Unprecedented Growth in Healthcare Workforce Demand in 2020

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Healthcare Workforce Demand to See Unprecedented Growth in 2020

The healthcare industry has always been one of the fastest-growing in the world, demonstrating the ongoing need for trained professionals who are prepared to care for patients both healthy and ill alike. In the United States and around the world, 2020 is projected to be a year of unprecedented growth, as a variety of factors drive the sharply increasing need for a healthcare workforce.  The COVID-19 crisis, as well as several other issues, have created a perfect storm of sorts. Ultimately, it seems that the healthcare industry may be facing a serious shortage in 2020 – which is why the growth in workforce demand has increased at a rapid rate.

Healthcare Professionals are Needed Now More than Ever

The coronavirus pandemic is just one of the numerous factors driving the growing demand for healthcare workers, with the industry as a whole expecting significant growth in the next several years. Although COVID-19 is a major force behind the need for nurses and nursing assistants right now, there are several other elements that will continue to fuel demand in coming years, including:
  • The aging population and an increase in chronic conditions in the United States, which will require a larger healthcare workforce than is currently available.
  • A significant percentage of current healthcare workers are expected to retire, as the “Baby Boomer” generation reaches retirement age.
  • Growing availability of new and advanced positions, leading to professionals to seek opportunities outside their current positions.
In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Employment Projections, healthcare occupations are projected to grow nearly 15 percent through 2028. For comparison, that’s close to two million new jobs and a faster growth rate than any other industry (with other sectors averaging six percent growth). Home health care jobs will increase by more than 54 percent, with practitioner offices, nursing and residential care facilities, and hospitals following closely behind. Of the 30 different occupations that are predicted to be the fastest-growing in the next several years, more than half of those are in the healthcare industry, such as:
  • Home health aides
  • Personal care aides
  • Medical assistants
  • Physical therapy assistants
For anyone considering a career as a nursing assistant or another healthcare role, this means that employment prospects should be excellent in the years to come.

How COVID-19 Has Affected the Healthcare Workforce Demand

As the world experiences a widespread pandemic of historic scale and severity, the need for healthcare professionals has become more apparent than ever before. A newfound appreciation and respect for healthcare workers have swept the nation (and the globe), and a growing number of people understand how important trained professionals are to the health and safety of our society as a whole. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has had immediate devastating effects on millions of people around the world, it’s expected to serve as a catalyst for many other changes within the healthcare industry. One of the most significant impacts will be a huge demand for a larger healthcare workforce, particularly those who work in emergency and intensive care positions. 

More Healthcare Workers are Needed Now

A significant shortage in healthcare workers has been one of the biggest challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, as medical facilities around the country realize that their staff simply can’t keep up with the demand for care. As patients are admitted and diagnosed at a steadily increasing rate, there are serious concerns about whether the current workforce will be able to keep up in the next several months. As a result, new healthcare professionals, including nurses and nursing assistants, are discovering that jobs are plentiful. Many facilities are raising their hiring and employment rates, expanding their teams as quickly and effectively as possible to try to meet future needs. 

Changes in “Crisis” Staffing Policies

The dramatic rise in the demand for healthcare professionals has also prompted another significant shift – one that benefits professionals in many different roles. Because staff such as nurses and nursing assistants are needed at facilities all over the country, particularly those facing an influx of coronavirus cases, wages and additional services are on the rise. In some parts of the U.S., nurses see their potential wages nearly double. Others are receiving specialized “hazard pay” due to their exposure to COVID-19 patients. Additionally, those that work in designated “crisis” or “travel” roles are experiencing positive changes in the options available to them. Typically, these roles are only offered via short-term contracts, and without benefits such as paid sick leave. But many agencies are now guaranteeing these professionals sick pay, should they become ill with the highly contagious coronavirus. Finally, additional measures are being taken to protect the health and safety of nurses, nursing assistants, and other healthcare professionals. For many medical facilities, it has become very clear that without their healthcare team, quality and availability of patient care will drop – and so, protective protocols are being developed to help keep nurses and others safe. For example, some facilities are offering their staff benefits such as private transportation to and from work, childcare, grocery deliveries, and sealed meals delivered to their place of employment.

