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Check out these hot health care careers that are projected to grow at a rapid rate through 2020.

By John Loos

Loving what you do is great, but knowing your career will be there tomorrow is even better. And when it comes to booming fields, the health care industry is one that’s primed for growth.

In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor estimates that the health care and social assistance industry should create 28 percent of all new jobs between 2010 and 2020. And when it comes to the industry itself, heath care is expected to increase by 33 percent (that’s 5.7 million jobs!) between 2010 and 2020.

Want to prepare to take your place in the health care field? Check out these five in-demand health care careers – and their educational paths.

Career #1 – Medical and Health Services Manager

If you want to take your leadership skills into the growing health care field, consider pursuing a career as a medical and health services manager.

As a medical and health services manager, you might plan, direct, and organize health services in an entire health care facility, or a specific department or clinical area, says U.S. Department of Labor. Daily duties could include handling a facility’s finances, creating work schedules, and making sure that health care services are delivered efficiently.

Growth by the numbers: The Department of Labor projects 22 percent job growth for medical and health services managers between 2010 and 2020. This is faster than average for all occupations the Department tracks. The increased number of clinics and outpatient facilities will require more managers to run them, says the Department.

Click to Find the Right Health Care Administration Program.

Education options: Look into earning a bachelor’s degree in health administration. According to the Department, prospective managers have this credential. But master’s degrees in health services, long-term care administration, public health, or business administration are also common.

Career #2 – Medical Assistant

If you are interested in working in a doctor’s office, consider preparing for a career in the in-demand field of medical assisting.

As a medical assistant, you could play a role in helping patients’ visits go smoothly from when they first walk in the door. Your duties might include measuring vital signs, assisting the physician with examinations, recording health information, and scheduling appointments, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Growth by the numbers: The need for medical assistants should continue to expand, as the Department of Labor projects 31 percent job growth between 2010 and 2020.

Click to Find the Right Medical Assisting Program.

Education options: Even though medical assistants can learn on the job, some employers may prefer candidates with formal education such as a certificate or associate’s degree in medical assisting, says the Department.

Career #3 – Registered Nurse

Ready to put your helpful nature to use in the largest health care field? Look into prepping to pursue a career in registered nursing.

As a registered nurse, you could work closely with patients by providing care, education, and emotional support. You might give patients medicines and treatments, observe their conditions, or perform diagnostic tests, says the U.S. Department of Labor.

Growth by the numbers: But even with such a large number of nurses, the Department of Labor projects the nursing field will continue to add 711,900 jobs between 2010 and 2020, an increase of 26 percent. A rise in preventative care and advancements in technology are expected to keep nurses in high demand, adds the Department.

Click to Find the Right Nursing Program.

Education options: To pursue a registered nursing career, you could earn a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing (BSN), an associate’s degree in nursing (ASN), or a diploma from an approved nursing program, says the Department. From there, you’ll need to take the national licensing exam.

Career #4 – Physical Therapist Assistant

Want to enter an in-demand health care field where you could really play a hands-on role in helping patients restore their physical functionality? If so, a career as a physical therapist assistant could be a good fit.

Under the supervision of a physical therapist, you could help patients regain movement as they recover from injuries, illnesses, or surgery. Your role in the rehabilitation process could include assisting patients with techniques (massage, stretching) and therapeutic methods like electrical stimulation and mechanical traction, says the U.S. Department of Labor.

Growth by the numbers: The Department of Labor projects the employment for physical therapist assistants will increase by 46 percent between 2010 and 2020. An increased number of elderly patients for therapy services could be a major factor in the rising need for physical therapy assistants, adds the Department.

Click to Find the Right Physical Therapy Assistance Program.

Education options: To get ready to pursue a physical therapy assistant career, most states require candidates to earn an associate’s degree in physical therapy assistance from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, according to the Department.

Career #5 – Pharmacy Technician

Prefer a health care career that is less hands-on? Consider pursuing a career in the growing pharmacy technician field.

Pharmacy technicians can be responsible for counting pills, filling prescriptions, providing customer service, and fulfilling administrative tasks under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Growth by the numbers: The Department of Labor projects 32 percent job growth between 2010 and 2020. A continued increase in older customers who tend to buy more prescriptions could play a role in this booming field.

Click to Find the Right Pharmacy Technician Program.

Education options: Although most pharmacy technicians learn their duties on the job, some candidates earn a certificate through a pharmacy technician program, according to the Department.

