US aerospace professionals who have lost their jobs in the industry could look to medical companies for work, it has been suggested.

An article for Florida Today noted many of the skills acquired in the field can be transferred into healthcare development, as an ageing population drives up demand for medical services and devices.

President of the Florida Hospital Association Bruce Rebin explained: "We're looking at chronic long-term shortages in Florida for doctors, nurses and clinical practitioners, because the baby boomers are retiring."

With the space shuttle program coming to an end in 2011, thousands of individuals will be seeking work in the state, many with extensive experience in areas such as engineering and IT.

According to the news source, changing industries and applying existing skills to a new discipline could help individuals to acquire healthcare jobs in the US, although many will require retraining to secure technology posts in a new area.

In related news, USA Today has pointed to a rise in the age of employees in the country, with a jump in the number of older women joining the labor force in particular.

Posted by Fiona Summers