It’s a new year, and like many of us, you may be reflecting on what you want to accomplish this year. Are you considering a career change? If so, the healthcare field has a variety of exciting opportunities.
On the Top 20 Fastest-Growing Jobs lists, healthcare has more positions than any other industry. Jobs in nursing, home health care services and outpatient care are increasing substantially faster than the U.S. average job growth. Between 2020 and 2030, the U.S. healthcare industry will add 11.9 million new jobs, rising from 153.5 million to 165.4 million positions.
If you’re interested in a healthcare career, check out some of the most in-demand positions below.
Registered Nurse
Projected Job Growth (2022 – 2032): 6%
About the Job: Nurses play one of the most important roles in the healthcare system. Nursing tasks can vary depending upon the specific healthcare environment. Still, they often include providing and coordinating patient care, educating patients on a health condition, observing patients, recording observations, and collaborating with doctors.
As a registered nurse, you may have more job flexibility than you think. You’re not limited to working in a hospital or doctor’s office. You can work in various positions like an ER nurse, OR nurse, traveling nurse, school nurse, home health nurse, and so much more.
How to Enter the Nursing Field: To become a registered nurse, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam, along with completing a Bachelor of Science degree. You can streamline the process of becoming a registered nurse by choosing a 3-year accredited nursing program. Arizona College of Nursing offers a 3-year BSN program to help you enter the nursing field faster.
Medical Assistant
Projected Job Growth (2022 – 2032): 14%
About the Job: Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Tasks can vary in the job but often include recording patient history and personal information, measuring vital signs, helping physicians with patient examinations, and scheduling patient appointments. Medical assistants can also specialize and move into leadership roles.
How to Enter the Medical Assisting Field: To become a medical assistant, it’s recommended that a student complete a medical assisting education program to learn the skills needed to succeed in the role. Arizona College offers a 30-week program that prepares you for a career as a medical assistant.
Dental Assistant
Projected Job Growth (2022 – 2032): 7%
About the Job: Dental assistants support dentists with patient care, along with a variety of other tasks. They play a crucial role in ensuring a dental practice operates effectively. Common responsibilities include preparing patients and the work area for treatments and procedures, sterilizing dental instruments, instructing patients in proper oral hygiene, scheduling patient appointments, and keeping records of dental treatments.
How to Enter the Dental Assisting Field: To become a dental assistant, it’s recommended that a student complete a dental assisting education program. A comprehensive training program will give you the skills and hands-on experience necessary to succeed as a dental assistant. Arizona College offers a 38-week program where students learn all required skills to enter the dental assisting field.
Pharmacy Technician
Projected Job Growth (2022 – 2032): 6%
About the Job: Becoming a pharmacy technician is a rewarding healthcare career. Pharmacy technicians play a critical role in providing quality patient care and carry out many of the same tasks a pharmacist would. They locate, dispense, pack, and label prescription medication for patients while working closely with a pharmacist to ensure the health and safety of each patient.
How to Enter the Pharmacy Technician Field: Students must first complete an accredited pharmacy technician training program. The Pharmacy Technician training program at Arizona College of Allied Health is offered at the Glendale and Mesa campuses. The program only takes 3 quarters (34 weeks) to complete. Next, you must become a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT). Obtaining a pharmacy technician license starts with passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.
Healthcare Administration
Projected Job Growth (2022 – 2032): 28%
About the Job: Unlike a registered nurse or a medical assistant, a healthcare administrator doesn’t physically treat patients but still has the gratification of enhancing medical care operations and improving patient outcomes. Medical and health services managers oversee the day-to-day administrative operations of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. Responsibilities often include managing finances, developing work schedules for staff and physicians, updating health records, ensuring the facility complies with all laws and regulations, and improving the overall efficiency and quality of the medical facility.
How to Enter the Healthcare Administration Field: The first step is getting the proper education. At Arizona College of Allied Health, the Health Care Administration Associate degree program is a 30-week program designed to offer students the tools and resources to advance their careers in the healthcare industry.
If you want to enhance your career in the new year, the healthcare field may be a great fit. To help prepare you for a variety of jobs, Arizona College offers various programs from 12 campuses in 7 states to help get you started on your healthcare journey.
If you are interested in pursuing a healthcare career, contact an advisor at: (855)706-8382 or visit: arizonacollege.edu to learn more.
Information in this blog post is accurate as of January 5, 2022.