Don’t Be Waylaid by Your Lay Off

By Rick Fromme

Perhaps you’ve recently walked out of your manager’s office with a pink slip in one hand and a tissue in the other. On the other hand, maybe you, along with other co-workers, were informed you were all being let go en masse. Regardless of how, the personal reaction is usually the same: OMG! Now what?!

Depressed (Photo credit: Sander van der Wel)

It’s natural to feel depressed and even shed a few tears — ideally in the privacy of your own home or among trusted family and friends, or even a professional counselor — upon being laid off. You may want or need to take a few days off to sort out your feelings. Some stretch this grieving period out over a couple of weeks, especially if they had ample vacation pay in their kitty. But you needn’t descend into a black hole or deep funk (and I’m not talking about Prince or James Brown). Especially for health care professionals, there are nearly always options. Give yourself the time and space to discover what those are or to create them for yourself. Unless you're going to retire permanently, sooner or later, you must get back in the game.

I won’t go into detail concerning severance packages; unpaid vacation, sick and personal days; final remuneration date; unemployment compensation; food stamps; health insurance; etc., because every situation is different. Oftentimes, the HR department of the company that laid you off can offer advice. Suffice to say, if you’re eligible for any type of supplemental program, it behooves you to investigate and take appropriate action as soon as possible. Some state unemployment compensation programs can take months to obtain. Again, taking the necessary steps to set that benefit in motion should be done ASAP.

Occupational Outlook Quarterly Spring 2010 (Photo credit: AlaskanLibrarian)

But do take heart: according to the Occupation Outlook Quarterly, the health care industry is expanding, not contracting. Unlike other industries, the job outlook for health care and medical professionals for the next decade is very positive. (See my previous blog, “Health Care Jobs Outlook is Jammin’!”) Your skills aren’t superfluous. Your knowledge isn’t for naught. There’s an excellent chance you’ll be able to gain meaningful employment in a relatively short time period. But you have to do the leg work.

From W2 to 1099

Before the door finally closes on the job where you’re being laid off, you may be able to negotiate working for that firm on a contractual or part-time basis with that employer. Particularly if the firm was trying to save money vis-à-vis cutting salaries and benefits, offering to work for them contractually may just prove to be a win-win situation. The same may said of any former employers; depending upon the situation in which you exited the job(s) before your last one, that/those employer(s) may be in need of your skills again. It doesn’t hurt to reach out to them as well. Again, if they can’t afford to bring you in full- or part-time, consider doing contractual work as it will keep you in the game with your already proven skills.

College for Knowledge

Having said that, there are some in our profession who, after being laid off and who have the social and financial wherewithal, or who are eligible for student loans, decide to take this time to further their education. Perhaps you’re a Physical Therapy Assistant; you can return to school to become a fully licensed Physical Therapist, perhaps with a master’s degree. If you’re an LPN, you can go back to nursing school to get your bachelor of science or master’s degree, even a doctorate. If you do have an advanced degree, if appropriate, consider taking certification courses in your field to further your education and thus make you an even stronger job candidate. I even know of doctors who, though perhaps they weren’t laid off, decided to change specialties to become board certified in a different field altogether. In fact, one of the most prominent cosmetic surgeons here in Northeast Florida was initially a practicing otolaryngologist; he later decided to become board certified in plastic surgery.

Niche Networking

As with any job hunt campaign, networking should be one of your key activities, both in-person and online. That’s one of the principle advantages of having professional niche sites such as MedMasters. They allow you to build industry and specialty specific networks to facilitate — and hopefully expedite — your job search. You can reach out to and be contacted by medical/health care recruiters and employers. You can communicate with others in your field of expertise and/or the field you’re looking to transition into. You can post your latest paper résumé (see the previous blog, “Résumé Rules for Health Care Industry Job Applicants”) and, on some sites like MedMasters, even create a video version. You can post recommendations received by others to your profile. You’re able to stay the course because the site serves as a compass from which you can navigate your career search and/or transition. Some, like MedMasters, even offer online personality and behavioral assessments to help you better understand your strengths, weaknesses and all-important soft skills (read my previous blog, “Here’s Looking at You, Kid”).

