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Top-growth Medical Careers Need Skilled Candidates

By Gabby Hyman
Learning & Life Columnist

America's healthcare industry is in trouble. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that our "baby boomer" generation will add 10 million patients to an already overtaxed medical system. Just to right itself, the healthcare industry will grow 30%, adding 4.3 million jobs over the next eight years.

In short, the healthcare industry needs you - ASAP. Consider taking college courses now to qualify for one of these top-five, in-demand healthcare careers that promise long-term stability:

Medical technologists

The boom in medical technology has increased the breadth and number of medical tests today. You'll need to complete degree work to qualify for this career that the BLS says will provide excellent opportunities in diagnostic, treatment, and laboratory work.

Registered Nurses

The Association of Colleges of Nursing warns that 44 states in the nation will suffer a severe shortage of registered nurses by the year 2020. The BLS cites nursing as the second-fastest growing profession of all job groups in the nation. If you complete your nursing degree in the next two years, you'll be ready to go.

Medical Assisting

The BLS reports that medical assistants - especially those with college degrees or certifications - are among the fastest-growing of all career groups through 2014. More than half of all medical assisting work takes place in hospitals and offices of private physicians. The BLS predicts a 52% increase in these jobs.

Physical Therapists

Physical therapists and aides are of especially high demand as our population ages. Therapists need college degrees and aides typically take associate degrees. Job growth is predicted to be "much faster" than average through 2014. The BLS reports that prospects for assisting should increase by 44%.

Dental Assisting

Dental assisting, according to the BLS, will be one of the "fastest growing occupations" over the next decade. Assistants take their coursework at community colleges and medical-dental degree schools - then enter the high-demand job market.

Sources

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• The American Association of Colleges of Nursing

Learn More about these Careers

About the Author
Gabby Hyman has created online strategies and written content for Fortune 500 companies including eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Microsoft Encarta, Avaya, and Nissan UK.

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