Employers Need More Healthcare Support Workers in 2021

Healthcare support workers assist with patient management, perform office duties, and work directly with doctors and nurses to administer a high level of care. That’s a basic overview — health support occupations range considerably, and thanks to the aging U.S. population, support roles are expected to grow substantially over the next few decades.

By starting a healthcare career, you’ll enjoy tremendous job security and serve an important, fulfilling role. Support careers include:

• Personal Care Aide- A personal care aide (PCA) directly helps at-home patients with personal hygiene, dressing, housekeeping, transportation, and other tasks. There is no federal training standard for personal care aides, so certifications vary by state. Most personal care aide salaries are around $25,000 a year.
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)- The typical duties of a CNA include assisting nurses and doctors with basic patient care, monitoring vital signs, and helping patients with personal hygiene. CNAs must complete a training program and pass a certification exam. The average salary for a CNA is around $26,000 a year.
• Dental Assistant- Dental assistants perform direct patient care during cleanings, educate patients about proper dental care, assist the dentist during procedures, and help manage the office. To start work, dental assistants must complete a college program, which typically takes 9 to 11 months to complete, then pass the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam. The median salary for a dental assistant is around $40,000 per year.
• Physical Therapy Assistants- These professionals help physical therapists work with patients. Physical therapy assistants make a median wage of $48,990 per year. Most states require an associate’s degree in physical therapy, along with a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Medical Receptionist- Medical administrative assistants and secretaries can expect to earn anywhere from $35,000 to $40,000 per year. They typically need an advanced knowledge of medical codes and health privacy laws.

This isn’t a comprehensive list. Hospitals, physicians, and caregivers need dedicated employees willing to fulfill a variety of needs — whether you’re comfortable working with patients or you’d prefer to perform your work in an office, healthcare support careers are worth consideration.

Online Resources Offer Fast Training for Healthcare Jobs

If you’re ready to begin your career, you’ll want to take advantage of online resources to research your options. Training services and university degree programs can help you develop the skills you need to get hired — and thanks to the rapid expansion of remote education opportunities, you may be able to complete a degree or certification from the comfort of your home.

Keep these factors in mind while searching for training programs:

• State Requirements- States often have different requirements for healthcare support workers. Before diving headfirst into a certain career, make sure you understand your state’s expectations for licensure, certification, and experience. Look for online resources geared towards employment in your state of residence (or the state where you plan on starting your employment).
• Education Timelines- If you’re looking for quick employment, consider training and certification courses designed to get you into the workforce. For example, many personal care aide courses can be completed in a few days, and since online courses offer flexibility, you can keep working towards additional certifications in your spare time.
  
  If you’re pursuing a degree or advanced postsecondary credential (for example, a nursing license), review a variety of schools before making your decision. Make sure you understand the expected timeframe to complete the program.
• Job Placement- Some programs coordinate with employers to offer jobs to people who successfully complete their courses. Job placement programs can be helpful, but read the fine print. Find out whether you’ll need to sign a contract to begin employment and make sure that the employer offers competitive compensation.

Take the same thorough approach when looking for employment. Study the job market; find out about local employers' salary ranges, benefit packages, and expectations. Understanding careers in your area will help you tailor your resume to potential employers, and the best way to develop this knowledge is to visit a variety of resources and read carefully.

Finding Information about Healthcare Support Careers Online

By using online resources effectively, you can find options in a wide variety of health-related fields. Hospitals, private physicians, residential care facilities, and other employers will always need dedicated support staff to deliver the highest level of care to their patients. Through careful research, you can find jobs that will help you build your experience and establish your career.

Look for information from several different websites, especially if you’re considering a certification course or degree program. Compare at least 3-4 sites and take detailed notes. The right approach can make your research much more productive — and propel you into a stable, high-paying career in healthcare.