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Understanding the Healthcare Industry

Before getting involved in the very lucrative world of healthcare, it is important that you understand your options. From what careers are in the highest demand to what the various segments of the health care industry consist of, having a clear understanding of the healthcare industry is imperative to your success.

The following set of articles are designed to facilitate your introduction to the field. Peruse at your leisure and make an informed choice when settling on your future career.

The Different Segments of the Healthcare Industry

If you are thinking about beginning an educational program so that you can start a career in healthcare, you could not have picked a better time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics all sectors of the healthcare industry are projected to experience rapid growth over the next several years, with some sectors expected to experience growth rates as much as 49 percent. This predicted increase is due to many reasons but mainly the aging baby boomer population in The United States.

You have numerous options and routes within the world of healthcare. The Bureau of Labor Statistics defines three broad segments of the healthcare industry based on the amount of education and training required.

Service Segment
The first segment of the healthcare industry you may wish to consider entering is that portion composed of service occupations. Service workers often have direct interaction with patients and provide them personal care and assistance. Becoming a service worker also requires little education or training.

Careers in the service segment include a wide variety of occupations. Nursing assistants and home health aides provide basic personal services to the ill, injured, disabled or elderly either at home or at institutions. Other occupations in this segment include dental assistants and medical assistants who perform basic secretarial tasks to help doctors, nurses and patients alike. With further education and training, service workers can often move up to higher-level positions or crossover into related careers in the healthcare field.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics personal and home care aides earn an average of $8.54 per hour, home health aides earn an average of $9.34 per hour and nursing aides, orderlies and attendants earn an average of $10.67 per hour.

Paraprofessional Segment
The paraprofessional segment includes healthcare workers who work directly with professionals such as nurses, doctors and surgeons and assist in formulating diagnoses and treatment plans. These workers sometimes operate technical equipment and help professionals perform major medical procedures.

This segment is one of the fastest growing in the healthcare industry and also covers a large amount of occupations. Various medical technicians, medical records and health information specialists and dental hygienists are just a few of the career paths in the paraprofessional segment.

Medical technicians comprise the largest portion of paraprofessionals, and there are many different types of medical technicians. For instance:

1. Cardiovascular technicians perform the initial scans, such as echocardiograms, of cardiac or venous structures for doctors and nurses to review.
2. Dialysis technicians are trained to operate dialysis equipment and thus help save the lives of patients with failing kidneys.
3. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) usually work on ambulances and are responsible for the safe transport of patients.
4. Medical lab technicians perform necessary test on blood, body fluids and skin samples.
5. Radiology and Ultrasound technicians are trained operators of the equipment required to perform CAT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds and other x-rays.
6. Surgical technicians work directly in the operating room, preparing patients for surgery and assisting during the actual procedure.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Medical assistants and Medical Technicians earn an average of $12.64 per hour.

Specific and formal training beyond the high school level is required to fill paraprofessional positions, but training for these jobs does not usually exceed 4 years or university level training. Many occupations in this field have specialized 1- or 2-year training programs. Having a career as a paraprofessional can be a great way to earn money and gain valuable experience while pursuing further education to work as advanced healthcare professional such as a doctor or nurse.

Professional Segment
Professional occupations within the healthcare field include physicians and surgeons, dentists, nurses, social workers, and physical therapists. Becoming a healthcare professional usually requires a minimum of bachelor's degree and in some occupations a master's or doctoral degree. However, only an associate's degree is required to become certain types of nurses, although a bachelor's is still necessary to become a registered nurse (RN).

Nurses comprise the largest portion of professional healthcare workers. Nurses are needed in almost every medical clinic or institution and work in almost all areas; from the ER to the pediatrics the options are nearly endless. However, there are different types of nurses that require different levels of training and education. For instance:

1. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) typically only have 2 years of training or an associate's degree. These nurses focus on bedside care, such as preparing and giving injections and the taking vital signs of patients. These types of nurses must pass an industry wide certification process in order to become licensed. In the southern states these nurses are called Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs).
2. Registered Nurses make up the largest percentage of nurses and a 4-year college degree is usually required. These types of nurses must also pass an industry wide certification process in order to become registered. RNs can specialize in areas of healthcare that focus on a particular condition, body part or a certain type of patient. RNs also work directly with doctors and often are responsible for performing complex duties.
3. Nurse Practitioners start out as RNs and then go on to complete additional and more highly specialized training. Because of this, Nurse Practitioners carry out even more complex tasks and can diagnose and treat patients without the supervision of a doctor.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses earn an average of $17. 57 per hour and Registered Nurses earn an average of $27.54 per hour.

