The healthcare industry is an integral part of the United States. We rely on healthcare professionals for the services they provide to both maintain our health and assist during emergencies. In recent years, a shortage of those working in the medical field has been observed and it is projected that opportunities will be available in the healthcare industry in the near future. This means there is a high demand for individuals who have the skill and determination to enter the profession for the improvement of overall health for those within the community.
Why Are Individuals Leaving the Industry?
The current healthcare professional shortage is happening for a couple of reasons. The Washington Post recently published an article outlining the noticeable reasons why established professionals are leaving their careers:
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Baby boomers are retiring.
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Health professionals are leaving for higher paid jobs in teaching.
The graphic below illustrates the the projected demand for registered nurses during the the next decade. Entry level programs that enable individuals to get their foot in the door are a great stepping stone to continuing in the industry. While there are other sectors within the healthcare field that will be in demand for those students who have completed their education, registered nurses are by far in the shortest supply.
What Impact Will a Shortage Have?
While the graphic shows how significant the demand for registered nurses will be, it does not speak to how the shortage will have an impact on your community. From nurses to pharmacists, every individual has a role in providing services patients need. When new individuals fail to enter the field, the resulting health care shortage will be felt by both those employed and those who rely on services. These types of situations will have an impact on how the general public views their healthcare experience which could cause individuals to avoid making appointments for ailments they have leading to further problems in the future. Why You?
Do you have an interest in making a difference in your community? A shortage of healthcare providers has the potential to cause serious problems for all levels of society. From those who are in good health and only utilize the doctor for routine checkups to those who have chronic health issues and must visit specialists regularly, the need for individuals capable of necessary services is high. You have the ability to make a difference by enrolling in courses at the PCC Institute for Health Professionals that will prepare you for a career in the medical field. Some students take a pharmacy technician course so that they can work in the field while pursuing a pharmacy degree. Some students take CNA1 classes so that they have additional points for a nursing application, or patient-care hours in the field toward a program such as Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant. Other students are interested in making a difference on the business side of healthcare so they take Medical Coding or Patient Access classes in pursuit of a career in Revenue Cycle Management.
