The healthcare field has never been more competitive. The industry is booming right now, and it’s expected to grow even more. This means that many healthcare jobs will open up. As a result, there will be even more demand for medical care professionals in the coming years than ever before.
If you want to pursue a career in the field, read on for some insight into what fields are going to be in high demand in the coming years.
These are the top 10 medical careers that will be in demand in the future.
10 High-Demand Medical Professions in the Future
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Public Health Specialists
Public health specialists prevent and manage health problems in populations. They do this through public health policies and programs. These professionals help address obesity, diabetes, substance abuse, and other illnesses.
To practice in this field, one must hold a bachelor’s degree in public health. You can also study in a related field, such as epidemiology. Some higher positions will also require one to have a master’s degree in public health.
A doctor of public health (DPH) degree might be a requirement also. The DPH degree is the most common doctoral degree in public health. This degree is also offered at several other universities.
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Pharmacy Technician
A pharmacy technician or pharm tech is a healthcare professional who dispenses medicines to sick patients. Pharm techs work alongside pharmacists and help support patients.
They fill or order prescriptions and perform inventory counts. Pharm techs are responsible for the smooth running of operations in the pharmacy.
To be a pharmacy tech, you do not necessarily need a college degree. Instead, you need to have a diploma or an associate degree. After completing this program, pharmacists must pass their Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam to become certified.
This exam is their most important one because they cannot practice as pharmacy technicians without it. Passing this certification test validates the knowledge of an individual wanting to work as a pharmacy technician. To pass the exam, many students use PTCB practice tests to prepare. You can find a simplified and easy pharmacy tech practice test on Medical Hero.
Pharmacy technicians can work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, retail pharmacies, and health clinics. In addition, they can work in hospitals, clinics, and health-oriented retail locations.
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Caregiver
Caregiver jobs will see a high degree of growth. Due to the aging population, more people will have to take care of a family member or friend. This will drive up the demand for caregivers, who can also provide in-home care for patients.
Caregiver jobs are expected to grow by 33% by 2030. That’s a faster growth rate than most other jobs. There can not be a lack of elderly or recovering people. As a result, the caregiver job will always be in demand.
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Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Obstetricians and gynecologists specialize in the care of women during pregnancy and delivery. They also treat conditions that affect the reproductive system. These are irregular periods, urinary infections, and sexually transmitted infections.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, they are among the most highly paid healthcare professionals. The need for obstetricians and gynecologists will increase with the increasing population rate. Obstetricians and gynecologists can find employment in hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
Many states now consider relaxing the rules for who can become an OB/GYN. This is due to the increased demand for obstetricians and gynecologists. Some states are trying to address the problem by changing their residency requirements.
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Biomedical Engineers
Biomedical engineers design medical equipment and devices, including implants, prostheses, and biological sensors. These engineers specialize in understanding how the human body functions. They then apply that knowledge to create machines.
The devices make medical treatments more straightforward, more effective, or both. With an expected growth rate of over 8.30% by 2028, biomedical engineers will increase in demand. This is because there is a shortage of healthcare workers in this field. There is also an increase in life expectancy and the aging population.
To become a biomedical engineer, one must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Next, you need a four-year graduate degree program in biomedical engineering.
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Veterinarians
Veterinarians are responsible for the care of animals, including pets, livestock, and wildlife. They can work in private practices or larger veterinary clinics. Experts believe there will be a 17% increase in the demand for vets by 2030.
There are about 4000 job vacancies in the US for veterinary doctors in the decade. Many of these vacancies will replace workers who transfer to other occupations. Veterinarians can find employment working in animal hospitals and clinics.
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Registered Nurses
Registered nurses specialize in providing care to patients in various settings. These include hospitals, nursing homes, schools, military bases, and other healthcare facilities. Nurses provide a wide range of health services. They administer vaccinations, treat infections and injuries, and track patients’ conditions.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects growth of up to 12% through 2028 in nursing jobs. Families are expected to have more members as the population grows and ages. More people will require more medical care. Because of this, more people will need nurses to care for them.
To become a registered nurse, one must first have a bachelor of science or an associate degree in nursing. Then you will need to pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN).
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Emergency Medicine Physicians
Emergency medicine physicians are also called ER doctors in the US. They work in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. They treat patients with injuries and illnesses that require immediate treatment. Some of these illnesses are cardiac arrest and strokes. They also treat patients who have been in car accidents or other accidents.
The future of emergency medicine physicians is bright, according to this report. To become an emergency medicine physician, one must get a four-year bachelor’s degree. Next, pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
After that, you should graduate from an accredited medical school. Then, you need to have several years of residency in emergency medicine. Next, you need to pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination, or USMLE. Lastly, earn an Emergency Medicine certificate.
It is not just ER doctors that will be needed in the future. Medical researchers who specialize in research for certain diseases will be incredibly important. For example, postdoctoral researchers into certain lung cancers will be invaluable in the future to help establish new treatments and understand why some patients are resistant to treatments using NSCLC cell line models.
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Medical Transcriptionist
A medical transcriptionist works in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. They are also called healthcare documentation specialists. Their job includes translating patient records into written reports.
These professionals work with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers. They create diagnoses and treatment reports. Medical transcriptionists will always be in high demand. But, they will need to use medical transcription software to keep up.
To become a medical transcriptionist, one must have at least a high-school degree. Then, gain work experience through internships or apprenticeships. Afterward, get certified, then apply for jobs. In the US, you might need a medical transcription certificate to practice.
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Orthopedic Physician
Orthopedic physicians treat diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. These include injuries to the bones, joints, spine, and hips. Orthopedic physicians are expected to see a high demand for patients through 2022.
This is because the aging population demands more care from physicians. In addition, orthopedic procedures like hip replacements and knee replacements are now more common.
To become an orthopedic physician, one must first have a medical degree. Then complete a residency program in orthopedic surgery.
Conclusion
New technologies, treatments, and medications continue to emerge, while others disappear and are replaced by new options. This constant evolution means that the fields of medicine and healthcare will continue to grow in demand.
There will be even greater demand for medical careers in the future. This is due to people becoming more aware of the need to take better care of their health.
The opportunities available as a medical professional are many and varied. This makes it an appealing career option for those looking to positively impact their community, their patients, and their own lives.
