According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the healthcare industry is the largest industry in the United States.  Healthcare currently employs approximately 14.3 million individuals in a vast array of positions.  Additionally, ten of the 20 fastest growing occupations in the U.S. are healthcare related.  Within the next ten years the healthcare industry is expected to employ an additional 3.2 million individuals.  This expansion is due largely to the expanding needs of the elderly population.

Healthcare jobs may be found in a variety of locations. About 35% of the healthcare jobs are at hospitals, 40% at Ambulatory health care offices such as physician offices, home healthcare offices, dentist offices, offices of other health practitioners, outpatient care centers, medical diagnostic labs, and other ambulatory healthcare offices.  The remaining 25% of the healthcare jobs are at nursing and residential care facilities such as nursing homes, community care facilities for the elderly, residential mental care facilities, and other types of residential care facilities.

Growth in the healthcare industry will be driven by the rapidly expanding elderly population as well as by advances in technology.  With advances in medicine and technology, survival of the severely injured and early diagnosis of disease will result in the need for increasing amounts of treatment. Additionally there will be a shift in treatment location as outpatient services become more and more common.  The net effect of all these changes will result is a shift in the nature of the healthcare jobs available with increasing demand for positions as pharmacy technicians , home health care aids, physical therapists, and other similar positions.  There will also be opportunity for those cross trained in the use of technology to meet the demands as healthcare becomes more reliant on technology.  Tougher immigration regulations and the increasing median age of registered nurses may also spur the demand for well trained nurses. 

As a whole, healthcare is poised to maintain its position at the top of the employment charts.  Students seeking a position in a financially rewarding and personally fulfilling career should explore their options in a healthcare field. Whether you are someone new to healthcare or a trained professional looking for advancement, there are numerous educational opportunities available.  In just two years someone with a high school diploma can drastically expand their earning potential and the likelihood of employment.   With a four year degree even more options are available.  Start today by selecting the Healthcare & Nursing tab and see the opportunities that await you.

Adapted from information made available by the U.S. Department of Labor