It’s a common joke among Pilipinos and Pilipino-Americans that many in our community become nurses, doctors, and other occupations in the medical field (every family has at least one tita or cousin that’s a nurse). However, what is not a joke is the reasoning behind many Pil-Ams choosing medical careers. It goes beyond the practicality of having a job in medicine (people will always need medical help). Many Pil-Ams choose to be doctors, nurses, physical therapists, etc. for the sole reason that they want to help others.
In 2010, President Barack Obama’s budget included a major increase for nursing education. An additional $95 million went towards nursing education specifically – a 50% increase from 2009. Furthermore, the 2010 budget had over $1 billion that supported a wide range of programs to strengthen and support America’s health care workforce. The funding helped in enhancing the capacity of nursing schools, increased access to oral health care through dental workforce development grants, targeted minority and low income students, and placed an increased emphasis on ensuring that America's senior population gets the care and treatment it needs.
Several of the top 25 fastest growing industries in the U.S. for 2011 are in the medical field. Elderly services are also in high demand as “boomers” are reaching senior citizenship. With this, home health care is also seeing an increase as the population ages and health insurance companies tighten their budgets. The areas of physical, occupational, and speech therapy are the most promising for job opportunities right now.
Furthermore, physical therapist assistants are #5 in the list of fastest-growing careers in the nation. The reasons for this are an increasing elderly population and an improved survival rate for trauma patients. There were 60,000 physical therapist assistants employed in 2006, and that number is expected to rise to 80,000 in 2016.
Those just about to begin college or are seriously thinking about what career path to take, should consider the benefits of working in the medical field. Don’t just become a doctor or therapist because you feel that you have to adhere to the supposed “norm” in the Pil-Am community. Don’t feel that you have to live up to certain expectations. Don’t let money be the driving force in the career you choose. Instead, keep in mind the difference you can make.
Health care and medicine are and have always been hot-button topics in the U.S. We’re constantly hearing on the news of the increase in diabetes cases and how the children of our nation are growing up to have horrible eating habits that will eventually lead to numerous health problems as they become adults. Having a career in the medical field will allow you the opportunity to help people help themselves. You will be in a position to educate people of healthy lifestyle choices. You can potentially save and prolong a person’s life.
People of all ages will always need health care. Qualified professionals will forever be needed in order to maintain a high standard of care in our country.
