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If you've ever considered a medical job, now is the time.

Although the healthcare industry is often considered to be recession-proof, signs of a slowdown seemed like a sure thing earlier this year. However, the recession has actually helped the industry as older workers delay retirement, healthcare demand slows and unemployed workers consider new careers in the field.

According to an article by U.S. News & World Report, there are currently six promising healthcare jobs that you might not know about:

• Dosimetrist - This job is critical to the treatment of cancer. As members of the radiation oncology team, dosimetrists are responsible for calculating and measuring the dose of radiation that will be used for treatment. They work with the radiation therapist, medical physicist and radiation oncologist to determine the best treatment plan for their patient. On-the-job training to become a dosimetrist may be possible for a person already working as a radiation therapist. Formal dosimetrist study programs may require either work history as a radiation therapist or a bachelor's degree in the physical sciences.
• Phlebotomist - These are medical technicians who draw blood. The required training programs range from a single semester to a full year of study, so it can be a good choice for people with only high school diplomas. Pay averages between $11 and $12 per hour.
• Cytotechnologist - These workers examine human cells under a microscope for signs of malignancy, infection and other diseases. They work side by side with pathologists to determine a diagnosis of abnormalities. To get hired as a cytotechnologist, you usually need a bachelor's degree in cytotechnology or a similar subject and some states have licensing requirements.
• Nurse practitioner - These nurses diagnose and treat conditions, prescribe medication and order tests in places such as clinics, hospitals, schools and nursing homes. NPs are registered nurses who have advanced degrees and other qualifications that meet states' nurse practitioner licensing requirements. The outlook for this job is especially bright, as more patients look to nurse practitioners to serve as primary-care providers at a lower cost than a physician.
• Nurse anesthetist - These nurses provide anesthesia and pain management services. They must complete three years of additional training to be able to provide anesthesia without a supervising doctor. The average salary is between $100,000 and $150,000 per year.
• Medical record coder - Also known as health information coders or coding specialists, these workers are responsible for coding patients' records to bill insurance companies or programs such as Medicare. Medical care providers rely on medical coders to capture the most reimbursement for the services they render. The job generally requires a two-year associate's degree, after which some registration or credentialing may be necessary.

Labels: Medical job