As technology continues to play an increasing role in our lives helping to improve many facets of life, we’re left to wonder what the impact will be on the future of work. Research indicates that the rise of artificial technology (AI) will displace employees in select industries leading to assumptions on future workforce demands. A study conducted this year reveals that 73% of respondents believe AI will eliminate more jobs than it will create[1]. While jobs in manufacturing, retail and transportation might begin to feel pressure from emerging technology, there’s one industry that is consistently on the rise: health care and it’s more important now than ever for healthcare professionals to adapt to new technology in today’s workforce.
The fact is, the healthcare industry is exploding, becoming “the largest source of jobs in the U.S.” Job growth in health care continues to be resistant to automation for several reasons – the most important of which is the level of empathy, adaptability, humor and compassion that only a human can provide[2] [3]. Additionally, there will be 34 “super aged” societies - where more than one in five of the population is 65 or older – in the next decade, which will only increase the demand for healthcare professionals[4].
How can students take advantage of this rapid industry growth?
The College of Nursing and Health Innovation at Arizona State University (ASU) supports students with a nationally ranked online nursing RN to BSN degree program that offers nurses already holding an Associate Degree or nursing diploma a flexible track to a BSN. Working alongside acclaimed faculty, students gain the critical thinking, client advocacy and communication skills they need to succeed in one of the fastest-growing jobs in the field of health.
Students wanting to become health advocates and educators can pursue the online Bachelor of Science in healthcare coordination degree program, which teaches them to collaborate with individuals, families and integrated multidisciplinary care teams to meet complex health needs while navigating current and future trends in public policy affecting patient care.
ASU Online also supports graduate-level students with an online Master of Science in Science of health care delivery that is comprised of an interdisciplinary study of population health, patient-centered care, health economics, policy, data analytics and leadership. This program offers students numerous benefits including networking opportunities with the Mayo Clinic, Barrow Neurological Institute, HonorHealth, Dignity Health, Health Care Sector Partnership and more.
We know the industry is growing at an unstoppable rate – so are the job opportunities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the next decade’s top 30 fastest-growing occupations will include some variety of nurse, therapist, health care worker or caregiver.
An ASU Online education prepares you for a variety of careers like those in Medical and Health Services Management, Healthcare Data Analysis, Nursing, Project Management and so many more.
Although the human touch won’t be automated anytime soon, students should adjust to the demands of a more technological world. Honing soft skills like critical thinking and communication will only be advantageous if developed alongside technical skills[5].
ASU Online offers classes every 7.5 weeks. Start your flexible online education and get the skills you need to meet the demands of a future-forward industry.
Resources:
- https://www.northeastern.edu/gallup/pdf/OptimismAnxietyNortheasternGallup.pdf
- https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2018/01/health-care-america-jobs/550079/
- https://www.ft.com/content/b893396c-3964-11e7-ac89-b01cc67cfeec
- https://www.ft.com/content/f356f8a0-1d8c-11e4-8f0c-00144feabdc0
- https://www.educationdive.com/news/is-your-institution-preparing-students-for-future-forward-jobs/513500/