Introduction

Healthcare Careers BACKground

Healthcare Employment: Past and Future Outlook

Healthcare jobs make up a significant portion of the U.S. labor force, with a wide range of positions available to suit a variety of skills and interests. Between 2012 and 2022, total employment in the U.S. (excluding farm workers) grew by 15%, or 19.7 million jobs. In comparison, the healthcare sector grew by 16% (4.2 million jobs) (Figure 3.1) (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, n.d.).

However, at different times between 2020 and 2022, many areas of the U.S. faced healthcare workforce shortages tied to COVID-19 surges. COVID-19 put increased demands on the healthcare workforce in terms of messaging, immunizations, testing, and inpatient/outpatient care while often limiting the supply of healthcare workers able to respond. While some healthcare workers were stretched in the early phase of the pandemic and in subsequent surges trying to address the needs of COVID-19 patients, other healthcare workers not involved in the response were furloughed or had their hours reduced, as facilities temporarily closed or limited elective procedures to minimize revenue loss. The pandemic also exacerbated existing workforce shortages faced by home care agencies. Some workers left the workforce due to fear of contracting the virus or infecting family members or clients; others were unable to maintain sufficient hours because clients refused visits because they were fearful of allowing anyone into their homes and because fewer clients were being referred to home health when many states restricted elective surgeries.

Significant actions by federal, state, and local authorities as well as by health systems and individual providers have attempted to address these disruptions. Some actions were new efforts addressing specific costs associated with testing for, immunization against, and treatment of COVID-19. Others sought to address workforce capacity shortages, such as increasing Medicare funding to support physician training. However, these pandemic-related disruptions and workforce shortages took place within the context of significant pre-pandemic shortages in some geographic areas, many of which were exacerbated by the uneven and extended duration of the pandemic, as well as pre-existing concerns about high levels of burnout and mental health challenges for many healthcare workers.

Nonetheless, the healthcare sector is, and is expected to remain, a significant piece of the U.S. economy. As of September 2022, healthcare and healthcare-related occupations comprise approximately 12% (18 million) of jobs in the U.S.; in other words, more than one in 10 employed Americans work in healthcare or healthcare-related jobs. Most work in hospitals (37%) and offices of health practitioners (28%), with nursing and residential care facilities (17%), outpatient, laboratory, and other ambulatory services (9%), and home healthcare services (9%) accounting for the remaining jobs (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, n.d.).

Overall employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 13% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 2 million new jobs over the decade. In addition to new jobs from growth, opportunities arise from the need to replace workers who leave their occupations permanently. About 1.9 million openings each year, on average, are projected to come from growth and replacement needs.

Core Skills in Healthcare

To be successful in any field, it is expected that workers within that industry possess certain competencies. A competency is the capability to apply or use a set of related knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform “critical work functions” or tasks in a defined work setting. Not to be confused with competence, a competency describes a behavior but does not attempt to describe a level of performance. A competency model is a collection of competencies that together define successful performance in a particular work setting.

There are many career paths in healthcare, each with its own set of requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities. However, common competencies apply to all occupations within the field. Developed by the Employment and Training Administration and Health Professionals Network, the Fundamentals of Health Care Competency Model describes what a worker needs to know and be able to do in order to be successful in the field.

Choosing a career

To understand what type of work suits you and to be able to convey that to others to get hired, you must become an expert in knowing who you are. Gaining self-knowledge is a lifelong process, and college is the perfect time to gain and adapt this fundamental information. The following are some of the types of information that you should have about yourself:

• Interests: Things that you like and want to know more about. These often take the form of ideas, information, knowledge, and topics.
• Skills/Aptitudes: Things that you either do well or can do well. These can be natural or learned and are usually skills—things we can demonstrate in some way.
• Values: Things that you believe in. Frequently, these are conditions and principles.
• Personality: Things that combine to make you distinctive. Often, this shows in the way you present yourself to the world. Aspects of personality are customarily described as qualities, features, thoughts, and behaviors.

Other Factors

When considering your desired career path, also think about the factors that will influence your success as a student and future healthcare professional. Ask yourself the following:

• How much time must I invest before I actually start making money in this career? Will I need to spend additional time in school? If so, can I afford to wait?
• Will this career provide me with the kind of income I need in the short term and the security I’ll want in the longer term? What investment will I need to make to be successful in this field (education, tools, franchise fees, et cetera.)?
• How will this career affect my personal and family life? Do friends and family members who know me well feel strongly (for or against) about this career choice? How important is their input?
• What physical and social factors do I desire in my career? For example, does this career necessitate working conditions that do not align with my needs or abilities? Will I be exposed to hazardous conditions? If so, am I comfortable with that possibility? Will this career require too much or too little interaction with other people for my preferences? Will the work be highly routine or challenging?

