The Most In-Demand Healthcare Jobs of 2021

1/29/2021 by Tim Colthorp

The Most In-Demand Healthcare Jobs of 2021

As we head into 2021 and beyond, the healthcare industry is expected to continue growing. The growth will be attributed to an aging population and more need for services in the healthcare industry. The recent pandemic, COVID-19, has also placed a greater demand for healthcare jobs and workers.

The BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) is predicting healthcare jobs and careers will increase by more than fifteen percent, which exceeds the national average. With a growth of this size, it is predicted that more than two million new healthcare jobs will be added before 2029.

These are some of the most in-demand healthcare jobs for 2021:

  1. OTA- (Occupational Therapy Assistants) Will be an In-Demand Healthcare Job in 2021

An OTA plays an important part in helping or assisting occupational therapists. An OTA is responsible for ensuring the treatment facility they work in operates smoothly. An OTA also assists the occupational therapist with procedures and treatments to help patients:

  • Recover
  • Improve
  • Maintain everyday skills
  • Develop new skills needed if old ones have been compromised

As an OTA, you play a role in:

  • Developing treatment plans
  • Carry out routine functions
  • Support those functions
  • Document patient progress
  • Direct certain treatment programs

You will need an associate degree for this healthcare position from an accredited occupational therapy program.

  1. Manager of Health and Medical Services Will be an In-Demand Healthcare Jobs in 2021

Managers of health and medical services are responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating healthcare services in healthcare practice. In this position, you would have to stay on top of all changes in the healthcare industry and communicate and implement these changes in the facility where you work.

Typically you are required to hold at least a bachelor's degree for this position, but some medical facilities are beginning to require a master's degree. The salary you would be offered will depend on your education, experience level, and if you've worked in healthcare previously, this could mean a higher paying offer.

  1. NP- (Nurse Practitioner) Will be an In-Demand Healthcare Jobs in 2021

If you are already in the nursing field and are looking to advance your career, completing the Master of Science in Nursing and becoming an NP could be a consideration for you. The responsibilities of an NP vary depending on the specialty of medicine performed in the facility but generally include providing advanced care to patients. As an NP you could:

  • Prescribe medications
  • Treat a variety of illnesses
  • Diagnose patients
  • Implement treatment practices

Nurse Practitioners work in a variety of healthcare facilities, including:

  • Doctor offices
  • Hospitals
  • Outpatient Care Centers
  • Nursing Environments

The NP positions represent the most in-demand healthcare jobs for 2021 according to U.S. News and World Report.

  1. PTA (Physical Therapist Assistant) Will be an In-Demand Healthcare Jobs in 2021

There are some similarities between OTAs and PTAs, but they are considered two separate careers. As a PTA, you would work with patients who have health conditions or injuries that are restricting their ability to perform functional activities. You would be:

  • Providing hands-on therapy
  • Documenting patient progress
  • Observing patient progress
  • Implementing treatment plans under a physical therapist's supervision

As a PTA you would likely work in a hospital, or a healthcare practitioner's office. To become a PTA, you are required to hold an associate's degree from an accredited PTA program.

Where to Look for In-Demand Healthcare Jobs in 2021

Career Matrix is a premier employment resource. If you are looking for new healthcare jobs in 2021, or are looking for employees to fill healthcare jobs in 2021, click the health care jobs link to locate a new career or a new candidate for your open positions.