Demand will be high for 5 health care jobs
Economists at the Labor Department project that from 2019 to 2029, employment in health care in the U.S. will grow 15 percent, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 2.4 million new jobs during that span.
The health care and social assistance sector is expected to add the most new jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with six of the 10 fastest-growing occupations. Spurring the expected growth: care for the aging baby boom population, longer life spans and persistent growth in the number of patients with chronic conditions.
A recent report by Mckinsey & Co. similarly expects the greatest growth in labor demand by 2030 among health aides, technicians, wellness occupations and health professionals.
As the world adjusts to the coronavirus pandemic, this figure could expand even more, as “demand for workers in the health care and STEM occupations may grow more than before the pandemic, reflecting increased attention to health,” according to the report.
Researchers at Linkedin analyzed in-demand jobs pushed by the pandemic’s shock to develop a list of 15 “jobs on the rise.” Linkedin’s data scientists looked at more
than 15,000 job titles to uncover the positions that have grown the most, compared with 2019 levels, said Andrew Seaman, senior editor for job search and careers at Linkedin News.
Here are five health care jobs on the rise.
Nurse practitioner
Overall employment growth of nurse practitioners is projected to top 50 percent from 2019 to 2029. The rise is mainly because of an increased importance on preventive care and demand for health care services from an aging population, according to the Labor Department’s forecast.
According to the BLS, registered
nursing — a related but distinct job, involving separate state licenses and, in some cases, degrees — is listed among the top occupations in terms of job growth from 2019 to 2029, though it is an understaffed field.
Licensed nurse practitioners, who also must have a registered nursing license, legally are able to prescribe medications and have greater flexibility than registered nurses in diagnosing and treating illnesses.
Home health aide
Overall employment of home health and personal care aides is expected to jump 34 percent from 2019 to 2029, according to the Labor
Department. The aging babyboom generation and the growing elderly population are the main reasons for the increase.
Home health and personal care aides represent the sixth-fastest growing occupation in the country, according to Labor Department data, but the pay is low, at about $12.15 per hour, or $25,280 per year.
There is plenty of need for paid workers at private homes, assisted living communities, memory care centers for dementia patients, hospice facilities and nursing homes. Short-term training is generally on the job by registered nurses for those working for an agency or inhouse facility.
Mental health specialist
Employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors is likely to grow 25 percent from 2019 to 2029, according to the Labor Department.
Linkedin data shows nearly 24 percent year-over-year job growth among mental health professionals. Fast-growing positions include behavior therapist, mental health technician and psychotherapist. Most of these roles require an associate degree or higher and training in areas such as play therapy for children, mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Educational requirements vary, but most positions require at least a bachelor’s degree.
Massage therapist
Employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 21 percent in the next decade, according to the Labor Department. Demand will likely increase as more health care providers understand the benefits of massage and these services become part of treatment plans.
Most states and the District of Columbia regulate massage therapy and require a license or certification after graduating from an accredited program of 500 or more hours of study and experience.
Respiratory therapist
Respiratory therapists treat patients with heart and lung problems such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and sleep apnea. They perform diagnostic tests for lung capacity, administer breathing treatments, document patient progress and confer with physicians and surgeons.
Employment of respiratory therapists is forecast to grow 19 percent from 2019 to 2029, according to the BLS.
Respiratory therapists typically need an associate degree, but some have bachelor’s degrees in respiratory therapy. Respiratory therapists are licensed in all states except Alaska.