Healthcare Careers

Healthcare Overview

The healthcare industry is the largest employer, with over 14 million employed in the field nationwide. Most of those jobs require less than 4 years of college; but if diagnosing and treating patients is a goal, an advanced degree or certification is often needed. Students earning a healthcare degree can work in a variety of environments, including doctors and dentist’s offices, medical labs, hospitals and in the nursing and residential fields.

Employment Opportunities

Healthcare professionals may work in a variety of fields, including:

• Hospitals
• Home health care
• Ambulatory care (paramedics)
• Doctor’s and dentist’s offices
• Outpatient care facilities
• Medical labs
• Medical research facilities

Skills

Healthcare professionals need a wide range of capabilities, including:

• Attention to detail
• Ability to asses medical conditions under pressure
• Excellent communication skills
• Emotional stability
• Compassion for others

Industry Spotlight

Employment opportunities for the healthcare industry continue to outpace all other occupations. In fact, 7 of the top 20 fastest growing jobs are in healthcare. In the next 8 years alone, healthcare will generate over 3 million new jobs.

- Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2008