Those looking for a career in healthcare should consider Portland nursing jobs.

In today's world, a career in healthcare is one of the most rewarding and reliable jobs you can find. The industry has managed to stay afloat, and in some cases even thrive, despite the economic recession.

The Portland-Vancouver-Beaverton area's education and health services industry employed 137,000 workers during December 2009, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is the same as during November and a .3 percent increase from December 2008.

One of the most popular occupations within the healthcare industry is registered nursing. In all cases, registered nurses are required to obtain an associate degree and pass a licensing exam before they can begin practicing. However, those with a bachelor's degree have a competitive advantage in the workforce.

As of February 2010, there are 70 job openings for registered nurses throughout the Multnomah and Washington area, where Portland is located. The average hourly wage in the area is $36.17, which is higher than the statewide average of $34.89 per hour. The average yearly wage is $75,239, which also is higher than the statewide average of $72,572 per year.

As of 2006, registered nursing employment in the Multnomah and Washington region was estimated to be much larger than the regional average, according to the Oregon Employment Department. In addition, the occupation was expected to grow somewhat faster than the regional average, with total job openings projected to be much higher than the average.

Registered nursing employment in the region is expected to increase from 12,077 during 2006 to 14,876 by 2016. This accounts for an increase of 2,799 workers, or 23.2 percent. That means there should be 562 job openings each year.

Registered nurses have a variety of options for future career paths. Advanced practiced nursing occupations include: nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives and certified registered nurse anesthetists. Registered nurses can move into these careers once they have specialized, post-basic education.

Other related occupations include: respiratory therapists, health diagnosing and treating practitioners, physician assistants, respiratory therapy technicians, licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses, recreational therapists, occupational therapists, all other therapists, health technologists and technicians, and podiatrists.