The nation has recognized 16 new professions covering sectors such as health care and virtual reality, according to a recent news release by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.

The new professions, such as respiratory therapist and media operator, were jointly released by the ministry and State Administration for Market Regulation and the National Bureau of Statistics on Feb 25, which are additions to the earlier published occupation list in 2015.

According to the news release, these new professions were spawned thanks to the fast-growing service industry, information technology and people's increasing demand for better health care.

For example, a respiratory therapist helps people who suffer from respiratory diseases, the news release said. Respiratory therapists are greatly needed during the transfer of novel coronavirus infected patients in critical condition to ensure the smooth operation of life-support machines, it said.

According to the news release, the Human Resources ministry will develop training courses to help improve the skills of people working in these professions.