understanding of medical procedures as well as a high level of administrative experience. Employment is expected to grow faster than average, and job opportunities should be especially good for those who are certified. Employment in hospitals and physician’s offices will continue to grow significantly.

Current Employment: 98,000

Projected Employment, 2016: 112,000

Projected Need: 133,000

Overall Job Growth: 9-17%

Employment Change by 2016: 13,000 new jobs

#6 Dental Assistant

Dental assistants are the most in-demand job in the field of dentistry. They perform numerous tasks including sterilizing instruments, educating patients on dental care, and taking x-rays. Dental assistants typically have very flexible schedules, allowing them to work a second job or go to school. As more schools begin to offer dental-assisting programs, the field of dental assistants is expected to grow.

Current Employment: 280,000

Projected Employment, 2016: 362,000

Projected Need: 130,000

Overall Job Growth: 27%

Employment Change by 2016: 82,000 new jobs

#7 Healthcare Administrator

As the backbone of healthcare systems, healthcare administrators take on the duties of overseeing vast expanses of medial personnel. As the structure and financing of the healthcare industry changes, healthcare administrators must be able to adapt to new environments. However, administrators are still in great demand despite the evolving industry.

Current Employment: 262,000

Projected Employment, 2016: 305,000

Projected Need: 92,000

Overall Job Growth: 9-17%

Employment Change by 2016: 43,000 new jobs

#8 Medical Records and Health Information Technician

Medical records and health information technicians maintain the millions of documents the healthcare industry produces. Paperwork includes x-rays, medical histories, lab tests, and treatment plans. Every patient has detailed medical records, and it is necessary that these records be kept organized and confidential. Even with the proliferation of online and electronic health records, the medical records field is expected to grow faster than average.

Current Employment: 170,000

Projected Employment, 2016: 200,000

Projected Need: 76,000

Overall Job Growth: 18-26%

Employment Change by 2016: 30,000 new jobs

#9 Physical Therapist

Physical therapists have the unique ability to work on all manners of patients from the disabled, to the elderly, to those with general pain. Physical therapists impart their knowledge of the body onto their clients and aide them in becoming stronger and more able-bodied. Physical therapy is a growing occupation, especially for those who was interested in pursing an advanced medical degree but do not want to be physicians. Currently, the number of of physical therapy jobs is greater than practicing physical therapists because many physical therapists hold more than one job such as having a private practice and also working part time at another healthcare facility.

Current Employment: 173,000

Projected Employment, 2016: 220,000

Projected Need: 68,000

Overall Job Growth: 27%

Employment Change by 2016: 47,000 new jobs

#10 EMT and Paramedic

EMT and paramedics are relied upon to have quick reaction times and the ability to handle large amounts of stress. They work in a variety of settings, from ambulances to hospitals to helicopters. Because EMTs and paramedics are almost always the first on scene, this field rarely sees a slump in employment. Like many healthcare industries, EMT and paramedic employment is expected to grow faster than average over the next eight years.

Current Employment: 201,000

Projected Employment, 2016: 240,000

Projected Need: 62,000

Overall Job Growth: 18-26%

Employment Change by 2016: 39,000 new jobs

Source: http://allhealthcare.monster.com/careers/articles/1801-top-10-in-demand-healthcare-occupations

Family physicians, advanced-practice nurses and physician assistants are especially in demand.

By Katherine Hobson

Though they may not want to admit it, baby boomers are getting creaky and a lot of their parents are requiring medical attention, too. And starting in 2014, millions of people who haven’t had insurance will gain coverage and feel freer to seek care.

That all adds up to a seller’s market for health care pros, particularly in the ranks of primary care. Demand is increasing “virtually across the board,” says Susan Salka, chief executive of AMN Healthcare, the country’s largest health care staffing and recruiting company by revenue. “And we are expecting it to become more robust in the next couple of years.”

Indeed, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts net job growth of almost 3 million health care jobs in the decade ending in 2020, a 29 percent increase, beating every other group of occupations.

