Best of the Best!

Your chosen profession is just that …a personal choice.  However, it is always comforting to have your decision validated by an objective source.  U.S. News and World Report recently revealed its 2013 top 100 best jobs. It should come as no surprise that health related careers are in the top third of that list. Occupations were selected based on hiring demands for each, as identified by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).   Rankings then considered seven measures using BLS stats:  number of projected job openings; job growth percentage; median salary; current employment rate; future job prospects; everyday stress level; and work-life balance.

Using these criteria, here is how health professions stack up:

• #2 Registered Nurse:  With a broad range of specializations and workenvironments, current and long-term growth potential is high.  Add to that increased demand as the greying of America continues for the foreseeable future.
• #8 Physical Therapist:  An aging population also increases demand forrehabilitative professionals. Students who network during required internships will have a leg up on the competition.
• #11 Occupational Therapist:  Helping clients stay independent and performing theirdaily tasks, keeps this profession high on the list.  Choosing a specialty early is important, but the bulk of job growth is expected in elder care.
• #15 Physical Therapist Assistant:  Job growth for PTAs is expected to surpass that of the therapists they assist. As with PTs, internships are often the key to future employment opportunities.
• #28 Speech Language Pathologist:  In the last few years, median salaries for SLPshave increased significantly. As with the careers mentioned above, rate of growth will be highest for those working with seniors.

Are you an RN, PT, OT, PTA, or SLP looking to take advantage of projected job growth and new opportunities in your field?  Centra can help!  Call our team at 800 535 0076 and see what we can do for you.