Thinking of a career in healthcare sector? Check out what's in demand

The healthcare industry in the Gulf has provided a much-needed shot in the arm to an economy struggling with the collapse of oil prices worldwide. The Monster Employment Index (MEI) for March 2016 reveals a 38% growth year-on-year in this category, which is leading industry growth rankings for the UAE.

Several factors are driving the healthcare surge, including an increasing demand for quality treatment and foreign investment. A McKinsey & Company report predicts the healthcare industry will grow by a whopping 240% over the next 20 years.

While making great strides, the industry is also experiencing a shortage of trained talent. If you’re keen on pursuing a career in healthcare, now is the time to make it happen. Here are the top professions in demand:

Nursing
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has declared that it will need more than 8,500 nurses in future—and that’s just for the city. Factor in the mushrooming of healthcare facilities in Abu Dhabi and other Gulf regions and the number increases manifold. Minimum qualifications comprise a high school education along with a degree or diploma in nursing. Career prospects seem bright with the DHA considering hiking the pay scale of nurses to bring them on par with Western countries.

Core skills: Compassion, diligence, attentiveness, meticulousness.
Look for nursing jobs here 

Human Resources
If you don’t have a background in healthcare, there are still ways to take advantage of the health sector boom in the Gulf. The burgeoning of hospitals means the hiring of more staff—which in turn requires a competent HR department. An HR job in the healthcare sector does not require any special qualifications: an MBA with specialization in HR is generally enough.

Core skills: Organization, multi-tasking, clarity, negotiation skills.

Medical Technician
Whether it’s the lab, the radiology room, the histopath centre or the operation theatre, technicians are the lifeblood that keeps the different units running. Their main job is to assist nurses and doctors. Technicians are generally required to complete a two-year associate degree specializing in an area of their choice—the lab, therapy, mental health or other fields.

Core skills: Good communication skills, accountability, integrity, methodical nature.

Physiotherapist
Professionals who treat illnesses using physical methods such as electrotherapy, massage and exercise are highly sought-after. They can treat a host of diseases including back pain, heart disease, asthma, cerebral palsy and even cancer. Physiotherapists work in clinics and hospitals, and often make house calls. A degree in physiotherapy is a must to become a certified physiotherapist.

Core skills: Patience, communication skills, tact, sensitivity, problem-solving skills.
Look for Physiotherapist jobs here

Hospital Management
Every organization needs to be managed. The boom in healthcare services has led to a commensurate rise in the demand for hospital managers. They are generally responsible for the day-to-day administration of the facilities as well as overall supervision of employees, including doctors.
To pursue this line of work, specialized training such as a degree in Hospital Administration is required. However, at times, just an MBA can suffice.

Core skills: Good judgment, reliability, flexibility, adaptability, strong character.

Search and apply for more healthcare jobs here.