4 Healthcare Roles That Will Grow in the Next Decade

Between an aging population and lessons learned from recent global health challenges, we’re seeing unprecedented demand for healthcare services. The industry is evolving, creating entirely new career paths while expanding traditional ones in ways we couldn’t have imagined a few years ago.

If you’re thinking about a healthcare career or wondering where the field is headed, you’re in the right place. Below, we’ll discuss four healthcare roles that are set to explode in growth over the next decade, based on current industry trends and labor projections.

Before we jump into specific roles, it’s worth understanding why healthcare is experiencing a massive increase. An analysis of healthcare job projections shows a convergence of factors that’s producing what experts call a “perfect storm” for healthcare employment.

The baby boomer generation is aging. More people require more care. At the same time, we’re dealing with a significant labor shortage across industries, as noted by the Society for Human Resource Management.

Add to that the rapid adoption of new technologies and AI in healthcare, and it’s a recipe for dramatic workforce transformation.

#1. Nurse Practitioners are Healthcare MVPs

One of the biggest growth areas is nurse practitioners (NPs). 

They aren’t regular bedside nurses. They’re advanced practice registered nurses (RNs) who can diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and serve as primary care providers. 

So, you’ll understand why earning a Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) degree can take up to several years.

Fortunately, nursing students can enroll in MSN-FNP online programs. The fully online coursework offers you the freedom and flexibility of earning certification in two years.

Cleveland State University explains that coursework includes disease prevention, health promotion, advanced health assessment, and clinical skills.

Data shows that nurse practitioner roles are expected to grow by 45% through 2032. Why such explosive growth? Simple: they’re filling critical gaps in healthcare access.

Why the Demand for NPs?

Nurse practitioners are more accessible to patients, with shorter wait times for appointments. 

They offer many of the same services as physicians, but with flexibility and at lower costs to healthcare systems. 

#2. Mental Health Counselors

If there’s one thing recent years have taught us, it’s that mental health can’t be an afterthought.

Mental health counselors, including licensed clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, and substance abuse counselors, are seeing unprecedented growth opportunities. 

Fortune’s analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics projections indicates that mental health counselor positions are expected to grow by 22% over the next decade. That’s nearly triple the average growth rate for all occupations!

Beyond Traditional Therapy

What’s particularly exciting about this field is how it’s expanding beyond traditional one-on-one therapy. 

We’re witnessing interest in areas like telehealth counseling, group therapy programs, and workplace mental health initiatives.

The stigma around mental health is finally breaking down. More people are seeking help, and that means more opportunities for mental health professionals.

#3. Health Information Technicians

Health information technicians were unheard of a few decades ago, but are now absolutely crucial.

They manage and organize health information data, ensuring it’s accurate, accessible, and secure. With the ongoing digitization of medical records and the importance of data analytics in healthcare decision-making, the role will be in high demand.

McKinsey’s research on the future healthcare workforce reports that roles that combine healthcare knowledge with technology skills are among the fastest-growing in the industry.

Why Data Matters More Than Ever

Think about it: every patient interaction, every test result, every treatment outcome generates data. 

Health information technicians ensure valuable information is properly coded, stored, and made available to healthcare providers when they need it. 

#4. Home Health Aides

The preference for aging at home has created massive demand for home health aides. Compassionate and patient, home health aides provide personal care and assistance to the elderly in their spaces, allowing them to keep their independence.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has a compelling argument. Home health aide positions are projected to grow by 50% over the next decade, making it one of the fastest-growing occupations in any field.

This growth is driven by both demographic trends and changing preferences about where people want to receive care.

More Than Basic Care

Modern home health aides do more than traditional caregiving. 

Many are trained in basic medical procedures, medication management, and technology for remote monitoring. It’s a role that’s becoming increasingly sophisticated and professionally recognized.

Well, there you have it. Proof that you don’t need to follow one conventional path in the healthcare field. As long as you pivot and continue to learn, you can future-proof your role.