Doctors have perhaps the most well known and coveted of the professional occupations within the healthcare field. Doctors also usually earn high wages that vary greatly upon their field and practice and are much respected in their local community. However, becoming a doctor takes many years of education and a lengthy training period.

The first step to becoming a doctor is to graduate from a reputable 4-year university with a strong pre-med program for you to major in. It is highly recommended that you excel in all areas of your program and volunteer or work in a medical setting during your limited spare time. Next you will need to take and score high on the Medical School Admissions Test (MCAT) and apply to a reputable medical school. Then you must complete the four years of medical school successfully and when you graduate you will actually be a doctor. However, you then must complete a residency program where you will be supervised and further trained by experienced physicians. The length of a residency is dependent on the program of study but most last around 3 years. Becoming a doctor requires commitment, discipline and a true passion for medicine.

Article Resources:

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
American Medical Association
American Nurses Association
National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians

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The Top 10 Careers in Healthcare Today

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suggests favorable employment opportunities for individuals pursuing healthcare careers in the next eight years. In fact, it predicts that healthcare will generate more jobs than any other industry between 2008 and 2018—a staggering 3.2 million new jobs, to be precise. Take a look at the following top 10 careers in healthcare, ranked in order of predicted job growth.

1. Home health aides assist home-bound individuals who are chronically ill, disabled, or cognitively impaired. Aides may assist their patients with daily activities (i.e.: running errands, attending doctors appointments, etc.), complete light housekeeping chores, and advise patients and their families about nutrition. The BLS predicts there will be a 50.01 percent increase in the number of employed home health aides between 2008 to 2018.
2. Medical assistants work in the offices of physicians and other health practitioners, performing clinical and administrative tasks. An assistant's responsibilities will vary widely depending on the health practitioner's area of focus. Between 2008 and 2018, the BLS predicts there will be a 33.9 percent increase in the number of employed medical assistants.
3. Physical therapist assistants work closely with physical therapists, providing treatment to improve patients' mobility. The assistant may help with a variety of tasks, to include guiding patients through exercises. The BLS predicts there will be a 32.4 percent increase in the number of employed physical therapy assistants from 2006 to 2016.
4. Pharmacy technicians perform administrative duties, assist pharmacists in filling prescriptions, and provide customer service. Depending on the pharmacy setting, a technician's tasks will vary. According to the BLS, between 2006 and 2016 there will be a 32 percent increase in the number of employed pharmacy technicians.
5. A physical therapist examines individuals and suggests treatment plans to improve their mobility, reduce pain, and prevent injury. Between 2006 and 2016, the BLS predicts there will be a 27.1 percent increase in the number of employed physical therapists.
6. Among many other duties, registered nurses record patients' medical histories, assist in treatment, educate patients and their families, and use medical instruments. According to the BLS, between 2008 and 2018 there will be a 22.2 percent increase in the number of employed registered nurses.
7. Physicians examine and diagnose patients, interpret diagnostic tests, and administer treatment to restore patients' health. A physician is either a M.D. (Medical Doctor) or a D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). The BLS predicts there will be a 21.79 percent increase in the number of employed physicians between 2008 and 2018.
8. Surgeons operate on patients in order to treat deformity, disease and injury using a variety of instruments. Some surgeons specialize in a specific surgery. Between 2008 and 2018, the BLS predicts there will be a 21.79 percent increase in the number of employed surgeons.
9. Under the guidance of registered nurses and/or physicians, licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses care for sick, injured, or disabled patients. The nature of care provided by a practical or vocational nurse depends largely on the segment of healthcare he or she is employed in. According to the BLS, between 2008 and 2018 there will be a 20.65 percent increase in the number of employed licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses.
10. Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants perform tasks under the supervision of a nursing staff. Their duties may include changing linens, feeding, bathing, dressing, or moving patients. Between 2008 and 2018, the BLS predicts there will be a 18.72 percent increase in the number of employed nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants.

