b'Three Fastest Growing| CAREERS GUIDEHealthcare JobsBe on the lookout for these promisingcareersBy Krystina Ostermeyer RN, BSN, CDEI t is no secret that working in healthcare(OTAs) is expected to grow at a rate of 35 per- documentation, and other tasks as assigned guarantees job security.This is somethingcent by 2029 and an OTA can expect to makeby RNs, PTs, and OTs.that we have been told for yearsand theabout $61,510 annually. Generally, a home health aide or personal statistics do not lie.The U.S. Bureau of LaborAOTA requires an associates degree fromcare aide requires a high school diploma or a Statistics estimates that nurse practitioners,an accredited program, as well as passingGED.Many receive on-the-job training, and occupational therapy assistants, and homethe NBCOT Exam for certification.Theredepending on the employer, some require a health and personal care aides are expected toare also several post-graduate OTA certifi- certification.see the largest increase in need. cations available School system THE BOTTOM LINENURSE PRACTITIONERS Low vision If you are looking for a job that has job secu-The need for nurse practitioners (NPs) isFeeding, eating, and swallowing rity, consider a job in healthcare.If you are expected to grow at a rate of 52 percent byEnvironmental modification seeking a position that truly has job security, 2029 and an NP can expect to make aboutDriving and community mobility a position as a nurse practitioner, a occupa-$109,820 annually. Most OTAs work in hospitals or skilled nurs- tional therapy assistant, or a home health aide We have known that there is a shortage ofing facilities.However, it is possible to work inor personal care aide is the way to go.nurses in the medical field, but there is also aprivate practice as well as the home setting.shortage of primary care professionals.This isAn OTA has many responsibilities, andRESOURCESwhere NPs can fill the gaps. those responsibilities can vary depending on7 Future Job Trends For Nurse An NP is a registered nurse with advancedthe patient as well as the practice setting.ForPractitioners. (2020, December 3). Nurse nursing education; at the minimum, an NPexample, an OTA may assist with helping anJournal. https://nursejournal.org/arti-has a masters degree, though many hold doc- amputee function with their new prostheticcles/future-job-trends-for-nurse-practi-torate degrees. limb, assist with learning self-care activitiestioners/An NP is typically able to prescribe medica- for those who are unable to perform them,COTA Career Outlook. (n.d.). St. tion, order diagnostic tests, and make import- and help those who are wheelchair boundCatherine University. Retrieved ant decisions in their patients medical care.learn how to navigate. January 24, 2021, from https://ota-They are also integral in policy development.online.stkate.edu/what-is-an-oc-NPs work side-by-side with nurses, doctors,HOME HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE AIDES cupational-therapy-assistant/and other healthcare professionals to deliverThe need for home health and personal carecota-career-outlook/quality care to their patients in the inpatientaides is expected to grow at a rate of about 34Gooch, K. (2020, September 30). The and outpatient setting. percent by 2029 and aides can expect to makefastest-growing healthcare jobs, ranked. Though there is a need for NPs in a wideabout $25,280 annually. Beckers Hospital Review. https://www.variety of settings, there is a distinct needA home health aide or personal care aidebeckershospitalreview.com/rank-for NPs in rural and underserved areas.works with a variety of patients, such as thoseings-and-ratings/the-fastest-growing-According to Nurse Journal, It is believedwith disabilities, chronic illnesses, and cogni- healthcare-jobs-ranked.htmlthat this trend is due to the fact that there aretive impairments.Depending on where theyHome Health Aide Job Description. (n.d.). far fewer licensed physicians in such areas.are employed, they may work directly in theGlassdoor. Retrieved January 24, 2021, Indeed, there is now a shortage of somepatients home environment, a group home, afrom https://www.glassdoor.com/Job-20,000 physicians and this is predicted toskilled nursing facility, or a hospital.Descriptions/Home-Health-Aide.htmincrease further. Job responsibilities are subjective to theWhat is Occupational Therapy? (n.d.). St. patient, but may include assisting with toilet- Catherine University. Retrieved January OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANTS ing, grooming, and dressing, as well as assist- 24, 2021, from https://otaonline.stkate.edu/ISTOCKThe need for occupational therapy assistantsing with ambulation, light housekeeping,what-is-an-occupational-therapy-assistant/www.elitecme.com |2021| CAREERS GUIDE 23'