If you’re considering a career in healthcare, you likely have questions about whether it’s the right choice for your future. With so many paths to explore, it’s important to understand the roles that offer strong professional and financial stability.
And while healthcare is one of the few fields where you can combine meaningful work with professional growth, knowing why this industry is worth pursuing is an important first step in deciding whether or not this industry is right for you.
Why Pursue a Career in Healthcare?
Healthcare is a rapidly growing industry, offering unique opportunities for those interested in a career that blends purpose with long-term stability. This is largely due to factors like a growing aging population, advancements in technology, and an emphasis on preventive care.
Some key indicators you should pursue a career in healthcare are:
- The healthcare industry is growing rapidly, with a 21 percent increase in job postings from 2021 to 2024.
- Healthcare careers span clinical, administrative, and research roles, providing options for professionals with diverse skills and interests.
- Careers in healthcare offer significant opportunities for advancement, with many pathways to specialize or transition into leadership roles.
Perhaps one of the most important benefits of pursuing a healthcare career is the growing demand. According to an analysis of job postings data, healthcare job postings grew from 457,240 in July 2021 to 551,530 in July 2024, reflecting a significant increase in just three years.
There are a few reasons for this growth. For one, healthcare careers offer mobility that many industries can’t offer. For example, speech-language pathologists have versatile skills and expertise that can be applied to several roles and settings within the field. “Once you establish yourself in the field, you have the flexibility to work with patients across different stages of life and health,” says Dr. Emily Zimmerman, Department Chair of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Bouvé College of Health Sciences. “It really allows flexibility for you to move within the field.”
In addition, healthcare professionals are needed nation-wide. This means career opportunities are likely available in nearly every region. However, if you’re searching for a state that is in need of these professionals, here are the top states hiring healthcare workers according to our analysis of job postings data:
- California
- Texas
- Florida
- New York
- Pennsylvania
Healthcare also offers competitive compensation. According to our analysis of job postings data, the median salary for healthcare professionals in the U.S. is $92,600, though earnings vary based on factors like location, specialization, and whether the role is clinical or non-clinical.
Beyond financial rewards, healthcare provides opportunities to make a difference. Nurse practitioners, for instance, play a critical role in patient care. “A new patient may initially see their primary physician to set up a care plan, but after that, they’re often seeing a nurse practitioner who is going to manage their ongoing care,” says Lauren Spendley, Faculty Leader of the Direct-Entry MSN program at Bouvé College of Health Sciences. “So the impact we have as nurses can be significant and lasting.”
If you’re considering a career in healthcare, it’s essential to evaluate which roles align with your interests, experience, and current skills. Here are seven of the most in-demand healthcare careers and why these roles are expected to grow even more in the future.
Top 7 High-Demand Healthcare Careers
1. Nurse Practitioner
Annual Salary: $126,260*
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses who provide high-level patient care, bridging the gap between nursing and physician roles. They can specialize in areas like family medicine, pediatrics, acute care, primary care, and gerontology.
Some key responsibilities of an NP include:
- Diagnose illnesses
- Manage chronic conditions
- Develop treatment plans and prescribe medications
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NP employment is expected to grow 40 percent from 2023 to 2033. Many attribute this projection to the growing demand for NPs filling the gaps in primary care for several underserved communities. According to Dr. Lauren Spendley, Faculty Leader of the Direct-Entry MSN program at Bouvé College of Health Sciences, “One of the main reasons states advocate for independent practice for NPs is to address the growing primary care shortages.”
If you’re interested in becoming an NP you’ll need to consider the educational requirements. For instance, you’ll need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing to become a registered nurse. For those holding a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offers a fast-track option to earn a BSN. After completing your BSN, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain your nursing license. From there, you must pursue an advanced degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice, to officially become an NP.
2. Public Health Professional
Annual Salary: $79,657*
Public health professionals work to protect and improve the well-being of communities by addressing health disparities, preventing disease, and promoting healthier lifestyles.
Some key responsibilities of public health professionals include:
- Designing and implementing health policies
- Leading health education and awareness campaigns
- Conducting research to address health disparities
According to BLS, employment in health education and community health roles is projected to grow 13 percent from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the national average. This demand is projected to surge due to several factors, including a growing focus on preventive care, managing global health crises, and reducing health inequities. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic confirmed how important public health professionals are in ensuring the well-being of local and global communities.
To enter the field of public health, you need a bachelor’s degree in public health or a related discipline, such as biology, sociology, or health sciences. You’ll also likely need to pursue advanced degrees, like a Master of Public Health, to specialize in areas such as epidemiology, health policy, or community health.
3. Speech-Language Pathologist
Annual Salary: $89,290*
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are healthcare professionals who specialize in assessing, diagnosing, and treating communication and swallowing disorders. They work with diverse populations—from children with developmental speech delays to adults recovering from neurological conditions—to help individuals enhance their overall quality of life.
Top responsibilities of SLPs are:
- Assessing and diagnosing speech, language, and swallowing disorders
- Developing and implementing treatment plans
- Providing therapy to improve communication
The demand for SLPs continues to rise as their contributions to health and education become increasingly recognized. “Every school needs an SLP,” Zimmerman explains. “Every hospital needs an SLP. Every outpatient center needs an SLP.”
