New Mexico's warm climate and health-conscious population draw a high percentage of retirees to the state. Not surprisingly, New Mexico's healthcare industry is its third-largest employment sector. Experts predict that New Mexico's shortage of registered nurses and physician assistants, which have forced 72% of hospitals and 38% of home care agencies to reduce services, to triple by 2010 as the population continues to age.

New Mexico Healthcare Jobs

Students can take advantage of employment shortages by obtaining a healthcare degree in New Mexico. Employment can be found in the hospitals of larger cities like Albuquerque or Santa Fe, or smaller retirement communities in Carlsbad or Farmington. Registered nurses can complete their healthcare training in two years, enjoy the flexibility of working anywhere from retirement homes to outpatient surgical wards, and earn an average salary of $52,000. Physician's assistants, also in high demand, are needed in hospitals or doctor's offices in almost every specialty, and pull in an average salary of $69,000.