ExploreHealthCareers.org is committed to providing free access to health career information for everyone., The content on the site is created collaboratively and voluntarily, with contributions from national healthcare associations, industry experts, and educators across the United States, ensuring that the information is accurate, reliable, and up to date.

We collaborate with national associations and accrediting organizations to review and verify the content on our site. Experts in the field assess our materials before publication and during updates to maintain accuracy and trustworthiness.

Utilize our Career Explorer tool to browse over 100 health professions. Filter by interests, salary expectations, and education requirements to find a path that suits you.

It's common to reassess career goals. Many health professionals transition into different roles by gaining additional qualifications or experience. Flexibility and continuous learning are key to long-term success in healthcare.

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, several healthcare occupations are projected to experience significant growth between 2023 and 2033.

• These healthcare careers reflect the growing need for professionals to support an aging population and expanding healthcare services. Use our Career Explorer tool to research growth for all careers

Healthcare workforce shortages are primarily due to a combination of factors including:

• Growing and Aging Population: As the population ages, there is a growing need for healthcare services, particularly in fields like geriatrics and long-term care, to support an older, often more medically complex population.
• Increased Access to Healthcare: As more individuals gain access to healthcare, the demand for healthcare professionals continues to rise, particularly in areas like primary care, mental health services, and preventive care.
• Limited New Professionals Entering the Field: Despite the growing demand, there is a shortage of new healthcare workers entering the profession. This is particularly evident in areas such as primary care, mental health, and specialized fields that require advanced training.
• Retiring Workforce and Burnout: A significant portion of the healthcare workforce is nearing retirement age, and many healthcare workers are also leaving the profession due to burnout from long hours, high stress, and the emotional toll of the job.

These factors combine to create ongoing workforce shortages, which are likely to persist as the demand for healthcare continues to grow.

While no industry is completely recession-proof, healthcare tends to be more stable than many others, as people always need medical care, regardless of economic conditions. The sector has shown resilience, with the healthcare industry projected to add 2.3 million new jobs between 2023 and 2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. High demand for healthcare workers, particularly nurse practitioners and home health aides, is driven by an aging population and the ongoing need for medical services. As a result, healthcare continues to offer strong job security and growth potential, even during economic downturns

While no profession is entirely immune to layoffs, the healthcare industry generally experiences strong demand, especially for frontline workers involved in patient care. As healthcare needs continue to grow, job security for healthcare professionals remains relatively high. For more detailed insights into specific careers and their demand, check out ExploreHealthCareers.org’s Career Explorer.

As the population continues to age, the demand for specialized support in geriatric care is expected to rise. Individuals trained to meet the unique needs of older adults will be essential in a variety of settings, including long-term care facilities, hospitals, and home environments. These professionals will play a vital role in managing chronic health conditions, encouraging wellness and independence in later life, and offering compassionate assistance during end-of-life care. The growing need will also extend to those who provide day-to-day support, helping seniors with activities of daily living, personal care, and overall quality of life. As this demographic shift accelerates, a well-prepared workforce focused on aging-related care will be crucial to ensuring comprehensive and dignified services for older adults.

Educational requirements vary widely across health professions. Some careers require only a high school diploma and on-the-job training, while others call for associate, bachelor’s, or advanced degrees, along with professional certifications or licenses.

To explore the educational paths for different roles, visit the ExploreHealthCareers.org Career Hub (LINK)—a comprehensive resource to help you understand the training needed for more than 100 health careers or check out our resource for Health Education & Training for Future Healthcare Professionals.

Yes, many healthcare careers offer entry-level positions that allow you to gain experience and pursue further education while working. This can be an excellent way to build a foundation for a long-term career in healthcare. Use our Career Search tool and filter on level of education required to see list of occupations that you can enter straight from high school!

While Biology is a common major for medical students, pre-health students can pursue any major—as long as they complete the prerequisite courses required for their intended health profession. The most important factor is ensuring you meet the academic requirements for graduate or professional programs, not the major itself. It's advisable to consult with academic advisors and professionals in your desired field to help guide your decision and align your coursework with your career goals.

First and foremost, healthcare employers value professionals who genuinely care about helping others. Compassion, empathy, and strong communication skills are essential for providing excellent patient care. Intellectual curiosity is also important, as the healthcare field is constantly evolving. In addition to these personal qualities, education is key. Depending on the specific role, you may receive on-the-job training or attend community college, university, or even pursue graduate education.

No, many healthcare careers, including those in allied health professions, require less than four years of college. There are a variety of opportunities that allow you to enter the field with shorter educational paths. Use our Career Search tool and filter on level of education required to see a list of occupations that fit with your educational goals.

That’s a great question! One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a healthcare training program is accreditation. Accreditation is a formal recognition that a school or program meets established quality standards set by a reputable accrediting body. It helps ensure that the education you receive is rigorous, relevant, and respected by employers and licensing boards. Not all schools are accredited, and attending an accredited program ensures that the education you receive meets industry standards.