                                                                             

Work Wise

Depending upon your situation, you may need to obtain an interim “survival job” to help make ends meet.
No harm done. If possible, try to find one in the health care industry to keep your feet in the water, so to speak. If not, a good plan is to try to find a job that allows you to interact with people in the medical field. I know of a radiology technician who, after she was laid off, took a survival job at a sandwich shop near a major hospital so she could serve, meet and interact with people who worked at that facility. And it paid off.  

sandwich (Photo credit: roboppy)

If you don’t need to take on a survival job, another way to expand your networking efforts is to volunteer at a hospital, health care facility or event (such as a sporting event or marathon). This keeps you in the game, your face in front of others, use your skills, and benefits the community as well.  

Exit Expertly

Negotiate Terms ‒ Most likely you’ll be offered some sort of severance package by your boss or human resources manager when you are let go. What you may not know, though, is that these terms are sometimes flexible. If your situation is appropriate, negotiate for a higher amount if possible.

Get References ‒ If you’re being laid off due to no fault of your own (such as the company downsizing), you should ask for a letter of reference. Ask your manager/employer to endorse you and your skills on LinkedIn. Let your boss know that you’re also open to any job search leads s/he might be able to provide.

Prioritize your workload ‒ Let’s say you’re one of the more fortunate employees to have been given two weeks’ advance notice before leaving the company. While you certainly want to try to complete all of your projects, it’s in your best interest to also watch out for number one: you. Organize your calendar to be as efficient as possible while also gathering necessary information/materials you’ll need, such as your contact lists, important emails and files — but ensure you’re not exiting with any proprietary or copyright material and/or equipment that belongs to the company. That’s stealing.

Be professional ‒ Being laid off is stressful and demoralizing, even if you’ve a proven track record with the firm. You may harbor resentments over the situation. However, if you’re still in your last two weeks, it’s important to retain a professional demeanor and strong work ethic while employed. You don’t want people to perceive your final days as negative by letting your job performance suffer. Be polite to your boss(es) and colleagues while you’re still there. This will help your networking efforts after you’ve left the doors.


Rick Fromme combines entrepreneurial enthusiasm with an insider's knowledge of the medical industry to co-found MedMasters.com. Both his drive and perspective helps provide health care professionals with a superior mechanism with which to communicate, network and market their strengths. Prior to founding MedMasters.com, Rick operated a highly successful medical device distributorship. Other milestones in his 12-year career in the medical industry include a key position at a medical device start-up company that was later sold to the Ethicon Endo division of Johnson & Johnson. You may reach Rick by connecting with him on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn and YouTube. 

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Get Smart: A Quick List of America’s Top Health Care & Medical Schools

By Rick Fromme

In one of my recent blogs, “Health Care Job Outlook is Jammin’!” I listed the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ top dozen medical/health care professions that are expected to grow between 2012 and 2022.  Correspondingly, here are U.S. News & World Report’s rankings for educational programs (undergraduate and, where appropriate, graduate) for the top twelve-listed medical/health care professions. To remain consistent with my previous blog, I’ve listed the specialties in their sequentially ranked order. Note that in some instances, several institutions tied for certain placements, whereas other placements aren’t even listed. In situations where no school/program rankings were published for a given specialty, I provided links where you can research more information.

Dentist*

The Dentist (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Dentists diagnose and treat problems with teeth and tissues in the oral cavity, along with providing advice and administering care to help prevent future problems.

#1 University of Pennsylvania

#2 University of California at San Francisco

#3 University of Michigan

#4 University of Florida

#5 Boston University Herman M. Goldman School of Dentistry

#6 New York University

#7 University of Maryland

#8 University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

#9 University of Southern California

#10 Everest College – Los Angeles

Adult Nurse Practitioner*

In an adult nurse practitioner program, students are trained to work with older patients in a variety of settings, including urgent care, primary care, and Specialty units.

