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Healthcare is booming. For those who want a secure career where they can focus on helping others, healthcare is about as strong an industry as anyone could hope to find.

That鈥檚 good news for those who want to earn an undergraduate or graduate degree and become healthcare professionals. There鈥檚 never been another time when the healthcare industry offered more opportunities and more potential for job growth.

In 2018, healthcare became the No. 1 industry for employment in the country. It happened sooner . In 2000, 7,000,000 more people worked in manufacturing than as healthcare professionals. In 2008, about 2,000,000 more people worked in retail than healthcare. Healthcare has now passed them both.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) sees . They project 2.4 million jobs being added in healthcare by 2026, an 18% increase. The following looks at some of those healthcare professional jobs that will provide plenty of opportunity in the coming years.

Health Science

鈥淗ealth Science is quickly becoming one of New England College鈥檚 top majors,鈥� comments Dr. Lori Koziol, Professor of Biology and Health Science at New England College, 鈥渁s many students are interested in pursuing careers in healthcare.鈥�

Earning a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from New England College opens the door to many different careers in healthcare. The degree often prepares graduates to move on to earn a master鈥檚 degree or doctorate as physicians, veterinarians, dentists, physician assistants, pharmacists, nurses, and physical therapists.

All those positions are in demand, according to the BLS.

For example, BLS projects a in the number of physician assistants, with California, Texas, and New York hiring the most professionals. Among the cities with the greatest number of physician assistants, Boston ranked in the top five, along with New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Philadelphia.

Projected job growth for the other professions, according to the BLS includes:

• Physical therapy: 28%
• Veterinarians: 19%
• Dentists: 19%
• Pharmacists: 6%
• Nurse: 15%

A health science degree can also lead to positions in medical research and public health. As Dr. Koziol explains, New England College students who major in health science or biology conduct research projects under a faculty mentor. These projects provide valuable experiences for students who want to pursue graduate or professional programs.

鈥淪tudents who have worked in my bacteriology research lab in the last several years have gone on to become veterinarians, physical therapists, physician assistants, medical research technicians, and laboratory technicians,鈥� Dr. Koziol adds. 鈥淭he students who ran bacterial projects in my lab have also gone on to medical doctor or PhD programs.鈥�

Healthcare Administration

With the rapid growth in the healthcare industry, qualified administrators are needed more than ever. They are tasked with developing efficient and effective healthcare services while also ensuring that a medical facility complies with all regulations. It鈥檚 a tall order, which is why the job is both in demand and rewarding.

New England College offers both an associate degree and bachelor鈥檚 degree in healthcare administration. Students develop expertise in areas such as marketing, ethics, financial management, strategic leadership, and quality management. New England College also offers business degrees with a concentration in healthcare. This can start at the bachelor鈥檚 degree level and eventually lead to earning an MBA with a concentration in healthcare management.

Jobs for professionals who graduate with a healthcare administration degree include leading a medical facility such as a hospital, long-term care facility, or doctor’s clinic. Graduates may also lead departments within a larger organization. The average salary for healthcare administration roles in May 2018 was $113,730, and the BLS projects a in healthcare management jobs by 2026.

That鈥檚 just a sample of the many career opportunities awaiting those who commit to earning a degree and becoming a healthcare professional. With the convenience of online courses and the wealth of career options, there鈥檚 never been a better time to make that commitment.