Health care continues to be one of the largest industries in the United States. Of the 30 occupations that are projected to grow the fastest, at least half are health-care related. Currently statistics reveal that the career of Registered Nurse will be one of the fastest growing health care occupations. This is mostly due to the United States' continued population increase as well as the aging component termed as the "baby boomer". Allied health careers such as Physical Therapists and Dental Hygienists also have shortages. Additionally, Physicians continue to be needed. It is projected that the demand for these professions, and many others, will far outnumber the supply at least for the next decade.

Health services (including home health care services, hospitals, and offices of health practitioners) will add 2.8 million new jobs as demand for health care increases because of an aging population and longer life expectancies. Also, the geriatric (elderly) population seeking alternatives to nursing homes and hospital care will boost employment in residential care services, which is projected to grow 63.5 percent and add 512,000 jobs by 2010. Thus, as the global, national, and state economies experience a downturn, the health care workforce will continue to remain steady or grow.

Considering all of this, it is an understatement to say that across the board, health care is the premier field of work in the United States. When you consider factors such as salary, job stability, job satisfaction, variety of careers, and potential for career/professional growth, the health professions should be very attractive to students seeking career information. But for various reasons, it seems many students do not adequately investigate some of the over 150 careers to choose from.

As a free service, Blue Ridge AHEC offers a program on health careers to schools and organizations. The presentation is approximately 45 - 50 minutes in length and addresses topics including:

• An overview of the health professions
• A health careers video
• Current trends in health care and education
• Career guidance information

Beginning with each academic year, we egin accepting invitations to make presentations. Our Health Careers Coordinator can spend the whole day at a school or site, speak to selected classes/groups, and participate in Career Day/Career Fair-type activities. Don’t allow your students to miss out on this opportunity to receive very important career and educational information.

To schedule a presentation, contact Sharon Norman, Center Director at snorman@blueridgeahec.org