#1 University of Pennsylvania

#2 University of California – San Francisco

#3 University of Washington

#4 Columbia University

#4 University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

#6 University of Pittsburgh

#7 Rush University

#8 University of Maryland – Baltimore

#9 Yale University

#10 Duke University

#10 University of Alabama - Birmingham

Pharmacist

Pharmacy graduate programs offer advanced education for students seeking master’s or doctoral-level pharmacy (PharmD) degrees.  

#1 University of California – San Francisco

Various pills (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

#2 University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

#3 University of Minnesota

#4 University of Austin – Texas

#5 University of Kentucky

#5 University of Wisconsin – Madison

#7 Ohio State University

#7 Purdue University

#7 University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

#10 University of Arizona

#10 University of Southern California

# 10 University of Utah

#10 University of Washington

Registered Nurse

Graduate nursing degrees provide students seeking advanced nursing positions with the education they need to excel. 

#1 Johns Hopkins University

#2 University of Pennsylvania

#3 University of Washington

#4 University of California – San Francisco          

#5 University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

#6 University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

#7 Duke University                                              

#7 Oregon Health and Science University

#7 University of Pittsburgh

#7 Yale University

                                                                                                                                                                 

Check Out MedMasters' Nursing Video

    

Physical Therapist (Physical Therapist Assistant)

Graduate level physical therapy programs and schools offer advanced education for students seeking physical therapy graduate degrees.

#1 University of Southern California

#2 University of Delaware

#3 University of Pittsburgh

#3 Washington University in St. Louis

#5 University of Iowa

# 5 US Army-Baylor University

#7 Emory University

#7 MGH Institute of Health Professions

#9 Northwestern University

#9 University of Miami

#9 University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

Physician

Top medical schools provide the required advanced education to earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) professional degree and prepare graduates to take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). Many offer specialized training such as obstetrics or surgery.

Operating Room (Photo credit: Jeff Kubina)

#1 Harvard University

#2 Stanford University

#3 Johns Hopkins University

#4 University of California – San Francisco

#4 University of Pennsylvania

#6 Washington University in St. Louis

#7 Yale University

#8 Columbia University

#8 Duke University

#8 University of Chicago

#8 University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

Dental Hygienist

Dental hygiene programs provide a required entry level and advanced professional dental hygienist training. Certificate, Bachelors, and master’s level programs are all available. For a list of schools and programs by state, visit American Dental Hygienists Association’s Website: www.adha.org/dental-hygiene-programs.

Physician Assistant

Graduate-level physician assistant schools and programs offer advanced education for students seeking either a master’s or doctorate degree.  

Stethoscope (Photo credit: Walt Stoneburner)

#1 Duke University

#2 University of Iowa

#2 University of Utah

#4 Emory University

#4 George Washington University

#6 Baylor College of Medicine

#6 Oregon Health and Sciences University

#8 University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – Newark

#8 University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center – Dallas

#8 University of Washington

Occupational Therapist

Graduate-level occupational therapy schools and programs offer advanced education for students seeking a master's or doctorate degree in the field.

#1 University of Southern California

#2 Boston University – Sargent

#2 Washington University in St. Louis

#4 University of Illinois – Chicago

#5 University of Kansas Medical Center

#6 Colorado State University

#6 Thomas Jefferson University

#6 Tufts University – Boston School of Occupational Therapy

#6 University of Pittsburgh

#10 New York University

#10 University of Florida

#10 University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

Phlebotomist ***

Phlebotomists are trained in procedures for safely extracting blood samples from humans. Certificate and diploma programs are offered at colleges and universities around the country.

US Navy 040921-N-4374S-002 Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Jude Pineda draws a blood sample from a crew member during an annual physical (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

#1 University of Alaska

#2 Mountain State University

#3 Madison Area Technical College

#4 Goodwin College

#5 Ferris State University

#6 Dixie State College of Utah

#7 Davenport University

#8 Columbia Basin College

#9 Bellevue College

#10 Baker College of Auburn Hills

Veterinarian

Graduate level schools of veterinary medicine offer advanced education for students seeking to become a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM).

