Why Choose a Career in Allied Health?
By Sanford Jeames, Program Director
The latest workforce projections for health occupations in the Pioneer Valley region have revealed a pressing need to increase the numbers of individuals who will enter the workforce in certain health professions. According to the latest statistics published by regional employments boards in Hampden and Hampshire Counties, the growth rate for jobs in health-related fields is quite positive.
This continued growth rate is due in part to the fact a significant amount of these jobs may go unfilled due to the limited number of qualified applicants in the region. There is not a lack of awareness in healthcare jobs, but there is likely a misunderstanding about what careers are available for those who may be interested, but may not qualify for these jobs.
A career in allied health fields encompasses a wide variety of choices, perhaps some health careers that may have gone unnoticed. As the economy continues to shift and adjust in reaction to financial markets and world politics, it is important that individuals look to make themselves more attractive in the limited opportunities.
The healthcare job market, while also being affected by recessions and downsizing still presents an attractive option for those seeking more stable employment. The healthcare job market, while being expansive still is limited somewhat in the understanding of a health career. Nursing and other direct clinical areas are the most well-known pathways to health care jobs. However, there are a host of other areas, which are also just as important and available.
Careers in allied health fields represent an area in which interest and awareness maybe evaluated. A growing field for a heath career is in the information specialist areas or information technology. The healthcare system is moving closer to electronic medical record keeping and this requires adequate support personnel, which is vastly needed. Electronic medical records or EMR will be a field that will need individuals with knowledge software, but also with the ability to be retrained or become oriented to the healthcare sector. Experienced programmers and application specialists will be desired by all levels of healthcare, including local community clinics, research institutions, federally sponsored labs, and hospitals.
Presently, the 'baby-boomer' generation continues to age, and the increasing live expectancy rates means there is an even greater need for individuals to enter the health profession as a career, particularly in the allied health fields, which constitute several support programs. Individuals who enter areas of physical therapy (physical rehabilitation), occupational therapy, and optometry will encounter a population that will require healthcare and support services.
The recent worldwide recession presents other challenges as well, due to populations that face health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, stress-related, and cancer. The loss of jobs means an increase in the costs of healthcare, but simultaneously is a new focus on disease prevention, rather than disease management. Careers in public health, community health, and exercise (physical activity) will be needed to address other outlying factors related to health. The healthcare industry is presently moving toward wellness and prevention, which also requires individuals to serve as health educators and counselors.
A career in healthcare has many definitions, and remains open to individuals who seek a variety of experiences in the workforce, and a lifelong impact on society. A key component and element to discovering these options is to remain creative in the journey, and view a career through a holistic lens of opportunity.
