Fastest Growing Health Careers

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare expects to see more job opportunities than any other careers by 2018. Healthcare continues to grow as the elderly population increases but other factors influence this expected growth as well. The fastest increase is seen in medical jobs that do not require four-year degrees; however, advanced nursing programs are steadily on the rise.

Certified Nursing Assistants

Nursing assistants provide patient care to all types of patients, especially the elderly. As more people need personal and medical assistance, they may need the services of aides. Nursing aides typically obtain their skills from short school programs. Federal guidelines require assistants to have 75 hours of educational and clinical training from an accredited source.

Aides need to learn how to take vital signs and use a variety of patient care techniques. They must also take the CNA exam to obtain their licenses. Certified nursing assistants work in hospitals, nursing homes and homecare.

Technicians

Technicians generally perform patient diagnostic duties in many medical settings including clinics and laboratories. This medical career includes phlebotomists, laboratory technicians and dialysis technicians. Technicians can learn their skills on-the-job but many are now taking formal training through colleges and technical schools. They may become licensed in their profession to earn higher pay.

Registered Nurses with Advanced Degrees

Registered nurses work in many areas of health including advanced nursing. Nurses are now specializing in specific medical areas such as pediatrics, education and geriatrics, a discipline that involves treating the elderly.

They typically obtain advanced nurse practitioner degrees through higher learning programs and most work in hospitals, physicians' offices and clinics. Others choose to work in private practices and treat their own patients.