#1 Cornell University

#2 University of California – Davis

Jasper recuperating (Photo credit: Animals Abused & Abandoned)

#3 Colorado State University

#3 North Carolina State University

#5 Ohio State University

#5 University of Pennsylvania

#5 University of Wisconsin – Madison  

#8 Texas A&M University – College Station

#9 Michigan State University

#9 University of Georgia

#9 University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

* www.usdentalschools.com/top_school_rankings

** For Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program rankings, visit: http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/pediatric-nursing-rankings.  For Family Nurse Practitioner program rankings, visit: http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/family-nursing-rankings. For Geriatric Nurse Practitioner program rankings, visit: http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/geriatric-nursing-rankings.

*** http://education-portal.com/articles/Top_Schools_for_Phlebotomy.html

Rick Fromme combines entrepreneurial enthusiasm with an insider's knowledge of the medical industry to co-found MedMasters.com. Both his drive and perspective helps provide health care professionals with a superior mechanism with which to communicate, network and market their strengths. Prior to founding MedMasters.com, Rick operated a highly successful medical device distributorship. Other milestones in his 12-year career in the medical industry include a key position at a medical device start-up company that was later sold to the Ethicon Endo division of Johnson & Johnson. You may also reach Rick by connecting with him on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn and YouTube. 

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Breaking in to Medical Sales

By Rick Fromme

Medical sales representatives have long enjoyed a reputation of having careers that provide them with satisfying remuneration; flexible time schedules; perks, bonuses, and allowances, and the prestige of working with doctors and other VIPs in the medical profession. When someone says they work for one of the top medical supply firms such as Medtronic, Pfizer, Amgen and Cardinal Health, most of us sit up and take notice.

Good news: The number of medical sales jobs posted online is currently increasing. There was a 16% increase in the number of medical sales jobs posted online over the number posted in January 2013. In fact, though the numbers fluctuated somewhat during the sequential months of the year, each quarter averaged a higher job count than the previous one. Pharmaceutical topped the list last year, followed by biotech jobs. Medical device sales did take a small hit due to the rollout of the medical device excise tax, but the number of open medical device sales and marketing jobs actually remained fairly steady throughout 2013. As I stated in a previous blog, “Health Care Jobs Outlook is Jammin’!” health care is still — and will remain for the next decade — the fastest growing industry in the US. The medical device, biotech, and pharmaceutical sectors are doing well. This is all favorable news for medical sales professionals and especially for those hoping to find a new opportunity in the industry. While there may be fluctuations in certain sub-sectors, the outlook for the industry overall appears robust. 

English: Modern Heart-Lung Machine עברית: מכונת לב-ריאה מודרנית (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Many medical sales representatives, like health care workers, have science or allied health degrees and/or may have had a background in the medical field before they transitioned into sales. For some companies, 

previous training in a medical specialty is a prerequisite. In fact, depending upon the type of product you’re representing, you’ll be required to go into the O.R. to help train and/or work with doctors and other key medical personnel to teach them about or assist with your products. In this case, you may even by on call. Your success as a medical sales representative will often depend upon your ability to adapt to the demands of the firm and type of product(s) you’re selling.

Outside In

That being said, sometimes it isn’t necessary to have an academic degree or previous sales experience in the medical or health care industries. Some medical companies will look at B2B reps that have proven themselves selling business office equipment such as copiers (i.e. Xerox, Danka). Also, many companies will look for entry level salespersons that have sold consumable goods for a Fortune 500 company (i.e., Nestlé, General Electric, Apple, Caterpillar, etc.). These representatives get good training experience by starting out their sales careers in these non-medical arenas.  Another good way to break into medical sales is to take an associate sales position within a company.  While the remuneration isn’t the same as a full-fledged representatives, this an excellent way to get your foot in the door and prove yourself, especially if you don’t have any previous medical sales experience.  Another approach to obtaining a job in medical sales is to work for a smaller medical distributor. This way, you can gain valuable experience and build relationships with doctors and clinicians before taking a direct sales job with a bigger firm.

Inside Out

If you hope to build a career in medical sales, there are a couple of questions you should ask yourself:  What is/are the type of medical sales I’d like to pursue? What type of sustained effort am I prepared to make to enter and — and ideally be successful — in this, venerated, growing albeit highly competitive field?

