The demand for skilled healthcare professionals has never been greater than it is today. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) occupational outlook handbook for healthcare, an average of 1.9 million healthcare job openings are projected annually, driven by employment growth and the need to replace professionals who leave the field. Additionally, the country faces a growing shortage of healthcare workers, with allied health, nursing, and primary care among the affected fields.
At Advanced eClinical Training (ACT), the mission is clear: To address this shortage by providing students with the education, experience, and support they need to launch their careers. Through a combination of hands-on training, externship placements, industry-aligned certification programs, and comprehensive career support services, we’re helping to develop the next generation of healthcare professionals.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how our programs and services are designed to meet the growing demands of the healthcare industry. From equipping students with practical skills to empowering them with career development resources, ACT is paving the way for a stronger, more capable workforce.
The Growing Demand for Healthcare Professionals
Bridging the Gap Between Education & Employment
Building Confidence With Certifications
Career Services That Empower Students to Succeed
The Growing Demand for Healthcare Professionals
Due to advancements in medical technology, increased access to care, and an aging population, the healthcare industry is currently experiencing a period of growth. According to the BLS, jobs in allied health fields are projected to grow significantly by 2033. Here’s a closer look:
- Employment of medical assistants is expected to grow by 15%
- Phlebotomists should expect to see an 8% increase in employment
- EKG technician roles are expected to increase by 11%
These growth rates are much faster than the 4% average for all occupations.
With this growth comes a heightened emphasis on certifications. Many healthcare roles now require or show a strong preference for candidates who hold nationally recognized credentials. Certifications not only validate technical skills but also serve as a mark of professionalism, preparing future healthcare professionals to provide competent, quality care.
Despite the pipeline of trained professionals that certification programs provide, healthcare facilities continue to grapple with hiring challenges resulting from the healthcare workforce shortage. This includes difficulties in finding candidates with the right qualifications, technical skills, and practical experience. The gap between the demand for and lack of talent underscores the need for allied healthcare development programs that prioritize comprehensive training and hands-on experience.
Bridging the Gap Between Education & Employment
Closing this gap is essential for meeting the healthcare industry’s growing need for talented professionals, and organizations like ACT are poised to be an integral part of the solution. Through established partnerships with medical facilities, ACT enables a seamless transition from the classroom to professional practice.
For students, these partnerships offer invaluable opportunities to gain real-world experience through externships and hands-on training. Working alongside seasoned professionals, they learn how to apply their skills in fast-paced healthcare environments, adapt to new technologies, and navigate the complexities of patient care. Additionally, these experiences ensure that students are fully prepared to meet employers’ expectations upon graduation.
Employers, too, benefit from these relationships. By participating in ACT’s externship and staffing partnerships, healthcare facilities can tap into a pool of well-trained candidates who are ready to contribute from day one. This reduces onboarding time, lowers recruitment costs, and ensures a steady supply of talent to fill open positions.
Building Confidence With Certifications
Certifications are a great way to kickstart a career in allied health, offering a means of building professional credibility and a well-rounded skillset. At ACT, we provide a wide range of certification programs that equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their future roles:
- Medical Assistant Certification: Prepares students to handle both administrative and clinical tasks, including managing patient records, adhering to privacy laws, assisting with examinations, and performing minor procedures
- Phlebotomy Technician Certification: Focuses on mastering techniques for collecting, handling, and processing blood samples while maintaining a high standard of safety and patient care
- Patient Care Technician Certification: Equips students with the skills needed to provide direct patient care in settings like hospitals and long-term care facilities, with training in tasks such as basic nursing care, monitoring vital signs, and assisting with daily living activities
- Physical Therapy Technician Certification: Prepares students to assist physical therapists in rehabilitation centers, helping patients recover from injuries, surgeries, or illnesses by regaining movement and managing pain
Career Services That Empower Students to Succeed
When it comes to starting an allied health career, earning a certification is only the first step. That’s why we offer robust career services that empower students to confidently enter the workforce after graduation. Key offerings include:
- Resume Review: Students receive personalized feedback on their resumes so they can make a good first impression on potential employers.
- Career Coaching: Students have the opportunity to match with a dedicated career expert for guidance in career planning, resume building, negotiation, and interviewing.
- Networking Opportunities: Through externships, mentorships, and interactions with instructors, students have the opportunity to connect with practicing healthcare professionals — some of whom may be potential employers.
Our commitment to student success doesn’t end at graduation. Alumni have access to resources designed to support their allied health journeys, including:
- Regularly updated job listings
- Our career advice hub
- In-depth career insights
For those just beginning their career journeys, having a strong support system in place can make all the difference. ACT’s career services provide students and alumni with the tools, confidence, and connections they need to succeed.
As the demand for skilled healthcare professionals continues to rise, there’s never been a better time to pursue a career in allied health. Explore our programs today and take the first step toward building a fulfilling and impactful future in healthcare.
