The healthcare industry is going through an overhaul at present. Given the scale, frequency, persistence, and damages from prevailing healthcare challenges, experts believe now is the turning point to address pending gaps and shortfalls in the healthcare sector. Otherwise, the healthcare system cannot confront and manage another crippling catastrophe like the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why improvements and transformations in healthcare education are among the top agendas for stakeholders to prepare a well-versed healthcare force.
Amid preparedness for the future, some healthcare majors have gained more attention while others maintain a steady scope. For instance, to efficiently deal with unprecedented emergencies, upskilling emergency and frontline care workers is a priority. But mind that other healthcare majors still maintain a steady scope and relevance. It means you can utilize your healthcare education even if you have pursued a not-so-popular degree program. But if you are in the decision-making process, continue to the following passages to gain insights into trending healthcare majors.
1- Master of Science in Nursing
The nursing staff is an invaluable asset to the healthcare industry. Nurses play a multifaceted role as frontline workers. They endeavor beyond their capacity and work responsibilities to assist wherever needed. So, to ensure nurses’ unwavering support, the focus is on preparing highly skilled and educated individuals. Mere diplomas and registration in nursing do not hold much value today. You must pursue specialization courses and train yourself for value-added work independently.
A master’s in nursing is a minimum requirement for many career positions. Nowadays, the online master of science in nursing programs is a worthwhile investment if you aspire for career growth in nursing. You can pursue gerontology, midwifery, pediatrics, mental health, critical care, oncology, ophthalmology, cardiovascular health, surgery, and other specializations. You can also contribute to the healthcare system with nurse administration, nursing management, nurse research, clinical nurse leadership, occupational and environmental health nursing, and public health areas as your focus direction.
2- Healthcare Informatics
Healthcare informatics relies on computer science, technology, and information to augment medical care systems and public health. Their services and findings assist stakeholders in contemplating and evaluating data related to demand and supply gaps in public health, the efficacy of healthcare services, emerging health issues, preparedness, and policy-making.
Since it’s interdisciplinary, aspirants study data informatics, ethics, biostatistics, consumer health, global health and technology, telemedicine, decision support systems, healthcare operations, data management, policies, standards, and other courses. Such a diverse scope makes healthcare informatics a hardcore study area. As a result, many prefer mainstream majors like bachelor’s in medicine and surgery, dentistry, physiotherapy, psychiatry, or nursing. On top of that, there’s a supply and demand gap for healthcare informatics. And their shortage has multiplied job prospects and perks.
They have a high demand in the UK, USA, Canada, and other developed countries. So, healthcare informatics is a practical choice.
3- Nutrition and Dietetics
Nutrition and dietetics specialization enjoys lasting popularity among healthcare aspirants. They study food and health in correlation to a sustainable lifestyle. They guide people on their dietary needs and habits to stay healthy and prevent healthcare challenges associated with unhealthy eating. They prepare and suggest specific meal plans for people with specific nutritional requirements or medical care conditions, such as aged people or patients with gastrointestinal health issues, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and others. Their assistance is also invaluable for people undergoing a treatment procedure.
A major in nutrition and dietetics is worthwhile if you are a health and fitness devotee. Your skills can help you and others enjoy the best of their lives with sustainable eating choices and habits.
4- Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical engineering is not a pure healthcare subfield but contributes to people’s well-being. Biomedical engineers develop devices, machines, and tools for diagnosis, treatment, life support, and healthcare maintenance. Their study may not relate to doctors and nurses, but they also study physiology, anatomy, medical imaging, and biological processes to understand how the human body functions. They pair this fundamental knowledge with mathematics, computer programming, chemistry, biophysics, tissue engineering, biotechnology, material science, biomechanics, and other relevant subjects to engineer and develop the best medical and surgical tools.
Since innovation and sophistication are essential for better healthcare outcomes, biomedical engineering will continue to enjoy relevance in the healthcare industry. They can contribute to the healthcare system at all levels, boosting their demand.
5- Gerontology
The rising healthcare burden of the elderly population is a concerning challenge for health experts and governments today. According to the World Health Organization, over 20% of the world’s population will be aged sixty years by 2050 with the current pace of aging. And people aged eighty and over will triple the current number. Even though this segment is less than the entire population, their healthcare and maintenance needs are higher and costlier than others. Their health issues worsen as they age, and they cannot look after themselves as youngsters.
Families are also less flexible in nursing their aged family members when they have children. So, nursing homes are unavoidable for these people in later life. Hence, gerontology specialists are invaluable to the aging population and the healthcare system. Gerontology experts endeavor to improve the quality of life of aged people and manage their age-related health issues. They aim to minimize the burden on the healthcare sector from aging but also advocate for the special needs of aged people.
6- Mental Health
Since mental health did not receive due attention until now, psychological health issues have erupted beyond measure. The world is battling multiple psychological health epidemics in parallel. The current pandemic has further escalated the burden of psychological health issues. As a result, the World Health Organization says that one in every eight people struggles with a psychological health issue. Depression has become a leading cause of mental issues globally. More than three hundred million people live with anxiety disorders. Some 14 million individuals experience abnormal eating challenges. And the list goes on.
Though these individuals still await a satisfactory response, stakeholders are trying their best to accommodate their needs. Thus, almost every psychological health specialty has enormous potential for success. A degree in psychology is also a defense to withstand the unprecedented challenges of your occupation and personal life. Anyone can destabilize and give to adversities. But if you know how to manage your emotions, behaviors, and habits, you can overcome them without losing yourself.
Conclusion
Since healthcare has diversified and expanded, you will find countless majors and sub-specialties. Though some fields have gained popularity, other healthcare specialties still have great worth. Hence, no matter your choice, you can earn deserving recognition with dedication. So, do not over-contemplate what is trending. Prioritize your interests. Pursuing an occupational path without passion is not a healthy choice in the long run.