Additionally, know whether you must obtain credentialing beyond your college education before you can begin working, as this may add additional time and cost to your career plan. Licenses and certifications show that a person has the specific knowledge or skill needed to do a job. Although the two terms may be used interchangeably, a license and certification refer to separate credentials:

• License
  • Awarded by a governmental licensing agency
  • Gives legal authority to work in an occupation
  • Requires meeting predetermined criteria, such as having a degree or passing a state-administered exam
• Certification
  • Awarded by a professional organization or other nongovernmental body
  • Is not legally required in order to work in an occupation
  • Requires demonstrating competency to do a specific job, often through an examination process

Typically, you earn these credentials after you’ve completed your education. Sometimes, you become licensed or certified after you’ve gained practical experience, such as through an internship, residency, or time on the job. Earning a license or certification involves meeting standards, which often includes passing an exam. An employer may require either credential.

These terms should not be confused with accreditation, which is the recognition from an accrediting agency that an institution maintains a certain level of educational standards requisite for its graduates to gain admission to other reputable institutions of higher learning or to achieve credentials for professional practice.

Occupational Profiles

The following represent the five groups of occupations associated with the healthcare industry in the U.S.

Biotechnology Research and Development Occupations

Occupation	Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers	Medical Scientists
Description	Combine engineering principles with sciences to design and create equipment, devices, computer systems, and software.	Conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. Often use clinical trials and other investigative methods to reach their findings.
Entry-Level Education	Bachelor’s	Doctorate or medical degree
Credentialing Requirements	None	Licensure required for some roles
Median Wage ($)	97,410	95,310
Job Outlook, (2021-31)	10% increase	17% increase
Skills	Analytical skills Communication skills Creativity Math skills Problem-solving skills	Communication skills Critical-thinking skills Data-analysis skills Decision-making skills Observation skills

Diagnostic Services Occupations

Occupation	Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians	Clinical Laboratory Technicians	Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Description	Create images and conduct tests involving the heart and lungs.	Collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances.	Perform more complex tests and laboratory procedures than technicians.
Entry-Level Education	Associate’s	Associate’s	Bachelor’s
Credentialing Requirements	Varies by state	Varies by state	Varies by state
Median Wage ($)	60,570	57,800	57,800
Job Outlook, (2021-31)	5% increase	7% increase	7% increase
Skills	Communication skills Detail-oriented Hand-eye coordination Physical stamina Technical skills	Ability to use technology Detail-oriented Dexterity Physical stamina	Ability to use technology Detail-oriented Dexterity Physical stamina
Occupation	Diagnostic Medical Sonographers	Epidemiologists	MRI Technologists
Description	Specialize in creating images, known as sonograms or ultrasounds, that depict the body’s organs and tissues.	Public health workers who investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury.	Operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images.
Entry-Level Education	Associate’s	Master’s	Associate’s
Credentialing Requirements	Varies by state	None	Licensure required in a few states
Median Wage ($)	77,740	78,830	77,360
Job Outlook, (2021-31)	15% increase	26% increase	7% increase
Skills	Communication skills Detail-oriented Hand-eye coordination Physical stamina Technical skills	Communication skills Critical-thinking skills Detail-oriented Leadership skills Math and statistical skills	Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills Math skills Physical stamina Technical skills
Occupation	Nuclear Medicine Technologists	Radiologic Technologists
Description	Prepare radioactive drugs and administer them to patients for imaging or treatment.	Perform x-rays and other diagnostic imaging examinations on patients.
Entry-Level Education	Associate’s	Associate’s
Credentialing Requirements	Varies by state	Licensure or certification required in most states
Median Wage ($)	78,760	61,370
Job Outlook, (2021-31)	2% increase	6% increase
Skills	Ability to use technology Analytical skills Compassion Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills Physical stamina	Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills Math skills Physical stamina Technical skills

