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5 healthcare jobs with the highest demand in 2017

Published on: Feb 28, 2017
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Demand for healthcare professionals is generally stable. As long as people are susceptible to illnesses and ailments, there will always be a need for new physicians, nurses and specialists. Over time, however, demand for some positions may be higher than usual. As the U.S. economy creeps closer to full employment, where nearly all who are willing and able to work are employed - which the latest jobs report indicates as an approaching reality - talent shortages could arise. Overall, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the healthcare industry to add 2.3 million jobs between 2014 and 2024.

For skilled, experienced jobs seekers, this could mean having more negotiating power when applying to new positions. For recent graduates, it likely means more opportunities for work, though the availability of positions will depend on location.

Whether you're a veteran of the medical industry or a recent graduate, it's a good idea to stay up-to-date on the jobs with the highest demand.


1. Registered nurses


After the recession, it was difficult for recently graduated nurses to find work. Graduates experienced extended job searches that could last several months. Fortunately, this is no longer the case. In fact, 82 percent of graduates find a job within six months of graduating, according to John Hopkins University. It's also worth noting that 71 percent of surveyed nursing job seekers found employment with their preferred organization. Additionally, 77 percent of respondents found employment in their  geographical region of choice. It is important to note that more organizations expect their nurses to hold a higher education degree. The American Associations of Colleges of Nursing found that nearly half of all hospitals require new nurses to have at least a bachelor's degree.


2. Home health aides


Of all health care jobs, home health aid positions are expected to grow the most in 2017. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted that demand for home health aides would increase 38 percent between 2014 and 2024, much higher than the average job demand for all professions. This increase is due in part to the number of aging baby boomers who require assistance at home.


3. Dentists


Dentists have a high median salary range - more than $150,000 according to the BLS - though the job does require an extensive educational background. Nevertheless, the BLS expects job growth to increase at a rate of 18 percent during the next decade, a higher-than-average rate compared to all professions. According to ValuePenguin, the top three cities with the highest average dentist salaries are  Tacoma, Washington, Kokomo, Indiana and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.


4. Physician assistants


The BLS expects physician assistant jobs to increase 30 percent over the next decade. Often requiring a master's degree, this job isn't easy to jump into. According to The Physician Assistant Life, the top three cities with the highest median salaries for physician assistants are Juneau, Alaska, Sacramento, California and Honolulu, Hawaii. Throughout the country, the median salary for physician assistants is $90,930.


5. Physicians and surgeons


Demand for doctors and surgeons just may outweigh the available supply of talented, educated professionals. Job growth for physicians and surgeons is expected to increase​ 14 percent between 2014 and 2024, according to the BLS. With a high average salary, competition for these positions will certainly be tight. However, the aging baby boomer population is once again sure to drive demand for skilled doctors.

These are just a few of the positions with the highest demand in 2017. Other professions, such as medical assistants and critical care nurses are also expected to increase in demand, according to Rasmussen College. Positions that don't require advanced degrees, such as medical secretaries and administrators could also see an uptick in employment numbers.

If you're looking for your next job in the medical field, check out myHealthTalent.com today!




Sources:

https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm

http://www.thepalife.com/salary-2015/

https://www.valuepenguin.com/2013/07/best-cities-dentists

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/leading_initiatives_news/news/2013/employment13

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm

http://nursing.jhu.edu/news-events/news/archives/news/gradsurvey14

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home-health-aides.htm

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dentists.htm

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physician-assistants.htm

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm

http://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/health-sciences/blog/entry-level-healthcare-jobs-little-experience/ Demand for healthcare professionals is generally stable.