The State of Healthcare Employment in 2024

After a long hiatus, I have decided to resume publishing this weekly newsletter. As an update, I have taken on a role at our church here locally over the last year. I am the Operations lead, heading multiple ministries, including finance, facilities, insurance, and other areas that need attention. This took more of my time than expected, so this newsletter had to take a hiatus. Thank you for choosing to still read after all this time!

As we navigate through 2024, the healthcare sector continues to demonstrate its resilience and adaptability in the face of evolving challenges and opportunities. This is a key reason why I have directed my business towards the healthcare staffing industry. This sector, unlike many others, cannot be replaced by AI or remote work to the same extent. The demand for healthcare professionals, particularly in mental health, remains robust and is driven by factors such as an aging population, technological advancements, and the increasing focus on preventive care.

The healthcare sector, in general, continues to be one of the fastest-growing economic sectors. According to recent reports, employment in healthcare is projected to grow over the next decade. Some estimates even show an additional four million new jobs by 2030.

The following areas fuel this growth:

1) Aging Population: As Baby Boomers continue to age, there is an increased need for healthcare services, particularly geriatric care, rehabilitation, and long-term care facilities. This will only continue to grow as the aging population continues to grow.

2) Chronic Disease Management: The prevalence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and others necessitates a broader healthcare workforce capable of managing complex patient needs over time. Also, the weight loss industry has grown exponentially, with drugs like Ozempic and others being in major demand.

3) Mental Healthcare: Increased awareness of mental health issues has increased demand for mental healthcare professionals, including psychologists, therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists. This reflects a growing commitment to holistic healthcare.

As some of you may know from this article, my wife and I are licensed foster care parents in Georgia. Through the course of this journey, we have had children in our home from a variety of backgrounds, primarily negative ones, that have led to different mental health struggles for these children. This has included food sensitivity, autism, developmental issues, significant separation anxiety, and many others. The need for Licensed Social Workers and Clinical Social Workers continues growing because of these types of needs.

Across the healthcare sector, there are diverse opportunities for healthcare professionals across various fields. These include nursing, health information technology, allied health professions, and healthcare administration roles. You may be asking yourself, what are allied health professionals? These include roles like medical imaging, respiratory therapy, physical therapy, and laboratory sciences that are witnessing significant growth and providing numerous pathways to career advancement and employment.

One of the significant challenges healthcare facilities are facing today is staff shortages. Many regions in the United States are experiencing acute shortages of healthcare workers, particularly in rural and underserved areas, which leads to increased workloads and existing staff burnout. For these remote facilities, it takes much work to draw qualified workers to their locations. On top of that, contrary to other professions, many healthcare jobs can not be performed remotely.

The future outlook on the healthcare employment landscape is poised for transformation and growth. For one, many healthcare organizations are expected to invest vastly in training. As demand persists, more institutions will invest in training programs and partnerships with education entities to create a skilled workforce capable of meeting the future needs of the healthcare industry.

In addition, the telehealth industry is also expected to grow heavily, which was catalyzed by the Covid-19 panic. Many healthcare providers also strongly prefer to work remotely via telehealth; for some specialties, that is a real option. For instance, for mental healthcare, it can make much sense for a rural town to bring in a high-quality therapist, counselor, or even psychiatric nurse practitioner remotely licensed in their state via telehealth.

In summary, the healthcare employment sector is characterized by solid growth, diverse opportunities, and significant challenges and adaptation. As we navigate the evolving landscape, healthcare organizations, professionals, and prospective workers must stay informed and proactive in adapting to the trends shaping healthcare employment's future. Whether you are a seasoned professional or considering a healthcare career, the prospects are brighter than ever for those ready to embrace the journey ahead.

Thank you, as always, for liking, sharing, and subscribing to this newsletter. I appreciate it, and I hope you have a blessed week!

-Nick