Degrees In Health Care

In the U.S. Department of Labor and Statistics’ November 2007 assessment of the job market, they compiled a list of the “Fastest growing occupations” in today’s job market. These occupations are expected to receive steady growth until 2016.

Healthcare, the fastest growing industry in the United States, took many of the “top job” spots for the study. Take a look at the current healthcare jobs that are considered in high demand:

• Home Health Aide. Predicted to increase 48.7%. This job benefits from vocational training, an Associate’s Degree, or an apprenticeship. Median pay is $10/hour.
• Medical Assistant. Predicted to increase 35.4%. This job benefits from vocational training, an Associate’s Degree, or an apprenticeship. Median pay is $15/hour.
• Skin Care Specialist. Predicted to increase 34.3%. This job requires vocational training. Median salary is $42,000/year.
• Physical Therapist Assistant. Predicted to increase 32.4%. This job requires a minimum of an Associate’s Degree and is benefited by a Bachelor’s Degree. Median pay is $25/hour.
• Dental Hygienist. Predicted to increase 30.1%. This job requires a minimum of an Associate’s Degree. Median pay is $33/hour.
• Mental Health Counselor. Predicted to increase 30%. This job requires a minimum of a Master’s Degree. Median salary is $44,000/year.
• Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT). Predicted to increase 29.8%. This job requires a minimum of a Master’s Degree. Median salary is $50,000/year.
• Physical Therapist. Predicted to increase 27.1%. This job requires a minimum of a Master’s Degree. Median salary is $71,000/year.
• Physician Assistant. Predicted to increase 27%. This job requires a minimum of a Master’s Degree. Median salary is $83,000/year.

Median pay/salary was taken from PayScale.com.

These jobs do not only offer generous pay for the educational levels they require, but also come with job stability. With the projected job growth, finding a rewarding career in one of these occupations upon completion of your healthcare degree is almost assured.