The health care industry has been a steadily growing job producer over the last several years, and that trend is expected to increase even more dramatically over the next decade. Combined with today's sluggish economy and an historic unemployment rate, this incredible career opportunity is resulting in an increasing number of campus-based and online colleges boosting their health care degree offerings in the health industry across the board. From nursing to radiology to physical and occupational therapy, the classes are opening up at an accelerated pace, and being filled just as quickly.
Why the boom in health care jobs? The U.S. Census projections show that by the year 2029, well over 20% of American citizens will be 65 years old, or older. Also, Americans over the age of 85 will double between 2003 and 2029, and double again by 2050. If this is indeed the case, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that there will be a subsequent increased demand for trained health care providers who can satisfy the needs of the growing elderly population.
This job explosion will not be limited to nurses or hospital-based workers either. And students seem to be very aware of this. Colleges are now reporting increases in enrollment for all kinds of other industry related programs such as dentistry, optometry and health information and records specialists. MIS/IT jobs will also play an important role in the industry as the future unfolds.
Today, more and more colleges are beginning to offer new bachelor's degree programs in health care that are focused on gerontology, which is the study of diseases, conditions and issues with the elderly. The degree programs are developed to educate students on the country's elderly population and give them instruction in the fields of geriatric care and support.
In addition, those who decide to launch a new career in the industry - or supplement their current health care or nursing education - appear to have a greater likelihood of qualifying for tuition assistance, as many more private organizations are beginning to support the education of workers in this industry. A quick search on the Internet can bring you many different types of available related grants and scholarships. Additionally, a trip to your college of choice's financial aid department will give you an additional advantage in seeking out tuition assistance.
Students who are not confident that they can finish a 4 year degree can start off earning a 2 year associate's degree. There are many high-paying, self-rewarding jobs available to those with associate's degrees including: Registered nurses, nuclear medicine technicians, dental hygienists, sonographers, radiology technicians, respiratory therapists and occupational therapy assistants. Once their feet are "in the door", many facilities and employers will offer tuition reimbursement and time off to complete higher education.
As our technology increases, so does our elderly population. Because of this, health care jobs are on the rise and will be for many years. This provides an excellent opportunity for those deliberating on a career in the health care field to jump on the bandwagon and get started on their new education right now. And with the recent increase in available online classes, one can continue working part-time or even full time while taking classes - only taking time off from work when clinical time is required.
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If you are thinking about a high-paying and rewarding career and education in the health care industry, take a look at the top rated health care colleges and universities in America, as ranked by U.S. News and World Report. You can also visit our Nursing pages and learn about the best online nursing schools, for associates to doctorate level degrees.
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