The healthcare scene is going through some major changes right now, due to new tech, an older population and shifting patient needs. As of November 2023, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) reported that there are 748,528 registered nurses in the UK, showing just how much we need skilled professionals in this field. But there’s still a big gap between the number of healthcare workers and what’s actually needed. The Health Foundation’s REAL Centre predicts that by 2030/31, the UK will need over a million more healthcare and social care staff, 40% more healthcare workers and 55% more social care staff. Plus, a March 2024 report from the Bureau Local project found around 152,000 job openings in social care alone.

To tackle these challenges, healthcare workers need to focus on picking up the top skills for 2024. This blog dives into the most sought-after healthcare roles and the key skills you’ll need to thrive in them, so both newbies and seasoned pros can get ready for what’s ahead.

Nurse

Why It’s In Demand:

Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, providing essential care in hospitals, clinics, and community centres. With healthcare needs getting more complex and the population ageing, nursing is one of the trending jobs out there.

Key Skills Required:

• Patient-Centred Care: Nurses need to put patients first, offering compassionate and personalised care.
• Critical Thinking: Quick, smart decision-making is a must in high-pressure situations.
• Adaptability: Nurses often work in fast-paced settings, so they need to adjust to changes on the fly.
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• Physician Assistant

Why It’s In Demand: Physician assistants (PAs) are key players in healthcare, especially where there aren’t enough doctors. They can do many of the same tasks as doctors, like diagnosing illnesses and creating treatment plans, making them super valuable on healthcare teams.

Key Skills Required:

• Clinical Skills: A solid grasp of medical knowledge and practice is essential.
• Diagnostic Abilities: Being able to accurately diagnose is crucial for patient care.
• Communication:  PAs need to communicate well with patients, families, and healthcare teams.

Physical Therapist

Why It’s In Demand:  The need for physical therapists is growing, thanks to an ageing population and more chronic conditions like arthritis and obesity. They help patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life through targeted rehab.

Key Skills Required:

• Patient-Centred Care: Empathy and understanding are key to helping patients recover.
• Rehabilitation Techniques: Knowing various rehab methods is crucial for effective treatment.
• Empathy: Physical therapists need to connect with patients personally to keep them motivated.
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• Health Information Technician

Why It’s In Demand:  With a bigger focus on health informatics and data management, health information technicians are becoming super important. They make sure patient records are accurate, accessible, and secure, which is vital for better healthcare.

Key Skills Required: 

• Health Informatics Skills: Understanding health information systems and data management is a must.
• Data Analysis:  Technicians need to analyse data to improve healthcare outcomes.
• Attention to Detail: Accuracy is key when managing sensitive patient information.
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5. Medical and Health Services Manager

Why It’s In Demand: As healthcare gets more complicated, the need for effective management is crucial. Medical and Health Services Managers oversee healthcare facilities, making sure everything runs smoothly.

Key Skills Required:

• Leadership: Strong leadership skills are needed to manage teams and resources effectively.
• Health Informatics Skills: Familiarity with healthcare IT systems is essential for managing operations.
• Regulatory Knowledge:  Managers need to navigate the complex world of healthcare regulations and policies.
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6. Registered Nurse

Why It’s In Demand: Registered nurses (RNs) are vital for patient care, especially in hospitals and community settings. Their role is central to healthcare delivery, and the demand for RNs keeps growing as healthcare needs become more complex.

Key Skills Required:

• Patient-Centred Care: RNs must focus on delivering personalised and compassionate care.
• Clinical Judgement:  Making informed decisions based on patient assessments is crucial.
• Adaptability:  RNs need to handle various clinical situations with ease.
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7. Occupational Therapist

Why It’s In Demand: Occupational therapists help people with disabilities, injuries, or chronic conditions regain their independence and improve their quality of life. As the population ages, the demand for these experts is on the rise.

Key Skills Required: 

• Rehabilitation Skills: Expertise in rehab techniques is essential.
• Creativity: Occupational therapists need to come up with innovative solutions for individual patient needs.
• Patient-Centred Care: Empathy and understanding are key to successful therapy.
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8. Clinical Social Worker

   
   Why It’s In Demand: Clinical social workers are super important in tackling mental health and social issues in healthcare. They offer counselling, support, and stand up for patients dealing with all sorts of challenges.

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Key Skills Required:

• Counselling: You gotta be good at giving emotional support and guidance to patients and their families.
• Case Management: Juggling multiple cases is part of the job, so you need to be organised.
• Empathy: Being understanding and compassionate is key to helping patients through tough times.
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9. Pharmacist

   
   Why It’s In Demand: Pharmacists are stepping up their game in patient care by giving vaccinations, managing chronic conditions, and providing medication advice. This makes them super important in the healthcare world.

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Key Skills Required:

• Pharmacology: You need to know your stuff about medications and how they work.
• Patient Counselling: Good communication with patients about their medications is a must.
• Health Tech Skills: Being comfortable with digital health tools is becoming more and more important.

10. Radiologic Technologist

Why It’s In Demand: Radiologic technologists are key players in diagnostics, using cool imaging tech to help diagnose and treat patients. With more imaging being used in medicine, this role is more crucial than ever.

Key Skills Required:

• Tech Skills: You need to be skilled with imaging equipment and techniques.
• Patient Care: Making sure patients are comfortable and safe during procedures is essential.
• Attention to Detail: Getting accurate images for diagnosis requires precision.

Conclusion

The healthcare field is at a turning point, with a rising demand for skilled pros who can handle the complexities of modern healthcare. The top healthcare skills for 2024 like patient-centered care and health tech are super important for tackling issues like an ageing population, chronic conditions, and new tech. For those in healthcare, keeping up with learning and skill-building is key to staying relevant and effective. By focusing on these in-demand skills, professionals can boost their career prospects and help improve healthcare delivery overall.

References

https://www.nurses.co.uk/blog/stats-and-facts-uk-nursing-social-care-and-healthcare/

https://www.health.org.uk/news-and-comment/news/over-a-million-more-health-and-care-staff-needed-in-the-next-decade