5 High Demand Healthcare Careers : Do you have a passion for serving others? Do you want to work in a fast-paced career that provides high-quality care? In 2024, the healthcare industry will keep growing. An aging population and a greater need for healthcare will drive this growth. Also, workers will likely need replacing as they reach retirement age.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects healthcare careers to grow rapidly. This growth will require over 1.8 million new healthcare workers from 2022-2032.
Here are some of the fastest-growing healthcare jobs and the educational background you need to get started in 2024:
5 High Demand Healthcare Careers
1.Nurse Practitioners (NP)
- Outlook: Nurse practitioners are projected to experience a 45% growth in job opportunities from 2022 to 2032.
- Salary: The average annual salary for NPs is around $124,680.
- Role: NPs diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medications, and provide advanced care. They work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
Nurse practitioners represent one of the fastest-growing occupations in the nation, and the U.S. News and World Report ranked nurse practitioners as #1 in Best Healthcare Jobs and #2 in 100 Best Jobs in 2023.
With your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), you have the opportunity to advance your career in a specialized nursing practice. Although responsibilities can vary by specialization, NPs generally provide advanced care to patients such as diagnosing and treating a variety of illnesses, prescribing medication and implementing treatment practices. They work in a variety of nursing environments such as hospitals, physician offices and outpatient care centers.
Herzing University offers five specialized MSN programs for students interested in becoming a specialized Nurse Practitioner (NP).
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Pediatric Care Nurse Practitioner (PCNP)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
We also may accept approved transfer credits, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology to build a faster pathway to a higher education.
Also Read : How to Start a Career in Human Resources
2. Medical and Health Service Managers
- Outlook: The demand for medical and health service managers is expected to grow by 28% from 2022 to 2032.
- Salary: These professionals earn approximately $127,980 per year.
- Role: Medical managers coordinate healthcare services, manage budgets, and ensure efficient delivery of care. They work in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities.
Medical and health services managers, also called healthcare executives or healthcare administrators direct, plan and coordinate health services by managing a healthcare practice. They are responsible for staying on top of all the changes in the industry, as well as communicating and implementing these changes to smoothly facilitate the business of healthcare. Typically found in hospitals, physician offices, or nursing and residential care facilities, they serve as pivotal figures ensuring the efficient delivery of healthcare services.
Most healthcare managers have at least a bachelor’s degree, but some facilities prefer or require a master’s degree. You can earn a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration from Herzing in as little as 32 months while earning credits toward a master’s degree through Herzing’s dual credit option.
A Master of Science in Healthcare Administration can be completed online in as few as 16 months. A Master of Science in Healthcare Administration equips you with the skills and knowledge to better qualify for upper-level administrative jobs.
3. Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
- Outlook: PTAs are in significant demand.
- Education: Completion of an accredited physical therapist assistant program.
- Role: PTAs assist physical therapists in providing rehabilitation services. They help patients regain mobility and manage pain.
Program length on average: Less than two years (as few as 16 months)
Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) provide care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes. Opportunities are best for physical therapist assistants who hold an associate degree and are licensed.
PTAs work with patients who have injuries or health conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. They provide hands-on therapy, observe and document patient progress and implement treatment plans under the supervision of a physical therapist. PTAs typically work in health practitioner offices or hospitals.
To become a PTA, you will need to earn an associate degree from an accredited PTA program like the one offered at Herzing University, which can be completed in as little as 16 months. You will also need to take the National Examination for Physical Therapist Assistants (NPTE) to be a licensed PTA to work in the U.S.
4. Medical Assistants
- Outlook: The need for medical assistants is growing.
- Education: Completion of a medical assistant program.
- Role: Medical assistants perform administrative tasks (scheduling appointments, managing records) and clinical tasks (taking patient histories, assisting with examinations).
Program length: 10-20 months
Becoming a medical assistant is one of the fastest ways to start a healthcare career. Medical assistants generally begin with a postsecondary degree such as a diploma or associate degree in medical assisting although requirements vary by state and employer. You could complete your diploma in medical assisting from Herzing in as little as 10-12 months and your associate degree in medical assisting in as few as 20 months.