Make a Difference as a Certified Nursing Assistant

Are you considering becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA)? Not only is this an honorable decision that can allow you to make a positive difference in the lives of countless patients, but it’s also one that can lead you to an extremely fulfilling career. As a nursing assistant, your daily role will be one that centers around helping others, and you will have an important role in the health and safety of our society as a whole. If you’ve always wanted to find a career that is as rewarding as it is lucrative, working as a nursing assistant may be exactly the future for you. At the Allen School of Health Sciences, our certified nursing assistant programs in Brooklyn and Queens provide the training and experience you need to move forward in the healthcare industry. After graduation, you’ll be eligible to take the state exam and pursue employment at one of the hundreds of healthcare facilities in our state. Additionally, the Allen School also offers career support to help you be well-prepared to pursue your professional dreams and goals.  Get more information about our nursing assistant training programs in Queens and Brooklyn by contacting the Allen School today.   *Image By Juice Flair

A Day in the Life of a Medical Assistant

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If you’re considering a career as a certified medical assistant, you might be wondering: what exactly does a CNA do? Even though many people interested in the healthcare field have a general idea of the duties of a medical assistant, many are curious about the day-to-day routine of a CNA. Wherever your CNA career path takes you, you can be confident that you’re choosing one of the most rewarding healthcare careers out there. Here’s an interesting peek into a day in the life of a medical assistant, specifically one working with patients in a nursing home:

6:30 – 7:00 AM

Once I arrive at work, I put on my scrubs and get ready for the day. That means clocking in, checking in at the nurses’ station, and getting my list of patients for the day.

7:00-8:00 AM

I make my first set of rounds, checking in with all my patients and getting them ready for the day. For most, this involves help getting up out of bed, using the restroom, and getting into the shower or a bath.

8:30 AM

Breakfast is ready! Most of my patients today feed themselves, but a few need help. I spend some one-on-one time with those patients, enjoying a brief morning chat while feeding them today’s breakfast of pancakes and berries.

9:00-10:00 AM

Time for rounds again – this time, I’m mostly just changing them and helping them to the restroom as needed. Every time I see my patients, it’s important to me to make sure they have everything they need. For some, this means grabbing an extra blanket or a warm beverage, while others ask for their walkers to head to the community room.

10:30 AM

After checking in with patients who have activated their call lights, our team works on getting patients together for the daily activity time. Today, there are a few exercises planned, along with a short movie showing for anyone who’d like to participate.

11:00 AM-12:00 PM

After finishing rounds again, I start prepping my patients for lunch. It’s chicken soup on the menu for today. I make sure that patients’ clothing is carefully covered with towels to catch any spills and assist those who require help eating.

12:30 PM

Now it’s my turn for lunch, and I eat a quick meal with a few other CNAs on my team. We talk about last night’s episode of a popular sitcom, then get ready to jump back into rounds.

1:00-2:00 PM

The last rounds of my shift include taking vitals and recording weights. I say goodbye to my patients for the day, promising to stop by their rooms to say hello tomorrow.

3:00 PM

As I clock out for the day, I can’t help but smile – even though the day was hectic, as always, it’s been so fulfilling to make a positive difference in the daily lives of my patients.

Begin Your Medical Assistant Career with an Education from the Allen School of Health Sciences

For individuals interested in the world of medical careers, The Allen School of Health Sciences can be an excellent first step toward a bright future. Whether you’ve been dreaming of a job as a Medical Assistant for years, or you’re just now considering rerouting your current career path, our certified medical training program can prepare you to enter the healthcare industry. One of the biggest benefits of working as a CNA is opening the door to a wide variety of professional opportunities and career paths – all you have to do is get started. For more information about how enrolling in our nursing assistant training program can jumpstart your future, contact The Allen School of Health Sciences today.   Article updated February 16, 2024

Interview Question: What is your biggest weakness?