 

There are several different types of medical sales. Some industry professionals refer to them as “capital” and “non-capital” sales, while others use the terms “consumable” and “non-consumable” sales.  Take a moment to think about of anything a doctor’s office, medical laboratory, clinic/doc-in-the-box or hospital may need to purchase:

• Durable Equipment — surgical tools, imaging machines, hospital beds, laboratory equipment, robotic surgery equipment, etc.
• Implantable Devices — valves, sutures, screws, tubes and anything else that may be inserted into a patient’s body (permanently or temporarily)
• Consumables — laboratory reagents, wound care products, medical disposables, sharps, etc.
• IT Equipment — hardware, software and peripherals
• Ongoing Services — equipment maintenance, personnel recruitment, payroll assistance, employee health insurance

Initially lured by the prospect of bringing in a lucrative paycheck, your first instinct might be to go after those jobs that offer the highest commissions.  However, the competition for these positions is ostensibly keen.  Before you consider going after that medical equipment or software sales job, you should consider which type of medical sales job is best suited to your personality. (Incidentally, MedMasters offers several personality assessments for its members.) Just as in non-medical sales, the handsome sales commissions usually require you to be concomitantly more competitive. Conversely, pharmaceutical or consumable sales representatives usually cultivate skills that focus more on relationship building and education, rather than driving hard towards the close. Distributor sales or device sales may be for you if your personality is somewhere in the middle. Competent selling techniques and relationship building skills are necessary as they require sales reps to demonstrate how to use certain products and obtain refill orders.

While national firms such as Boston Scientific or Merck may be the first to come to mind when you think of medical sales employment options, there are thousands of medical companies that require motivated, hard-working salespeople to get their products into the hands of the medical community. 

Generally speaking, there are two principle sub-categories of medical companies. Manufacturers (such as Stryker and Medtronic) research, develop, produce, and sell their own products. Distributors (such as PSS and Medline) sell products on behalf of manufacturers. Distributors may have a broad catalogue of products or focus on particular markets, such as spinal implants or cardio-thoracic equipment.

Actionable Interactions

Once you identify the type of medical sales you would like to pursue, you should research companies that offer these products or services. Visit their corporate websites; they may even have job openings posted online to which you can apply. Research the company on MedMasters to see if you know anyone (or know someone else who may know someone) who works for them. MedMasters makes it easier to contact corporate recruiters because of its proprietary MedMatch software and MedMail feature. You can also research medical sales staffing agencies online. Many medical agency recruiters have public profiles on MedMasters and most are amenable to queries from potential applicants who’ve done their homework and are intent on getting into the medical sales industry.

Additional Activities

English: Description: Social Networking Source: own work Author: koreshky Date: 12/10/2007 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Spend a day in the life with a sales representative ... or even more time if her/his schedule is highly varied (i.e., sales appointments one day, working with medical personnel in the O.R./ surgical training lab another). Ask questions and take good notes. Inquire how to be successful and competitive in their field. Make contacts with the facilities or doctors who are their client base.

Work with your professional network. Set up a profile on MedMasters if haven’t yet done so. Consider joining sales groups such as Sales Café to increase contacts and gain sales knowledge.

Diversify and expand your networking efforts. According to “Forbes,” up to 80% of all new hires are made without the job they apply for ever being formally posted to the public. Changing and expanding your networking efforts is critical. 

Learn about and improve your sales skills. Read books, search online, attend seminars and take courses (in person, online). Carefully observe a good salesperson with whom you may be interacting.

Learn how to ace telephone interviews (see my previous blog, “Topmost Tips for Terrific Telephony”). Many initial (or follow-up, post email) contacts with recruiters and hiring managers are over the phone, so making a strong first impression in a phone conversation/interview is important.

Picture taken during the GLAM-WIKI UK conference, November 2010, British Museum. The conference attendees at a tea break. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Attend a conference. Participating in a local, regional or national conference in your field of choice will greatly facilitate your ability to speak professionals, increase your network, and possibly provide you with inside information about potential openings.

Despite some uncertainties — increasing pressure and stress in medical sales jobs, new policies and regulations, managed care challenges, and access to health care — will continue to affect medical sales. However, as with other health care professions, the overall outlook for medical sales jobs remains positive. 