Family physicians were the most sought by the employers who used physician search firm (and AMN subsidiary) Merritt Hawkins, according to its most recent annual survey. (Their average salary climbed 6 percent to $189,000.) Internists were in the second spot. Also high on employers’ wish lists: hospitalists and psychiatrists.

As health care systems reorganize to cut costs and improve care, new physicians increasingly will be employed by a hospital rather than an independent practice. Sixty-three percent of recent Merritt Hawkins physician searches were for hospitals seeking staff docs, up from just 11 percent in 2004. Within two years, the firm predicts, that figure will hit three quarters.

“The amount of opportunities is overwhelming,” says Andrew Geha, a third-year family practice resident who recently accepted a job offer from Floyd Valley Hospital in Le Mars, Iowa, and at the peak of his search was getting a phone call and multiple emails every day from recruiters. Geha’s wife, a nurse practitioner, will be able to work at the same hospital, and a four-day workweek will give him extra time with his two children.

Meantime, hospitals are leveraging a limited pool of physicians by leaning more heavily on nurse practitioners and physician assistants. New RNs fresh out of undergraduate school are now having some trouble landing a job, with older nurses delaying their retirement.

But advanced-practice nurses such as NPs and certified nurse-midwives, who must have postgraduate education, remain hot properties, says Peter McMenamin, senior policy fellow at the American Nurses Association. Salaries average 30 to 35 percent higher than those of hospital staff nurses, he says.

Maureen O’Keeffe, system vice president of human resources at St. Luke’s Health System in Boise, Idaho, which employs about 11,000 people, says the system hired all through the recession and estimates that some 70 advanced practice nurses will be added in 2013, as well as some 300 acute care nurses.

The physician assistant profession will add some 24,700 new jobs between 2010 and 2020, expanding by nearly 30 percent. Duke University’s PA program graduated 74 students last August; as of Jan. 1, only five didn’t have jobs.

“Many physicians are so in need of PAs that if you’re talking to [one] they’ll say ‘Call me, let’s talk, I need help,’ ” says Katherine Pocock, who was weighing several offers early this year as she neared graduation. Pocock chose PA school over med school because she found the prospect of six more years of training (and debt) “daunting.” And she thought being a PA would be more lifestyle-friendly.

Salaries aren’t bad, either. According to the American Academy of Physician Assistants, full-time PAs commanded median pay of almost $91,000 in 2010; those working in specialty settings like orthopedics or dermatology can earn more.

Source: http://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools/articles/2013/03/19/grads-in-healthcare-fields-see-bright-job-market

Opportunities abound for entry-level job seekers

Want to get your foot in the door of the health care industry but do not want to spend the years necessary to be a doctor or nurse? Opportunities are available for many entry-level health care jobs that will get you started on a rewarding career in no time.

If you enjoy the prospect of working one-on-one with people and are looking for a career that offers variety and flexibility, one of the allied health professions may be a good career choice for you.

Allied health workers are involved with the delivery of health or related services pertaining to the identification, evaluation and prevention of diseases and disorders; dietary and nutrition services; and rehabilitation and health systems management, among others, according to the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professionals.

Entry-level jobs can have a career growth path for those who are interested in advancing their careers in health care. Typical allied health positions include phlebotomist technicians, certified pharmacy technicians, certified nursing assistants, dental assistants, medical assistants and sleep lab technicians, among others. There are also clerical entry-level positions in health care such as patient registrars, health unit coordinators and medical secretaries.

At Montgomery College, workforce development programs that can be as short as 10 weeks can prepare students for such entry-level positions as a pharmacy technician, occupational therapy assistant, certified nursing assistant, home care companion and medicine aide.

One of the most popular entry-level jobs in the healthcare field is that of pharmacy technician, according to Janet Clarke, program director of Workforce Development and Continuing Education. “Enrollment in this program has tripled,” she said, noting, “There are pharmacies everywhere, from hospitals to grocery stores to your neighborhood Target.”

