Robotic Skills Wanted in Hospital Operating Rooms 



By Ashley Addington



In June 2013, more than 3,400 healthcare jobs in the United States needed robotics experience and skills, according to a new study by WANTED Analytics. That is a growth of 32 percent year over year. 



The health industry has an ever growing job base with increasing potential, according to the study. In the past four years there has been a boom for employment opportunities involving robotic surgical technology by 375 percent.



The study also says robots are being used more and more frequently by surgeons and medical professionals. With such a demand there has to be a supply to help. These new health job opportunities are now available throughout the entire country and have a long shelf life when being advertised. 



According to WANTED Analytics, these robot-savvy jobs have advertisement lives that can last “online for more than seven weeks.” With such a long shelf life, employers are looking for candidates who can be a permanent fill. 



Large cities have the most opportunities available, according to the study. The top cities seeking robotic expertise include San Diego, Sacramento, Calif., Spokane, Wash., New York, and Tampa, Fla. 



The jobs most popularly listed that included robotics were physician assistant, director of surgical services, surgical technician, surgical technologist and research associate.



Although these jobs’ long listing times, working in a hospital environment comes with high expectations, says the study. These jobs will have a moderately difficult level to obtain according to the WANTED Analytics rating scale. The national achievement levels for the hardest jobs to get are ranked at a score of 99. Hospital robotic technicians are ranked at the score of 41. 



Despite the higher end ranking, there are cities waiting to recruit and outsource to other states. The top three cities for recruitment include Durham-Chapel Hill, N.C., New York, and St. Louis. 



“In these areas, hiring demand remains low, yet there are pools of qualified potential candidates. Durham-Chapel Hill presents the least difficulties, scoring a 15 on the hiring scale, far below the national average of 41,” the study stated.