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With our aging population and expansion of our healthcare system, occupational prospects in the healthcare profession are favorable and expected to increase. The demands for more healthcare professionals continue to increase in this decade. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of healthcare practitioners is expected to increase by 26% from 2010 to 2020. The 26% expected increase in employment of healthcare practitioners is greater than the average expected increase for all occupations, which is 14%. 

Here are the projected growth statistics for healthcare occupations that require doctoral degrees. 

Audiologists

Audiologists evaluate, diagnose and treat patients with hearing and balance disorders. They also fit and dispense hearing aids to patients. Audiologists are licensed and have a doctoral degree in audiology (Aud.D.). 

• 2010 Median pay for audiologists: $66,660 per year or $32.05 per hour
• Number of Jobs, 2010: 13,000
• Job Outlook: 2010 – 2020: 37% increase
• Employment change, 2010 – 2020: 4,800 new audiologist jobs

Chiropractors

Chiropractors provide therapy to treat patients with health problems of the musculoskeletal system. They use manipulation techniques and additional treatments such as heat or cold applications or massages to treat patient’s injured areas. Diagnostic techniques such as x-rays and physical examinations are used. Chiropractors are licensed and must complete a 4 year doctor of chiropractic (D.C.) degree program. 

• 2010 Median pay for chiropractors: $67,200 per year or  $32.31 per hour
• Number of Jobs, 2010: 52,600
• Job Outlook: 2010 – 2020: 28% increase
• Employment change, 2010 – 2020: 14,900 new chiropractor jobs

Dentists

Dentists examine, diagnose and treat problems related to teeth and gums. They help patients maintain good oral health providing general and/or specialized dental care such as filling cavities, repairing or removing teeth, prescribing medications for dental procedures or treatment, and performing root-canal therapy. Dentists are licensed and have doctor of dental surgery (D.D.S) or doctor of dental medicine (D.D.M) degree through a 4 year postgraduate program.  

• 2010 Median pay for dentists: $146, 920 per year or  $70.64 per hour
• Number of Jobs, 2010: 155,700
• Job Outlook: 2010 – 2020: 21% increase
• Employment change, 2010 – 2020: 32,200 new dentist jobs

Optometrists

Optometrists are eye doctors. They examine, diagnose, manage and treat disorders or injuries of the eyes. They also prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses and medications if needed. Optometrists are licensed and must complete a 4 year doctor of optometry (O.D.) degree program. 

• 2010 Median Pay: $94,990 per year or $45.67 per hour
• Number of Jobs, 2010: 34,200
• Job Outlook: 2010 – 2020: 33% increase
• Employment change, 2010 – 2020: 11,300 new optometrist jobs

Pharmacists

Pharmacists are experts in drug information and usage. In addition to dispensing prescription medications, pharmacists provide medication therapy management and drug consultations and recommendations to patients and healthcare providers. Pharmacists are licensed and obtain a doctor of pharmacy degree (PharmD) after a 4 year postgraduate program. 

• 2010 Median pay for pharmacists: $111,570 per year or $53.64 per hour
• Number of Jobs, 2010: 274,900
• Job Outlook: 2010 – 2020: 25% increase
• Employment change, 2010 – 2020: 69,700 new pharmacist jobs

Physical therapists

Physical therapists evaluate, diagnose and treat patients with functional problems resulting from physical injuries, birth conditions or diseases. They use therapeutic activities such as exercise, stretching, and/or hands-on therapy to help patients with their ability to move. Physical therapists have doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree and are licensed.

• 2010 Median pay for physical therapists: $76,310 per year or  $36.69 per hour
• Number of Jobs, 2010: 198,600
• Job Outlook: 2010 – 2020: 39% increase
• Employment change, 2010 – 2020: 77,400 new physical therapist jobs

Physicians and Surgeons

Physicians and surgeons examine, diagnose and treat injuries or diseases. They prescribe medications and therapies to treat patients. They are licensed, have doctor of medicine (MD) degree, and may be specialized in one or more medical specialties.   

• 2010 Median pay for physicians and surgeons: $166,400 per year or $80.00 per hour
• Number of Jobs, 2010: 691,000
• Job Outlook: 2010 – 2020: 24% increase
• Employment change, 2010 – 2020: 168,300 new physician or surgeon jobs

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Podiatrists

Podiatrists evaluate, diagnose and treat patients with problems associated with their feet, ankles, or lower leg. They treat patients by providing care instructions, prescribe medications and perform surgeries on lower leg problems. Podiatrists are licensed and have doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM) degree. 

• 2010 Median pay for podiatrists: $118,030 per year or $56.75 per hour
• Number of Jobs, 2010: 12,900
• Job Outlook: 2010 – 2020: 20% increase
• Employment change, 2010 – 2020: 2,600 new podiatrist jobs

Veterinarians

Veterinarians examine, diagnose and treat health problems of animals. They provide information on general care, medical conditions and treatments of animals. They prescribe medication, perform surgeries and conduct research on medical conditions and diseases of animals. Veterinarians have a doctor of veterinary medicine degree and are licensed. 

• 2010 Median pay for veterinarians: $82,040 per year or $39.44 per hour
• Number of Jobs, 2010: 61,400
• Job Outlook: 2010 – 2020: 36% increase
• Employment change, 2010 – 2020: 22,000 new veterinarian jobs

Conclusion

Healthcare practitioners are the foundation and framework of our healthcare system. They work together to ensure patients receive proper treatment in a timely manner. With the expected growth in demand for healthcare services, healthcare providers will continue to have job security and satisfying healthcare careers.  

Reference

Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition.

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In Demand Healthcare Jobs that Do Not Require a Doctorate Degree

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