What Medical Professionals Are In Demand And How To Land The Job

Regardless of the economic condition of the country, a field that seems to always be booming is the medical industry. Today, more baby boomers are becoming senior citizens. This means there is a higher need for medical professionals who can help them. With that, there are also medical careers that are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an increase in job rates of 18% from 2016 to 2026. This translates into more than two million jobs that will be created in the years to come.

If you’re looking for a rewarding career that is recession-proof and will give you plenty of opportunity for growth, becoming a medical professional is a good decision. We’ll explore five in-demand fields where you’ll thrive as a medical professional and discuss how you can land the job.

1. Home Health Aides and Patient Care Techs

With the growing population of baby boomers, there’s a huge demand for at-home care. Many of them want to live independently instead of being admitted to a facility or nursing home. Research studies conclude that seniors that live at home are able to enjoy a better quality of life and extend their years healthfully.

Many older adults suffer from degenerative diseases and chronic conditions that require special care. Medical professionals are in high demand now and in the near future to help these types of patients. Projections point to a 40% increase for these medical professionals by the year 2026.

In this career, you’ll assist patients with activities of daily living, tend to their physical and emotional needs, and manage their care including administering medications. To be hired in most agencies you’ll need a state certification that requires little education, often a GED is enough to get certified.

2. Paramedics and EMTs

Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are the first line of response to people who are experiencing an emergency. They are responsible for administering immediate care wherever they are and transporting patients to hospitals. They are often called the “unsung heroes” in the medical world because they see a variety of intense scenarios that require quick thinking and very tough skin.

As an emergency responder, you’ll see a variety of accidents, situations on the streets, violent crimes, situations that require cardio solutions, and devastating natural disasters. You’ll be working odd and long hours encountering life-threatening situations almost every day.

The potential growth in demand for this type of medical professional is estimated to have an increase of about 23% in the coming years. If you see yourself saving lives and engaging in an adrenaline-filled job, then this option is great for you.

To land a job as a paramedic or EMT, you only need a high school degree, plus a certification in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). You’ll first have to finish basic and intermediate EMT training to advance to becoming a paramedic. To quickly get hired, you may have to accept positions that are less than ideal like those working overnight.

3. Physical Therapist

The life of a physical therapist is very rewarding – filled with successful patient transformations. You work directly with the patient and with a very intimate part of their life. They are usually doing rehabilitation for some type of injury at times due to elective surgery, but in other instances recovering from a tragic accident.

You’ll take patients through weeks or months of gradual improvement as they work to regain function and mobility. It is an extremely fulfilling career and has room for growth.

To become a physical therapist, you must complete a lot of hard work in school and training. First, you’ll have to earn a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field. Then, you’ll have to meet your state’s licensing requirements, and finally, complete a doctor of physical therapy degree program. In some cases, you may also be required to complete a residency.

It is projected that by the year 2022, a career in physical therapy will see a 36% growth. There are a variety of settings from hospital rehab units, to rehabilitation facilities, to your private practice if you would like to own your own business. There is also room to go into research with schools that participate in special projects.

4. Cardiovascular Technologist

Another medical professional in high demand is a cardiovascular technologist. Cardiology is a field that continues to see growth as cardiovascular disease is still a major reason why people seek healthcare services for both emergency and non-emergency care.

A cardiovascular technologist works directly with patients using the latest technology to diagnose cardiovascular diseases to help Cardio Solution cardiologists care for patients in need. A combination of bedside manner and technological skills are key in this career. Growth projections for this career is estimated to be a steady 10% for the future years.

Getting a job as a cardiovascular technologist requires a high school diploma, GED, or associate’s degree. You’ll also need to complete a certificate program, or depending on the employer, you may be able to be trained on the job.

5. Registered Cardiac Nurse

Nursing is experiencing job growth of about 19% from the average. As a registered nurse in the cardiology field, you can work in clinics, private practices, hospitals, private homes, or as a traveling nurse filling in for various types of cardiac care.

Becoming a nurse is also a way to have a stepping stone into careers such as medical managers and directors, achievable after only 10 years of practice.

To become a registered nurse you’ll need at least an associate’s degree in order to meet state licensing requirements. For a higher salary, you may obtain a bachelor’s degree, and for an even higher career level, you can continue your education and become a nurse practitioner who is able to diagnose and write prescriptions.

Obtaining a doctorate in nursing will allow you to do research and become a professor. Nursing is great for those who like to work directly with people and who are caring and patient. The cardiology field is in high demand, you can start as a floor nurse in the cardiac unit and gain some general experience before going further into the field.

Conclusion

Besides these five careers that are experiencing high demand, there are other professions in the medical industry that are growing just as much. You’ll find plenty of resources on the internet to guide you in your career research.

Certainly, a career in the medical field is sure to provide job security and a hefty salary. In addition, working to help heal patients is a very noble role in society. Medical professionals enjoy the personal rewards that come from making people’s lives better or saving lives in some instances.