Rick Fromme combines entrepreneurial enthusiasm with an insider's knowledge of the medical industry to co-found MedMasters.com. Both his drive and perspective helps provide health care professionals with a superior mechanism with which to communicate, network and market their strengths. Prior to founding MedMasters.com, Rick operated a highly successful medical device distributorship. Other milestones in his 12-year career in the medical industry include a key position at a medical device start-up company that was later sold to the Ethicon Endo division of Johnson & Johnson. You may also reach Rick by connecting with him on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn and YouTube. 

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Health Care Jobs Outlook is Jammin’!

By Rick Fromme

For those seeking jobs in the health care industry, I’ve great news: the future prognosis is excellent. With just a few exceptions, health care industry jobs dominated the overall list of those careers with the most promising hiring outlook, period.

Happy Smiley Face from Urine Samples (Photo credit: epSos.de)

While various sectors of the workforce employment projections remain sluggish (manufacturing; federal government; agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting; information; and utilities), those who currently work in or are considering a career in health care and social services can exclaim a hearty “Huzzah!”

A report released in mid- December 2013 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statics (BLS) cited, “Occupations and industries related to health care are projected to add the most new jobs between 2012 and 2022.”  Furthermore, it estimated the total employment in our industry is projected to increase by an annual rate of 2.6%, adding 5 million jobs between 2012 and 2022. 

Not only does the health care industry need to retain workers currently employed in their respective fields, but a sizeable number of new positions will be needed, with the most occupation growth projected among health care support jobs, such as Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Veterinary Technicians. That should set your tails wagging.

With kind permission given to BLS’ statisticians, I’ve detailed what it deems are its Top 20 highest ranking health care occupations.  I have also listed the other jobs, which, according to the number of new hires the BLS feels a particular field or Specialty, are going to be demand from now until 2022.

Dentist

English: A Dentist and her Dental assistant (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Something to sink one’s teeth into, certainly: Being a dentist was the third best overall career opportunity, cited just behind Software Developer, #1; and Computer Systems Analyst, #2. This profession is expected to add 23,300 new jobs by 2022. Dentists, also known as a “dental surgeon,” specialize in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity. Most work in private practice and the most entrepreneurial among them can do very well financially. 

Nurse Practitioner

Coming in as the second place as the most in-demand health care specialty and fourth best job outlook overall, is Nurse Practitioner. It’s the practitioner’s myriad capabilities that make this profession so employable.  And, when considering NPs who have a Drug Devise Furnishing certificate (NFP) can prescribe medication and medical devices, this has become an attractive career choice in our nation’s ever-changing health care delivery model.

Pharmacist

 

pills (Photo credit: robotson)

Along with Dentists’, Doctors’ and Nurse Practitioners’ ability license to prescribe drugs, and hence increasing the ability of the general public to obtain prescriptions, it’s not surprising Pharmacists rolled in as the third most in-demand health care job, just behind Nurse Practitioners, and fifth best job overall. Each day, more than 281,560 pharmacists dispense medicine and advise patients at hospitals and retail chains. The profession is expected to grow 14.5% percent by 2022.  Keep in mind that concomitant with the rise in Pharmacists, while not stated specifically in the BLS reports, will be the increased need for Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives.

Registered Nurse 

All of us know nursing is an indispensable health care profession; the field is in demand of good practitioners. That’s why Registered Nurse was listed just behind Pharmacist as the sixth best overall profession. While some areas of the country have more satiated markets than others, generally speaking, there is always the need for qualified RNs. The BLS anticipates 19.4% employment growth in this field between 2012 and 2022.

Physical Therapist 

A Physical Therapist’s job description includes helping a paralytic regain mobility or a cancer survivor renew his or her strength. They also deal with patients with severe burns and other diseases/conditions affecting one’s mobility. While the actual number of positions opening in the future isn’t as large as Registered Nurse, the BLS projects the profession is still expected to grow by 36% by 2022 — more than double that of RNs.

