Florida’s Job Outlook: Demand for Healthcare Professionals Grows
The demand for healthcare professionals is growing in Florida. The combination of an aging population and more insured patients means that the need for doctors, locum tenens, nurses, assistants, managers and other health experts is increasing. If you are looking for a new field or a career change, then you may want to consider this industry.
High Demand for Healthcare Jobs
A previous report from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) in 2015 found that registered nurses were the most in-demand with 7,100 open jobs in the state. The list of high-demand jobs also included licensed practical nurses, dental assistants, dental hygienists, massage therapists, radiologic technologists and EMT/paramedics.
In general, since 2010, the number of licensed healthcare practitioners has grown by 15.9 percent in the state of Florida. It is important to note that the population has only gone up by 5.5 percent during this time. As residents grow older and require more medical care, the demand for healthcare professionals is increasing. The U.S. Department of Labor shares that overall demand for healthcare workers will go up by 19 percent by 2024 and will include more than 2 million new jobs across the country.
Attractive Salaries
Whether you look at the salaries for nurses or healthcare managers, there is a trend of high compensation and a long list of benefits. For example, according to Maryville University, entry-level positions for healthcare managers pay $56,970, and the average salary is $96,540. Maryville University also points out that the top 10 percent of healthcare managers make more than $172,240 per year.
Another example of a popular healthcare profession with an attractive salary is physician assistants (PAs). In some areas, a physician assistant can earn $70,000 to $100,000 per year. The demand for this type of job will also grow by 30 percent by 2024.
Where to Find the Jobs
Although the demand for healthcare workers is on the rise, knowing where to look for full time jobs like radiology or physician jobs is still important. Florida residents can start with local job fairs that advertise in their areas. Another option is to join healthcare recruiting firms that connect employers with employees. Some people sign up with multiple recruiters during their job search to increase their options.
Whether you want to work for a large hospital or small private medical office, looking for work on your own is always an option. Thanks to the internet, it is easy to find online job search engines and learn more about a company before you send a resume. In addition, it helps to communicate your interest in a healthcare job to friends and family. You never know when someone can help you make a connection and refer you to a dream job.
Healthcare Demand Projections
The U.S. Department of Labor has a positive outlook for healthcare workers in the future. However, it helps to examine this industry from all sides. Will the demand for healthcare continue to increase in the coming years, or will it eventually slow down?
The current projections show an increase for healthcare professionals in the next decades with no slowing down. This is due to a rapidly aging population in Florida and the rest of the country. The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that 84 million Americans will be over the age of 65 by 2050. Considering the popularity of Florida as a retirement spot for those over 65, the demands for healthcare in this region may be even higher than other states.
Additionally, the aging population in America has more complex health problems that need a greater amount of attention. The CDC explains that two out of three older Americans have more than one chronic health problem. This includes diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, dementia, obesity and other issues. Those who are already in healthcare or interested in this industry will only see a higher demand for their services.
Finding the Right Job
Although it is clear that healthcare is a high-demand industry and lucrative for professionals, finding the right job in this field is not always easy. If you’re applying for a diagnostic radiology job or any other healthcare jobs, experts recommend looking at both the base salary and benefits to determine if the compensation is adequate. Common benefits may include healthcare insurance, paid vacations, paid time off, sick days, retirement accounts, disability insurance and tuition reimbursement.
As companies and employers compete for a smaller pool of applicants, the benefits they offer can change. For example, some businesses offer relocation bonuses and gym memberships. However, benefits are not the only thing to consider. You have to evaluate the workplace culture and employees to see if they are compatible with your style. Companies are also aware of this, so many are offering flexible schedules, telecommuting and free food and coffee at work.
Healthcare will continue to be a popular career choice for workers in Florida. If you are thinking about becoming a healthcare professional, now is the perfect time to do it. When you choose RxOneShop, you will have access to many pharmacy supplies, visit their website to learn more.
