In-demand health care careers

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a demand in health care to increase by 14 percent from 2018 to 2028.

This significant growth is projected to create 1.9 million new jobs within the industry.An aging population is the main contributor to the growing need for medical employees.

If you’re considering pursuing a health care role, you should know what the most in-demand jobs for this year are and their projected growth. Here are a few of the fastest-growing fields and how their demand will grow through 2028, per the BLS.

Home health aide: 36 percent increase

Typically, to become a home health aide, candidates must hold a high school diploma or equivalent.The median salary is about $24,060 per year, and the work can be performed in homes, nursing facilities and service programs. Home health aides’ primary role is to offer clients support with daily tasks such as bathing and dressing, laundry and organizing patients’ schedules and appointments.

Occupational therapy assistants: 33 percent increase

An assistant for an occupational therapist generally helps patients recover and improve after accidents to maintain the skills needed for daily living. These assistants usually work in hospitals, nursing facilities or therapist’s offices. Their median salary for 2018 was $57,620 per year and required an associate degree from an accredited program while operating under strict state regulations.

Genetic counselors: 27 percent increase

The role of a genetic counselor is primarily to assess risks for genetic diseases or congenital disabilities for individuals or families. Genetic counselors are commonly found in university medical centers, hospitals and laboratories. A median salary for this position was approximately $80,370 in 2018, and the typical entry-level education is a master’s degree.

Phlebotomists: 23 percent increase

A phlebotomist works in hospitals, blood-donor centers and doctor’s offices to draw blood for tests, transfusions and research. Most employees in the field must receive certification from a phlebotomy program rather than obtaining a degree from an accredited college.

The median pay for phlebotomists in 2018 was around $34,480 per year, and an increase of 29,500 jobs is expected before 2028.