Healthcare Jobs are Predicted to Skyrocket

Expected healthcare integration as a result of healthcare reform changes is the basis for expected gains in healthcare jobs, says a report by the Bipartisan Policy Center Health Professional Workforce Initiative. What isn't known to date, is the exact mix of healthcare positions needed to fuel the demands, but some predictions exist.

Because the new healthcare arena promises to deliver more inter-professional, cooperative, and integrated care, the healthcare industry as a whole will need a more inclusive basis for workforce needs.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare professionals will see a rise in many specific jobs within the industry. Heading the increase will be home health aids, which is expected to grow by 50 percent. Next on the list, is home care and personal aids at 46 percent. The nursing professional will see modest growth with registered nurses growing at over 22 percent. Even nursing aids, attendants, and orderlies positions will see job growth by over 18 percent. Lastly, surgeons and physicians can expect to be in high demand, coming in at just under 22 percent in terms of growth. Included in these statistics are older workers nearing retirement that will be soon vacating their healthcare jobs.

What these predicted job growth figures mean is that health systems and hospitals need to carefully consider how staffing levels correlates to quality. A key in meeting demand will be training a qualified workforce to meet this demand, while healthcare organizations also find increasingly more efficient ways to operate. They should also delve deeping into how technology can help them support their goal of increasing demand and quality services.