Overview
With the care of the aging population, health care is recognized by many as a stable industry in which to work. Jobs such as nursing, radiology technologists, laboratory workers, pharmacists and other health care professions continue to be on the rise.
Health care is a continually changing market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,
- Healthcare is the largest industry in 2006, providing 14 million jobs—13.6 million jobs for wage and salary workers and about 438,000 jobs for the self-employed.
- 7 of the 20 fastest growing occupations are health care related.
- Health care will generate 3 million new wage and salary jobs between 2006 and 2016, more than any other industry.
- Most workers have jobs that require less than 4 years of college education, but health diagnosing and treating practitioners are among the most educated workers.
There are multiple areas in which to work such as hospitals, physician offices, nursing and residential care facilities, dental practices, home care, laboratories, outpatient and ambulatory care centers. Many individuals enjoy specializing in care of individuals with specific disease states such as diabetes, Alzheimers, cancer, etc.
Training and Education
Training varies depending on the field of interest. Most health care occupations generally require a four-year degree in the sciences.
Salaries
Salaries vary within each field but typically range from $45,000/annually on up.