As the population ages and older adults require more medical exams and services, there will also be increasing numbers of positions in entry-level jobs such as phlebotomy technician, EKG technician and home care as baby boomers seek to “age in place,” Clarke added.

Interested in health care as a possible career but not sure what area would suit you best? Try volunteering. You will not make money, but the experience can help you get started on a rewarding career.

To choose a volunteer setting, ask yourself the following questions: What types of healthcare settings appeal to you (i.e., hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, etc.)? Do you have an interest in a particular type of patient–children, perhaps, or cancer patients? What kinds of health professionals would you like to work with–doctors, nurses, physical therapists, etc.?

Once you have a clearer idea of what you hope to gain from the experience, you can look for volunteer opportunities in a number of ways. If you are a student, check with your school’s career services center. If you are interested in volunteering in a hospital, contact the hospital’s volunteer coordinator. If you want to learn more about specific illnesses–such as diabetes or heart disease–contact the national associations to find out what volunteer opportunities exist where you live.

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/02/AR2010120204095.html

How To Find A Medical Job Without Prior Experience

By Andrea Santiago

The medical field has remained one of the most recession-resistant industries throughout the recession, and is the only industry that has continued to add jobs throughout the recession.Therefore, many jobseekers want to find a job in the healthcare industry during a recession, as other industries shed hundreds of thousands of jobs monthly. Many would-be healthcare professionals don’t have time, money, or even the desire to go to med school or nursing school to be a doctor or nurse. And that’s ok, because there are hundreds of jobs, especially in entry level clinical roles, or in non-clinical support roles, that may be a nearly perfect fit for your existing skill set. How do you transfer into a lucrative and secure position in the growing field of healthcare?

The biggest challenge is breaking into the industry getting your foot in the door, without any medical job experience or advanced education in a medical related area. Many companies often want to recruit people who already have healthcare experience, especially for more senior roles.

Here are a few tips that will help you navigate your career into the healthcare field:

• Research: Staying on top of industry news and trends, including companies, key players,and buzz, is very important when trying to break into the medical industry for the first time. There are hundreds of excellent healthcare industry news sources, many of which are specialized in a certain field within the medical industry. This will help you not only to find out who is hiring, but also you’ll be able to speak intelligently about the industry in an interview or when networking with medical professionals.
• Network: You will want to connect with as many people in the healthcare industry as possible. Whenever you are trying to make a major career transition, it’s not WHAT you know, it’s WHO you know. Combining face-to-face networking and online networking is essential. Volunteer, join healthcare professional associations, anything that gets you in front of other people. Online, you can target your social media profiles and job search efforts toward the healthcare industry.
• Assess Your Skills – Especially Transferable Ones: Determine what transferable skills you can bring with you from your current industry, into the healthcare field. For example, healthcare also needs skilled workers in information technology (IT) roles, accounting and finance, sales and marketing, human resources, or administration and secretarial jobs. Those are just a few of the most common examples, but think about what skill set you have that could translate into a role that could support the healthcare field. Working as a medical receptionist, or filing clerk are a couple of other examples of popular entry-level medical jobs. Once you get your foot in the door of a medical office, you can prove your interest and work ethic, and get great on-the-job training in other roles.
• Consider Taking a Step Back: Whenever someone transfers from one industry to another, often it requires taking a step down, depending how far along you are in your non-medical career. It’s like transferring from one college to another, or switching majors in college not all credits transfer at an equivalent rate. The same goes for changing careers you may have five years of experience in a non-medical career, but you have zero in the healthcare industry, so you may have to take a step down in pay, or career level. Once you get established in your new medical career, you may be able to catch back up.
• Find a Mentor: Identifying a great mentor can help tremendously in advancing your career. The best way to find a mentor is to start working in a medical office or hospital, even in a very entry level job, and demonstrate your willingness to learn and grow into higher level positions. A mentor should be someone experienced in the healthcare industry, who is well-connected and can boost all of your efforts in networking, job search, navigating the political aspects of the healthcare and educational system, and more.