Health Informatics Occupations

Occupation	Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars	Medical Records Specialists	Medical Transcriptionists
Description	Advise organizations on computerized healthcare systems and analyze clinical data.	Compile, process, and maintain patient files.	Use electronic devices to convert voice recordings from physicians and other healthcare workers into formal reports.
Entry-Level Education	Associate’s	Postsecondary nondegree award	Postsecondary nondegree award
Credentialing Requirements	None; certification may be preferred by employers	None; certification may be preferred by employers	None; certification available
Median Wage ($)	55,560	46,660	30,100
Job Outlook, (2021-31)	17% increase	7% increase	7% decrease
Skills	Analytical skills Detail-oriented Integrity Interpersonal skills Problem-solving skills	Analytical skills Detail-oriented Integrity Interpersonal skills	Computer skills Critical-thinking skills Listening skills Time-management Writing skills

Support Services Occupations

Occupation	Medical and Health Services Managers and Administrators	Orderlies	Pharmacy Technicians
Description	Plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services. They may manage an entire facility, a specific clinical area or department, or a medical practice for a group of physicians.	Transport patients and clean treatment areas.	Help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to customers or health professionals.
Entry-Level Education	Bachelor’s	High school diploma or equivalent	High school diploma or equivalent
Credentialing Requirements	Varies by state	None	Varies by state
Median Wage ($)	101,340	29,990	36,740
Job Outlook, (2021-31)	28% increase	5% increase	5% increase
Skills	Analytical skills Communication skills Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills Leadership skills Technical skills	Communication skills Compassion Patience Physical stamina	Customer-service skills Detail-oriented Listening skills Math skills Organizational skills
Occupation	Phlebotomists
Description	Draw blood for purposes such as tests, research, or donations.
Entry-Level Education	Postsecondary nondegree award
Credentialing Requirements	Varies by state
Median Wage ($)	37,380
Job Outlook, (2021-31)	10% increase
Skills	Communication skills Compassion Detail-oriented Dexterity Interpersonal skills Physical stamina

