As technology and medical innovations evolve, the future of healthcare jobs keeps changing. Since the population is also growing, more medical professionals and support staff will only increase. Many projection models predict a shortage of medical workers by 2040 and the development of new roles. These are a few examples of some popular future jobs.
Healthcare Analyst
Healthcare analysts already work in various applications, such as developing solutions for robotic surgery issues or fixing logistical problems that affect elder care. There are plenty of choices for college students who want to be in problem-solving roles in the future. A healthcare analytics degree prepares students for future careers in medicine, medical product development, and research. Several colleges offer master’s degree programs and additional training.
Virtual Facility Manager
Telehealth has grown into video conferences with physicians. People can get counseling or consultations for several issues via secure video connections. There is still a need for these virtual service companies to be managed appropriately like a physical facility. A good start to a career like this is seeking a healthcare administration degree with an emphasis on IT applications.
Medical Data Architect
As more information from connected devices becomes available and used in healthcare, the need for data architects will grow. They are responsible for analyzing an organization’s data and developing important databases and other infrastructures to make that information useful, organized, and accessible. Medical data architects can help build customized systems that fit the unique needs of the facilities or organizations that they serve. A degree in data architecture is a good start.
Healthcare Educator
One prediction that many experts in the medical field agree on is that localized health hubs will become popular. Although people will still need specialized care and services, there will be a greater focus on educating people about health issues and preventative care. Health educators may be nurses, physician assistants, and other trained professionals. New degree programs may develop in the coming years to fit the need for specific roles. Since many of these roles may be remote or virtual, IT skills are also helpful to learn.
Medical Data Engineer
Data engineers can sort and analyze data, and they use it to develop algorithms. Those algorithms are essential for helping an organization make the data useful. In a medical setting, data engineers make algorithms that help improve the organization’s operational policies, efficiency, patient care, and much more. A thorough knowledge of SQL and programming skills are both critical to have. There are degree programs for people who want to become data engineers, and taking electives or choosing a minor in medical studies helps.
There are plenty of other jobs that will still be in demand in the future for direct patient care, such as nurses, doctors, phlebotomists, radiology technicians, lab technicians, and much more. Since the medical field has always been viewed as one of the most reliable fields to weather recessions and other economic difficulties, now is an excellent time to pick a career path. The right approach depends on personal abilities, preferences, and the desired length of time to be in school. Some technician and nursing jobs only require two years of studying. However, the most lucrative, high-paying and future-friendly medical career choices require at least a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree.