As 2025 approaches, you may be assessing your career and looking for ways to climb that next rung on the ladder. Whether you’re just starting out in the healthcare field, currently studying in college or university, or working towards a professional certification, you likely want your career path to be both lucrative and exciting.
To make the right career choices in the healthcare industry, it’s important to look at the roles experts predict will be the leading options this coming year. Learn more about the healthcare careers offering the salaries and job outlook you want.
Nurse Practitioner
A nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse who offers primary care services and performs many of the same tasks as a doctor. They’re qualified to diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, order tests, and educate patients on disease prevention.
NPs can choose to focus on family practice, women’s health, pediatrics, or a variety of other specialties. These professionals often work alongside doctors, but many states allow them to offer independent services.
To become a nurse practitioner, you must obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and then either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). You must also pass a national NP board certification exam. The entire process can take between six and eight years.
The nurse practitioner role is the fastest-growing healthcare profession in the country. The job growth rate for NPs is expected to be 46% until 2033, which is significantly higher than other occupations.
Physician Assistant
A physician assistant (PA) is a medical professional who works under a physician’s supervision. They diagnose and treat patients and perform various other services, including recording patient histories, managing clinical research, and providing surgical assistance. Because there aren’t enough clinical doctors available, PAs are highly sought-after.
These medical professionals work directly with patients and collaborate with caregivers like nurses and allied health team members. PAs can work in hospitals, physician’s offices, correctional institutions, nursing homes, healthcare clinics, and many other settings.
To become a PA, you must obtain a master’s degree in physician assistant studies and then become licensed in the state in which you want to work. Getting a master’s degree typically takes about two to three years.
The position of PA is the second fastest-growing in the healthcare industry, with a projected growth rate of 28% between 2023 and 2033.
Nurse Anesthetist
One of the most lucrative nursing positions is that of a nurse anesthetist. These crucial professionals provide anesthesia services to patients before, during, and after surgical procedures. They’re responsible for ensuring that patients are comfortable and pain-free as they undergo treatment.
Nurse anesthetists work closely with doctors, as well as other medical professionals. They prepare patients for anesthesia and manage their recovery from it. Nurse anesthetists work in hospitals, surgical clinics, doctors’ offices, outpatient care centers, and many other settings.
Historically, it was necessary to obtain a master’s degree in nursing and seek national certification to become a nurse anesthetist. As of 2025, however, you’ll need a Doctor of Nursing Anesthesia Practice or a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Once you’ve earned your master’s, the doctorate degree can take up to five additional years.
The job outlook for nurse anesthetists is excellent for 2025. The anticipated rate of job growth until 2033 is 40%, which is much more than that of other professions.
Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory therapists are medical professionals who help patients with breathing problems. They work under the supervision of doctors and nurses and provide care to patients of all ages.
As part of their duties, respiratory therapists evaluate patients, assist with diagnosing breathing-related issues, analyze sputum and blood, and manage necessary diagnostic and treatment equipment.
Respiratory therapists can specialize in pediatric care, pulmonary rehab, and many other areas of focus. They can work in clinics, hospitals, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes.
To become a respiratory therapist, you must complete an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy. You must also pass a certification exam and obtain a state license. (The only state in the country that doesn’t require licensure is Alaska.) The field of respiratory therapists is expected to grow 13% by 2033.
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nurse
An ICU nurse, also known as a critical care nurse, is a registered nurse who works with doctors and other care team members to assess, treat, and monitor critically ill patients. They provide basic care, communicate with patients’ families, administer medications, and perform a number of other vital services.
ICU nurses work in intensive care units and can focus on a number of specialties, including neonatal care and cardiac care. To become an ICU nurse, you must obtain an associate or bachelor’s degree, which can take up to four years. After that, you’ll need to earn your critical care nursing licensure.
Once you have your license, you can obtain certification as a critical care nurse. Keep in mind that you’ll need significant experience working as a registered nurse in a critical care setting to be eligible for certification.
The field of ICU nursing is expected to maintain a job growth rate of 6% until 2033. In 2023 alone, there were 3,300,100 registered nurse jobs.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists help patients with disabilities, illnesses, or other debilitating conditions recover basic functions so they can perform everyday activities. These health professionals assist geriatric patients in maintaining their independence, as well as children who require early intervention, designing plans that target each patient’s needs.
Occupational therapists work in hospitals, clinics, outpatient centers, and schools. To become one, you must obtain a master’s degree in occupational therapy and be licensed in your state. A master’s program can take two to three years to complete.
Some employers also require occupational therapists to have basic life support and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.
The projected job growth rate for occupational therapists is 11% until 2033, which is much faster than the average.
Ultrasound Technologist
An ultrasound technologist is an allied health professional who performs diagnostic imaging using ultrasound equipment. The images they capture help physicians make accurate diagnoses.
These professionals prepare patients for diagnostic procedures, prep exam rooms, place patients for targeted imaging, and analyze images for abnormalities.
Ultrasound technologists can specialize, choosing to focus on the heart, abdomen, blood vessels, and many other systems. Their services are required in hospitals, diagnostic centers, clinics, and doctors’ offices.
To become an ultrasound technologist, you must obtain at least an associate degree in diagnostic medical sonography or a related field. However, many employers look for candidates with bachelor’s degrees. Certification isn’t required in most states, but it can make you a more attractive candidate.
The anticipated job growth rate for ultrasound technologists over the next decade is 11%.
Home Health Aide
Home health aides offer personal care services to individuals at home, assisting with everyday tasks like bathing, meal preparation, and dressing. Their primary patients tend to be older adults and those with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Aside from helping patients manage essential tasks, they can monitor vital signs and change dressings.
These professionals collaborate with nurses and other members of the patient’s care team and offer progress reports on the patient’s condition. They work mainly in patients’ homes, but they can also provide services to nursing homes and similar care facilities.
To become a home health aide, you’ll need a high school diploma or its equivalent. Some states require prospective aides to have additional training and become certified nursing assistants, while others may expect you to obtain certification in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
The job growth rate for home health aides until 2033 is 21%.
MRI Technologist
An MRI technologist operates magnetic resonance imaging machines to create clear internal images of the body. They maintain and adjust imaging equipment, prepare patients for procedures, and position them correctly to get accurate images. MRI technologists also analyze imaging results and help physicians diagnose conditions.
Most of the time, MRI technologists work in hospital settings, though they can also be employed by special imaging centers. Although it’s possible to find a position with only a high school diploma, you can broaden your employment options by earning an associate or bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology.
The majority of states require MRI technologists to have certification. Even if your state doesn’t, most employers prefer to hire those with certifications. The job growth rate for MRI technologists is 6% until 2033, which is somewhat faster than average.
Find the right healthcare career path for you
2025 promises to be an exciting year for those in the healthcare field. There’s still a great demand for nurses and allied health professionals, and that need doesn’t appear to be slowing down. On the contrary, because so many healthcare providers are poised to retire soon, there will likely be a surge of jobs in a variety of fields.
Prolink can help you find the ideal position you’re looking for. We focus on building relationships with our talent, getting to know their lifestyle and goals, and connecting them with the most promising opportunities. Click below to connect with a recruiter today and start the next step of your career journey.