This need has been amplified by industry changes, such as an increased focus on early intervention programs to address developmental delays in children and the management of long-term speech complications from COVID-19.
This need has been amplified by industry changes, such as an increased focus on early intervention programs to address developmental delays in children and the management of long-term speech and swallowing complications from COVID-19. Additionally, as the baby boomer population ages, there is a growing demand for speech-language services to support age-related conditions such as cognitive-communication disorders and neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease and stroke recovery.
To pursue a career as an SLP, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences or a related field, followed by a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. This advanced training equips SLPs with the skills required to meet the complex needs of their patients.
4. Physical Therapist
Annual Salary: $99,710*
Physical therapists (PTs) are healthcare professionals who specialize in helping patients recover mobility and manage pain after injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions. PTs also work with diverse populations, from athletes recovering from injuries to older adults managing age-related mobility challenges.
Physical therapists typically:
- Design and implement rehabilitation plans
- Help patients manage chronic conditions
- Educate patients on injury prevention
The demand for PTs has risen largely due to aging populations and the growing prevalence of chronic conditions requiring rehabilitation. As baby boomers age, conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, and mobility challenges have become more common, further increasing the need for skilled physical therapists. In fact, according to BLS, employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 14 percent from 2023 to 2033.
To pursue a career as a PT, you must complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy program after earning a bachelor’s degree, often in a related field like biology or exercise science. This advanced education provides the clinical expertise and hands-on training necessary to help patients overcome physical challenges.
5. Pharmaceutical Scientist
Annual Salary: $79,535*
Pharmaceutical scientists are at the forefront of medical innovation. They work primarily in laboratories, collaborating with chemists, biologists, and medical researchers to tackle some of the most pressing health challenges through medication development and production.
Some key responsibilities of pharmaceutical scientists include:
- Researching potential drug compounds and their effects
- Developing and refining medication formulations
- Conducting clinical trials to ensure drug safety and efficacy
Pharmaceutical scientists are in such high demand because health trends, like the prevalence of chronic illnesses, require innovative treatments and advance medical therapies. For example, treatments like Ozempic, which have transformed diabetes management, have generated substantial revenue and reinvestment in pharmaceutical research. In fact, the global pharma market size is predicted to increase from USD 19.64 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 81.64 billion by 2034.
To enter the field of pharmaceutical science, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as chemistry, biology, or pharmacology. You should also consider pursuing a master’s or PhD in pharmaceutical sciences, to specialize in areas like drug development, clinical research, or toxicology.
6. Biostatistician
Annual Salary: $108,907*
Biostatisticians are essential to healthcare, applying statistical methods to analyze and interpret complex data. Their work helps shape policies, advance treatments, and improve patient outcomes by providing evidence-based insights into health trends.
Some key responsibilities of biostatisticians include:
- Designing and analyzing clinical trials to evaluate new treatments
- Monitoring public health trends through data analysis
- Developing statistical models to predict health outcomes
The demand for biostatisticians continues to grow as healthcare becomes increasingly data-driven. The rise of electronic health records, wearable health technology, and large-scale genomic studies has created a need for experts who can translate vast amounts of data into actionable insights. In fact, the global wearable medical devices market size was estimated at USD 42.74 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow 25 percent from 2025 to 2030.
This is important because biostatisticians play a critical role in leveraging data from wearable devices. By analyzing metrics such as heart rate and sleep patterns, they can identify trends in chronic illness management, monitor population health, and assess the effectiveness of health interventions. This data-driven approach ensures that healthcare innovations and policies are informed by real-time, accurate insights.
To pursue a career as a biostatistician, you’ll need a strong foundation in mathematics or statistics, followed by a master’s or doctoral degree in biostatistics.
7. Healthcare Administrator
Annual Salary: $110,680*
Healthcare administrators are the backbone of medical facilities. By coordinating with medical staff and aligning organizational goals with patient needs, they help maintain the smooth functioning of healthcare systems.
The top responsibilities of a healthcare administrator include:
- Managing budgets and resource allocation for healthcare facilities
- Hiring and supervising medical and administrative staff
- Ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations
- Developing strategies to improve patient care and operational efficiency
The demand for healthcare administrators has grown as the healthcare industry expands and becomes more complex. Factors like implementing new technologies into facility operations and constant policy changes have heightened the need for skilled professionals who can navigate these challenges. In fact, according to BLS, employment for medical and health services managers is projected to grow 29 percent from 2023 to 2033.
To become a healthcare administrator, you often need a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, business, or a related field. From there you can also pursue advanced degrees, such as a Master of Healthcare Administration or a Master of Business Administration if you hope to move into a leadership role.
Start an Exciting New Career in Healthcare
The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, creating exciting opportunities for professionals ready to make an impact. At Bouvé College of Health Sciences, we offer graduate programs designed to prepare you for success in this dynamic field, whether you’re pursuing a clinical role, research position, or leadership opportunity.
With a focus on real-world application and personalized support, our programs provide the tools and knowledge you need to thrive. If you’re ready to turn your passion for healthcare into a meaningful career, contact Bouvé today to learn more about our graduate programs and how to get started.
*Salaries listed are subject to change according to several factors such as geographic location, workplace setting, and changing job trends.
