Over the last few years, the growth and demand for those employed in the healthcare industry have continued to rise. Healthcare professions are essential to ensure adequate care of all citizens, especially as the population ages and new viruses develop. Five healthcare jobs are in high demand and projected to increase substantially over the next decade.
Nurse Practitioners
Nurse practitioners perform many of the same duties that a physician does; however, there are some notable differences. Nurse practitioners manage a patient’s care by assessing, ordering lab work, diagnosing, and treating their medical conditions. Unlike registered nurses and licensed practical nurses, nurse practitioners can prescribe medications. However, some states regulate this practice by requiring the practitioner to be overseen by a physician.
Medical Assistants
Medical assistants fulfill a vital role in any medical facility. Medical assistants resupply the stock room, ensure that examination rooms are clean and orderly, and provide assistance during surgical procedures and examinations. Medical assistants are equipped to fulfill many different roles within the administration and clinical settings.
Physical Therapist Assistants
Physical therapist assistants are professionals who assist physical therapists during a client’s appointment. They may be tasked with observing the patient as they complete the prescribed exercises and reporting their observations and the patient’s concerns to the physical therapist. They may assist with transferring the patient and helping them while completing the exercises and provide instruction for aftercare practices.
Home Health Aides
Home health aides provide assistance to those who are elderly or who are unable to properly care for themselves due to a disability. Home health aides may provide help around the client’s house by washing their laundry or preparing their meals. Bathing, dressing, and grooming their clients are also common tasks that home health aides perform on a regular basis.
Respiratory Therapists
Respiratory therapists help clients who have difficulty breathing. Many clients may temporarily require the assistance of respiratory therapists, while others may have a chronic medical condition that requires lifelong treatment in order to breathe properly. Respiratory therapists help their patients by using a variety of treatments, including medication and physiotherapy, to increase their lung capacity and improve their outcome.