California Job Outlook - Healthcare Workers in Huge Demand

Temperature is right for Healthcare Opportunitiesimportant, especially if you're working in a clinical
A healthcare career might be just the cure forenvironment.
your occupational woes. Whether it's working withTechnical abilities are a must
patients, being a key contributor in a medicalTechnology has altered the practice of healthcare.
office team, or opening up your own business,No matter what the healthcare field, an ability to
healthcare is a satisfying, challenging and excitingwork with computers and high-tech equipment is
career choice. And there's never been a bettera powerful asset. As a medical biller, you will
time to train for a healthcare position. With theprobably be asked to help process some claims
aging of the baby boomers (those born betweenelectronically. Medical clinical assistants may need
1946 and 1964), a shift from inpatient toto deal with an Electronic Medical Record.
outpatient care, and the expansion of healthcarePharmacy technicians often operate automated pill
centers, the demand for healthcare workers isdispensers. But if you're unfamiliar with such tools,
expected to increase in the years to come,don't worry--your all-important career college will
especially in California.help introduce you to these concepts.
Below are the fastest growing Healthcare CareersExciting environments
in California:Is it any wonder that shows like NBC's "ER" and
*Dental Assisting*"Scrubs," and CBS' "Rescue 911," have been so
Average Annual Wage: $31,985popular? They show the drama of medicine and
2002-2012 Job Growth: 57%the reality of life-and-death situations. Healthcare is
Future Career Paths: Dental Hygienist, Licensedfilled with stimulating and interesting interactions.
Vocational NurseOf course, big-city hospitals bustle with activity,
*Health Claims Examiner/Medical Biller*but even a quiet suburban assisted living facility,
Average Annual Wage: $31,772chiropractic office, retail pharmacy, HMO, or
2002-2012 Job Growth: 41%medical clinic have everyday drama and
Future Career Paths: Medical Coder, Insurancefascinating daily interactions. If you like a variety
Adjusterof tasks, work well under stress, and take pride
*Massage Therapy*in doing a job well done, then you have what it
Average Annual Wage: $36,340takes to be a valuable member of the healthcare
2002-2012 Job Growth: 21%team.
Future Career Paths: Physical Therapist, Day SpaLifelong learning
ManagerMedical-related workplaces have always been
*Medical Assistant*settings that support and encourage professional
Average Annual Wage: $28,890growth and development. Opportunities for
2002-2012 Job Growth: 46%on-the-job training and continuing education
Future Career Paths: Licensed Vocational Nurse,abound, and often employers will subsidize your
Medical Coderschooling. You'll also have lots of opportunities for
*Optical Dispensing*advancement, so your ambition will serve you well
Average Annual Wage: $32,441in a healthcare profession. If you're interested in a
2002-2012 Job Growth: 23%career like massage therapy, be assured that
Future Career Paths: Store Owner, Manufacturerscomplementary and alternative medicines are
Sales Repbeing integrated into conventional healthcare
*Pharmacy Technician*systems, offering you even greater opportunities.
Average Annual Wage: $33,632No matter what your area of interest, be sure
2002-2012 Job Growth: 31%you start out at a school that provides a positive
Future Career Paths: Occupational Therapylearning environment and is prepared to help you
Assistant, Dietetic Technicianlaunch your career in this exciting arena.
*Surgical Technology*Reality check
Average Annual Wage: $40,178Although not every healthcare professional works
2002-2012 Job Growth: 36%with patients, those who do will find that people
Future Career Paths: Central Supply Mgr, Asst.are sicker, older, and living longer, often with
Operating Room Admin.chronic diseases. Keeping a positive attitude is key
*Diagnostic Medical Sonagraphy*for maintaining a cheerful office or clinic. Are you
Average Annual Wage: $60,908up to the challenge? Being a paid caregiver
2002-2012 Job Growth: 21%requires confidence, commitment and compassion.
Future Career Paths: Physician's Assistant, MedicalSummary
TechnologistThe clock never stops ticking in the healthcare
** Salaries listed above are average annual wagesprofession. Perhaps it's time for you to join this
reported by the Employment Developmentfinancially rewarding, stable and gratifying
Department of the State of California and do notoccupation. One recent study showed that
reflect entry level salaries for the healthcareCalifornia led other states in the number of
positions listed.advertised healthcare job vacancies, with other
Key Success Factorsregions also showing a strong demand across the
Do you have a genuine desire to help people?nation.
Then chances are you'll be successful as aOne healthcare worker said it best: "Touching
healthcare professional. The four other critical skillssomeone's life in a positive way is the most
you'll need to succeed in health care are:o Teamrewarding work that there is."
player. Healthcare is a group activity, so peopleTo request free information about the healthcare
skills and teamwork are essential.o Compassionatecareer training programs offered in southern
and caring. Helping take care of people requiresCalifornia, visit
patience and a service-orientated attitude.oTo request free information about the healthcare
Comfortable in any setting. You might be part ofcareer training programs offered in northern
a huge organization or a small staff, working atCalifornia's San Joaquin Valley, visit
the local, state, regional or national level. TheAbout American Career College
possibilities are endless.o Desire for lifelong learning.For over 25 years, American Career College
You'll need to keep studying and learning(ACC) has been helping thousands of students get
throughout your career to keep up with the latesttheir start in the healthcare industry. ACC offers
developments in the field.nine healthcare training programs at campuses in
Healthcare provides a helping handLos Angeles, Orange County and Norco, California:
Healthcare professionals are essential when itDental Assisting
comes to caring for the physical, mental, socialHealth Claims Examiner/Medical Biller
and emotional wellbeing of individuals. WhetherMassage Therapy
you're a health information specialist or a dentalOptical Dispensing
receptionist, all support staff play a vital role inVocational Nursing
patient care. As an important contributor to thePharmacy Technician
healthcare system, you'll need to be able toSurgical Technology
establish trust and credibility with fellow workersDiagnostic & Medical Sonography (Ultrasound)
and patients. Good communication skills, ability toMedical Assistant
follow directions, and strong listening ability areAbout A.C.I.