Therapeutic Services Occupations

Occupation	Athletic Trainers	Audiologists	Behavior Analysts*
Description	Specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses. Not to be confused with fitness trainers and instructors.	Diagnose, manage, and treat patients who have hearing, balance, or related problems.	Observe and analyze the behavior of individuals in order to develop treatment plans that improve skill repertoires, safety, and quality of life. Includes Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs) and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs).
Entry-Level Education	Master’s	Doctorate or professional degree	Bachelor's (BCaBA); Master's (BCBA)
Credentialing Requirements	Licensure or certification required in most states	Licensure required in all states	Certification required in all states; Licensure required in some states
Median Wage ($)	48,420	78,950	50,000 (BcaBA), 90,130 (BCBA)
Job Outlook, (2021-31)	17% increase	10% increase	10% increase
Skills	Compassion Decision-making skills Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills	Communication skills Compassion Critical-thinking skills Interpersonal skills Patience Problem-solving skills	Active listening Complex problem solving Critical thinking Instructing Reading comprehension Social perspectives
Occupation	Chiropractors	Dental Assistants	Dental Hygienists
Description	Evaluate and treat patients’ neuromusculoskeletal system using spinal adjustments and manipulation, as well as other clinical interventions.	Provide patient care, take x-rays, keep records, and schedule appointments.	Examine patients for signs of oral diseases and provide preventive care.
Entry-Level Education	Doctorate or professional degree	Postsecondary nondegree award	Associate’s
Credentialing Requirements	Licensure required in all states	Varies by state	Licensure required in all states
Median Wage ($)	75,000	38,660	77,810
Job Outlook, (2021-31)	10% increase	8% increase	9% increase
Skills	Communication skills Decision-making skills Detail-oriented Dexterity Empathy Interpersonal skills	Detail-oriented Dexterity Interpersonal skills Listening skills Organizational skills	Critical thinking Communication skills Detail-oriented Dexterity Interpersonal skills Problem-solving skills
Occupation	Dentists	Dietitians and Nutritionists	Exercise Physiologists
Description	Diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth.	Plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to help people lead healthy lives.	Develop fitness and exercise programs that help patients recover from chronic diseases and improve cardiovascular function, body composition, and flexibility. Not to be confused with fitness trainers and instructors or athletic trainers.
Entry-Level Education	Doctorate or professional degree	Bachelor’s	Bachelor’s
Credentialing Requirements	Licensure required in all states	Varies by state	Licensure required in Louisiana
Median Wage ($)	163,220	61,650	47,940
Job Outlook, (2021-31)	6% increase	7% increase	9% increase
Skills	Communication skills Detail-oriented Dexterity Leadership skills Organizational skills Patience Problem-solving skills	Analytical skills Compassion Listening skills Organizational skills Problem-solving skills Speaking skills	Compassion Decision-making skills Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills
Occupation	Genetic Counselors	Home Health and Personal Care Aides	Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Description	Assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects.	Monitor the condition of people with disabilities or chronic illnesses and help them with daily living activities.	Work under the direction of registered nurses and doctors to provide basic medical care.
Entry-Level Education	Master’s	High school diploma or equivalent	Postsecondary nondegree award
Credentialing Requirements	Licensure required in most states	Varies by state	Licensure required in all states
Median Wage ($)	80,150	29,430	48,070
Job Outlook, (2021-31)	18% increase	25% increase	6% increase
Skills	Communication skills Compassion Critical-thinking skills Interpersonal skills Organizational skills	Detail oriented Emotional skills Integrity Interpersonal skills Physical stamina	Compassion Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills Patience Physical stamina Speaking skills
Occupation	Medical Assistants	Nurse Anesthetists†	Nurse Midwives†
Description	Complete administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Not to be confused with physician assistants.	Administer anesthesia and provide care before, during, and after surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, and obstetrical procedures.	Provide care to women, including gynecological exams, family planning services, and prenatal care.
Entry-Level Education	Postsecondary nondegree award	Master’s	Master’s
Credentialing Requirements	None; certification may be preferred by employers	Varies by state	Varies by state
Median Wage ($)	37,190	123,780	123,780
Job Outlook, (2021-31)	16% increase	12% increase	7% increase
Skills	Analytical skills Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills Technical skills	Communication skills Critical-thinking skills Compassion Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills Leadership skills Resourcefulness	Communication skills Critical-thinking skills Compassion Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills Leadership skills Resourcefulness
Occupation	Nurse Practitioners†	Nursing Assistants	Occupational Therapists
Description	Serve as primary and specialty care providers, delivering advanced nursing services to patients and their families.	Provide basic care and help patients with activities of daily living.	Treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities.
Entry-Level Education	Master’s	State-approved education program	Master’s
Credentialing Requirements	Varies by state	Varies by state	Licensure required in all states
Median Wage ($)	123,780	30,310	85,570
Job Outlook, (2021-31)	46% increase	5% increase	14% increase
Skills	Communication skills Critical-thinking skills Compassion Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills Leadership skills Resourcefulness	Communication skills Compassion Patience Physical stamina	Adaptability Communication skills Compassion Interpersonal skills Patience
Occupation	Occupational Therapy Aides	Occupational Therapy Assistants	Opticians
Description	Perform support activities to help patients develop, recover, and improve.	Provide therapy to help patients develop, recover, and improve.	Help fit eyeglasses and contact lenses and help customers decide which eyeglass frames or contact lenses to buy.
Entry-Level Education	High school diploma or equivalent	Associate’s	High school diploma or equivalent
Credentialing Requirements	None	Varies by state	Licensure required in most states
Median Wage ($)	33,560	61,730	37,570
Job Outlook, (2021-31)	14% increase	25% increase	4% increase
Skills	Adaptability Compassion Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills Physical strength	Adaptability Compassion Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills Physical strength	Business skills Communication skills Customer-service skills Decision-making skills Dexterity
Occupation	Optometrists	Orthotists and Prosthetists	Pharmacists
Description	Examine the eyes and other parts of the visual system.	Design and fabricate medical supportive devices, such as artificial limbs, and measure and fit patients for them.	Dispense prescription medications to patients and offer expertise in the safe use of prescriptions.
Entry-Level Education	Doctorate or professional degree	Master’s	Doctorate or professional degree
Credentialing Requirements	Licensure required in all states	Varies by state	Licensure required in all states
Median Wage ($)	124,300	75,440	128,570
Job Outlook, (2021-31)	10% increase	17% increase	2% increase
Skills	Decision-making skills Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills Speaking skills	Communication skills Detail-oriented Patience Physical dexterity Physical stamina Problem-solving skills	Analytical skills Communication skills Computer skills Detail-oriented Managerial skills
Occupation	Physical Therapists	Physicians Assistants	Physicians and Surgeons
Description	Help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain.	Examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the supervision of a physician.	Diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and address health maintenance.
Entry-Level Education	Doctorate or professional degree	Master’s	Doctorate or professional degree
Credentialing Requirements	Licensure required in all states	Licensure required in all states	Licensure required in all states
Median Wage ($)	95,620	121,530	≥208,000‡
Job Outlook, (2021-31)	17% increase	28% increase	3% increase‡
Skills	Communication skills Compassion Detail-oriented Dexterity Physical stamina Resourcefulness Time-management skills	Communication skills Compassion Detail-oriented Emotional stability Interpersonal skills Problem-solving skills	Communication skills Compassion Detail-oriented Dexterity Leadership skills Organizational skills Patience Physical stamina Problem-solving skills
Occupation	Podiatrists	Psychiatric Aides	Psychiatric Technicians
Description	Diagnose illnesses, treat injuries, and perform surgery for people with foot, ankle, and lower leg problems.	Help patients who have a mental illness or developmental disabilities in their daily activities and ensure a safe and clean environment.	Provide therapeutic care and monitor the conditions of patients with mental illness or developmental disabilities.
Entry-Level Education	Doctorate or professional degree	High school diploma or equivalent	Postsecondary nondegree award
Credentialing Requirements	Licensure required in all states	None	Licensure required in some states
Median Wage ($)	145,840	30,260	36,570
Job Outlook, (2021-31)	2% increase	5% increase	11% increase
Skills	Communication skills Compassion Critical-thinking skills Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills	Compassion Interpersonal skills Observational skills Patience Physical stamina	Compassion Interpersonal skills Observational skills Patience Physical stamina
Occupation	Psychiatrists	Radiation Therapists	Recreational Therapists
Description	Diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental disorders.	Administer doses of radiation to patients who have cancer or other serious diseases.	Plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based medical treatment programs to help maintain or improve patients’ physical, social, and emotional well-being.
Entry-Level Education	Post-doctoral training or doctorate	Associate’s	Bachelor’s
Credentialing Requirements	Licensure and certification	Varies by state	Licensure or certification required in some states
Median Wage ($)	226,880	82,790	47,940
Job Outlook, (2021-31)	10%	6% increase	4% increase
Skills	Critical thinking Detail-oriented Integrity Interpersonal communication Listening skills Problem-solving skills	Compassion Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills Technical skills	Communication skills Compassion Leadership skills Listening skills Patience Resourcefulness
Occupation	Registered Nurses	Respiratory Therapists	Speech-Language Pathologists
Description	Provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families.	Care for patients who have conditions that cause them to have trouble breathing.	Assess and treat people who have speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders.
Entry-Level Education	Bachelor’s	Associate’s	Master’s
Credentialing Requirements	Licensure required in all states	Licensure required in all states except Alaska	Licensure required in all states
Median Wage ($)	77,600	61,830	79,060
Job Outlook, (2021-31)	6% increase	14% increase	21% increase
Skills	Critical-thinking skills Communication skills Compassion Detail-oriented Emotional stability Organizational skills Physical stamina	Compassion Detail-oriented Interpersonal skills Patience Problem-solving skills	Analytical skills Communication skills Compassion Critical-thinking skills Detail-oriented Listening skills
Occupation	Surgical Assistants	Surgical Technologists
Description	Help surgeons with tasks such as making incisions, placing clamps, and closing surgical sites.	Prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and help doctors and first assistants during surgeries.
Entry-Level Education	Associate’s or postsecondary nondegree award	Associate’s or postsecondary nondegree award
Credentialing Requirements	None; certification may be preferred by employers	None; certification may be preferred by employers
Median Wage ($)	48,320	48,530
Job Outlook, (2021-31)	6% increase	6% increase
Skills	Communication skills Detail-oriented Dexterity Integrity Listening skills Physical stamina Stress-management skills	Communication skills Detail-oriented Dexterity Integrity Listening skills Physical stamina Stress-management skills

