The healthcare industry is booming, and with it, many new and exciting career paths are emerging in health sciences. This translates into a wealth of opportunities for those with an interest in health science careers.
Importantly, did you know that the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 13% increase in jobs in the healthcare sector between 2021 and 2031?
This article will explore some of the most exciting and in-demand health science professions in the future. Additionally, we will dive into what each role entails, the educational requirements to get started, and what you can expect to earn.
We will also highlight the skills needed for each job to give you a sense of clarity in terms of the skills you need to gain.
Finally, to kickstart your journey, we will list down some popular universities offering degrees in health sciences.
Here Are The Upcoming Health Science Careers In a Few Years
1. Physical Therapy Assistant
- Required Education: Associate degree accredited by (CAPTE) or a degree in Kinesiology, exercise science, or a related field.
- Projected Employment Growth: 26.1%
- Average Annual Salary: $33,840 to $82,470
A career in Physical Therapy Assistant is one of the upcoming health science careers that will be in big demand in the future. The physical therapy assistant ensures that the work areas are sanitized, setting the stage for safe therapy sessions. PTAs also prepare equipment, crucial for effective treatment.
Notably, they are also responsible for tracking the patient’s progress. Moreover, they assist patients in exercising, directly impacting patient recovery. PTAs work hands-on with patients, administering therapeutic interventions.
Additionally, they instruct the patients to use their physiotherapy equipment encouraging independence. PTAs also educate both patients and families, ensuring understanding and support. Importantly, they compile medical reports, documenting the healing journey. Lastly, they also focus on prevention, guiding toward healthier lifestyles.
Importantly, to be a physical therapy assistant, the following skills are needed:
- Physical stamina
- Manual Dexterity
- First aid skills
- Ability to use physiotherapy devices
- Compassion
- Documentation skills
- Hygiene and sanitation
2. Home Health Aide
- Required Education: High school diploma, A Home Health Aide course, or a certificate program at a community or junior college.
- Projected Employment Growth: 20%
- Average Annual Salary: $20,810 – $39,370
Home Health Aides ensure medication adherence and monitor vital signs, fostering patient stability. Additionally, aides swiftly provide first aid, enhancing recovery prospects. Moreover, they report health updates to doctors, ensuring informed medical decisions.
Furthermore, aides support patients with exercise, promoting physical well-being. They also prepare nutritious meals, aiding in dietary management. These aides perform the dressing and bathing tasks as well. Notably, they also provide toilet assistance.
Their duties also include housekeeping to create a clean environment. Lastly, aides accompany patients outdoors, ensuring safety and companionship.
The skills required to be a home health aide are:
- Empathy
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Interpersonal skills
- Physical stamina
- Time management skills
- Adaptability
- Basic medical knowledge
- Patience
- Flexibility
3. Nutritionist
- Required Education: BSc in Dietetics & Nutrition, MSc in Dietetics & Nutrition, M.Sc. in Food & Nutrition, and PG Diploma in Dietetics
- Projected Employment Growth: 6-7%
- Average Annual Salary: $39,840 – $90,000
Being a nutritionist is also one of the in-demand health science careers that will provide you with a lot of employment opportunities in the future. Furthermore, nutritionists evaluate clients’ health needs, setting the foundation for personalized nutrition strategies. Additionally, they constantly advise clients regarding their eating and exercise habits.
These experts also develop educational resources, empowering clients with knowledge. Moreover, they determine optimal nutrition plans, ensuring each client’s unique requirements are met.
Flexibility is a must here; therefore, they adjust plans as client needs evolve. Moreover, progress monitoring is continuous, guaranteeing goals are on track. Additionally, staying in touch with research, they integrate cutting-edge findings into practice.
Importantly, they also assist in managing diseases like diabetes through diet, enhancing quality of life. Each duty underscores their commitment to nurturing health through nutrition.
