Healthcare workers are always in high demand—and the statistical outlook of the ongoing nursing shortage indicates that won’t change anytime soon. Not all healthcare careers are created equal, however. Even setting aside discrepancies in pay, required education, and responsibility, the demand for certain healthcare jobs far outpaces others.
If you’re looking for medical careers in demand for the future, especially healthcare careers other than nursing, you’re in the right place. Below are six of the fastest growing healthcare jobs in demand as of fall 2025.
All job outlook and growth metrics are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Median pay: $89,340 per year / $42.95 per hour
Entry-level education: Associate degree
Projected growth: 13%
A diagnostic medical sonographer is a healthcare professional who uses ultrasound technology to create images of the inside of the body. These images help physicians diagnose and monitor a wide range of conditions. Sonographers prepare patients for procedures by explaining the process, positioning them properly, and applying gel to improve image quality. They operate ultrasound equipment to capture clear, detailed images of organs, tissues, blood flow, or developing fetuses, and they adjust the equipment to ensure accuracy.
While they do not provide official diagnoses, sonographers recognize normal and abnormal findings and highlight areas of concern for the physician’s review. Many specialize in areas such as obstetrics and gynecology, cardiology, vascular imaging, abdominal imaging, or musculoskeletal sonography. Their role combines technical skill with patient care, as they work closely with both patients and physicians to provide essential information for treatment decisions.
Home Health Aide
Median pay: $34,900 per year / $16.78 per hour
Entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent
Projected growth: 17%
Home health aides provide in-home support to patients who need help with daily activities. They often work with older adults, people recovering from illness or surgery, or those living with chronic conditions or disabilities. Home health aides assist with tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and light housekeeping, and they may also prepare meals and help with mobility around the home.
In some cases, they check vital signs, remind patients to take medications, and report changes in health to nurses or other healthcare professionals. Beyond practical care, home health aides offer companionship and emotional support, helping clients feel safe and comfortable in their daily routines. Their work allows individuals to maintain independence, avoid unnecessary hospital stays, and experience a higher quality of life at home.
Physician Assistant
Median pay: $133,260 per year / $64.07 per hour
Entry-level education: Master’s degree
Projected growth: 20%
A physician assistant (PA) is a licensed medical professional who practices medicine under the supervision of a physician. PAs are trained to examine patients, order and interpret tests, diagnose illnesses, and develop treatment plans. They can also perform procedures, assist in surgery, and prescribe medications in most states. Their role often involves taking medical histories, conducting physical exams, and counseling patients on preventive care and healthy lifestyle choices.
Because of their broad training, PAs work in nearly every area of medicine, from primary care to surgical specialties, and they often serve as a patient’s main point of contact within a healthcare team. While they collaborate closely with physicians, they also work independently in many aspects of patient care.
Psychiatric Technician
Median pay: $42,200 per year / $20.29 per hour
Entry-level education: Certification program or associate degree
Projected growth: 16%
A psychiatric technician is a healthcare worker who supports patients living with mental illness, developmental disabilities, or emotional challenges. They provide hands-on care that promotes stability, dignity, and recovery for people facing mental health or developmental challenges. They help patients with daily activities such as eating, dressing, and hygiene while also observing behavior and emotional well-being.
Psychiatric technicians may lead therapeutic or recreational activities, assist with medications, and report patient progress to nurses or physicians. This high-demand healthcare career plays an important role in maintaining a safe, supportive environment in hospitals, residential facilities, or community programs.
Respiratory Therapist
Median pay: $80,450 per year / $38.68 per hour
Entry-level education: Associate degree
Projected growth: 12%
A respiratory therapist is a specialized healthcare professional who helps patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. They assess lung function, administer treatments such as oxygen therapy or inhaled medications, and manage equipment like ventilators.
Respiratory therapists care for patients of all ages, from premature infants with underdeveloped lungs to older adults with chronic conditions such as asthma, COPD, or pneumonia. They often respond to emergencies, performing airway management and life-support interventions.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Median pay: $95,410 per year / $45.87 per hour
Entry-level education: Master’s degree
Projected growth: 15%
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) is a licensed clinician who evaluates and treats communication and swallowing disorders. They work with children and adults who have difficulties with speech, language, voice, or fluency, as well as those recovering from strokes, brain injuries, or medical conditions that affect swallowing.
SLPs design personalized therapy plans, teach strategies to improve communication, and support safe eating and drinking. They collaborate closely with families, educators, and healthcare providers to maximize progress. If you want to help people find their voice, improve their communication, and safely manage swallowing challenges, among other responsibilities, this in-demand medical career may be the one you’re looking for.
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