Question

"I am considering caregiving as a career. I keep hearing that it is one of the most in-demand jobs. It sounds like it does not take a lot of schooling to get started in this field. I am wondering what you think of paid caregiving as a job. I may go on to become a nurse or remain a caregiver, I am not certain. What do you think the future of this job field looks like?" - READER
 

Answer

In the US News and World Report on January 8, 2019, health care jobs dominated the top 25 occupations as the best jobs. In fact, 19 out of the 25 were in health care. These were, however, professional health care jobs requiring degrees and advanced degrees.

CNBC reported on January 25, 2019, that the outlook for nursing assistant jobs was 11 percent growth through 2024, with an annual median salary of $27,520. Growth for in-home health aides is a whopping 47% through 2024. Based on those two reports one can conclude that the demand for health care workers especially home health caregivers is very strong and growing. 

To enter the workforce as a nursing assistant or home health aide, you will need to complete a training course and pass a test. I highly recommend you pursue the training. It will make you a better, safer caregiver. It may also lead to higher pay. 

There are also organizations that provide care in the home that do not require formal training. It is an option to go that route also. The training is only a few weeks, and if you chose to go to nursing school, some nursing schools require that you are trained as a nursing assistant first. I believe the training is worth your while and gets you into the learning mode, which will be necessary to advance in health care if you chose to do that later.

Working as a caregiver is very satisfying, and the US has a strong need for caregivers, as identified by numerous sources. You will be exposed to health care at a very personal level and have a tremendous impact on patients' lives. Patients have a very strong bond with their personal caregivers, which is one of the reasons this type of work is so fulfilling.

Many jobs in health care require some physical stamina, and caregiver is one of them. So as you care for others, you must also care for yourself to maintain a healthy body that functions at peak performance.

With a high degree of comfort, I can tell you that there are many job opportunities as a caregiver and in health care as a whole. If you are compassionate and have a thirst for learning, health care may be for you. I recommend you speak to others who do the type of work you are considering.

I wish you all the best on your journey to working as a caregiver.