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If there’s one question most people dread in an interview it’s “describe your biggest weakness”  No one wants to admit they have faults, and you certainly don’t want to jeopardize a chance at a job by appearing inept. So keep these five factors in mind when answering this tricky interview question.

Make Sure Your Answers are Credible

A medical assistant who hates needles or a nursing assistant who says they don’t like working with people will not be a great candidate. If either of these statements were actually true you wouldn’t be in the healthcare field.

Convey That you are Coach-able

Ideally, you can present an example that you’ve already overcome. Perhaps you initially found it intimidating to work in an electronic health record, but you sought extra help from your instructors while in school and this is no longer true.

Let Them Know You Don’t Mind being Corrected

This is a weakness you haven’t corrected yet, but with some help could be easily resolved. Perhaps it’s difficult for you to multi-task, but if you take the time to write yourself reminders and create task lists you are able to address multiple things at once.

This is not the Time for a Deep Confession

This is not the time to spill your deepest, darkest secrets. Keep your answers strictly professional and relatable to the position you are seeking.

Don’t be Overly Critical of Your Shortcomings

Your answer should never raise a giant red flag. Saying something like “I can never find a vein on the first few tries” is probably going to end an interview pretty quickly.   The bottom line is, no one is perfect and employers know this. They want to determine how you are going to fit into their organization and existing structure. Keep your answers clear, simple, and truthful and you should have no problem answering this one.

Graduate Spotlight Blog: Adam Craig

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For recent Allen School graduate Adam Craig, attending The Allen School was about more than just completing his education. With several years of experience in the field and a drive to continuously improve his professional skill set, Adam wanted to be part of a community of learners that shared his passion for making a difference – and he found it at The Allen School. The Allen School isn’t just a place to pursue your education and prepare for your career; here, you’ll build lifelong relationships with fellow students and industry-leading educators. For students like Adam, The Allen School community is what sets the school apart. Read on to learn more about what brought Adam to The Allen School, and how his time here has helped him chart a successful path for his future.  

What brought you to The Allen School?

After several types of jobs, an associate’s degree, and considering a variety of four-year college degrees, I just knew that I wanted to continue my education in the medical field. I had experience already. I served five years in the Navy as a medic, but it had been a while ago, so I wanted to bring my skills back up to standards. Also, I wasn’t just concerned with the graduation rate or certifications from a school. I wanted to be part of a community again, a group of people that wanted to help others as much as I did. When I started my classes at Allen School, it was easy to see that the staff and students all shared that belief and passion as well.  

How did your experience at The Allen School prepare you for what you are doing today?

Starting off on the right foot is so important to becoming the best medical professional you can be and making yourself and others proud by doing what you love. A good education is just the beginning; you’ll go into a field that’s ever-changing and always improving on itself, so there’s always something new to learn.  

What made you go into this field?

Before The Allen School, I had already had experience in the medical field as a Navy medic. I served for five years but wanted to pursue an education in order to improve my skills and bring my knowledge up to current standards.  

What are your ultimate career goals in the medical field?

I’m still thinking about my long-term career goals, but some options I’m considering include nursing or working as a physician’s assistant.  

What are some of the most important things you’ve learned at The Allen School?

At The Allen School, the instructors and staff truly care about your success and the quality of your skills. They want you to go into the community and help those who cannot help themselves, just as they would. Being able to be a part of a school where everybody shares these common beliefs is an excellent experience.  

Find Your Professional Path at The Allen School

If you’re ready to start working towards the career you’ve always dreamed of, The Allen School is an excellent first step. We’re honored to be the starting point for so many students’ professional goals as we help our graduates build the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to succeed. Our passionate educators are experts in their field, supplying you with the excellent educational foundation and hands-on experiences to tackle your biggest career dreams. Contact your local Allen School today for more information about the enrollment process today!

