Key Takeaways:
- Physical Therapists: Expected growth of 21% by 2030, with a median salary of about $95,620
- Nutritionists and Dietitians: Jobs projected to grow by 11% by 2030, requiring at least a bachelor’s degree.
- Nurse Practitioners: A 53% job growth expected, with a median salary of $120,680.
- Audiologists: Predicted 16% job growth by 2030, requiring a doctorate in audiology.
- Orthotists and Prosthetists: This field is growing due to advances in technology, with a need for a master’s degree.
The most in demand healthcare jobs provide a significant first step toward a challenging and well-paid career in one of many specialized areas of medicine. Finding the correct position in the healthcare field can be the first step toward a challenging and well-paid career.
According to the experts at Forbes, approximately five million new jobs will be created in the healthcare sector.
This is an outstanding field for new graduates and students deciding on their course of study. And with the aging baby boomer population, demand for health care professionals isn’t expected to slow down soon. So, what healthcare jobs are in high demand? Here are five high-growth, in-demand healthcare jobs to consider in the modern healthcare environment.
1. Physical Therapist
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for physical therapists was nearly $95,620 in 2021. Experts forecast a 21 percent growth in these healthcare workers between 2020 and 2030, making it a solid choice for students considering a healthcare career.
Physical therapists provide rehabilitative services for patients recovering from injuries or living with chronic conditions. A Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is required for licensure as a physical therapist. Prerequisites for this degree program generally include a bachelor’s degree and coursework in areas related to healthcare and medicine. Many students work as physical therapist assistants while completing a degree. After graduation and licensing, physical therapists can set up independent practices or can work in clinical and hospital settings.
Median Salary: $95,620
Employment: 21%
Education: Doctoral or Professional Degree
2. Nutritionist and Dietitian
Nutritionists and Dietitians have a projected growth of 11 percent in available jobs between 2020 and 2030, nutritionists are likely to be in high demand throughout the healthcare field. A bachelor’s degree is required for all professional dietitian and nutritionist positions. Internships and supervised training may also be included in the curriculum requirements for these healthcare careers.
Licensing is required in many states. Many nutritionists pursue advanced degrees and certifications after graduation to obtain high-level jobs in this field. The Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential is administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration in association with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and is a preferred credential among many employers.
MEDIAN SALARY: $61,650
PREDICTED RISE IN EMPLOYMENT: 11%
EDUCATION: bachelor’s degree or higher
3. Nurse Practitioners
With median salaries approaching six figures and a 53 percent growth in demand projected by 2030, nurse practitioners and other advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) enjoy outstanding job security and solid compensation in the job market. Aspiring nurse practitioners must first meet the requirements to become licensed registered nurses. A master’s degree is also required and typically includes practical experience in the clinical environment and coursework.
Most students already hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing before pursuing a nurse practitioner master’s degree. However, some institutions offer bridge programs designed for a registered nurse with an associate’s degree or certification at a lower level. Nurse practitioners are qualified to provide advanced healthcare services in clinics, hospitals, and private practices and may be the primary healthcare provider in underserved communities and remote rural areas.
MEDIAN SALARY: $120,680
EMPLOYMENT: 53% 2020-2030 (most in demand healthcare profession for HEALTHCARE WORKERS)
EDUCATION: Master’s Degree (MSN)
4. Audiologists
The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates a bright job outlook for audiologists in the next few years. A growth rate of 16 percent will provide added employment opportunities for these healthcare professionals. Audiologists diagnose and treat patients with hearing and balance problems. They must have a license and a doctorate in audiology to practice their trade in the U.S. Physiology, genetics, anatomy, communication development, and pharmacology are among the main focus areas for students pursuing these advanced degrees.
