The 29 best jobs in healthcare in 2016, U.S.News and World Report says

The U.S.News and World Report has released its 2016 list for the best jobs in heathcare, and a theme common to the top 25 is an expected growth in the number of jobs in each respective field over the next several years. The Bureau for Labor Statistics estimates that job growth in the heath sector will outshine all other jobs in the period from 2014 to 2024.

To see the top-ranking heath jobs for 2016, view the slides below.

A gleaming smile often begins with the work of an orthodontist, who focuses primarily on the teeth and jaw. They realign those pearly whites and preserve normal function and appearance. By 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the job will grow by about 18 percent.

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Dentists have the mouth, gums and teeth covered, from filling cavities to providing a whitening sheen. The BLS is estimating an 18 percent growth in job openings over the next eight years -- translating to about 23,300 jobs.

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A nurse anesthetist is a breed of advanced practice registered nurse. They oversee a patient's anesthetic treatment before, during and after surgery, not to mention therapy or any other procedures that utilize anesthesia. The BLS is looking at a 19 percent growth in the field by 2024

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Physician assistants interpret tests and conduct exams, and with the heightened demand for healthcare, growth in this field is expected to grow substantially -- by about 30 percent by 2024, according to the BLS.

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Nurse practitioners do a lot. They perform physician exams, order lab tests (and analyze the results), and prescribe medicines, as well as authorize treatments. They've typically got a specialty -- adult and geriatric heath, pediatric health, mental health, etc. The BLS expects a whopping 35 percent increase in new jobs in the field by 2024, which means about 44,700 new jobs.

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It's not just about the cliché question, "How does that make you feel?" Psychiatrists are primary mental health physicians who diagnose and treat mental illnesses. Personal counseling, hospitalization and medication are among the arrows in their quiver. The BLS anticipates 15 percent job growth in the next eight years.

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Infants, children, teens and young adults likely receive the bulk of their care -- and their lollipops -- from a pediatrician. They treat common diseases, administer vaccinations, and tend to minor injuries. The BLS anticipates 10 percent job growth by 2024.

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Anesthesiologists manage pain and monitor vital signs during operations; they also administer drugs before and after surgery, not to mention in intensive care, during childbirth and for chronic pain patients. Twenty-one percent job growth by 2024 is expected by the BLS.

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Obstetricians and gynecologists provide care related to childbirth and female reproductive heath, whether during routine checkups or delivering one's first child. The BLS predicts 18 percent job growth over the next eight years

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They repair cleft lips and palates and take care of impacted teeth, among other things. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons operate specifically on the mouth, jaws, teeth, gums, neck and head. According to the BLS, the profession is projected to grow 18 percent by 2024.

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Optometrists are responsible for just about every new pair of glasses or contact lenses adorning the eyeballs of millions. Vision tests and diagnoses result in eyewear and eye-related medications, and in addition to those, these health professionals provide treatment for eye diseases, pre-op and post-op care, and referrals to other health providers. The BLS expects 24 percent growth over the next several years.

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Physical therapists help patients manage injuries and treat long-term illnesses, working with a patient to develop a plan for increasing mobility and lessening pain. The job growth by 2024? The BLS puts it at 34 percent.

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Feet, ankles, lower legs. Those are a podiatrist's domain. They diagnose, perform surgeries and prescribe medications to help deal with the lower extremities. Fourteen percent job growth by 2024 is expected by the BLS.

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Surgeons perform surgeries that repair or prevent medical problems ranging from diseases to injuries and deformities. Surgeons can perform general surgery or specialize in areas including orthopedic, neurological, cardiovascular and plastic or reconstructive surgery. The profession is expected to grow 20 percent from 2014 to 2024, the BLS reports.

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Physicians provide preventative care but also treat and diagnose a range of illnesses in their patients -- which id why they rank among the highest-paying jobs.The BLS predicts a 9 percent growth rate through 2024.

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A registered nurse has a wide range of responsibilities, from giving medicine to performing medical procedures. A BLS-projected growth rate of 16 percent by 2024, with 439,300 new jobs, continue to make RNs one of the best jobs.

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Occupational therapists assist those who are sick, injured or disabled with day-to-day activities, such as showing someone how to use a wheelchair, or helping someone who had a stroke relearn how to cook, clean or get dressed. These professionals might also work with children in educational settings, people with mental illnesses or someone who was involved in a bad car accident. The BLS predicts that, between 2014 and 2024, this field will experience a 27 percent growth in employment, or 30,400 new jobs.

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As one of the five senses, hearing is important, and audiologists work to preserve it through their assessment of hearing and providing corresponding treatment. Employment is set to grow by 29 percent from 2014 to 2024, according to the BLS.

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Those in this profession work to diagnose and treat a variety of speech and language difficulties and can work in a number of different settings. Job prospects are strong for speech language pathologists, with 28,900 new jobs opening by 2024.

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Prosthodontists are essentially responsible for repairing and restoring people’s smiles. These dental professionals improve and replace teeth. The BLS predicts that the job will grow by 18 percent, opening 100 new jobs from 2014 to 2024.

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Pharmacists are becoming more critical to the healthcare system, supporting doctors and patients by filling prescriptions, dispensing appropriate amounts of medicine and making sure medicines interact safely. The BLS predicts a slower-than-average 3 percent growth rate through 2024.

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Radiation therapists tend to be closer to their patients than other general X-ray technologists. They follow their patients through the recovery process and provide accurate treatments in affected areas. The BLS predicts 2,300 new jobs to open by 2024 because the profession is relatively small.

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Dietitians and nutritionists help clients with almost every aspect of their diet, assisting with food choice, meal plans, lifestyle and nutritional goals. The BLS predicts employment will grow about 16 percent between 2014 and 2024.

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From temporary back injuries to pain caused by chronic illness, chiropractors are trained to treat the musculoskeletal system without drugs or surgery. With the health care community increasingly embracing chiropractic as a form of care, employment is expected to grow by 17 percent by 2024.

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This occupation requires only an associate degree for entry. Respiratory therapists examine and treat those who have breathing disorders or respiratory diseases. The BLS predicts a promising outlook for respiratory therapists, with 12 percent job growth by 2024.

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From assistance during childbirth to reproductive care, nurse-midwives provide a variety of gynecological and family planning services. They can also serve as primary care providers for women and newborn infants. These advanced practice registered nurses are in demand, with the BLS projecting that the job will grow 24.6 percent by 2024.

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Estheticians and skin care specialists deal with many aspects of skin care, using treatments that include waxing, cleansing, exfoliating and even applying makeup. Employment is expected to grow about 12 percent from 2014 to 2024, according to the BLS.

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An average day as a veterinarian might include performing surgeries or setting broken bones for animals. One must-have skill is communication; vets routinely interact with animal owners and support staff. The BLS predicts this field to grow 9 percent by 2024.

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Rehabilitation counselors help people recover from injuries, cope with mental illnesses and live with chronic medical conditions. This job largely involves helping the disabled improve their lives and not focus on their limitations. The BLS predicts a 9 percent employment increase in this field by 2024 due to the growing number of aging adults.

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