Health Care Jobs

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, health care was the largest industry in 2006, and was projected to grow the fastest--creating 3 million jobs between 2006 and 2016. Most of these jobs require less than a college degree, but there are plenty that require higher levels of education and skill.

Types of Health Care Jobs

Most people think of doctors, nurses and technicians regarding health care jobs, but there are all types of jobs in health care. These jobs include clerical, custodial and janitorial, maintenance and repair, patient care and treatment. There are jobs in doctors' offices, dentist's offices, clinics, hospitals, labs, insurance offices, billing services and more. A person can start in any number of unskilled jobs and work his/her way up by continuing education and obtaining on-the-job training and experience.

The AMA has a health career directory that has information on health care careers and education programs in more than 80 fields and these are all technical fields that require specialized education and have a high rate of pay.

Salary Ranges

The pay will depend largely on the skill and training needed for the job. There are very high paying jobs in health care if you have the right training and education. According to the AMA Anesthesiologist assistants Start between 95,000 and 120,000 and top out at 160,000 to 180,000. Therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS) starts at 30,000 and top out at 70,000. These are just a couple out of many examples, visit the AMA web-site for a more complete list.

Where to find Health Care Jobs

If you are just completing an education program, start the job search through the placement service at the school where trained. Otherwise start to identify viable health care job opportunities through online job listings, associations, directories, job fairs, job hotlines, and corporations. Post a resume online and start mailing and e-mailing your resume to prospective employers also most hospitals and medical centers will have a job line where current openings are listed.

How to Move Up the Latter

Let your supervisor know that you are interested in a higher position and that you would like to take advantage of any training opportunities available for jobs that interest you. Also, if you lack formal training try to get into a program at a local community college or four year college for formal training in your field of interested. You can usually attend classes part time if you must work fulltime. Most employers try to keep employees long term especially if they are trying to improve their skills. There are a lot of opportunities in health care and you can find the right opportunity by conducting a search through the right channels.

Health Professions Associations

The AMA has a Health Professions Association directory that lists dozens of professional associations. The information provided could be helpful for deciding on a health care career and also with making contacts for future employment opportunities.