The healthcare industry is the second-fastest growing industry in the US, with the first being AI. About 1.9 million jobs, on average, are projected every year (BLS, 2023-2033). Indeed, it’s among the highest projected growth across all industries.

The significant increase in healthcare spending supports this. In 2021, it accounted for over 18.3% of the gross domestic product (GDP). By 2028, the estimated national healthcare spending is $6.2 trillion.

Why is the healthcare industry undergoing rapid growth? Experts point to these factors as the primary drivers.

• An aging population, particularly baby boomers, combined with an increase in population
• Advancements in medical and healthcare technologies, such as robotics, telemedicine, and precision medicine
• Greater awareness about personal health and wellness
• Increase in the number of patients with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes

The bottom line: Healthcare professionals will be in high demand for decades to come. Now is the best time to pursue one of the high-demand healthcare degrees.

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Why Choose a Healthcare Degree?

Let’s first set realistic expectations about pursuing high-demand healthcare degrees. First, these are challenging degrees because of their STEM focus. You must have strong math and science skills as well as time management skills.

Second, the cost of these high-demand healthcare degrees is a major concern. Nursing students, for example, spend an average of $30,884 per year. Effective financial planning is a must.

But the benefits outweigh these challenges.

High demand across the country

Healthcare jobs are increasing faster than the national average across all industries. Projected employment for physician assistants and healthcare managers are 28% and 29%, respectively. Healthcare jobs are, indeed, stable career choices.

Wide variety of career paths

Healthcare degrees span the entire range from associate’s degrees to doctoral degrees. You can enter the healthcare profession with an associate degree, such as in nursing.

Then, you can pursue more advanced education for career advancement. Think about earning a BSN degree, then an MSN followed by a DNP degree.

Your career can also take you to a wide range of settings. You can work in outpatient clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes. Government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and nonprofits are also popular settings.

Opportunity to make a difference

Healthcare professionals have plenty of opportunities to make a profound and positive impact. Your impact spans both individual patients and their families as well as the larger community.

Top 5 High-Demand Healthcare Degrees with Strong Job Prospects

Nursing (BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

Nursing is among the best healthcare degrees for job prospects because of the high demand for registered nurses. The aging population and expansion of different healthcare services are among the reasons. Projected employment growth is 6% (2023-2033) or about 194,500 openings per year, on average.

Registered nurses work in numerous settings. Hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home healthcare are popular. Residential facilities, such as nursing homes and hospices, are also common workplaces.

According to BLS, registered nurses earn $86,070 in median annual wages (May 2023). The highest earners among registered nurses take in over $132,680 per year.

There are nursing degrees for high-paying jobs, too. Think of earning MSN and DNP degrees. Nurse practitioners, for example, earn $129,480 per year in median wages, while the highest earners take in $211,820 per year.

Physician Assistant (PA)

Being a PA is among the top healthcare careers because of excellent job opportunities and salaries. Physician assistants are in high demand owing to their expertise in diagnosing and helping treat patients. As healthcare systems look for cost-effective services, their role is also expanding.

There’s a wide range of physician assistant job prospects, too. First, PAs work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and specialty care clinics, among others. Second, PAs work in diverse specialties, including emergency medicine, family medicine, and primary care. Third, PAs find work in rural and urban areas, too. In rural areas, PAs become primary care providers when physicians aren’t present.

PAs earn $130,020 in median annual wages (May 2023). The highest earners have more than $170,790 in annual income.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Candidates in occupational therapy degree programs learn rehabilitation tools and techniques. Their work is crucial in helping patients regain their mobility and independence. This is particularly crucial for individuals with injuries and disabilities as well as the elderly.

OTs work in outpatient and inpatient settings in rehabilitation centers. Many also work with children in schools and homes.

Projected job growth among OTs is 11% (2023-2033), or about 9,800 openings, on average, per year. OTs earn $96,370 in median annual wages (May 2023). The highest earners take in $129,620 or more every year.

Healthcare Administration (Bachelor’s or Master’s)

Yet another of the healthcare degrees with strong job growth is healthcare administration. Projected job growth for healthcare administrators is about 61,400 openings per year, on average (29%, 2023-2033).

Healthcare administrators manage the day-to-day operations of medical and healthcare services. Their common workplaces are hospitals, clinics, and public health organizations.

As more medical and healthcare services are necessary, their expertise and skills are in high demand. There’s also the fact that their management skills are welcome amidst the widespread use of EHRs.

Healthcare administrators earn $110,680 in median annual wage. Extensive experience and advanced training can lead to higher-paying jobs. Check out master’s in healthcare administration degree online programs for advanced education.

Medical Technology (Medical Laboratory Science)

The medical technology career outlook is also on the rise – 5% (2023-2033). Medical technologists play crucial roles in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and disorders. Their main responsibility is to perform laboratory tests on bodily fluids and samples to detect diseases and disorders.

Medical technologists are in high demand in hospitals, laboratories, and diagnostic centers. Many also work in research facilities.

Their median annual wage is $60,780 (May 2023). However, medical technologists can earn as much as $93,900 per year with extensive work experience and advanced training.

How to Choose the Best Healthcare Degree for You

The top healthcare degrees for non-traditional students bring excellent benefits. But there’s no one-size-fits-all degree either. You must choose the best healthcare degree for yourself based on these factors.

Personal interests, career goals, and strengths

If you want to become involved in direct patient care, nursing or occupational therapy is an excellent choice. But if you’re a behind-the-scenes person, go for a healthcare administration or an MLS degree.

Education requirements

You must consider whether your resources and timeline allow for an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. The nursing profession, for example, allows associate’s degree holders into entry-level roles. Being a physician’s assistant demands a master’s degree.

Job growth and stability

Look at the projected job growth and job stability when choosing a healthcare degree. All the five featured jobs are in high demand, but you can look beyond. Medical dosimetrists and nuclear medicine technologists are examples.

Salary potential

For excellent return on investment, look at the earning potential for healthcare degrees. Physician assistants earn the highest salaries but attend school the longest.

Benefits of Pursuing a High-Demand Healthcare Degree

Here’s a closer look at the benefits of earning high-demand healthcare degrees.

Job security

You will enjoy job security because there’s a consistent demand for healthcare professionals. Of course, job stability isn’t always 100% guaranteed. However, if you have the right qualifications and work ethic, you can leverage them for job security.

Diverse opportunities

There’s something for everyone in the healthcare industry. You can work with patients or work behind the scenes. There’s the opportunity to be in public service or the private sector. No matter your preferences, you’ll find your niche sooner or later.

Opportunities for advancements

With diverse job opportunities come diverse career advancement opportunities, too. You can stay in one occupation, such as nursing, or make a shift toward healthcare administration.

Make an impact

No other industry has a more widespread impact than the healthcare industry. Think from birth to death. Plus, healthcare professionals have a direct impact on their patients and communities.

Financial Aid and Scholarships for Healthcare Degrees

Earning one of the high-demand healthcare degrees is expensive without financial aid. Look into these financial aid options when considering a healthcare degree.

• Federal and state aid, usually by filing your FAFSA form. Grants, work-study, and low-interest loans are available
• Scholarships and grants for students pursuing healthcare degrees are available, too. Check out the HRSA Scholarship for Disadvantaged Students and NHSC Scholarship
• Employer tuition assistance programs are available in large healthcare organizations
• Loan forgiveness programs, including the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for healthcare workers

Conclusion

Nursing, occupational therapy (OT), and physician assistant (PA) programs are among the best healthcare jobs. You’ll love the job security, career growth, and personal fulfillment that these bring to your life. Start your journey in one of these occupations today by enrolling in the right degree program.