Health Care Jobs Safe Despite Possible Recession

Considering a career in nursing? Browse your options

Guest article by Kristen Fischer

Should a recession occur, health services jobs are among a few careers that will stand on solid ground.

Even though economists say the U.S. is headed toward a full-blown recession—that would be the first in 16 years—almost half of the 30 fastest-growing jobs are in the health care industry. That’s good news for medical assistants, home health aides, physical therapists, physician assistants, medical record professionals and health information techs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says these jobs are more recession-proof.

All sources point to health care as the industry to be in, at least when it comes to job security these days. Figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics state that despite decreases in telecommunications, construction and retail trade jobs, health care employment continues to accelerate. The amount of health care industry jobs rose by 28,000 in December 2007 and by nearly 381,000 during the entire year. Of the growth, 51,000 jobs were in home health care, while 23,000 were in nursing homes—both on the lower-paying end of health care jobs.

The bureau estimates that health care will produce 3 million new wage and salary jobs between 2006 and 2016, more than any other industry. Jobs in health services are also expected to grow by 21.6 percent between 2006 and 2016.

Causes for Growth in Health Services

Jobs in health care will continue to accelerate for a number of reasons. The bureau reports that he number of people in older age groups with more demanding health care needs, will grow faster than the total population between 2006 and 2016.

Jobs in home health care and nursing, and residential care, should increase as life expectancies grow. As aging children are less able to care on their parents, and turn to long-term care options, the number health services jobs will also get a boost.

Medical technology advancements will also play a role. As more people survive otherwise life-threatening conditions, more therapy and after-care will be needed. At the same time, medical practices will become larger and more complex, which also drive the need for office and administrative support workers.

Could a Recession Spawn Health Care System Overhaul?

An economical slump could also threaten medical care access—but that downturn could be the catalyst for a health care system revitalization, too. Brian Biles, who served as the assistant secretary of Health and Human Services under President Clinton and is currently a George Washington University health policy professor, told CQ Politics this week that a recession could raise the prospects for a national overhaul.

“In the U.S., where health care is employment-based and when people lose jobs they lose health care, with a recession…could come the commitment to do something about it,” he added.

With the election season among us, many people are certainly ready—and motivated—to institute change.

If so, that could mean even more of a demand for occupations in the health care industry. Proving once again that jobs in fields that are necessities always prove to weather economic downturns.