Section FourCASE 4-1 continued
advances in technology. By 2008, 7.2 percent of the U.S.
population will be 75 years or older. This compares with 5.2
percent in 1978.^2 Actual employment levels in selected health
care occupations in 1998 and projections for 2008 are as
follows:^3
OCCUPATION 1998 2008
Physicians 577,000 699,000
Dentists 160,000 165,000
Optometrists 38,000 42,000
Physician’s assistants 66,000 98,000
Registered nurses 2,079,000 2,530,000
Physical therapists 120,000 161,000
Respiratory therapists 86,000 123,000
Dental hygienists 143,000 201,000
Clinical lab technologists and
technicians
313,000 366,000
Licensed practical and licensed
vocational nurses
692,000 828,000
Speech–Language pathologists and
audiologists