The duties and responsibilities of a medical assistant vary based on the role and the employer’s needs. Many medical assistants will carry out both administrative and clinical tasks during their day-to-day responsibilities. Generally, these responsibilities include recording patient information, measuring vital signs, scheduling patient appointments and helping physicians with patient examinations.
5. Dental Hygienists
- Outlook: Dental hygienists are expected to see increased demand.
- Salary: On average, dental hygienists earn about $76,220 annually.
- Role: Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine oral health, and educate patients on proper dental care.
Program length: Usually 3 years
Dental hygienists are required to obtain an associate’s degree in dental hygiene, although some opt for a bachelor’s degree for additional academic depth and career opportunities. At Herzing University, you can complete your degree in as few as 36 months. Students gain the fundamental knowledge and skills to be prepared for medical emergencies in dentistry, dental management and technologies, general and oral pathology, principles of dental radiography, and much more.
Dental hygienists play an important role in oral health by conducting examinations for signs of conditions like gingivitis and delivering preventive care, encompassing oral hygiene practices. The specific tasks performed by hygienists can differ based on the regulations of the state and the particular setting in which they practice.
You can begin to make an impact in 2024 by pursuing a healthcare career that allows you to directly support your community during this anticipated and critical healthcare shortage. Herzing University stands as your dedicated partner, offering flexible programs designed to prepare you with the knowledge, experience and confidence to flourish in a position you love. Connect with our team today to get started.
Remember that these careers offer stability, competitive salaries, and the chance to make a positive impact on people’s health. Whether you’re passionate about patient care, administration, or rehabilitation, there’s a healthcare career path for you. Research thoroughly, consider your interests, and choose wisely! 🌟
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FAQ’s
- What are the reasons behind the high demand for healthcare careers?
- Good healthcare is a fundamental human need, and recent events like the COVID-19 pandemic have underscored the importance of a robust healthcare system.
- The healthcare sector is projected to have approximately 1.8 million job openings annually until 2032.
- Among the 20 fastest-growing occupations in the U.S., 8 belong to the medical field, making it an attractive industry for stable employment and meaningful impact on people’s lives.
- What are the highest paying medical jobs in 2024?
- Medical Doctor (MD): These professionals have undergone extensive training and education. They diagnose and treat health conditions, provide primary care, and educate patients about treatments and outcomes. The pathway to becoming an MD involves pre-med studies, medical school, licensing exams, and specialized residency programs.
- Anesthesiologist: Anesthesiologists administer anesthesia during surgeries and procedures. Their average annual salary is around $302,970.
- Physician and Surgeon: These professionals diagnose and treat medical conditions. Their average annual salary is approximately $208,000.
- What educational requirements are needed for a medical career?
- For a medical doctor (MD), the pathway includes:
- Completing a pre-med bachelor’s program.
- Passing the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
- Enrolling in medical school.
- Successfully completing the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) in three parts.
- Completing a residency program based on the chosen specialization.
- For a medical doctor (MD), the pathway includes:
- What other healthcare careers are in high demand?
- Nurse Practitioner: Advanced practice nurses who diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medications, and provide primary care.
- Physical Therapist: Experts in rehabilitation and movement therapy.
- Pharmacist: Responsible for dispensing medications and advising patients on their use.
- Radiologic Technologist: Perform diagnostic imaging procedures like X-rays and CT scans.
- Occupational Therapist: Help patients regain independence in daily activities.
- Health Information Manager: Oversee patient records and data management.
- Medical Laboratory Technician: Conduct lab tests and analyze samples.
- Dental Hygienist: Provide preventive dental care and cleanings.
- Respiratory Therapist: Assist patients with breathing difficulties.
Disclaimer:
This blog is for information only. We are not giving professional advice. Consult experts in the field for personalized help. Even though we try to be accurate, information may change. Verify details independently. Make decisions based on research, interests, and goals. Get advice from counselors and mentors.