The Education Requirements For The Fastest-Growing Health Care Jobs
Healthcare professionals rank among the most in-demand workers in the job market, with their outlook continuing to improve. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), healthcare job openings are projected to grow at a faster pace than those in other sectors over the upcoming decade, with almost 2 million job vacancies anticipated each year.
Here's the typical educational qualifications needed for the fastest-growing jobs in healthcare. Before getting discouraged over lengthy education and potential medical school debt, it’s crucial to recognize that only one of the 20 fastest-growing healthcare professions requires a medical degree or doctorate. The BLS indicates that most positions necessitate only a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification.
On a national scale, the Health Resources and Services Administration estimates that approximately 17,477 practitioners are required to cater to 101 million individuals lacking adequate primary medical care. Furthermore, 76 million people require dental assistance, and 166 million do not have access to professional mental healthcare services.
As the U.S. population ages, the demand for healthcare services is predicted to surge. By 2030, all baby boomers—who represent the second-largest adult generation—will be 65 years of age or older, as stated by the Census Bureau. The Covid-19 pandemic caused a significant uptick in telehealth services for both initial consultations and follow-up appointments.
Following the end of lockdowns and social restrictions, telehealth remains a practical option for outpatient consultations and pre-office evaluations, further driving the demand for digital health professionals and health tech roles.
The subsequent analysis categorizes educational levels by the BLS’s projected growth of jobs requiring those specific qualifications, showcasing the fastest-growing professions within each educational bracket.
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#6. Doctoral or Professional Degree
Projected healthcare job growth at this education level for 2022-2032: +87,500 jobs (+5.2%)
Fastest-growing healthcare roles in this category include:
- Physical therapists (Projected job growth: +15.1%) - Audiologists (+10.6%) - Chiropractors (+8.8%)
Doctoral degrees may include Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Philosophy, or specialized doctorates such as Doctor of Physical Therapy, Audiology, or Chiropractic. These programs often require several years of intensive study. Candidates generally must first complete at least a bachelor’s degree, with many Ph.D. candidates earning one or more master's degrees beforehand.
While some doctoral qualifications emphasize specialized fields, others provide a more generalized education. Ph.D. graduates in healthcare might become highly specialized practitioners or take on senior executive positions in hospitals and pharmaceutical firms. They may also lead research initiatives in advanced disciplines like neuroscience, oncology, epidemiology, or genetic engineering, and create software and technological tools for medical uses.
#5. Associate’s Degree
Projected healthcare job growth at this educational level for 2022-2032: +107,100 jobs (+10.7%)
Fastest-growing roles at this level include:
- Physical therapist assistants (Projected job growth: +26.1%) - Occupational therapy assistants (+24.0%) - Health information technologists and medical registrars (+16.5%)
Professionals with associate degrees may find employment in medical offices as intake clerks or in managing insurance claim processes. Many individuals in healthcare hold two- or three-year degrees, often earned from community or technical colleges.
Salaries for those with associate degrees in healthcare can vary significantly. For example, the median annual income for a medical assistant was $38,000 in 2022, while a respiratory therapist made approximately $70,000.
#4. Master’s Degree
Projected healthcare job growth at this level for 2022-2032: +221,100 jobs (+24.8%)
Fastest-growing healthcare roles at this level are:
- Nurse practitioners (Projected job growth: +44.5%) - Physician assistants (+26.5%) - Speech-language pathologists (+19.3%)
Earning a master’s degree in healthcare can boost annual earnings into six figures, well above the $77,000 median salary for healthcare practitioners and technical personnel.
Most specialists, such as advanced practice registered nurses or orthotists, must hold at least a master’s degree to qualify for licensure to treat patients. Often, higher-level medical professionals are also required to continually update their knowledge through certifications and continuing education courses to maintain their licenses.
#3. Postsecondary Non-degree Award
Projected healthcare job growth at this educational level for 2022-2032: +326,800 jobs (+7.3%)
Fastest-growing roles at this level are:
- Massage therapists (Projected job growth: +18.3%) - Medical assistants (+13.9%) - Ophthalmic medical technicians (+12.7%)
Postsecondary non-degree awards are granted by educational institutions, while professional organizations issue certifications. Some of these programs may require only a few weeks of study, whereas others might extend over a year or longer.
Careers that demand these credentials include phlebotomists, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics, with median annual wages surpassing $37,000 since 2018.
#2. Bachelor’s Degree
Projected healthcare job growth at this education level for 2022-2032: +351,700 jobs (+8.4%)
Fastest-growing roles in this category include:
- Medical and health services managers (Projected job growth: +28.4%) - Therapists, all other (+12.2%) - Exercise physiologists (+10.2%)
Numerous well-paying career options are available for individuals holding bachelor’s degrees who may choose not to pursue medical school.
Many of these positions are directly associated with medical practice, while others pertain to management or commercial roles, including healthcare product managers earning an average salary of $87,000 annually and pharmaceutical sales representatives averaging $118,000.
#1. High School Diploma or Equivalent
Projected healthcare job growth at this education level for 2022-2032: +847,800 jobs (+18.4%)
Fastest-growing roles here include:
- Home health and personal care aides (Projected job growth: +21.7%) - Hearing aid specialists (+14.5%) - Healthcare support workers, all other (+5.7%)
More than 40% of the healthcare jobs anticipated in the next decade will only require a high school diploma. A U.S. News study determined that over 10 of the top 25 jobs suitable for high school graduates lie within the healthcare sector.
Skilled practitioners deliver home healthcare to patients in their homes while under physician supervision. Most of those needing this service are elderly or suffer from chronic conditions that limit their ability to live independently. Despite not requiring a postsecondary degree, workers assisting individuals with physical or cognitive impairments must display qualities such as empathy, compassion, reliability, and effective communication skills.
Training requirements for health and personal care aides can differ based on state regulations.
