Top 5 Medical Careers in Demand for 2024
As 2024 continues, the demand for certain medical specialties is skyrocketing, offering myriad opportunities for healthcare professionals to find their niche.
Top Healthcare Jobs in Demand for 2024
In this comprehensive job market review, we'll explore the roles of nurse practitioners, physician assistants, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), psychiatrists, and dentists, addressing the nuances of each profession, including responsibilities, career pathways, and current job market trends within the healthcare industry.
Nurse Practitioners: The Growing Frontline of Patient Care
Nurse practitioners (NPs), heralded for their versatile and specialized skill set, play a pivotal role in the healthcare system. Unlike registered nurses, NPs have earned a master's or doctorate degree, enabling them to diagnose patients, prescribe medications, and manage overall care plans, much like a physician.
Qualified NPs are in particularly high demand due to their capacity to provide primary and acute care services, especially in rural or underserved areas where physician shortages are prevalent. They are especially equipped for roles in specialized areas such as family health, pediatrics, geriatrics, and women's health, functioning independently or collaboratively with physicians, offering a multifaceted approach to patient care.
How Much Do Nurse Practitioners Make?
The job growth for NPs is exceptional, with an expected 52% increase from 2022 to 2024, due to a combined demand for preventive and long-term care, as well as a growing emphasis on wellness and health promotion. The benefits are vast, with an average annual wage of $151,000 reported in AMN Healthcare’s 2023 Review of Physician and Advanced Practitioner Recruiting Incentives, and the gratification of providing comprehensive care to patients.
Physician Assistants: A Vital Role on the Medical Team
Physician assistants (PAs) are integral members of the healthcare team, practicing medicine under the supervision of licensed physicians. With a primary focus on patient education, disease prevention, and healthcare management, PAs can be found in all areas of medicine, from surgery to primary care.
PAs can perform a wide array of duties, from taking medical histories and conducting physical exams to diagnosing and treating illnesses, offering counseling on preventive health, and assisting in surgeries. They are often first or second assistants in major surgeries and are trained to deal with high-stress, fast-paced environments.
PA Salary and Job Outlook
Job growth projections for PAs are remarkably high, estimated at 42% increase between 2022 and 2024, reflecting the trend toward more team-based patient care. Voted the #5 best job in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, physician assistants earn a median annual wage of $126,010, and the prospect of being part of an interdisciplinary medical team, with room for specialization and progression in various medical specialties.
CRNAs: Masters of Anesthesia
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice nurses who administer approximately 49 million anesthetics to patients each year in the United States, according to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. CRNAs provide compassionate, evidence-based care to patients across a spectrum of settings.
CRNAs are highly skilled in their field, administering and managing anesthesia before, during, and after medical procedures. Their expertise extends to all types of surgeries and obstetric or trauma stabilization cases.
CRNA Salary and Job Outlook
The profession is anticipated to grow by 45% in the next decade, with an average annual salary of $212,000 across all positions, showcasing significant financial stability for those seeking a career path in this area.
The Rising Demand for Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health, including substance use disorders. They are uniquely trained to diagnose and treat the complex biopsychosocial factors that contribute to mental illness.
Psychiatrists assess and treat individuals with various disorders, working collaboratively with patients to develop comprehensive treatment plans. This specialty is especially critical today, as there is a growing recognition of mental health as an essential component of overall health and wellness.
Psychiatrist Salary and Job Outlook
The psychiatry field is expected to see a 19% growth in jobs by 2024, with a competitive average annual wage of $356,000 across all positions. A career as a psychiatrist offers both financial rewards and the satisfaction of addressing the critical need for mental health professionals in an empathetic and strategic manner.
Dentistry: A Timeless and Critical Medical Profession
Dentists are vital healthcare professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating issues related to a patient's oral health. Their role extends beyond teeth to include gums, jaws, and related facial structures.
Dentists perform routine checkups, oral surgeries, root canals, and orthodontic treatments, and fabricate and fit dentures. The roles of preventive dental care and patient education are a core part of a dentist’s daily routine, helping to maintain and improve a patient’s oral health.
Dentist Salary and Job Outlook
The dental profession's growth is steady, with an anticipated 3% increase in job demand by 2024, and a median annual salary of $155,040, reflecting the continual need for oral health specialists across all demographics.
Exploring these medical career options showcases the significant demand for skilled professionals across the healthcare industry. Each specialty offers its own set of requirements, rewards, and unique opportunities to contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities.
AMN Healthcare stands ready to support experienced and aspiring healthcare professionals in finding the right fit for their personal and professional goals. With steadfast support, top-tier benefits, and unparalleled freedom, AMN Healthcare is your trusted partner for career success. Click the link below to elevate your career today!