Source: http://healthcareers.about.com/od/gettingthejob/a/BreakInToMed.htm

You may think you know exactly what to expect from a career in healthcare. After all, healthcare is one of the most glamorous professions society has to offer, so TV and movies provide endless depictions of the busy daily lives of nurses, surgeons, EMTs, and hospital administrators.

But some of these depictions are more realistic than others. And rarely do we see TV shows that dramatize the lives of those in medical billing or medical equipment sales. When was the last time you saw a movie featuring a day in the exciting, glamorous life of an onsite medical expert who reviews claims for an insurance provider? Probably never, because this wouldn’t be much of a blockbuster, but this is just one of many satisfying and challenging real-life careers the healthcare industry has to offer. Before you make a commitment to this field, prepare for a few surprises.

1. Healthcare doesn’t always offer clear directions, simple answers, or happy endings

Dr. House always comes up with the answer by the end of the hour. But in real life, a vast percentage of the workings of the human body are still shrouded in mystery, and having a degree doesn’t give a practitioner magical insights into every aspect of medical cause and effect. Dead ends, incorrect diagnoses, and mistakes happen every day in this profession, and the results can be very challenging on an emotional level. Medical professionals need to walk a complicated line between compassion and professional distance.

2. Healthcare jobs aren’t always secure

Over and over again we hear similar phrases about the security of medical positions: “You don’t see many surgeons out of work,” “there’s no such thing as an unemployed nurse,” “jobs are everywhere in medical technology,” and so on. Unfortunately, none of these are one hundred percent true. Unemployment strikes the healthcare profession just like any other industry, and while many of these careers are in high demand, that demand varies with circumstance and geographic location. The opportunities available to a healthcare professional may exist, but they still may require an employee to move across state lines.

3. The options for healthcare professionals are extremely diverse, and getting more so

You may be entering healthcare with one specific, narrow goal in mind. For example, you may have your heart set on becoming a pediatric cardiac nurse with a special focus on emergency care. But as you complete your education, you’ll be exposed to a wider range of professional options than you probably imagine. A few years down the road, you may end up doing something entirely different, but equally satisfying.

4. A large number of healthcare professions don’t involve patient interaction at all

If you love the idea of helping people, but aren’t comfortable with clinical situations, emotional distance (see item 1), or the sight of blood, there are still plenty of professions that offer all the rewards and challenges of healthcare, but none of the patient contact. Consider becoming an epidemiology researcher, a medical publisher, or working in a pathology lab, just for starters. You can also think about medical and pharmaceutical billing, research, sales, or education and outreach.

Don’t Let Anything Stand in Your Way

If you’ve made up your mind to step into the healthcare profession, approach this challenge with clear eyes, and don’t let occasional surprises throw you off track.

Source: http://www.livecareer.com/news/Career/Four-Surprising-Facts-about-a-Career-in-Healthcare_$$03610.aspx#.Ua_m9LWkp4Q

Earning your degree is such an accomplishment. It is almost as if the moment you add those letters to the end of your name, you can literally hear the doors opening. Knowing what to do to get your foot in those open doors, make a name for yourself, and thrive in an ever-changing health care industry is your next big step.

FINDING A JOB IN A COMPETITIVE INDUSTRY

Mastering the hard skills required of your job is only part of the equation. Interpersonal skills are just as important because your ability to become a respected and trusted source of knowledge and talent will surely help you grow in your career.

Finding the right job takes a lot of research. It is this research that will help you launch your job search with realistic expectations.

You probably have a good idea about what your day will entail, thanks to practicum placements or internships, but don’t forget to look at issues like job prospects in your area and in other communities of interest, prospective employers and what they offer (e.g., advertised benefit packages), and salary ranges for new grads (and for future reference, experienced workers).

For basic salary information in different locations, reference sites like Salary.com or PayScale.com. And, if you’re thinking about looking beyond your hometown for a job, take advantage of online relocation tools.

