The health care and social assistance industry has been at the leading edge of the coronavirus pandemic, providing essential health care services to people in need. Because of continuing demand at nursing homes and other residential care facilities in particular, many of these workers are also in great need. According to job postings on MinnesotaWorks.net and other national job banks, the jobs in highest demand include:

• Personal Care Aides (PCAs)
• Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
• Home Health Aides (HHAs)
• Registered Nurses (RNs)
• Social & Human Service Assistants
• Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
• Childcare Workers

While some of these jobs require postsecondary training, a college degree, and/or a license, several others can be started with a high school diploma and some on-the-job training. Personal Care Aides (PCA) are one of the largest and fastest growing occupations in the state, and employees with no previous health care experience can be trained for positions through short-term on-the-job training. Half of all PCAs earn between $11.53 and $14.43 per hour, with an average hourly wage of $13.04.

Likewise, Home Health Aides, Social and Human Service Assistants, and Childcare Workers can also be started with a high school diploma and on-the-job training, and offer wages between $10 at the low end for Childcare Workers and more than $17 per hour at the high end for Social and Human Service Assistants.

Certified Nursing Assistants require limited postsecondary training, which often is paid for by the employer, and then a certificate and registry. Some emergency waivers to requirements are in place now during the COVID-19 pandemic. Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses require at least an associate’s degree, and also a license from the Minnesota Board of Nursing. These jobs pay about$16.50 an hour at the low end for CNAs to nearly $23 an hour for LPNS and more than $38 an hour for RNs.

In addition to high wages and the potential for career advancement, these jobs are in high demand in every region across the state of Minnesota.

If you are interested in finding out more about health care and social assistance positions in Minnesota, check out Jobs in Demand here on the CareerForceMN.com website for wage ranges, educational and training requirements, current open positions in Minnesota and more.  

Need help developing your job search strategy, updating your resume or preparing for interviews? Contact staff at a CareerForce location near you!