Emerging Healthcare Careers for "Encore Workers"

by Alex A. Kecskes

The demand for mature and skilled workers in the healthcare industry continues to rise. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, and Health Workforce Studies warn of a nationwide shortage of nearly 100,000 physicians, one million nurses, and 250,000 public health professionals by 2020. This doesn't count the shortages in ancillary health professions, which may climb to 82,000 by 2014.

If you're an older worker interested in pursuing a healthcare career, there are many local and state programs that can help you find training and re-enter the workforce. One cheerleader for the concept of an "encore career" is founder and CEO, Marc Freeman of Civic Ventures. His vision is to help workers find a calling in the second half of life.

Civic Ventures and MetLife recently awarded $25,000 Community College Encore Career Grants to 25 community colleges to help older workers prepare for encore careers in education, health, and social service. Also supporting the cause in promoting age 50+ workers in service, learning, and leadership is the Philadelphia-based national initiative called Coming of Age. And in 2002, Temple University’s Intergenerational Center partnered with the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PBS/NPR station WHYY, and AARP of Pennsylvania to promote similar encore efforts.

By choosing an encore career in healthcare, you'll not only survive the current recession but "give something back" in a meaningful way that helps others.

Check out these possible healthcare careers available to encore workers:

For more information on health careers, visit http://www.healthcarejobsiteblog.com/