The surge began following a report by the AAMC indicating the U.S. could see an estimated shortage of around 54,000 to 139,000 physicians by 2033. Crippled by a lack of support staff, many clinical environments are in a period of rebuilding as they venture into the post-pandemic recovery phase. This translates into a high demand for critical care roles such as nursing, but also many other supportive roles.
Last year, more than 80,000 qualified applicants were not accepted at schools of nursing largely because of shortages of faculty, clinical sites, and other supporting resources.
Stakeholders are excited about the renewed interest in healthcare and hope it will attract new talent to their hospitals and clinics. Clinical professionals support every aspect of patient health and are not limited to that of a physician and/or nurse. There are many different types of clinical roles available within a clinical environment, and may include working in a hospital, clinic, wellness/rehabilitation center, specialty practice, or outpatient facility.
Clinical roles typically require an advanced education, certification, or a license. These roles encompass direct or indirect engagement with patients in some type of supportive capacity. This includes positions related to:
- Laboratory Science
- Administrative Support
- Technological Support
- Patient Education
- Research
- Specialty Science
- Regenerative Medicine
Why Is There a High Demand for Healthcare?
Aside from pandemic-related reasons, experts predict that the increasing aging population will lead to higher demands for healthcare professionals. Healthcare is an occupation that can’t be automated or outsourced which creates a constant need for people to fill in those employment gaps. As healthcare and technology improve, so does longevity. This translates to a greater number of people requiring a greater range of long-term healthcare.
Health statistics show that over 2,900 healthcare workers in the US have died since the start of the pandemic.
5 Key Clinical Opportunities for the Future
1. Nurse Practitioners (NP) Job outlook: 52% increase from 2020-2030 (BLS)
NPs work with a licensed physician to provide general primary, urgent, and sometimes acute care services. Nurse practitioners differ from that of an RN in their scope of practice and maintain an independent medical office. The path to becoming an NP Is especially rigorous. The first milestone is a registered nurse (RN) accompanied by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Next, one must complete an NP-focused graduate master’s or doctoral nursing program and successfully pass a national NP board certification exam. The average nurse practitioner salary is $111,680 as of May 2020.
2. Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA) Job outlook: 36% increase from 2020-2030 (BLS)
Occupational therapists work with patients who have been injured, ill, or disabled patients. Considered one of the more rewarding clinical occupations, they help patients regain their functionality so they can perform daily routines related to self-care. OTs must graduate from an accredited occupational therapy program, be licensed to practice, and pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. Occupational Therapists made a median salary of $86,280 in 2020.
3. Physical Therapist (PTA) Job Outlook: 21% Increase from 2020-2030 (BLS)
Physical therapy is often the first course of treatment following a major injury. They often work one-on-one with patients to assess their range of motion and the extent of pain and limitations involved. From this point, a physical therapist will develop a plan to help the patient regain movement through specific exercise techniques. Often, physical therapy includes adjunctive care services such as cryotherapy, massage, TNS, and acupuncture to promote healing. The median annual wage for physical therapists was $95,620 in May 2021.
4. Medical and Health Service Managers Job Outlook: 32% Increase from 2020-2030 (BLS)
Medical and health services managers, also called healthcare executives or healthcare administrators, can oversee several clinical environments, such as a managed healthcare facility, a specific clinical area or department, or a medical practice for a group of physicians. They are responsible for creating shifts, managing patient intake, budgeting, pharmaceutical cold-chain management, care coordination, laboratory function, and a myriad of other tasks related to a comprehensive medical facility. Medical and Health Services Managers made a median salary of $104,280 in 2020
5. Medical Assistants Job Outlook: 18% Increase from 2020-2030 (BLS)
Medical Assistants are the first point of care for new and existing patients. They work in medical offices or other medical settings together with other staff members to help doctors treat patients. They often perform triage duties such as taking blood pressure and temperature readings. The median annual wage for medical assistants was $37,190 in May 2021.
Medical Assistants are the first point of care for new and existing patients. They work in medical offices or other medical settings together with other staff members to help doctors treat patients. They often perform triage duties such as taking blood pressure and temperature readings. The median annual wage for medical assistants was $37,190 in May 2021.
Healthcare is Evolving
Working in the health industry is rewarding both professionally and financially. As we enter a very technologically progressive period, the healthcare industry is evolving at a fast pace. Breakthroughs in wearable technology and precision medicine are contributing to a landscape rich with diverse opportunities.