Fast-Growing Healthcare Careers That Need More Workers

The US population is aging, and a growing number of individuals rely on different aspects of healthcare, i.e., diagnostics, pharmacies for prescriptions, and regular check-ups.

This trend is also increasing the demand for skilled healthcare workers across clinical, administrative, and technical roles.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), healthcare occupations are projected to generate about 1.9 million job openings per year on average through 2034, making it one of the largest sources of new employment in the economy.

With that said, it should be noted that not all healthcare roles are growing at the same rate. Therefore, there are specific roles that students and career changers should aim for. Here’s the list of fastest-growing healthcare careers that you can start preparing for today!

High-Demand Healthcare Careers With Short-Term Training

These are the allied healthcare roles that are growing rapidly, and you can get training and certification for them within a year:

Medical Assistant

Medical assistants perform a mix of administrative and clinical tasks in doctors’ offices, clinics, and other facilities.

According to the BLS, the occupation for medical assistants is expected to grow 12% from 2024–2034, much faster than average. This translates to about 112,300 openings per year, largely due to the need to replace retirees.

• Typical Duties: Interview patients; record medical history; take vitals; assist in exams; administer basic medications/injections; manage scheduling and records; prepare lab samples. Learn more about a medical assistant’s daily duties.
• Work settings: Doctors’ offices (57%), hospitals, clinics, and outpatient centers.
• Education needed: Most medical assistants complete a postsecondary certificate (1–2 years). BLS notes that the typical entry education is a postsecondary nondegree award.
• Potential Salary: ~$44,200/year
• Why it’s in demand: Medical assistants help clinics run smoothly as patient volume grows. Health providers need these workers to handle paperwork and basic care, freeing up nurses and doctors.

Explore Online Medical Assistant Training Program

Radiology Technician (Limited-Scope)

Radiologic technologists (who perform full imaging exams) typically need a 2-year associate’s degree, but many states allow a limited-scope X-ray technician certificate that takes less time. These limited-scope radiology techs focus on chest or extremity X-rays under strict supervision.

• Typical duties: Operate X-ray equipment (under a radiologist’s direction); position patients and ensure safety; produce and process images. (Tasks are restricted to what state certification permits.)
• Work Settings: Clinics, urgent care centers, and hospitals.
  Education Needed: High school diploma with completion of a limited-scope rad tech program from an accredited institute.
• Potential Salary: $77,660/year
• Why it’s in demand: Imaging exams are a routine part of patient care, and healthcare facilities need more imaging staff. All radiologic and MRI technologists are projected to grow 5% from 2024–34, faster than average.

Explore Online Radiology Tech (limited-scope) Training Program

Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in dispensing medications. Core duties include measuring and packaging prescriptions, labeling bottles, and performing inventory tasks. The BLS projects pharmacy technician jobs to grow about 6% from 2024–34, faster than average. About 49,000 openings per year are expected, largely as current techs retire or change fields.

• Typical duties: Collect prescription information; count and prepare medication doses; package/label prescriptions; manage drug inventory, and notify pharmacist of shortages. Learn more about pharmacy technicians’ daily duties.
• Work Settings: Retail drugstores, grocery stores, hospitals, and long-term care facilities
• Potential Salary: $43,460/year
• Education Needed: Most pharmacy techs start with a high school diploma and on-the-job training. However, many employers and states now require a formal certificate of pharma tech training completion.
• Why it’s in demand: As more medications are prescribed (especially to older adults), pharmacies need extra hands to ensure safe dispensing. Also, increased regulation and computerization mean pharmacies want certified techs. The expansion of mail-order and outpatient pharmacies also boosts hiring.

Explore Pharmacy Technician Career Training Program

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

Medical billing and coding specialists (often called medical records specialists) do not provide hands-on care; instead, they ensure that the diagnoses, procedures, and treatments are accurately coded for insurance reimbursement and recordkeeping. The BLS projects 7% growth in this field from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average. There are about 194,800 jobs now, with roughly 14,200 openings per year.

• Typical duties: Review patient medical charts for completeness and accuracy and assign standardized codes (ICD/CPT) for diagnoses and procedures. Enter coded data into electronic health records and billing systems; file and retrieve patient records for doctors and insurance purposes; ensure confidentiality of patient information.
• Work Settings: Clinics and hospitals.
• Potential Salary: $50,250/year
• Education Needed: Most medical coders and billers start with a postsecondary certificate (one year or less), but many employers require or prefer a formal certificate or credential.
• Why it’s in demand: As patient care increases, there’s more need to convert care into billable codes. Also, healthcare providers must keep accurate records for legal and quality purposes. Even with emerging AI coding tools, skilled coders are needed to oversee accuracy.

Explore Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Training Program.

Other Fast-Growing Healthcare Careers (Degree or Extended Training May Be Required)

In addition to certificate-based roles, several other healthcare occupations are experiencing strong growth nationwide. However, it should be noted that these careers require additional education or licensing.

Home Health and Personal Care Aide

Home health aides assist elderly or disabled individuals with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and mobility. This occupation is projected to grow much faster than average, driven by the aging population and preference for in-home care.

• Typical education: High school diploma or short-term training
• Median annual wage: Approximately $33,000

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Licensed practical nurses provide basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. Although this role requires formal nursing education and licensure, it remains a critical workforce segment.

• Typical education: State-approved practical nursing program
• Median annual wage: Approximately $59,000

Health Information Technician

Health information technicians manage, analyze, and protect patient health data. This role overlaps with billing and coding but often requires deeper technical expertise.

• Typical education: Certificate or associate degree
• Median annual wage: Approximately $67,300