Check Out These Three Growing Fields in Healthcare! 

So, you already know that the field of healthcare is growing. You hear it everywhere: The baby-boomers are retiring, the aging population is going to need more healthcare services than ever before, and now is the time to get an education in healthcare if you want career security, and so on and so on … And you know what? All those statements are correct, which is why you should consider the field of healthcare if you are searching for a promising career.

So, you want to take the next step and choose the right area of healthcare for you. First, consider your happiness. While it’s nice to feel secure in your profession, it’s also important to choose a career you will enjoy. After all, sanity is priceless, and there’s nothing worse than making a decision for the wrong reason – especially if you won’t be happy.

The good news though, is that there are several growing areas of healthcare that offer people of different interests and skill-sets an opportunity for a long career they can enjoy. Let’s take a look at three of the fast-growing areas in the healthcare industry. We’ll also see what the Bureau of Labor Statistics has to say about these fields!

Health Information Technician. In the last 10-15 years, computer technology has advanced significantly. It wasn’t that long ago when computers were optional – now, they’re a necessity in about every home. This has made a huge impact in healthcare as well. All medical records are being reported and tracked digitally. It’s no wonder that hospitals, health insurers and other medical facilities need trained staff to compile, process and maintain patients’ health records.

Not convinced? Check out this projection from the Bureau of Labor Statistics: “Employment of medical records and health information technicians is expected to increase by 20 percent, much faster than the average for all occupations through 2018.”

So, if you enjoy working with computers, and you want to enter a field with endless opportunities, this might be a great choice!

Medical Assistant. Behind every good doctor is a competent, skilled medical assistant. This is a solid career option for those who would like to have a mix of working with patients and handling administrative tasks as well. A medical assistant gets to help with routine and medical procedures, such as collecting specimens, taking medical histories and vital signs, and also helping with examinations.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has this to say about Medical Assistant job prospects: “Helping to drive job growth is the increasing number of group practices, clinics, and other healthcare facilities that need a high proportion of support personnel, particularly medical assistants who can handle both administrative and clinical duties. In addition, medical assistants work mostly in primary care, a consistently growing sector of the healthcare industry.”

The great thing about this choice is that it’s an excellent place to start if you are considering longer term goals, such as becoming a registered nurse or studying to become a doctor yourself one day.

Medical Billing and Coding. This has always been an important part of the healthcare industry. Healthcare facilities need diligent workers to work through the billing and coding process to ensure accuracy and accountability in this sometimes complicated process. Billing and coding technicians get training in a broad range of areas, such as medical law, word processing, business communications, and anatomy and physiology for coders.

Medical billing and coding falls under the category of health information technicians on the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website, and they project a 20% increase in employment between 2008-2018. Even better, according to Salary.com, medical coders and billers made an average salary of $44,000 in 2010. This is a higher jump than expected and further proves that this field is a great gateway into the healthcare industry!

Want to know more?
Programs that specialize in training students to thrive in these areas are available online and at campuses nationwide. Schools such as Pinnacle Career Institute offer programs in all three of these areas. If you want a career that will give you stability, and an opportunity to grow, find out more about healthcare programs offered in your area and online today!