While accreditation is crucial, it’s just one aspect of your decision-making process. Even if a school is accredited, it may not necessarily be the best fit for you. To ensure you’re choosing the right program, consider asking yourself the following questions:

• Does the school align with my educational and career goals?
• Is academic support readily available?
• Are the instructors passionate and engaged in their subjects?
• How do I feel about the campus environment (if applicable)?
• Are the labs and facilities well-equipped for hands-on training?
• For online programs, do they offer clinical experience and opportunities to connect with instructors and peers?
• Are graduates of the school successful in securing employment in their field and does the school assist in job search and placement?

Take the time to research and visit schools if possible, and remember, your education is an investment in your future!

Healthcare career enrichment programs are designed to help strengthen your preparation for entry into health profession programs. These programs typically fall into two categories:

1. Academic enrichment programs: These offer coursework to deepen and enhance your knowledge in science and medical-related subjects.
2. Experiential programs: These often involve shadowing healthcare professionals to gain firsthand insight into their daily work.

While participating in an enrichment program isn’t required, it can help you refine your career focus and provide valuable networking opportunities. Mentors and professional references gained through these programs can be beneficial throughout your healthcare career.

Healthcare professionals can work in a wide range of settings, each offering unique opportunities and challenges. Beyond hospitals and medical or dental offices, healthcare workers are employed in various environments, including:

• Ambulatory care centers (e.g., blood and organ banks, pacemaker monitoring services)
• Business and industrial settings
• Correctional facilities
• Government agencies (local, state, or federal health departments)
• Home health services
• Medical and diagnostic laboratories (e.g., x-ray labs)
• Nursing and residential care facilities (e.g., nursing homes, rehabilitation centers)
• Offices of other health practitioners (e.g., dentists, optometrists, podiatrists)
• Outpatient care centers (e.g., dialysis centers, mental health clinics)
• Schools, providing healthcare services to students and staff
• Consulting roles, offering expertise to organizations or individuals

The healthcare field is vast, and depending on your career choice, the variety of work settings available is almost limitless.

Many health careers offer high earning potential, particularly those that require advanced education, specialized training, and a high level of responsibility. Salaries can vary based on the role, level of experience, and area of specialization. To explore health careers by salary and find one that aligns with your interests and goals, visit our Career Search tool.

A healthcare specialist is a professional who pursues additional education and training beyond their basic medical, dental, or nursing degree to provide focused care in a specific area. The number of years required for specialization varies by profession.

Our salary information is sourced from reputable organizations and reflects national averages. However, actual salaries can vary based on factors like location, experience, and education level.

Not at all! While medical school and other advanced healthcare programs can be expensive, there are many ways to make it more affordable. Financial aid options, such as grants, scholarships, loans, and loan forgiveness programs, can help cover tuition costs. Check out our Scholarship and Financial Aid resource page.

Absolutely! There are many healthcare careers that don’t involve working directly with patients.  Explore the career profiles to find more options that match your interests

Healthcare workers face several hazards, including exposure to infectious diseases like tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis, as well as radiation and chemicals. But the industry has strong safety procedures in place to minimize these risks.

One hazard that often gets overlooked is stress and burnout. Healthcare is a demanding field, and professionals need to take care of their mental health. Being patient, calm, and compassionate is essential, and it's important for healthcare workers to take breaks when needed.

Absolutely! Healthcare workers are in demand in communities of all sizes, from bustling cities to rural towns. While job opportunities and pay can vary depending on location, there are healthcare positions available almost everywhere. Whether you're interested in hospitals, clinics, home health services, or other settings, you'll likely find a healthcare job near where you live.

Over time, a healthcare worker’s career path may evolve as their skills, interests, and goals change. For instance, someone who has worked in the same role for several years might feel the need for a new challenge or a change of pace, a common experience for those in mid-career. As people grow and develop professionally, their interests can shift, and they may seek different opportunities within healthcare. The good news is that healthcare offers plenty of opportunities for career growth and change. Workers can build a diverse skill set by taking additional courses, exploring new specialties, or even switching work settings. Many employers support this growth by offering tuition assistance or time off for education, and some provide "career ladder" programs that allow employees to gain new skills and qualifications while continuing to work.

A healthcare workforce made up of individuals from a range of backgrounds helps improve cultural understanding, patient care, and the overall quality of healthcare services. Ensuring that health professionals reflect the communities they serve is key to addressing gaps in care and providing better service to all patients.

Medically underserved communities are areas or populations that face significant challenges in accessing primary care services. Factors that contribute to this include a shortage of healthcare providers, high poverty rates, and large elderly populations, among others.

Health disparities arise when certain groups experience unequal access to healthcare services and outcomes due to a range of factors, including race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, geographic location, and implicit bias—the unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that can influence healthcare providers' decisions and behaviors.

Explore our Access and Representation in Healthcare resource page for more information on this important issue.

By encouraging people from a range of backgrounds to pursue careers in healthcare, ExploreHealthCareers.org helps build a workforce better equipped to meet the needs of patients from all walks of life.