Health Careers Discovery
Trends & Outlook
The outlook of health care is ever changing, not only in Vermont but also across the country. Demand is high and there are shortages in many areas of health care including nursing, allied health, and mental health. (See the VT Labor Market Information website for more information.)
What are the trends currently affecting health care and health careers in the United States?
- An aging and diverse population – people are living longer and more are coming from diverse background;
- Technology – advances in medicine and technology will require the health care worker to be skilled with computers and be comfortable using the newest technologies;
- The informed consumer – increased Internet access has created the informed consumer who wants to play an active role in the health care decision making process;
- Rising costs – as the cost of health care continues to rise, people, particularly in rural areas have difficulty getting access to the medical services they need;
- Global issues – with our nation dealing with global political and economic issues as never before, and with the threat of bioterrorism on the horizon, the health care field is most definitely impacted.
Is a Health Career for You?
Health careers don’t discriminate. It doesn’t matter if you:
- Are male or female;
- Are committed to longer (2-4 year) educational goals or prefer a quicker certification approach;
- Love traveling or want to stay close to home;
- Like working as a team or on your own; or
- Enjoy working directly with people or animals or in an office setting
Why should you choose a health career? We can think of at least seven great REASONS.
Click on the “letter link” of each REASON to read all about an exciting health career.
- Respect – people respect your professionalism, your knowledge, and your ability to help them, often in a time of need.
- Everywhere – after you are trained and licensed, you can work anywhere in the world with skills that are high in demand. At least 50% of all new jobs created from 2000-2010 will be in health care.
- Always Needed – as long as there are humans and animals walking the earth, your skills as a health professional will be needed.
- Salary – in the health field, you earn a living wage with competitive pay, benefits, flexibility, and job security. With so many educational options, including training on the job that allows you to earn as your learn.
- Occupations – there’s hundreds of careers to choose from. You can work with people, animals, technology, research, teach, etc. You’ll often have the options of when and where to work.
- No Barriers – there are no barriers to personal and professional growth. You can start at any level and build your career based upon your interests. You can change your career direction and continue your education.
- Satisfaction – as a health professional, there’s tremendous satisfaction in helping others. You are helping make the world a better place while you support yourself and your family.
Health Careers Resources
Exploration and Awareness for Students
MedQuest 2008
Last Update: December 2006
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