Article Resources:

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Healthcare Outside The United States

Pursuing employment abroad as a health professional is a deeply rewarding opportunity available to healthcare workers of every experience level. Working abroad is an opportunity to explore different career options, develop new skills after gaining an intimate knowledge of unique healthcare perspectives, and experience another culture in a variety of settings. You many choose to work for a development organization in a rural area, or in a developed country with high-tech medical equipment. Regardless of the setting you choose, you will gain new perspectives and insights about healthcare.

Before Going Abroad
When you decide to pursue employment abroad, it will be important to consider the following variables. What will your professional focus be when you work abroad? Will you develop your specialty or provide humanitarian aid? Where do you want to work? Take the local standard of living into account when making this decision. In what conditions are you willing to work and live? How much exposure to the local culture are you looking for? Do you want full cultural immersion? How long do you plan to live and work abroad? Will you choose a program based on its duration? What qualifications will you need to be successful?

Keep in mind that working abroad as a healthcare professional will be more feasible if you have completed an internship abroad. This helps to establish local, professional contacts and will increase your chance of finding international work in the future. If you have not completed an international internship, consider the following programs when you make your plans to find employment abroad.

Options Abroad
As a U.S. Foreign Service specialist, for instance, you can support U.S. embassies and consulates in foreign countries. This program is available to healthcare practitioners and technicians. To secure a position as a specialist, you must pass the oral assessment, background investigation, medical exam, and review for suitability.

The Peace Corps provides an opportunity for healthcare volunteers to serve abroad in more than 130 countries. Founded in 1961, the Peace Corps trains and sends volunteers to work in developing countries on grassroots projects. Healthcare volunteers live and work among the local people of developing countries for two years. The Peace Corps will provide transportation to and from the country of service, a monthly allowance, health insurance, and student loan assistance to its volunteers. Volunteers report difficulty adjusting to new cultures, isolation, and unexpected challenges which affect the successful completion of their projects. However, when volunteers return to the U.S., they return home as "cultural ambassadors" to educate the U.S. public.

Another international humanitarian organization called Doctors Without Borders provides medical aid in nearly 60 countries to individuals who have suffered as a result of catastrophe, violence, neglect, malnutrition, lack of healthcare, and/or natural disaster. The French organization was founded on humanitarian principles and operates independently of political, religious, or military agendas. More than 27,000 committed healthcare professionals—to include physicians, nurses, administrators, and mental health counselors—are active within the program, but there is a demand for additional professionals. The program's benefits include salary, transportation to and from the country of service, room and board, health insurance, and assistance with student loans.

You should also consider contracting as a traveling nurse with a staffing agency in the country of your choice. The world has a long history of travel nurses, but today, healthcare organizations worldwide are recruiting more and more nurses due to the current shortage. Healthcare organizations abroad are offering high salaries in hopes of attracting domestic and international employees to fill vacancies. Nurses from the U.S. are highly regarded, so securing a job is likely, regardless of your experience level.

Conclusion
Overseas work experiences will serve to boost your personal and professional confidence. What's more, you will have the satisfaction of overcoming challenges associated with living and working in a new country. Keep in mind that there are many programs and opportunities other than those listed here. Use these suggestions to jump start your employment search.

Article Resources:

Doctorswithoutborders.org
Job Corps, AmeriCorps, and Peace Corps: An overview
Working Abroad: Finding international internships and entry-level jobs

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How to Succeed in the Healthcare Environment

As a healthcare professional, how will you succeed in an increasingly competitive work environment? What credentials will you need? What attitude should you adopt? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), between 2008 and 2018 the healthcare industry will generate 3.2 million new wage and salary jobs, thus creating an ideal work environment for healthcare workers to find employment and/or advance their careers. To capitalize on this opportunity, consider the following strategies for success in a healthcare environment.

1. A caring mentality combined with a strong personal drive are crucial for success in a healthcare environment. Health professionals must be willing and able to demonstrate compassion while serving patients and have strong communication skills to facilitate clear dialog with them. Healthcare workers must be emotionally stable to cope with the psychological challenges of caring for sick patients.

