There’s no better time than now to start a career in healthcare.
Many in-demand medical careers that are meaningful and rewarding. Healthcare professions in demand include healthcare managers, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, respiratory therapists and occupational therapists.
Overall healthcare employment is projected to grow 13% through 2031, adding about 2 million new jobs in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Discover which jobs are currently in demand, the job outlook for each career and what level of education is required.
As you explore in-demand healthcare careers, you’ll most likely want to know what it takes to get the job you want.
At Nebraska Methodist College (NMC), you can get healthcare degrees and certificates that will prepare you for a career as a healthcare professional.
NMC specializes in nursing, allied health and healthcare management, so you can be confident you’ll get a high-quality education that will prepare you with the skills and compassion you need to work in healthcare.
Nurses are earning their Doctor of Nursing Practice in record numbers, which allows them to have an expanded role in patient care.
Getting a doctorate to become a family nurse practitioner allows you to gain the knowledge, skills and clinical experiences necessary to diagnose and treat patients of all ages. As a family nurse practitioner, you can prescribe medications and treatment options.
The median annual salary for nurse practitioners was $123,780 in 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average projected job growth for nurse practitioners is 40% through 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
At NMC, you can study to become a family nurse practitioner or an adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner.
Registered nurses are an essential part of the care team in various healthcare settings.
Nurses work with doctors and other healthcare providers to coordinate and care for patients.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for nurses was $77,600 in 2021. Employment for registered nurses is projected to grow by 6% through 2031.
NMC’s traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program can be completed in four years. If you have an associate or a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, you can enroll in the 12-month accelerated BSN program.
Respiratory therapists evaluate and treat diverse patients, from infants to elderly adults. They help patients who suffer from chronic respiratory diseases such as bronchitis, asthma, emphysema and COVID-19.
Employment for respiratory therapists is expected to grow 14% through 2031, much faster than average among all occupations. The median annual wage was $61,830 in 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
A dual Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy degree allows you to complete an associate degree on campus and a bachelor’s degree online.
Physical therapist assistants follow a physical therapist’s plan of care to return patients to their maximum level of physical function after an injury or illness.
The median annual salary for physical therapist assistants was $49,180 in 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average projected job growth is 24% through 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
In less than two years, you can earn your Associate of Science as a physical therapist assistant and begin providing care specified by a physical therapist.
Occupational therapists provide individualized care to people who need help learning or relearning how to do everyday tasks. Patients may be injured, diagnosed with a disability or experiencing changes because of age.
The median annual salary for occupational therapists was $85,570 in 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment is expected to grow 14% through 2031, faster than average for all occupations.
The Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program at NMC provides classroom learning, research assignments, lab work and clinical experience in a hybrid format of on-campus and online instruction. This education path allows you to learn the technical and personal skills necessary to provide effective and compassionate care to patients.
If working directly with patients isn’t for you, healthcare management may be a good fit. Healthcare managers and administrators play a critical role in the quality of patient care and the success of medical facilities.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for healthcare managers was $101,340 in 2021. In addition, the average growth rate for healthcare management jobs is much faster than the average at 28% through 2031.
You can get a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management at NMC. The four-year program can be completed online and will prepare you to lead with compassion. You’ll learn about the inner workings of healthcare facilities while gaining leadership and management skills.
There is also an opportunity to transition into the Master of Business Administration in Healthcare program upon graduation.
Medication aides work under the direction of a licensed healthcare professional administering medication to patients.
Certified medication aides are qualified to work in settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, medical offices and home health.
The projected job growth for certified medication aides is 25% over the next 10 years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average salary in 2021 was $29,430 or $14.15 per hour.
You can become a certified medication aide by enrolling in a hybrid program that includes online courses and on-campus interactive learning activities.
NMC understands that looking for a job as you near graduation can be overwhelming. Students can receive one-on-one job coaching to find medical jobs in demand and learn to become a competitive applicant.
Job coaching can also include help writing resumes and cover letters, and guidance on interviewing.
Contact Andrew Skarka, director of career and financial wellness in the Institutional Effectiveness Department, at andrew.skarka@mthodistcollege.edu for more information on job coaching.
NMC provides high-quality education to future healthcare professionals.
You can schedule a personalized visit at NMC, virtually or on campus. You’ll meet one-on-one with an admissions coordinator and ask any questions you may have.
If you’re ready, you can apply online,