Choosing a career is difficult in a complex world where technology and unseen forces can erase entire fields.  One sure career field for the foreseeable future is healthcare.  The combination of an aging population, expanded care supports, and a shortage of physicians result in the prediction that healthcare jobs will grow faster than any other group of occupations, especially for occupations that are considered “health care extenders,” non-physician professionals who help people to prevent and manage their health conditions. Over time, the range of occupations has expanded so that today there are career options at every educational and training level.

Some of these titles require post high school certificate training program often found at community colleges and specific training institutes. Training requirements for many titles vary from state to state.  With the rapidly expanding need in this field, many employers are offering support for continued education, leading to other positions.

• Home Health Aides – Home Health Aides provide in-home assistance with activities of daily living for the elderly and people with disabilities. Many aides work for agencies that may offer training. The demand for this function is projected to increase by over 30%. Median salary $22,600.
• Psychiatric Technicians and Aides – Provide program and support services for people with mental health and developmental disabilities. Median salary $28,670
• Nursing Aides/Assistants – Provide patient support in hospitals and nursing facilities. Requires high school and some training. Median salary $26,590
• Pharmacy Technicians – Help pharmacists dispense medication. Median salary $30,920
• Medical Assistants – Complete administrative and clinical duties in doctors’ offices and medical facilities. Some post high school training generally required. Median salary $31,540
• EMTs and Paramedics – Respond to medical emergencies, providing care and transport. Requires some post high school training. Median salary $32,670
• Phlebotomist – Draws blood for tests, requires graduation from a phlebotomy program (training programs can require up to a year). Median salary $32,710
• Optician Dispenser – Many enter the field with on the job training; some states require education. Help fit, select, and fit eyeglasses. Median salary $35,530
• Medical Transcriptionist – Convert recorded clinical notes to written records – about half of people in this title have post high school training. Median salary $35,720
• Dental Assistant – Provides recordkeeping and patient care. Some people enter the field with on the job training; others complete a training program of about a year. Median salary $36,940
• Medical Records Technician – Organize and manage health records. Post high school training may be required. Median salary $38,040
• Massage Therapist – Treats clients by manipulating soft tissue. Requires post high school training. Median salary $39,860
• Licensed Practical Nurse – Provide basic nursing care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Requires a 1-year post high school program and licensure. Median salary $44,090
• Surgical Technologists – Prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and help doctors during surgery. Requires post high school training. Median salary $45,160
• Occupational Health and Safety Technicians – Conduct tests and measure hazards to ensure safe workplace. Training is either on the job or in post high school programs. Median salary $48,820

The growth in health care will represent 1 in 4 new jobs over the next seven years, and will have the most rapid employment growth of any employment sector of the U.S. economy. These career options offer the best guarantee of employment. A search on the internet by job title and state will show training programs and any certification requirements.