The medical field is constantly expanding to accommodate the aging United States population and the changes in health insurance laws. Now more than ever, a variety of medical professions are experiencing shortages, and employers are looking to fill gaps as soon as possible.

If you’re looking for a rewarding, stable career that is recession-proof, consider the following top medical careers for 2015.

Audiologists

An audiologist is primarily concerned with a person’s ability to hear. They diagnose and treat a wide range of problems that have to do with range and degree of function of a person’s hearing, especially in regards to elderly patients.

While audiologists are not well known outside the medical world, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the need for them to grow by more than 34 percent over the next decade.

Registered Nurses

For decades, the United States has experienced a shortage of nurses, and they continue to do so today. The BLS estimates that registered nurses will see a growth of 20 percent over the next decade.

Registered nurses work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, clinics, schools and more. They advise patients on preventative healthcare measures, administer basic forms of treatment, coordinate patient care and assist doctors when required.

While registered nurses must complete a two-year degree to become employable and eligible to take the state licensing exam, many recruiters value a Bachelor of Nursing instead. Online RN to BSN programs can help busy adults obtain their degree while continuing to go about daily life.

Dental Hygienists

Even if you don’t like to go to the dentist, with an average salary of over $70,000 per year, a job as a dental hygienist might sound appealing.

Currently, hygienists only need to complete a two year degree before gaining practical experience in the field. On a daily basis, hygienists clean teeth, check for gum disease and cavities, and assist the dentist with anything else they need.

Many dental hygienists go on to become dentists after they’ve completed dental school while working for a dental clinic on a part time basis.

Medical Lab Technicians

Medical lab technicians determine results of a variety of tests for a patient. These results could include illness, the presence of drugs, lack of health and more.

Medical lab technicians must be able to accurately read test results and determine the exact cause of a particular illness based on those results. Those results are then passed along to the doctor who will offer their opinion as well and will likely diagnose the patient with a particular condition.

Every medical profession is essential to the American medical system. From registered nursing to radiologists, lab technicians and more, the medical field is growing faster than any other employment field in the country. Medical careers are perfect for individuals who are looking for long term job growth and stability.