Top Health Careers to Go into 2016

The Bureau of Labor Statistics, has asserted that the healthcare industry employs more than 13 million people making it one of the country’s largest employers. Half of the fastest growing industries are in healthcare. While being in a health care related career at this time is a good thing, it is critically important to know the projections for which jobs in the field will grow the fastest. With data projecting average growth of 25%, top health careers will offer more security, better pay, and better chances of career progression.

1. Medical Assistants

With technological development and expanding elderly populations, the need for medical assistants is expected to rise by up to 34% to 2016. An applicant will need to have a post-high school certification or have clerical training for at least a year. It has a salary of about $24,000 a year.

2. Cardiovascular Technicians and Technologists

There has been an increase in the diagnostic technologies as there has been an increase in heart disease as populations age. This has necessitated the growth of jobs such as echocardiographers and vascular technologists that is projected to grow at 39%. A candidate will need a Bachelors degree from university or college or an associate degree from a community college. The pay is about 38,000 per annum.

3. Ultrasound Technicians

Increasing awareness of technology and the appeal of sonography over radiology due to better safety has resulted in increasing demand for ultrasound technicians. A candidate needs a bachelors or associates degree in diagnostic medical sonography. A pay of $52,000 is the average for the sonographer. Great resource can be found here.

4. Physician Assistant

With the growth in health care services, there has been an increase in the demand for physician assistants who assist doctors in: diagnostic services, therapeutic and preventative health procedures. Greater doctor reliance on these specialists and a growing health sector have resulted in a projection of growth of up to 39%. A two-year course followed by a national certification exam is required of the candidate. The average salary is $74000 per year making this one of the best top health careers.

5. Respiratory Therapists

There is an increasing focus on preventative pulmonary health care for infants. Aging populations also call for more respiratory therapists to treat cardiopulmonary illnesses. These two factors have resulted in high growth projections of up to 31%. A therapist needs to have either a bachelors or associate degree to practice. The pay is an average of $43000.

6. Athletic Trainers