An interest in fitness , nutrition , wellness and helping people are the keys to a successful career in one of the fastest growing job markets - health care . Health care workers are in high demand across the country and especially in Northwest Arkansas .
The health care sector is expected to add 2.3 million new jobs by 2024 , according to the U . S . Bureau of Labor Statistics . That ’ s more than for any other type of occupation . The agency credits America ’ s aging population and an increase in the number of people with health insurance with the growth .
Locally , the health care sector is expected to need 8,000 new workers over the next 10 years . That figure includes new jobs created by industry growth and replacing retiring workers .
Average pay ranges from $ 12 per hour for support workers , to $ 34 per hour for health care practitioners and for technical occupations , according to NWA Workforce Connection . Some highly specialized occupations can pay well over $ 100 per hour . While some careers in health care require medical school training or a college degree , many others only require training courses to complete a technical certificate .
The starting point for many health care careers is a Certified Nursing Assistant license , said Karen Stewart , Director of PRN Medical Services . PRN provides staffing for some medical facilities , such as a health
In addition to doctors , pharmacists and surgeons some of the many careers in the health care sector include nurses , nursing assistants , home health aides , emergency medical technicians and paramedics , dental assistants , medical assistants , medical records keepers , athletic trainers , phlebotomists , and many types of technicians .
Wages vary depending on the type of skills and education needed for each career .
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