Top Healthcare Jobs In The U.S.

Submitted by: Peg Smith

The average consumer may grumble about the costs of healthcare, but we all know that the industry is necessary to help prevent, diagnose, and treat many different types of diseases, illnesses, and injuries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the healthcare industry is projected to have one of the fastest job growths through 2020 than many other industries. As such, occupations in the healthcare are some of the best jobs to pursue.

As reported by U.S. News in 2013, the top five healthcare occupations in the U.S. include:

Dentist With an expected 21.1 percent growth up to the year 2020, becoming a dentist is a good idea. Trained to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the teeth and gums, dentists also educate and promote good oral health. You re more likely to find a dentist position in a clinical setting or private office, but some are found in hospitals or outpatient care centers.

Registered nurse Registered nurses (RNs) are indispensible in many facets of healthcare and there are plenty of job openings in various locations across the country. RNs can administer medication, manage medical records, and explain procedures and prescriptions. They work in hospitals or physicians offices, but there are also opportunities available in home care, schools, and business settings.

Pharmacist A pharmacist is responsible for properly dispensing medicine and related advice to individuals. Pharmacies may be located in hospitals or retail chains, but medicines can also be dispensed via clinical and mail-order settings. This profession is expected to grow 25.4 percent through 2020.

Physician Trained doctors, whether medical doctors (MDs) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) diagnose and treat patients for all manner of diseases and disorders, and provide education regarding disease prevention, diet, and hygiene. Some doctors may specialize in holistic care or preventative medicine.

Physical therapist Physical therapists help patients improve body mechanics, reduce pain, and provide options to help prevent future discomfort. Through a variety of modalities, including massage and low-impact exercises, physical therapists help patients better perform everyday tasks. The physical therapy field is expected to grow by 39 percent by 2020.

Entering into the Healthcare Field

If you re considering a position in the healthcare industry, it s important to know exactly what you ll need to do to get there. For example, to become a physician, you ll need to:

Complete an undergraduate program; majoring in biology or pre-med can help you better prepare of the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)

Take and pass the MCAT; more prestigious medical programs will require exceptional MCAT scores to be accepted

Earn an MD or DO degree by graduating from a four-year medical program

Complete a three- to five-year residency training program; the length of time will depend on the specialty in which you re training

Complete a one- to three-year fellowship training program, if necessary; some fellowships are optional, but others, such as those for cardiology and gastroenterology specialists, are required

Obtain a state medical license in the state you plan to practice

Pass the medical board exam for your specific specialty; the American Board of Medical Specialties administers exams for 24 different medical specialty boards, and while board certification used to be optional, most employers are now making it a requirement for employment

Do Your Research

Before you spend a lot of time and money pursuing a career in healthcare, make sure it s definitely what you want to do. Talk to a physician, nurse, pharmacist, or another healthcare professional to see why they entered their particular field and to learn what they like and dislike about their jobs. This can help you narrow down your own interests and habits, which will allow you to formulate the best route to your goals.

About the Author: Peg Smith is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mrs. Smith is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to

healthcare careers

.

Source:

isnare.com

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