Occupation	Community health workers	Emergency management directors	Health education specialists
Description	Act as intermediaries between residents and healthcare and social services providers.	Prepare plans and procedures for responding to natural disasters and other emergencies.	Teach people about behaviors that promote wellness.
Entry-Level Education	High school diploma	Bachelor's	Bachelor's
Credentialing Requirements	None	Varies by state	Certification may be preferred by employers
Median Wage ($)	46,590	76,730	60,600
Job Outlook, (2021-31)	16% increase	3% increase	8% increase
Skills	Communication skills Instructional skills Interpersonal skills Problem-solving skills	Communication skills Critical-thinking skills Decision-making skills Interpersonal skills Leadership skills	Analytical skills Communication skills Instructional skills Interpersonal skills Problem-solving skills
Occupation	Psychologists	Social workers
Description	Study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how people relate to one another and to their environments.	Help individuals, groups, and families prevent and cope with problems in their everyday lives.
Entry-Level Education	Doctorate	Bachelor's or master's
Credentialing Requirements	Licensure required in most states	Licensure
Median Wage ($)	81,040	50,390
Job Outlook, (2021-31)	6% increase	9% increase
Skills	Analytical skills Communication skills Integrity Interpersonal skills Observational skills Patience Problem-solving skills	Communication skills Compassion Interpersonal skills Organizational skills Problem-solving skills

