The healthcare sector contributed 43,500 jobs to the U.S. economy in September, according to jobs numbers released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In the 12-month period that ended in September, the healthcare sector added a total of 294,900 jobs, an increase of 2.1%, according to the data. The preliminary, seasonally adjusted numbers helped lower the country’s unemployment rate to 7.8%.

Skilled nursing facilities contributed 5,700 new jobs in September alone, while hospitals added 8,000 jobs. Physician offices hired 6,600 people.

Click here for full job report numbers from the BLS.