As your research reveals your specific interests in the field of rheumatology, you will want to prepare yourself to apply, and interview, for different positions, and your resume; or CV will need to be in tip-top shape. Many universities have career service centers that offer assistance in preparing this all important document, and there are companies that specialize in helping job seekers look their best on paper. No matter what approach you take to preparing your resume; or CV, it is important to write, rewrite, review, and ask for suggestions. Thisalong with your cover letteris often your first and only chance to make a great impression. Don’t be hasty to hit send or drop it in the mail. Take your time to make certain you’re representing yourself in the best possible way.

Another important step to landing your first job is networking. Once you have your resume; or CV ready to share, jump right into networking. A great place to start is with your school contacts – former instructors can act as references, and they, and your old classmates, are the start of your valuable professional network. Job fairs offer another great opportunity to network and to see what’s available at home and further afield, and the ACR offers several opportunities each year for networking at different meetings.

ON THE JOB

Now that you have your foot in the door it is important to establish yourself in your new setting.

Master the basics: Don’t think that you know nothing. On the flipside, don’t think that you know everything, and experienced, older staff are out-of-date and know nothing.

Be patient with yourself: Many of the skills you need can only be learned on the job, and only time and experience can turn you into a seasoned professional.

Learn the rules: Attend orientation sessions, read the policy and procedure manuals, and ask your supervisor or more experienced staff if you have questions.

Be flexible: Health care work environments can be places of controlled chaos, and your plan of action may have to change in an instant. Learn to accept this unpredictability, and don’t let it stress you out. Focus on completing your tasksin order of urgency and priorityand delivering the best patient care possible.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Even doctors can request a consult when faced with a difficult diagnosis!

Be proactive about learning: Ask questions, learn new procedures, model yourself after skilled, experienced staff members, and make an active effort to grow in your career. Take the time to fully understand what is going on and why. Read professional journals to stay up-to-date about new developments. Go beyond the continuing education requirements for your license and attend in-services and professional development seminars or enroll in additional courses that will grow your skill set.

Join a professional association. Professional associations, like the American College of Rheumatology, offer many membership benefits, such as information on the latest trends in your field, access to educational programs, online discussion forums, and the chance to expand your network.

Accept responsibility for any mistakes you make: Everyone makes mistakes. The best plan of action is to correct them, learn from the experience, move on, and avoid dwelling on them.

Manage your stress: Working in health care can be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. Try to leave your work at work. Maintain your health by eating well, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. Watch for the early signs of burnout, and take action to prevent it. Use all of your vacation time each year, and give yourself the chance to relax and rejuvenate.

Keep track of your progress: Start a log of your work accomplishments, including procedures you’ve learned, problems you’ve solved, and the technical and soft skills you’re acquiring. This will help boost your confidence, and also makes it easier to remember these accomplishments during your reviews as well as update your resume; and sell your skills at your next interview.

Set clear boundaries regarding your work: You cannot compromise the care delivered to all patients to accommodate one particularly demanding patient. If you cannot take on tasks outside of your job duties, learn to say “no” without feeling guilty.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

Mastering the hard skills required of your job is only part of the equation. Interpersonal skills are just as important because your ability to become a respected and trusted source of knowledge and talent will surely help you grow in your career. Below are some tips on building the right kind of interpersonal relationships in your new position.

Observe the basic rules of good professional conduct: Dress professionally, arrive on time, and show courtesy and respect for all staff members and patients. Give others due credit for their work, and show your appreciation for any help or advice you receive. Don’t engage in malicious gossip or other destructive behaviors.

Be assertive, and communicate effectively: Assertive and positive communications, both giving and expecting to receive respect, will set the tone for successful conversations that will lead to a successful career.

Engage in problem-solving rather than complaining: Avoid complaining about how difficult your tasks are – even when your supervisor is out of sight. It is better to go to your supervisor and explain the problem, how you’ve tried to handle it, and what you feel you need to get the job done.

Try to make friends among your coworkers: Having friends at work can decrease your stress level and provide you with emotional support during difficult times.

Find a good mentor. A mentor can be invaluable in helping you to navigate your career path.