chapter 3 Test Yourself

References and Attributions

Introduction

“Health Occupations” from MedlinePlus. Published under public domain. Lightly edited for formatting.

Healthcare Careers Background

Healthcare Employment: Past And Future Outlook

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Employment, hours, and earnings from the Current Employment Statistics survey, seasonally adjusted (National), January 2012 – September 2022 [Data set]. Occupational Employment Statistics. U. S. Department of Labor. Retrieved December 19, 2022, from https://www.bls.gov/ces/data/ 

The following sources were combined to form the section on the impact of COVID-19 on the healthcare workforce:

• “Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Hospital and Outpatient Clinician Workforce: Challenges and Policy Responses” from the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Published under public domain. Lightly edited for brevity, clarity, formatting, and flow.
• “COVID-19 Intensifies Home Care Workforce Challenges” by Denise Tyler, Melissa Hunter, Natalie Mulmule, and Kristie Porter. Published by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under public domain. Lightly edited for brevity, clarity, formatting, and flow.

“Healthcare Occupations” from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Published under public domain.

Core Skills in Healthcare

“Competency Model Development And Use – A Technical Assistance Guide” and “Fundamentals of Health Care Competency Model” from the Competency Model Clearinghouse, a website sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL, ETA). Published under a CC BY 4.0 license. Lightly edited for brevity, clarity, and flow. USDOL, ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

Choosing a Career

“Your Map to Success: The Career Planning Cycle” in College Success by Amy Baldwin. Published by OpenStax under a CC BY 4.0 license. Lightly edited for brevity and consistency with its new context. Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/college-success/pages/1-introduction

Other Factors

The following sources were combined:

• “Career Exploration – College Success” in College Success. Published by the Center for Open Education under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license. Lightly edited for brevity and formatting.
• “Browse by Work Context” by the National Center for O*NET Development. Published under a CC BY 4.0 license. Content was significantly edited for formatting and consistency with its new context.

“Will I need a license or certification for my job?” by Elka Torpey. Published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics under a public domain license. Lightly for flow.

“FAQs [What is accreditation?]” by the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs. Published by the U.S. Department of Education, Recognition and Accreditation under a public domain license. Lightly edited for consistency with its new context.

Occupational Profiles

“29-1223.00 – Psychiatrists” by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Published under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Occupational descriptions and data from the Occupational Outlook Handbook except where noted. Published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor under a public domain license. Lightly edited for brevity and flow.

Image Descriptions

Figure 3.1: Line graph comparing employment trends. The X-axis represents one-year increments, beginning in 2013 and ending in 2022. The left y-axis represents total nonfarm employment in 5,000 increments, beginning at 125,000 and ending at 155,000. The right y-axis represents healthcare and related employment in 5,000 increments, beginning at 14,500 and ending at 18,500. The graph shows steady growth in both nonfarm and healthcare and related employment between 2012 and 2020. Both lines have a steep decrease in 2020. The graph ends with both lines increasing in 2022 to pre-2020 numbers. [Return to Figure 3.1].

Image 3.1: A Venn diagram showing the relationship between “You” and “Career Fitness.” In the left circle, the “You” attributes are interests skills/aptitudes, values, and personality. Your strengths include your knowledge, skills, and abilities. In the right circle are the characteristics of a job: duties, qualifications, expectations and standards, working conditions, and career path. The employer’s needs include knowledge, skills, and abilities. Where the two circles intersect is text that reads “Employer Needs + Your Strengths = Fit”. [Return to Image 3.1].