Getting into the healthcare field in 2025

The realities of the healthcare worker shortage

From doctors and nurses to medical assistants and phlebotomists, not to mention all of the behind-the-scenes staff, it takes a host of trained workers to make holistic, supportive care possible. And there's no question that serving in health-related roles like these can be among the most rewarding career paths.

If you've been thinking about starting a new career in the healthcare field, there may not be a better time to go for it.

As our nation continues to face significant healthcare workforce challenges, health care environments of all shapes and sizes are struggling to meet growing patient demand while maintaining quality care standards.

Here's what to know about getting into health care during this critical time of need:

While a 4-year degree program may be a practical path towards a career for some students, those who want to pursue careers in healthcare, IT, business, arts, or mechanical occupations can find more efficient paths to fill your professional qualifications. That doesn’t mean you can’t continue your education at some point, and earn your bachelor’s or graduate level degree. But why wait if you don’t have to?

Strains, struggles, shortages

Healthcare facilities across the country are experiencing staffing challenges driven by several converging factors, which makes now a perfect time to enroll in a healthcare program and begin your new career.

An aging population requires more medical services than ever before, while many healthcare workers are reaching retirement age themselves. The demanding nature of healthcare work, combined with workplace stress and burnout, has led many professionals to leave the field entirely or reduce their working hours.

Economic factors also play a role, as healthcare workers seek better compensation and working conditions. Many facilities are competing for limited talent pools, leading to increased travel nursing contracts and higher staffing costs. Meanwhile, evolving healthcare technology and treatment protocols require ongoing training and adaptation from existing staff.

Nursing staff in particular, whether in intensive care units, surgical units, or primary care settings, continue to face tremendous pressure. Administrative burdens, staffing ratios, and workplace safety concerns have created a challenging environment that affects both job satisfaction and patient care quality. Support staff in healthcare environments are facing similar personnel challenges, meaning that facilities struggle to maintain smooth operations across all departments.

Meeting growing healthcare demands

Beyond acute care needs, Americans require consistent access to routine medical services. Our aging population needs more preventive care, chronic disease management, and specialized treatments. People still need routine procedures, annual checkups, dental care, and therapeutic services. Mental health services have seen particularly high demand as awareness and acceptance of mental healthcare continues to grow.

The healthcare system also continues to expand into new areas of care, including telehealth services, home healthcare, and specialized outpatient facilities. Each of these growing sectors requires trained professionals to deliver quality care in evolving healthcare environments.

Technology and innovation in healthcare

Modern healthcare increasingly relies on sophisticated technology, from electronic health records and diagnostic equipment to robotic surgery systems and artificial intelligence tools. This technological advancement creates opportunities for healthcare workers who are comfortable with technology and interested in working at the intersection of healthcare and innovation.

Healthcare facilities need professionals who can adapt to new systems, work with digital tools, and help bridge the gap between traditional patient care and modern healthcare technology. This evolution creates exciting career opportunities for those entering the field today.

Setting our sights on the future

Looking ahead, demographic trends indicate that healthcare workforce needs will only continue to grow. The baby boomer generation is entering their peak healthcare utilization years, while younger generations are prioritizing preventive care and wellness services. This creates sustained demand across virtually all healthcare specialties and support roles.

Healthcare delivery models are also evolving, with more care moving to outpatient settings, specialty clinics, and community-based facilities. These changes create diverse employment opportunities beyond traditional hospital settings, offering healthcare workers more options for work environments that match their preferences and career goals.

Stepping into healthcare

If you’ve got a passion for patient care, enjoy a fast-paced work environment, and are interested in pursuing a new career in 2025, training for a health care role could be the perfect choice for you!

The Imagine America Foundation partners with a robust network of schools who provide hands-on training to help students like you get the skills they need to succeed. Plus, we’re also proud to offer scholarship and grant award programs to recent high school graduates, military students, and adult learners. Eligible students can receive a tuition discount at our member schools in order to help them make their career training more affordable.

We’d love to help you find the right health care program from a variety of popular roles in the health sciences, including nursing, medical assisting, dental assisting, massage therapy, medical billing and coding, pharmacy technology, phlebotomy, surgery technology, and more.

Get started today and make a difference in the healthcare field in 2025!

Check out schools that offer healthcare programs