Over the past 5 years, outpatient care centers, home healthcare services, and ambulatory services have experienced significant employment growth. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average employment growth among these specialty areas was 22%, with outpatient care centers topping the list at 28%. Not only have recent years been positive, the BLS also projects a 19% increase in healthcare employment over the next 10 years, much higher than the average. As a result, the expansion of these healthcare outlets has created a variety of jobs that present healthcare professionals with excellent opportunities to work in new environments.

This trend comes as a result of certain laws and regulations implemented under the ACA and how they’ve impacted insurance providers and various healthcare facilities throughout the industry. A rise in the number of patients admitted to outpatient care centers has resulted in increased demand for a variety of health professionals, giving new grads and seasoned professionals more flexibility in their career paths.

Amanda Bleakney, Senior Managing Director of The Execu|Search Group’s Health Services team, has witnessed a general shift in the types of settings health professionals are willing to consider in order to take their career to the next level. “As a new grad, working in different settings can serve as a great stepping stone to get your foot in the door, develop the clinical skills you need, and position yourself as a more suitable candidate if you decide to transition to a different facility,” highlights Amanda. For example, a pediatric nurse who needs additional clinical training could consider working in a school setting, this will expose them to the types of conditions to build the skills they need while focusing on their end goal.

Along similar lines, seasoned professionals now have viable alternatives to diversifying their clinical experience. In light of the positive employment projections, it’s important to remain open and receptive to the different types of opportunities available. “I strongly advise health professionals to utilize different types of assignments towards ultimately reaching their career goals,” says Amanda. Looking ahead, certain settings show much potential for doctors and nurses, in addition to a variety of support roles. For instance, outpatient clinics and ambulatory care centers, often allow a variety of medical professionals to perform minor surgical and diagnostic procedures in a particular field.

In the end, whether you are trying to break into a new specialty area or simply looking for ways to build on current skill sets, now would be a great time to take advantage of the opportunities that outpatient care centers, home healthcare services, and ambulatory services offer.