To raise awareness of the growth in employment opportunities in a wide range of healthcare occupations, Soliant released a list of healthcare occupations that are in demand and less well-known across the United States.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 13% from 2021-31—significantly faster than the average growth rate. In fact, nursing occupations are growing faster than all other occupations in the country, with a 46% employment growth from 2021-31.
With 2 million new jobs anticipated over the next decade, in addition to the 1.9 million openings projected from replacement needs, the opportunity and demand for employment in the healthcare industry are astounding.
Soliant has tens of thousands healthcare jobs open for hire across the country. Here are 10 of the careers in demand that you may not know about.
1. School Speech-Language Pathologists
Without speech-language pathologists and assistants, a staggering number of children every day would face challenges when interacting with the world around them. Speech-language pathologists in schools play a special role in the education and social development of students with speech-based disabilities.
School speech-language pathologists ensure that the social, academic, and emotional needs of the student are met in a positive way by providing unique education plans for each individual student, addressing their needs, and helping them communicate effectively.
Speech-language pathologist employment is expected to grow 21% from 2021-31, with many of these jobs desperately needed in schools throughout the country. Soliant currently has more than 15,000 school speech-language pathologist jobs for hire.
2. School Psychologist
After a return to normalcy in schools from the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for school psychologists is high—with thousands of school psychologist jobs opening in educational systems across the country. School psychology careers have many meaningful rewards with plenty of opportunities every day to impact lives for the better.
As one of the most specialized groups of personnel in the school system, school psychologists must use their expertise with behavior, mental health, and learning patterns to help children succeed in a thriving learning environment.
Employment of school psychologists is expected to increase 6% from 2021-31, and Soliant currently has thousands of school psychologist positions open around the country.
3. Travel Pharmacist
While there has been much said about the advantages of traveling nurse positions, there is less discussion around the flexibility and demand for travelling pharmacists.
Travel pharmacist jobs allow you to pick and choose where and when you wish to work. Each assignment allows you to see the country, meet new people and experience new adventures while gaining valuable career training. Travelling pharmacists may choose to work in pharmacies in drug, general merchandise, and grocery stores in addition to hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
Soliant is hiring 865 travelling pharmacists and pharmacy-related positions.
4. CT Technologist
CT technologists and technicians play a vital role in the smooth functioning of the radiologic department of the hospital or health facility. Using computed tomography, CT technologists take and process x-ray images of tissue, bones, blood, and organs, locating specific areas inside the body that need proper assessment and diagnosis. They also work with a team to create accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
According to the BLS, as the number of falls and cancer cases rises, CT technologists and technicians will be needed to operate the equipment that helps detect, assess, and diagnose these injuries and diseases. Employment for CT technologists and technicians is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations in the U.S. from 2021-31, and Soliant is currently hiring for 852 CT technician and technologist positions.
5. Surgical Technologist
Surgical technologists, often known as scrub techs or operating room techs, are an extremely important part of the surgical preparatory process. Surgical technologists prepare the operating room, assist surgeons, and arrange and operate surgery technologies before, during, and after surgery.
Overall employment of surgical assistants and technologists is projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031, and Soliant is currently hiring 824 surgical technologist positions.
6. Cath Lab Technician
Cath lab technician duties include assisting doctors and healthcare professionals during invasive cardiovascular procedures by monitoring the EKG readouts and keeping them informed on any readings that are considered abnormal or concerning. Prior to surgery, cath lab techs are responsible for ensuring that all EKG equipment is working properly, explaining procedures to patients, and answering any questions they may have. Post-surgery responsibilities include reading and interpreting results of test procedures and providing complete documentation of patient procedures.
The projected employment for cath lab technicians is expected to increase 10% from 2021-31. As the large baby-boom population continues to age, the need to diagnose medical conditions that affect older adults—such as blood clots and heart disease—will likely increase, according to the BLS. Soliant currently has 464 cath lab technician jobs open.
7. Radiation Therapist
Radiation therapists administer radiation therapy to cancer patients, take detailed records of treatments and medical histories, administer x-rays to target cancer cells, monitor patient reactions to treatments, and work with other physicians and oncologists to ensure the best success of the patient. However, radiation therapists do much more than care for the patient’s physical wellbeing.
Radiation therapists must show compassion to patients and explain cancer treatment plans to patients and their families with empathy and care. They are responsible for providing emotional and educational aid to the patient, helping to answer questions and provide support for them and their loved ones. A strong stomach and a compassionate heart are absolute necessities for this position, as treating cancer patients can be an emotionally heavy task.
Employment of radiation therapists is projected to grow 6% from 2021-31, which is higher than the average growth rate for all occupations. The BLS attributes this increasing demand for radiation therapists to the continued development of more sophisticated cancer treatment techniques. Soliant currently has 225 radiation therapist jobs open.
8. Interventional Radiology Nurse
Interventional radiology nurses bring irreplaceable value to their diverse work environments. From preparation through to post-procedure involvement, IR nurses ensure patient safety and effective care.
Prior to a procedure, IR nurses prep the patient and communicate with the patient and their family members regarding the procedure and answer any questions. During a procedure, IR nurses may assist with inserting and removing intravenous lines, administering medications as needed, and monitoring patient vitals. After the procedure, IR nurses continue to monitor the patient, making sure they feel comfortable throughout any post-procedure care.
Employment for IR nurses is expected to increase 9% from 2021-31 as rates of chronic illnesses increase, according to the BLS. Soliant has 147 IR nursing positions open for hire.
9. Electrophysiology Lab Nurse
An electrophysiology nurse plays an essential role for patients undergoing an electrophysiology study procedure of the heart.
Prior to the procedure, EP nurses explain the process to the patient and answer any questions they might have. After assisting with sedating the patient for the procedure, EP nurses perform various functions, including an evaluation of any defibrillators and pacemakers.
Electrophysiology nurses are expected to be in great demand in the next decade as part of the nursing occupation group, which is the fastest growing occupation with a 40% increase in employment from 2021 to 2031. Soliant currently has 60 electrophysiology nurse openings.
10. Teacher of the Visually Impaired
Teachers of the visually impaired are currently needed in schools across the nation. These important teachers provide visually impaired students with more than an education; they provide them with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the future.
In general, a TVI is expected to give specialized instruction and services to their visually impaired students, meeting their unique needs and providing compassion and patience to support their success. The TVI is responsible for creating their own education curriculum that identifies the student’s area of need and teaches them in a way they can understand, such as making braille or large-type texts available.
According to the BLS, about 37,600 openings for special education teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. The increase in demand for these teachers is driven by the need for special education services as visual disabilities are being identified earlier in children. Soliant currently has 22 jobs for a teacher for the visually impaired, as well as 189 school sign language interpreter and 2,067 special education teacher job listings.
“New technologies paired with the ever-changing landscape of the healthcare industry means new jobs are being created faster than you can imagine. There’s a demand for compassionate and specially trained professionals who can make a difference in the lives of patients around the country, so we wanted to bring attention to roles that aren’t as often talked about. These are roles we think healthcare professionals should consider as opportunities to make an impact on a patient’s life—whether in a school or surgery center,” said Soliant Senior Vice President Tera Rowland.
Visit the Soliant job page for more information on healthcare roles, including available openings across the country.