Physician  

Doctor (Photo credit: edenpictures)

Physicians and Surgeons have long commanded the front–and-center position in the health care field, diagnosing and treating patients and helping with prevention in a wide spectrum of specialties. Like other jobs in this industry, Physicians and Surgeons will see robust job growth. The BLS forecasts 123,300 new job openings from 2012 to 2022; that’s in addition to replacing those who retire from practice.

Dental Hygienist 

Coming in at 10th place in best overall job outlook, just behind Web Developer, is Dental Hygienist. In addition to cleaning teeth, dental hygienists educate patients on proper oral hygiene. While average yearly salaries can reach about $70,700, most Dental Hygienists choose to work part time. Expect a 33.3 % employment growth in this field from 2012 to 2022.

Physician Assistant

Just after Information Security Analysts at 11th place, and Database Engineers at 12th place, are Physician Assistants. Working under the supervision of doctors, PAs interpret X-rays and blood tests, chart patients’ progress, conduct routine exams and treat a wide range of ailments. Like Nurse Practitioners, they can prescribe certain classes of drugs when authorized to do so by a supervising Physician. When you couple PAs’ growth projections for 33,300 new jobs with a micro-thin 1.2 % unemployment rate — one of the lowest on the BLS’ best jobs list — their job outlook is highly advantageous.

Occupational Therapist 

A close runner-up to PAs, Occupational Therapists help patients who have physical, mental or developmental disabilities to take better care of themselves and how to effectively assimilate into society. No surprise, it’s especially on the rise, with 29% employment growth expected between 2012 and 2022.

Phlebotomist 

Let Us Help You Save Lives (Photo: Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center)

Coming in at 16th place, just after Market Research Analysts, are those who deal daily with human fluids, especially blood, urine and sometimes feces. If you choose this field, you need to be comfortable with people being uncomfortable… Who likes getting pricked by needles or delivering a test cup of urine?  Empathetic people skills and attention to detail are a must for this job. The BLS forecasts growth of 27,100 new positions between 2012 and 2022.

Physical Therapist Assistant 

Physical Therapist Assistants fell slightly from ninth to eleventh place this year, but this occupation is still growing rapidly with a 41% growth projection between 2012 and 2022.  The difference between PTAs and PTs is there is a lower education prerequisite to enter this occupation than to become a PT (which can be academically rigorous). PTAs usually do many similar tasks as PAs, but don’t have as many responsibilities.

Veterinarian

English: A veterinarian stitching a dog, after surgery. (Photo Wikipedia)

Doggedly holding up at 20th place are Veterinarians. Not just limited to first-tier animal care, they also protect the public’s food supply by inspecting livestock, promote public health by fighting animal-borne diseases, and help educate people on how to have a healthy relationship with animals. Given the field’s ongoing advancement and the popularity of personal pets, expect a 12% employment jump between 2012 and 2022.

The Rest of the Best

Health care career choices that also topped the BLS’ list for strong employment, in order of their projected growth rate:

Johnson & Johnson Medical (Photo credit: Job Meeting)

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Clinical Laboratory Assistant

Dieticians & Nutritionists

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Massage Therapist

Veterinary Technologist and Technician

Esthetician

Respiratory Therapist  

Epidemiologist

Speech-Language Pathologist

Substance Abuse Counselor

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse

Medical Assistant

Medical Equipment Repair

Reservist Medical Officer at Camp Bastion Hospital in Afghanistan (Photo credit: Defence Images)

Clinical Social Worker

Medical Secretary

Radiologic Technologist

Optician

Dental Assistant

Home Health Aide

Personal Care Aide

Marriage & Family Counselors

Surgical Technologist

Nursing Aide

Pharmacy Technician

Paramedic

Mental Health Counselor

Rick Fromme combines entrepreneurial enthusiasm with an insider's knowledge of the medical industry to co-found MedMasters.com. Both his drive and perspective helps provide health care professionals with a superior mechanism with which to communicate, network and market their strengths. Prior to founding MedMasters.com, Rick operated a highly successful medical device distributorship. Other milestones in his 12-year career in the medical industry include a key position at a medical device start-up company that was later sold to the Ethicon Endo division of Johnson & Johnson. You may also reach Rick by connecting with him on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn and YouTube.

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