Health care hiring: Tech and trends shaping the future
The health care industry continues to keep the hiring wheel moving, adding an average of 48,000 jobs per month this year, as of April 30, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). While down from last year’s monthly average of 56,000, this year’s figures are welcomed by the health care industry and encouraging given the economic uncertainty.
Over the past two years, the ambulatory care sector has emerged as the labor bellwether of the health care industry, representing 48% of all health care hires, followed by hospital hires at 31%, per BLS. This shift underscores a significant change in employment patterns within the health care industry signaling providers are migrating where patients are cared for to control costs, remain sustainable and meet consumer expectations for accessible convenient care options.
To address this changing climate, technological advancements such as automation and artificial intelligence have allowed physicians and nurse practitioners to spend more time with patients and less on administrative tasks.
Looking ahead
U.S. health care expenditures are projected to rise by 53%, reaching $7.7 trillion by 2032, according to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This signals that the surge in demand will persist. By then, the baby boomer generation will be fully retired, and aging millennials, the largest living generation, will require more care as they reach an age where health maintenance becomes crucial. This points to unprecedented levels of health care utilization, raising the question of how care will be delivered in the future. Innovation, technological advances and a commitment to meet patients where they’re at will continue to be key for health care providers meeting the needs of their diverse communities.
Learn more about what’s happening in health care in our industry outlook.
