Forecast for Big Data Jobs in Healthcare

Rasmussen University recently conducted an analysis on the future of jobs in big data. Their analysis showed that employment opportunities in big data are growing faster in the healthcare field than most other sectors.

“Companies in every field – from online retailers to health insurance carriers – need skilled employees with the technical know-how to transform all of that data into meaningful information that can boost their profits. A growing field like this offers a whole slew of career opportunities for those who want in on the action,” writes Rasmussen researcher Ashley Brooks.

Caitlin Kliesmet, chief data scientist at Everfest, said that big data is offering numerous solutions in many sectors, including healthcare.

“Big data is getting bigger by the day and the avenues for continued growth are readily apparent in everything from consumer marketing to biotechnology research,” saysKliesmet. “It’s easier than ever for just about anyone to start collecting and utilizing data on just about anything.”

A number of factors are driving demand for big data professionals in hospitals, health insurance companies, medical device manufacturers and other healthcare organizations. According to Mellisa Thompson, a researcher with Smart Data Collective, big data is changing healthcare in many remarkable ways. Here are some variables that are driving demand for big data solutions in healthcare.

There are over 79 million baby boomers in the United States. They account for nearly a quarter of the entire population. Between 2010 and 2029, 10,000 of them will turn 65 every single day.

As this generation ages, it will place a greater strain on the healthcare system. Healthcare providers will be forced to prioritize care to older patients with the greatest need. They may also need to deal with budget cuts from private insurance providers and Medicare.

Big data professionals will have play an important role in keeping costs down and ensuring the aging population receives adequate care. They will rely heavily on public health records to identify the most common health problems affecting baby boomers, so healthcare providers can recommend the most effective screenings and treatments. They will also need to work closely with Medicare to identify sources of waste and cut costs accordingly.

Some politicians have been advocating for universal healthcare system for several decades. Even President Richard Nixon introduced a proposal to provide public health care services in 1971.