Hospice WorkerOdds of Getting In

We'll start with the really good news: Social workers in the public health and medical sectors should experience faster-than-average employment growth. Why? The aging United States population will face complex medical challenges during their later years. They'll need increased health care, and possibly will require hospice care toward the end of their lives. Social workers who specialize in hospice services will be important members of each patient's care team.

However, a couple of factors can temper this rosy outlook. First, hospice social workers generally work within an agency structure; therefore, your employment prospects depend largely on whether there's a nearby hospice agency that needs your services. In addition, consider that the hospice care concept may not have equal acceptance in all communities throughout the country.

Of course, public education and acceptance of hospice care can present its own career opportunity. With a Master's in Social Work, and with demonstrated hospice experience, you may be able to open a consulting business focused on promoting and implementing hospice care. You may also enjoy undergraduate teaching work as you help prepare students for an eventual hospice social worker career.