Ambulatory healthcare services accounted for most new jobs, with 7,700 in March, according to the report. Hospitals lost 700 jobs in this same period, which was the first decline reported since the recession began.
While the industry continues to add jobs, it is at a reduced rate. According to the report, healthcare added an average of 17,000 jobs per month in the first quarter of 2009, which is down from 30,000 per month in the first quarter of 2008.
Read the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics monthly employment report.