Healthcare Industry Overview

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Narrator: Part of what makes healthcare such an exciting field is the vast number of ways into the industry with jobs for virtually every academic degree level. Several support roles such as phlebotomists, paramedics, and scribes can get started with just a high school degree and the successful completion of an accredited training program. More advanced technical roles such as dental hygienist, radiologist, and sonographer require an associate's degree. Not only is this is relatively quick path into the workplace, these positions typically rank among the highest paid roles for associate's degree holders across all industries. A registered nurse can enter the industry with either an associate's or a bachelor's degree in nursing. Although nurses with a bachelor's may have a better chance of finding themselves in a supervisory role. Advancement to a nurse practitioner is possible with the addition of a master's degree. Entering the field as a physician assistant will require a bachelor's degree as well as the completion of a two to three-year master's-level physician assistant program making this an ideal position for someone who wants to have the core responsibilities of a physician with an expedited academic path. Advanced medical providers, such as physicians, surgeons and dentists require the longest medical training. A bachelor's degree in science, a doctor of medicine from an accredited four-year medical school, completion of a three to five-year residency program and certification from their residing state. The necessary practical skills will vary depending on your role and will typically be taught via a hands-on certification program or a post-secondary education. However, virtually all healthcare professionals require the following set of soft skills. Written and verbal communication. Adaptability and flexibility. Analytical thinking. Working on a team. Dealing with pressure. And time management. And above all else, the number one requirement for all careers in healthcare is empathy. Not only does empathy strengthen interpersonal connection and communication, it also has the power to build trust, reduce anxiety and empower the patient to improve their own health outcomes. The employment of healthcare careers will be growing strong for the foreseeable future. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the employment of healthcare occupations to grow 18% over the next decade, outperforming every other job sector in America by adding over 2.4 million new jobs. Physician assistants lead the industry with an expected job growth of 37%. Physicians and surgeons currently lead the industry with median incomes of over $208,000 followed by dentists with median incomes of over 156,000. A registered nurse averages 77,000 while both the nurse practitioner and a physician assistant can expect around 110,000. Post-secondary non-degree roles such as paramedics and dental assistants have a median income of over $34,000. For the most current healthcare growth and outlook data, please visit http://www.bls.gov.