5 Growing Industries in Health Care that Need Leaders with Graduate Degrees

Everywhere you look, industries are recruiting leaders to bring experience and vision to their fields. But if you look a little more closely, you’ll find that certain industries are growing more rapidly than others. Companies within these industries are looking specifically for leaders with advanced degrees to help them in their expansion.

So, if you’re ready to take that next step in your career, look no further than these five growing industries — and find out how you can grow into a leadership role with them!

1. Physical Therapy

The job outlook for physical therapists is looking very bright. This field is expected to grow much faster than average at 34 percent from now until 2024.  This rapid rise can be attributed to an aging population that’s staying more active as well as more people who need to be treated for chronic conditions that cause mobility issues, such as diabetes and obesity. You’ll need a professional or doctoral degree to become a physical therapist, and the average pay physical therapists receive right now is $85,400.

Numbers aside, physical therapists also rank at the top as having the most satisfactory careers. They help those who are injured or sick recover movement and manage pain. They play a pivotal role in rehabilitation, treatment, and prevention of pain from illness and injury. And what’s more — physical therapists have a great opportunity to become their own boss. More than 21 percent of physical therapists own or partner in a physical therapy practice. But you also have the option of working in a wide variety of locations and settings. Hospitals, private practices, clinics, schools, and more all need physical therapists.

2. Physicians

Doctors are always in demand. And if you’re looking to become a physician, your skills will be highly sought-after. This industry is expected to grow 14 percent by 2024 with nearly 100,000 doctors needed in the next decade!

While the work is demanding, physicians make a real difference in the lives of their patients. The compensation speaks to the importance of this career with physicians and surgeons having among the highest median pay at $208,000 per year.

As a doctor, you’ll diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses, examine patients, counsel patients on preventive healthcare, and so much more. Most doctors work in private offices or clinics. And because it’s such a universal occupation, you can find employment just about anywhere as a doctor — even outside the United States.

3. Nursing

Nurses are in high demand right now with many hospitals facing an influx of patients and a shortage of qualified nursing staff. Nurse Practitioners, in particular, will experience incredible job growth, increasing 31 percent by 2024.

Nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives (all considered APRNs) provide primary and specialty healthcare and often coordinate patient care. Their level of care and practice depends on the state. No matter what, APRNs must attain at least a master’s degree, become licensed in the state, and pass a national certification exam.

These high-level nursing positions pay well, with nurse practitioners earning a median pay of $107,460 per year. You’ll never have a hard time finding a position, because APRNs have the option to work in a variety of settings. Hospitals, doctor’s offices, schools, and clinics are all in search of qualified nurse practitioners!

4. Postsecondary Education in Health

Are you interested in shaping the next generation of leaders? Then you should consider becoming a postsecondary teacher. This field is expected to grow faster than average at 13 percent by 2024.

But the most in-demand specialties will benefit the most from this growth. As the baby boomer population ages and becomes more dependent on health care services, nursing and health specialties teachers are projected to grow even faster! That’s because postsecondary teachers will need to educate the workers who provide these critical services.

Postsecondary teachers most commonly hold a Ph.D., but oftentimes a master’s degree may meet the requirements to teach at community colleges and technical schools. The average pay for postsecondary educators is $75,430 per year.

You’ll have the chance work in a variety of academic settings, conduct groundbreaking research, and publish papers and books that could make a lasting impact on your field. Postsecondary teachers also benefit from a flexible schedule outside of class and find the time to advise students and pursue research activities that interest them.

5. Health Care Social Work

Health care is clearly a growing industry, and social workers play a pivotal part in providing patient care. Health care social worker employment is expected to grow 19 percent by 2024, which is much faster than the average.

Health care social workers provide psychosocial support to people who are coping with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. You’ll provide families with advice, educate and counsel patients, and provide case management or interventions so that everyone can get the quality health care they need.

The need for health care workers is critical as aging baby boomers and their families transition to new treatments, medicine, and lifestyles. Mental health and substance abuse social workers are also needed to treat those struggling with well-being.

As a leader in health care social work, you’ll need a master’s degree in social work, and you can choose a specialty to help you gain even more valuable skills. The average pay for health care social work is $53,760.

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