What are the fastest growing areas of healthcare? | Rogersville

The projected growth comes from an aging US population and increased demand for health care services.

Here are a few health care occupations that are exceeding the average growth rate, according to the BLS.

The predicted growth rate for nurse practitioners is an astronomical 52%. Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who are trained to assess patient needs, order and interpret diagnostic and laboratory tests, diagnose illnesses, and formulate and prescribe treatment plans. They usually have more training and certifications than your average registered nurse, but less than a doctor.

Occupational therapy assistants and aides help patients develop, recover and improve as well as maintain skills necessary for daily living. The growth rate of this domain is 34%, much faster than the average.

These specialized health professionals prevent, diagnose and treat muscle and bone injuries and diseases, commonly suffered during sports. Many of them work in educational institutions, such as colleges and universities, but some are also employed in fitness centers or for professional sports teams. The growth rate for this job is 23%.

This is another advanced field – usually requiring at least a master’s degree, which has a whopping projected growth rate of 26%.

Genetic counselors assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions and work in academic medical centers, hospitals, laboratories and more.

These specialists design and manufacture supportive medical devices and ensure that they fit properly. You will need both a master’s degree and a certification.