Elizabeth Cohen of CNN predicts: "Five years from now, there's an excellent chance you won't have the same health insurance you have (or don't have) right now." With health care reforms and professional career training, it's possible you won't have the same job, either. A degree or certificate can mean big profits in the Obama health care reform plan.
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Many doctors are on board with the plan. "Having the choice of a public health insurance plan will help make health care more affordable for patients, foster greater competition in the insurance market and guarantee that quality, affordable coverage will be there for our patients no matter what happens," the National Physicians Alliance, the American Academy of Family Physicians and other groups said in a statement.
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The new health care plan could mean more than a cheaper doctor's visit for you and your family. If you're thinking about changing your career path, you can benefit from government changes. Check out the top careers for Obama's health care reform plan, and find out how easy it can be to train for a growing, stable career.
Reform career #1: medical assistant
With an increased focus on basic care, doctors may need more medical assistants to help them deal with increased patient loads. Most medical assistants work in physicians' offices, performing their duty under the watchful eye of the doctor. A certificate, diploma, or associate degree in medical assisting is generally required for entry into the profession, particularly if you have no prior health care experience. Medical assistants earned mean annual wages of $29,060 in 2008, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports.
Reform career #2: medical records and billing
Obama's health care plan calls for "critical investments in electronic health records, technology that can reduce errors while ensuring privacy and saving lives." Medical and billing records professionals will work at the front lines of the government-directed overhaul, likely requiring more trained technicians. A healthy salary awaits: The BLS notes that medical records and health information technicians earned mean annual wages of $32,960 in 2008. Look for an associate degree in medical coding or billing to prepare for this career.
Reform career #3: nurse
The preventive services and wellness plans detailed in the new health care plans bode well for nurses. Unlike complex surgical procedures requiring medical school, preventative care can often be completed by a trained nurse. A one-year training program is typically all that is required for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses (LPNs and LVNs). These trained professionals earned mean annual wages of $40,110 in 2008, the BLS reports. With an LPN to RN program, you can expect more responsibility and higher income; $65,130 annually, according to the BLS.
Reform career #4: accountant
The government is looking hard for evidence of fraud and abuse in Medicare and Medicaid. Between the "hundreds of billions of dollars" worth of savings promised to the American people and the planned reduction of tax deductions for wealthy Americans, accountants should be busy for years to come. Use an associate degree program in accounting to become a clerk, earning BLS estimated mean annual wages of $33,800, or go for a bachelor's degree plus CPA certification to work confidently as an accountant, earning $65,840. When the government puts the squeeze on corporations, accountants see the benefits.
Reform career #5: physical therapist assistant
Assistant and aide careers are booming; Just take a look back at our number one reform career, above. Physical therapist assistants should see the same kinds of boosts, with the BLS estimating 20,000 new jobs expected to enter the industry from 2006 to 2016. Applicants to the position generally have an associate degree in a physical therapist assistant program, plus the desire to help their patients lead fuller, more comfortable and mobile lives. Physical therapist assistants earned mean annual wages of $46,300 in 2008, the BLS reports.
Reform career #6: nutritionist
Obama's health care plan is very clear on the subject of nutrition. "In order to keep our people healthy and provide more efficient treatment," it reads, "we need to promote smart preventative care, like cancer screenings and better nutrition...". Nutritionists generally need at least a bachelor's degree in dietetics, food service systems management or foods and nutrition. The BLS reports that dietitians and nutritionists earned mean annual wages of $51,470 in 2008. For a career that has you teaching people how to make healthier choices in their diets, you can expect a healthy salary in return.
Choose from a range of career training options
Whether you're looking for a brief training program or extensive degree study, an online training program gives you the skills you've been searching for. Many adult learners go back to school while keeping their current jobs; training online makes it easy to fit your school work to your already busy life.
While no reform bill or educational program can guarantee a particular career or salary, estimates for the careers above predict growth even without government initiatives. An aging population and increasing regulations on insurance companies should keep careers in the health care industry in fine form for years to come.