After graduation and licensure, audiologists may practice in hospitals, clinics, and private practices or may serve school districts by performing routine hearing tests on their students. Certification is available through the American Board of Audiology or the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
MEDIAN SALARY: $78,950
PREDICTED RISE IN EMPLOYMENT: 16% from 2020-2030
EDUCATION: doctor of audiology (Au.D.) degree
5. Orthotists and Prosthetists
New technologies have revolutionized the field of artificial limbs and prosthetics and have led to increased demand for qualified orthotists in the healthcare industry. This field is projected to grow much faster than average in upcoming years.
Orthotists and prosthetists are responsible for designing braces and prosthetic devices and fitting patients for these items to ensure the highest degree of mobility and functionality. Students interested in this field must obtain a master’s degree in orthotics and prosthetics.
Coursework focuses on human anatomy, physiology, and laboratory materials to provide a solid framework for future activities. In most cases, students must also engage in hands-on clinical experiences. These allow them to put the skills they have learned in class to work in real-life situations.
MEDIAN SALARY: $75,440 (BLS)
EMPLOYMENT: 18%
EDUCATION: master’s degree
Healthcare Jobs
Many health professionals provide medical services and coordinate patient care. They work in healthcare facilities, nursing homes, emergency rooms, and other medical facilities.
Other High-Growth Healthcare Jobs
Training for one of these professions can increase the job opportunities available to students after graduation. Additionally, the demand for healthcare professionals in these primary and specialty healthcare fields is high. This demand can potentially boost the compensation offered by employers.
And there is excellent job security of individuals pursuing these careers in today’s competitive job market. The right educational programs can provide the skills and knowledge needed for success in the modern healthcare industry, and one of these in demand healthcare jobs.
- Respiratory Therapist / Respiratory Therapists
- Massage Therapist / Massage Therapists
- Dental Hygienist / Dental Hygienists
- Veterinarian / Veterinarians
- Veterinary Technician / Veterinary Technicians
- Health Service Manager / Health Services Managers
- Nurse Midwife / Nurse Midwives
- Occupational Therapy Assistant / Occupational Therapy Assistants
- Physical Therapy Assistant / Physical Therapy Assistants / Physical Therapist Assistant
- Occupational Therapist / Occupational Therapists
- Physician Assistant / Physician Assistants
- Medical Assistant / Medical Assistants
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer / Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
- Nurse Anesthetist / Nurse Anesthetists
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) / Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
- Home Health Aide / Home Health Aides / Personal Care Aides
- Speech Language Pathologist / Speech Language Pathologists
- Chiropractor / Chiropractors
- Genetic Counselor / Genetic Counselors
- Dietitian or Nutritionist /Dietitians or Nutritionists
- Optometrist / Optometrists
- Physical Therapist Aides
- Health Information Technicians
Healthcare Staffing Solutions
This list of in-demand healthcare careers shows the importance of efficient healthcare staffing solutions. Healthcare recruiters understand the nuances of the different professions, which allows them to secure interest from the most qualified job seekers.
Healthcare staffing specialists implement assessments and gain insights ensuring organizations only interview prospects that are ideally suited for the positions. Staffing agencies also have an expansive network of highly regarded talent and relationships with candidates in your niche.
Career Flexibility High Demand Health Care Jobs
Flexibility influences the selection of a career. Although to a lesser degree than projected career growth or salary. For example, nursing jobs are in many sectors, times of day, and geographic locations. So, practitioners can decide where they work and often determine their schedules.
Job Outlook for Healthcare Jobs in Demand
Career growth predicted by the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is positive. The employment outlook is essential when individuals make career choices. The BLS information includes the projected growth percentage and the number of jobs available.
Employment in healthcare occupations will grow 16 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 2.6 million new jobs. Projections indicate healthcare occupations will add more jobs than other occupational groups. This projected growth in healthcare careers is mainly due to an aging population, leading to greater demand for healthcare services.
Salary for Healthcare Jobs
Salary is also a factor for health professionals, with higher-paying jobs rising, even if their demand outlook was not as strong. The median annual wage for healthcare practitioners and technical occupations (such as registered nurses, physicians and surgeons, and dental hygienists) was $75,040 in May 2021, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations in the economy of $45,760, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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