Executive Search Firm | Careers & Industry - Health Care Profile

Career Profile: Health Care

Health care is a booming industry. It has often been said to be recession-proof because people are willing to forfeit material items in favor of their health. The field in general provides many different opportunities for people seeking a career in health care. Professional ambitions do not necessarily need to be related to working on the front lines with patients as other career paths exist. Health care is in the business to provide treatment services at a fee and hopefully turn a profit. Similar to other businesses, health care requires administrative support, marketing, accounting, and even a CEO.

History:

Since the 1970s the industry has undergone several transformations which have led to the U.S. finding itself amidst a health care crisis of sorts. Despite the social, economic, and political challenges it faces, health care is still growing with many doors being opened for those looking to elevate their career in health care or start one. When most people think of the health care profession, their immediate thought is a medical doctor in a white lab coat, treating patients in a medical practice or hospital. While doctors are indeed a large portion of the industry itself, many other occupations are included that may go unnoticed to the public at large.

Career Tracks:

Doctors are a part of a network of health care professionals who include physician assistants, registered nurses (RN), medical assistants, and medical specialists, such as dermatologists and surgeons. This represents only a portion of the medical authorities who make up the health care industry, pharmacists, dentists, physical and occupational therapists, and optometrists are also members of health care.

Outlook:

Medical practitioners as a whole will be in high demand over the coming decade with the early baby boomers entering retirement and many others expected to follow, health care will see an increase in elder patients needing care. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, health care presently employs over 13.5 million people, a figure anticipated to grow by more than 27 percent through 2014. This type of industry growth is encouraging news to existing and future professionals in health care.

Those considering entering health care, in particular to become a medical doctor, should be prepared to face the many years of education and residency awaiting them. Though health care is a challenging profession at each end of the spectrum, practitioner or administrator, it presents an excellent job outlook for interested parties looking to have an engaging career.