Importantly, if you are a clinical nutritionist, you have the following responsibilities
- Examining patients for potential dietary risks
- Creating plans for medical nutrition therapy
- Talking about plans with physicians and other members of the healthcare team
- Discussing dietary concerns with patients and their families
If you are a community nutritionist, you have the following responsibilities:
- Addressing groups on health and nutrition
- Developing nutrition education initiatives for the general public
- Creating strategies and activities tailored to particular demographics
Lastly, if you wish to be a nutritionist, then you need the following skills:
- Good communication skills
- Knowledge of nutritional science
- Numerical literacy
- Knowledge of meal planning and counseling
- Empathy
- Organisational skills
4. Veterinary Technicians
- Required Education: Associate/Bachelor/Masters degree in Veterinary Technology
- Projected Employment Growth: 21%
- Average Annual Salary: $25,520 – $52,410
In the list of in-demand health science careers, this career ranks in the 4th place. Veterinary technicians record and manage medical histories actively. Additionally, these professionals conduct X-rays and tests, crucial for diagnoses. Moreover, they analyze animal behaviors, aiding in health assessments. Reports they create detail these observations effectively.
Moreover, they act as a bridge between veterinarians and pet owners, explaining care procedures and ensuring animals are comfortable. Importantly, their veterinary research prepares animals for surgery, to ensure maximum safety. Additionally, they maintain medical equipment diligently.
Furthermore, in emergencies, veterinary technicians provide first aid promptly. They administer treatments and vaccines efficiently. Skillfully, they insert catheters and draw blood. Notably, their responsibility also includes administering the right amount of anesthesia to ensure animal comfort. Thus, they assist in complex veterinary procedures reliably.
If you plan to become a veterinary technician, then you must possess the necessary skills:
- Love for animals
- Patience
- Knowledge of animal behavior
- Documentation skills
- Analyzing information and clinical skills.
- Application of medical technology
- Qualities required include attention to detail and patience
- Good Verbal communication
- Technical understanding
5. Dental Assistant
- Required Education: AAS in Dental Assisting, Accredited Dental Assistant program
- Projected Employment Growth: 7%
- Average Annual Salary: $28,940 – $58,390
Lastly, in the list of upcoming in-demand health science careers, we have shortlisted the job of a dental assistant. Dental assistants are integral to dental care teams. They assist dentists during treatments, ensuring procedures run smoothly. Room preparation is another key task, setting up for patient visits. These professionals also handle dental X-rays, capturing essential images.
Importantly, their topmost responsibility is patient care. Furthermore, they instruct patients on oral hygiene, thereby promoting dental health. Additionally, dental assistants sterilize instruments, ensuring the patient’s safety. Moreover, in the list of responsibilities, record management is crucial for keeping the patient’s data organized.
Additionally, they schedule appointments and coordinate clinic flow. Dental assistants educate their patients on dental procedures, enhancing the patients understanding. Lastly, their administrative skills support the dental office’s efficiency.
Want to become a dental assistant? then you surely need these skills:
- Interpersonal skills
- Listening skills
- Strong organization skills
- Detail-oriented personality
- Excellent dexterity skills
- Administrative skills
- Technical skills
- Multitasking
- Basic knowledge of dental medicine
Other Popular Job Titles
Apart from these jobs, some of the other popular health science careers are:
- Medical Assistant
- Speech-Language Pathologist
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Registered Nurse
- Athletic Trainers
- Radiologic & MRweTechnologist
- Laboratory Technologist & Technician
- Phlebotomist
Best Universities To Pursue Health Sciences Careers
If you wish to pursue a career in any of these jobs, then you can pursue your course from the following universities:
- Oklahoma University
- Harvard University
- University of Toronto
- University of Melbourne
- Imperial College London
- University of Pennsylvania
- MIT
- Yale University
- Ohio State University
- University of Texas, Dallas
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have summed up the top 5 in-demand health science careers. We have mentioned important points such as their educational requirements, projected employment rates, and their average salaries. Additionally, we have also highlighted their duties and the necessary skills you must possess for such jobs.
Notably, we have not only highlighted other in-demand health science careers but also highlighted popular universities that may offer good courses or degrees in the same. We hope you gained valuable knowledge through this article.
Thanks for Reading!