Allen School Graduate Spotlight: Justine Lujan

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Have you ever dreamed of pursuing a career in the healthcare industry? Maybe you’ve always envisioned yourself working in the medical field, or perhaps you’ve just recently discovered a passion for helping others. For recent Allen School graduate Justine Lujan, a lifelong interest in the health sciences blossomed into a rewarding career path, thanks to the education and experiences she gained on campus. Motivated by a desire to make a difference and be a positive example for her young son, Justine is proud to have completed her education at Allen School and is now embarking on the professional journey of a lifetime.

What brought you to The Allen School?

When I started to work, I got into the service industry as a bartender and did not finish college. Then, one day I became a single mother and was without a job. Life seemed to be crashing down on me, and all I could think of was my son. I needed to get back on track and be an example worthy of my son. I went online to look for information and not long after, received a call from an Allen School enrollment advisor.

How did your experience at The Allen School prepare you for what you are doing today?

The staff at Allen School is more like a big warm family who genuinely want to see you succeed and prosper. Their encouragement and guidance fueled my drive to strive for better, and they recognized in me the strengths I had a hard time seeing. Their encouragement changed my life, not just educationally, but also as a woman and a mother. Now, not only am I a graduate of Allen School, I have been hired on as an Enrollment Advisor. I believe in this school so much; I wanted to be a part of changing the lives of our future generations.

What made you go into this field?

Since I was a little girl, I have always been intrigued by the health sciences. Maybe it comes from growing up with all brothers who had constant broken bones, scrapes, and cuts, so we were in the hospital often. I have always envisioned myself working in a hospital, helping others like the medical professionals who took care of our family.  Nothing fulfills my heart more than making a difference in someone’s life.

What advice do you have for Allen School students and alumni interested in your field?

I was hesitant before enrolling – maybe because of fear – but I soon realized it was the best decision of my life. Walking into the school felt warm and welcoming, even with the initial nerves I had. After my first day, the nervousness turned into excitement. My advice is to use your fear to fight harder for your dreams. Taking the first step is always the hardest, but at The Allen School, it’s more than worth it.

What are some of the most important things you’ve learned at The Allen School?

I have learned it takes just one person to change many lives, and you can be that person! I’ve seen that in my experience with the Allen School staff; they are genuine people who truly recognize the best in others and want to bring out the best.

Pursue the Career of Your Dreams at The Allen School

Are you ready to take the first step towards living the life you’ve always wanted? At The Allen School, you can be part of more than just an educational family – here; we’re family. Our talented team of educators has the knowledge and expertise to give you the solid foundation you need, combining hands-on experiences with excellent course content to prepare you for a successful start on the career path you want. Contact The Allen School to learn more about the enrollment process and start working towards your dreams today!    

The Effects of Love on Your Heart

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Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but February is still heart month. Today we look at the potential benefits that love can have on heart health and the problems that heartache can cause as well.

Love and the Brain

That rush of emotion when you first see each other is actually your brain releasing Dopamine. Your brain also releases adrenaline and norepinephrine which gives you that racing heart feeling. Finally, your brain throws in a little Oxytocin in the mix to create that overwhelming feeling that we call love.

Love and the Heart

Studies have shown that couples in love have lower blood pressure and less stress, even if the relationship isn’t perfect. Couples often tend to make more health-conscious choices in diet and exercise leading to an overall improvement in health.

Broken Hearts Are a Thing

Difficult relationships and breakups can cause stress which increases the risk of heart disease. “Broken Heart Syndrome” also called stressed-induced cardiomyopathy or Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy is a real condition in which the left ventricle of the heart actually weakens and fails to contract properly.

Love in Many Forms

It’s not just traditional relationships that are responsible for all these love related benefits. Many people find these benefits with friends, family, and even their pets. It’s the emotional bond that causes all of these things to occur.

Want to learn more about love and all of its health benefits? Click Here Ready to start working towards a career you can love? Contact the Allen School today! We are enrolling now for our spring classes and cannot wait for you to become part of the  Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.