Maintain a positive attitude and enjoy yourself: You made the choice to become a rheumatology health care professional for a reason. Don’t forget that reason, whatever it was, and strive to enjoy the profession you have worked hard to join.

There are so many things to consider when you first begin your job search. It is important to treat you first job with great care. Look for opportunities to learn and grow; find ways of becoming a respected source of knowledge and talent, and eventually, you will find that your “job” has become a “career.”

Source: http://www.rheumatology.org/Education/Careers/Articles/Career_Development_Articles_-_Advice_for_Health_Care_New_Grads/

Health care has consistently been a bright spot in today’s recovering economy, and 2014 looks to be even brighter. Several factors will serve as boons for health care: Industry standards are changing as the Affordable Care Act comes into effect, emerging technologies will grow more common in health care facilities, and the economy is slated to continue growing. Perhaps most significantly, the aging baby boomer generation will continue to require care, which will affect the number of workers in the field. All of these elements will help one of the labor market’s strongest sectors welcome more workers in 2014.

CareerBuilder and MiracleWorkers.com — its job site for workers in a range of health care disciplines and experience levels — compiled the 10 best occupations in the industry for 2014. With increased access to services and an aging population, demand for health care labor will continue to grow this year, which is good news for job seekers in the industry. The best-paying, fastest-growing jobs are often found in allied health occupations, but nursing and certain specialty areas are expected to post strong job numbers as well.

The list was based on occupations that grew 6 percent or more from 2010 to 2013, are projected to add jobs in 2014, have at least 30,000 total jobs and fall within a higher-wage category of $22 per hour or more.*

1. Diagnostic medical sonographer Total employment in 2013: 60,273 Added 5,672 jobs from 2010-2013, up 10 percent Median hourly earnings: $31.77

2. Medical scientist (excluding epidemiologist)Total employment in 2013: 100,742 Added 9,076 jobs from 2010-2013, up 10 percent Median hourly earnings: $37.09

3. Physical therapist assistant Total employment in 2013: 72,445 Added 6,388 jobs from 2010-2013, up 10 percent Median hourly earnings: $25.08

4. Nurse anesthetist Total employment in 2013: 36,179 Added 3,010 jobs from 2010-2013, up 9 percent Median hourly earnings: $71.43

5. Marriage and family therapist Total employment in 2013: 42,238 Added 3,056 jobs from 2010-2013, up 8 percent Median hourly earnings: $22.40

6. Physical therapist Total employment in 2013: 208,096 Added 14,975 jobs from 2010-2013, up 8 percent Median hourly earnings: $37.96

7. Nurse practitioner Total employment in 2013: 110,545 Added 7,832 jobs from 2010-2013, up 8 percent Median hourly earnings: $43.26

8. Health educator Total employment in 2013: 58,626 Added 3,599 jobs from 2010-2013, up 7 percent Median hourly earnings: $23.46

9. Occupational therapist Total employment in 2013: 113,478 Added 6,368 jobs from 2010-2013, up 6 percent Median hourly earnings: $36.27

10. Respiratory therapist Total employment in 2013: 120,082 Added 6,728 jobs from 2010-2013, up 6 percent Median hourly earnings: $26.86

Technology and education changing the industry: Many of these jobs are seeing growth due to more widely available technologies, which enable more facilities to offer new services and hire more workers, accordingly. Similarly, as the Affordable Care Act continues to roll out, these new national health care options will result in more patients with health care providers, and these employers will need to meet the demand.

The addition of these new roles and evolving technology will also result in an emphasis on education and research roles, such as medical scientist or health educator. These rising roles focus on making new advancements in health care and sharing proven care information with the public.

For job seekers who want to be part of a growing field, develop some of today’s most sought-after skills and gain experience with the latest technology, health care could be the path to follow. As the economy continues to strengthen and 2014 gets underway, the health care industry will continue to be an important part of job creation and employing in-demand skilled workers.

Source: http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-3604-Job-Info-and-Trends-Top-health-care-jobs-for-2014/