HealthNews Dozen: Best Medical Careers in 2009 and Beyond

Times are hard. The job market is experiencing a low it has not seen in decades, as many communities and states are seeing the unemployment rate surpass 10 percent. And while the other 90 percent face the everyday possibilities of layoffs and company shutdowns, there is one industry that can sustain itself without quite the severity of problems others face. Jobs in the health care industry remain in demand because of sheer need. Society, no matter its condition, requires medical care because diseases, aches, pains, broken bones, and other medical conditions know no recession.

When U.S. News & World Report released its “Best Careers of 2009” report, the country was already in the midst of an economic recession, and with that in mind, the authors selected and published its list of 30 careers most likely to ride out the tough times. Out of the 30 careers chosen by U.S. News & World Report, there were 12 that represent opportunities in the medical field because of the industry’s tenacity. Out of hundreds of careers ranked by job outlook, average job satisfaction, training difficulty, prestige, and pay, the top 30 were picked. Many of the careers from previous lists remained, and though the dentistry career was among several removed from the 2008 list, three were added—health policy specialist, physical therapist, and veterinarian—because of their increased demand.

Some of the careers require many years of education and training, but others are viable options for those seeking career changes. In many communities, jobs in, for example, the automobile industry, are fading and may not return for many years, which leaves people with the necessity of exploring a new career. Many of the careers on the list, especially in the medical field, are attainable through training that requires only a limited amount of training. There are specialty programs at local colleges and institutions, all of which offer financial aid, which can be completed before unemployment payments run out.

And for people just entering the job market, the above-listed careers are solid choices with the potential for long, profitable futures. Especially in light of the Obama Administration’s intense focus on health care, the field will inevitably grow and offer even more opportunities. If even some of the proposed health care reforms pass, more people will be able to afford medical care and be able to treat conditions through methods like physical therapy.

Jobs like physical therapy are in high demand not only due to patients requiring such care but due to the level of job satisfaction associated with it. Out of all of the careers surveyed, physical therapists ranked highest in job satisfaction, second only to members of the clergy. The one-on-one coaching aspect is a plus for many people in the industry, and the ability to see progress in patients provides a level of satisfaction. Physical therapists can also choose their work hours and setting, such as hospital, private clinic, school, or in patients’ homes.

The authors of the published list note that some of the careers listed are also quite lucrative. Physician assistants perform about 80 percent of the tasks of a physician and have the potential to earn a six-figure income. Pharmacists also have high income potential while ensuring work due to simple societal need, as well as an increasing need for them to advise patients as well as prescribe medicines. Health policy specialists will soon be in high demand due to the White House focus on health care and the attempts to reform the system, and the background and knowledge of such a specialist could command substantial fees to be paid by government agencies.

This list of health care careers can be helpful to those in dire need of a career change or those still exploring options as they enter or exit their first years of school. In the current market, factors like longevity, financial promise, and stability are extremely important and can be found in the health care industry.