Source: http://education.yahoo.net/articles/booming_health_care_careers.htm

Looking for a career with legs? Here’s why healthcare is a great choice.

1. You’ll be in demand!

Jobs in healthcare are rapidly growing, due to a significant labor shortage. You should never have trouble finding a job!

2. Healthcare pays

The average entry-level healthcare worker starts around $15-20 per hour. With increased training and education, your earning potential is significant. Example: the average registered nurse makes $85,000 per year.

3. Options Galore

There are lots of different opportunities in healthcare, leaving something for everyone. You can work in a lab setting with very little patient interaction or directly with patients in hospitals, homes, or clinics.

4. Free education

Because of the healthcare labor shortage, there are multiple scholarships, grants, and even employee-sponsored programs that will pay for your education.

5. Making a difference

The best part of working in healthcare is that you are making a difference in people’s lives.

6. Meet different people

Healthcare workers interact with different people every day, including patients, doctors, medical staff. In some fields, you’ll interact with researchers, technology experts, or scientists.

7. Health care is exciting

You never know what’s going to happen, and have to stay one your toes, solve problems and make good decisions. Every day is different.

8. You can move up

Our experience has found that most people that start in healthcare, stay in healthcare. Once they’ve caught the bug, they complete on-the-job training, go back to school, or obtain multiple licenses to help grow their professional success.

9. Variety

You can change specialties. If you’re interested in pediatrics or prosthetics, you can move into those areas when the opportunities arise.

10. Work anywhere

A great benefit with healthcare is that the skills are transferrable, no matter where you work. Take a year and travel the country, working as you go!

It’s rewarding working in the medical industry. There are various career opportunities for people from all educational backgrounds. Therefore, individuals who do not want to be around blood can work as administrative specialists. Even though all medical jobs can be stressful, it’s a very rewarding field to work in.Excellent Job StabilityHealthcare professions have exceptional job growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that half of the 20 fastest growing jobs are located within the field of healthcare. You can get a job in this rapidly growing industry. The country’s population is aging. More Americans are in need of continued medical treatments. Therefore, there will always be people relying on medical professionals. You can get employed anywhere nationwide.Earnings and BenefitsMedical professionals earn competitive wages and typically enjoy flexible work schedules. Most healthcare workers receive generous benefits, including health insurance, retirement benefits, and paid vacations. Healthcare professionals employed at hospitals usually earn more money than workers at other clinics. Healthcare workers who do not supervise others earn hourly wages averaging $18.08. If you specialize or obtain additional education, your earnings will increase. Hospitals operate 24/7, so hospital employees work early morning, afternoon, and night shifts to meet hospital demands. If you’re a night person, you could request to work nights. You determine where and what time to work. Some hospitals provide tuition reimbursement and paid training to employees committing to work for a specified period of time following graduation. Many hospitals offer continuing education via college programs. Fast Paced EnvironmentEvery day differs in the healthcare industry. This field provides many challenges. You’ll meet new patients daily. Each one has varying struggles and issues to be assessed and resolved. You frequently handle life and death scenarios. Hospital life can be fast-paced. You’ll be pushed to your limits working at a hospital and learn how to solve problems. Additionally, you’ll be constantly learning new things. Technology is altering how medical specialists provide care, so you must stay up to date with new technology and procedures. An Opportunity to Help people in the healthcare industry, you assist and work closely with people every day. Families trust you with the lives of their loved ones. You assist people recovering and healing from serious injuries and diseases, so many people will be appreciative of the consideration with which you perform your duties. Patients are struggling with various health problems. They’re concerned about their families, health, and overall wellbeing. Many healthcare workers develop personal relationships with patients. Patients remember how you cared for them and vice versa. Is there greater service that can be offered than helping one recover from health problems? Individual lives are changed by the work of medical professionals. Employment in the healthcare industry is rewarding. Most healthcare jobs are secure and well paying. It can be demanding work, but assisting others is worth it. Begin a career in this rewarding field today.

Source: http://www.healthcareercenter.org/working-in-healthcare.html

Two new CDC reports that discuss healthcare-associated infections were covered on one of last night’s national news broadcasts, in several major US newspapers, by wires, and on several websites. All of the articles quote Dr. Mike Bell, deputy director of the Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion at the CDC, and many quote CDC Director Tom Frieden. NBC Nightly News (3/26, story 11, 0:20, Williams) reported that CDC data indicate that “one in 25 hospital patients pick up an infection during their hospital stay.”