2. Self-motivation is also key: professionals must have the stamina to endure rigorous training requirements and long hours on the job. Additionally, healthcare workers must be willing to continue studying throughout their professional career to maintain licensure and keep up with medical advances.

3. Flexibility is becoming increasingly important in healthcare environments. According to the BLS, healthcare employees should not expect to be hired for traditional inpatient hospital positions, as new opportunities are being created in nontraditional settings. If you are seeking employment in a healthcare field, you should be flexible and willing to work in a variety of settings. It is likely that flexibility will even lead to unexpected career advancements.

4. In order to succeed in a healthcare environment, you should be willing to pursue continuing education. Most healthcare jobs are regulated by the state; therefore, in order to maintain valid licensure, many healthcare professionals will be required to enroll in continuing education courses at regular intervals after the completion of their initial training.

5. Further, to excel in any healthcare environment, professionals should develop a reputation of excellence among their patients and peers in the medical field. A good reputation and expertise in a specialty or subspecialty will improve a healthcare worker's chance for advancement. Keep in mind, however, that advancement opportunities vary depending on the occupation itself. Healthcare service assistants and aides, for instance, may advance after gaining experience, additional education and/or training. Similarly, technologists and technicians may advance in their field or specialty by earning new credentials, enrolling in continuing education programs, or seeking additional training. Diagnosing practitioners, on the other hand, may advance based on reputation and specialization alone.

At this moment in time, healthcare workers will find opportunities for success in healthcare fields serving elderly populations. The BLS's prediction for job growth in the healthcare industry is due in large part to the growth of the elderly population in the United States. Improvements in medical technology are extending the lives of these patients, and in patient care is prohibitively expensive, so many elderly patients are choosing to receive care at home to reduce costs. As a result, there is a great and unprecedented demand for health professionals in fields like home health and personal care. According to the BLS, the total employment of home health aides will increase 50 percent in the next eight years—a much faster growth rate than the average for all occupations. But turnover rates are relatively high in these healthcare occupations due to comparatively low pay and the emotional demand on these employees. With vacancies due to employee turnover and the demand for even more workers, healthcare professionals willing to work with the elderly will have many opportunities for employment and success.

As a healthcare employee, keep these suggestions in mind as you conduct your professional life. Be sure to keep up on current trends, as this knowledge can help you direct your focus toward new healthcare specialties where success is sure to be had.

Article Resources:

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Healthcare Salaries

Career Specialty	Average Salary	75th Percentile	25th Percentile
Bioinformatics	$66,240	$78,290	$36,700
Care Management	$84,980	$99,680	$59,910
Cardio Tech	$46,530	$58,900	$31,520
Clinical Tech	$36,110	$42,960	$27,500
Dental Assistant	$32,280	$37,910	$26,200
Dialysis Technician	$36,110	$42,960	$27,500
EMT	$30,870	$36,940	$22,360
Gerontology	$47,170	$59,610	$33,800
Healthcare Management	$84,980	$99,680	$59,910
Holistic Health	$62,480	$73,170	$49,810
Laboratory Tech	$36,110	$42,960	$27,500
Massage	$40,330	$51,460	$23,240
Medical Office Administration	$47,620	$57,700	$34,540
Medical Assistant	$28,270	$32,250	$22,940
Medical Billing	$28,270	$32,250	$22,940
Orthotics	$36,010	$43,230	$24,880
Patient Care	$23,920	$27,780	$19,650
Phlebotomy	$52,410	$61,140	$43,200
Physical Therapy	$71,520	$82,140	$57,880
Pharmacy Technician	$27,560	$32,100	$21,900
Physician Assistant	$77,800	$93,310	$65,640
Public Health	$46,320	$55,740	$35,260
RN (Registered Nurse)	$62,480	$73,170	$49,810
Radiology Tech	$51,150	$60,540	$41,270
Sonography/Ultrasound Tech	$60,590	$71,010	$50,720
Sports Training	$32,990	$42,610	$18,850
Surgical Technician	$38,800	$45,250	$31,410
X-Ray Technician	$51,150	$60,540	$41,270

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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