If you have a passion for helping others, a knack for biology, enjoy working with your hands and want to have a job where you are making a difference in people’s lives, the healthcare industry might be for you, and timing couldn’t be better.
Healthcare is one of the fastest growing industries in the United Stated and is projected to add 3.4 million new jobs by 2028.
What makes up the healthcare industry?
When you think healthcare, of course, doctors, dentists, nurses and surgeons come to mind, but there are so many more positions in the healthcare industry. And while doctors are crucially important to serving the community, sometimes it’s the aides who have more facetime with patients and really make an impact on people’s experiences.
Bachelor programs and post-graduate degrees are valuable, but for someone pressed for time or money, it may not be the best fit right away. If you are interested in serving others in the healthcare industry, a credential with your local community college through FastForward is a great first step.
FastForward is a short-term workforce program that provides Virginians with funding to pay for credentials in the in-demand careers across the Commonwealth.
What kind of jobs can I get and how much can I make?
The healthcare industry is growing and with that, so are the job opportunities. Here’s a list of some positions you can get in the field. Salary information listed is the average annual salary according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. News and World Report.
- EMT ($35,310)
- X-ray Technician ($58,440)
- EKG Technician ($58, 730)
- Pharmacy Technician ($32,370)
- Billing & Coding Specialist ($43,590)
- Nurse Aide ($28,770)
- Medication Assistant ($35,010)
What kind of training is available?
FastForward has many different trainings in the healthcare industry. Here are the credentials we offer our students:
- Certified Nurse Aide
- Certified Professional Coder
- Clinical Medical Assistant
- EMT and Advanced EMT
- Medical Assistant
- Medication Aide
- Pharmacy Technician
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Registered Medical Assistant
Is there more information about the healthcare industry and the people who make it their career?
Here are a handful of stories that highlight the field, including success stories from our own program.
- A small group of medical colleges across the U.S. is trying to boost the number of doctors in rural communities by sending students to live in small towns and train with local doctors. (USNews)
- David made a career out of serving, first his country in the U.S. Navy, and now, his community as a certified medical assistant. Read about his journey through FastForward. (FastForwardVA)
- Health care jobs will keep the US labor market going — even if there’s a recession. (CNN)
- Overall employment of in-home aides is projected to grow 41 percent from 2016 to 2026 — translating to 7.8 million job openings. (CNBC)
Not all trainings are offered at every college, and they change based on the workforce in each region. The best way to find out if a training is offered near you is to contact your local FastForward Career Coach.