According to the AP (3/27), the “report suggests hospital infections are not as common as previously” believed.

USA Today (3/27, Painter) reports that “the report, based on a survey conducted in 183 hospitals in 10 states in 2011, updates a previous estimate of 1.7 million infections a year.” The earlier “estimate, issued” about seven years ago, “was based on different study methods, so the numbers can’t be directly compared, officials say.” However, “‘the trend looks like there are fewer infections,’ than in the past, says…Bell,” who added, “It makes sense because of all the efforts we’ve made to reduce infections.”

The New York Times (3/27, Tavernise, Subscription Publication) reports that “Dr. Bell said that improvements at hospitals were an important part of the drop in infections, but added that other forces were at work, such as changes in the” US’ “medical landscape.” The Times points out that “more than 60 percent of operations are performed outside of hospitals, in outpatient facilities…and much of the care that used to happen in hospital wards is shifting to nursing homes.” This may “account for part of the drop in the rate of infections only hospitals are included in the report and Dr. Bell said health officials were working to broaden their data collection to include nursing homes and outpatient facilities.”

The Washington Post (3/27, Bernstein) reports that the research, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, indicated that “the most common infections are pneumonia (22 percent), surgical site infections (22 percent), gastrointestinal infections (17 percent), urinary tract infections (13 percent), and bloodstream infections (10 percent).”

The NPR (3/26, Harris) “Shots” blog reports that researchers found that among those who acquired an infection, approximately 11 percent died.

McClatchy (3/27, White, Subscription Publication) reports that in a statement, Frieden said, “Although there has been some progress, today and every day, more than 200 Americans with health care-associated infections will die during their hospital stay.”

According to the CBS News (3/27, Firger) website, the CDC released a second report, “based on data between 2008 and 2012,” that “found some common infections at hospitals are becoming less prevalent.” This report indicated that “there was a 44-percent decrease in central line-associated bloodstream infections.”

Modern Healthcare (3/27, Rice, Subscription Publication) reports that this report also found “a 20% decrease in infections related to 10 surgical procedures, including colon surgery, cardiac surgery, hip and knee replacements, and abdominal and vaginal hysterectomies.” Additionally, “between 2011 and 2012, there was also a 4% decrease in hospital-acquired MRSA and a 2% decrease in hospital-onset C. difficile infections.” While “most infections were decreasing nationwide, some, such as catheter associated urinary tract infections, have increased.”

Source: AMA News Today

At least half of job seekers with mobile devices spend three or more hours searching for jobs on their devices each week, according to CareerBuilder’s Candidate Behavior study.

If you want to break it down by device, nearly half (49 percent) of candidates use their smartphones and nearly 3 in 5 (59 percent) do so via their tablets.

The 2013 Candidate Behavior Study, a survey of 5,518 job seekers and 2,775 hiring managers nationwide,highlights the disconnect between what candidates expect during the job search process and what employers deliver.

Source: CareerBuilder / Deanna Hartley

Have you considered a career in nursing? It’s a very rewarding career, both monetarily and emotionally. Making a difference in people’s lives and bringing them hope and cheer is not something that you can achieve in just about any career. Read on to know why the nursing career is so rewarding.

1. There is great demand for nurses at present and this demand is projected to rise by 2020, by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The job opportunities in this career field will be astounding for the right candidates.

2. Nurses make excellent wages; an average registered nurse makes more than $52,000 a year and more experienced and specialized nurses make over $72,000.

3. A nurse can work in different kinds of establishments, each offering unique work environments. For example, a nurse can work in hospitals, schools, home care facilities, government agencies, and so on.

4. Nurses can work in flexible schedules, and take up shifts as desired. Shifts are between 4 to 12 hours a day, and a nurse can opt for the best shifts to accommodate other side jobs or education opportunities.

5. As a nurse, you’ll make a huge difference in people’s lives. A caring and compassionate nurse is considered as a guardian angel by patients. This can be a very satisfying and gratifying career for the compassionate.

6. As a nurse, you get the opportunity to interact with patients, medical staff, doctors and administrators every day. This gives you the opportunity to learn from other careers and add to your knowledge base, while sharpening your interpersonal skills.

7. You’ll never know what’s going to happen at any given point in time. there’s constant excitement and challenge in a nurse’s life. You have the opportunity to make swift decisions, learn each day and never get bored, as each day is different.

Read more at: http://nursinglink.monster.com/education/articles/311-20-reasons-why-you-should-be-a-nurse