It is impossible to talk about the COVID-19 pandemic without mentioning or considering the healthcare industry and its employees. When the world went quiet and hid away from the threat of a new, unknown virus, the medical world rose to the challenge of understanding and treating this new threat. Employees of the medical community put their health at risk and their families aside to support the treatment of those affected by COVID-19. It is because of these brave individuals that those who were sick got proper care. These employees also allowed for life to slowly get back to normal and for patients with non-life-threatening conditions to get seen and treated once again. The COVID-19 pandemic also brought about a new way for the medical world to treat patients using telehealth. Taking away the threat of exposure when going out into the world or into a medical building, telehealth appointments now help healthcare professionals reach all their patients even from the comfort of their own homes.

The importance of healthcare employees has led to an increasing need for additional personnel in the healthcare industry. “Total employment is projected to grow from 153.5 million to 165.4 million over the 2020–30 decade, an increase of 11.9 million jobs,” the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. “This increase reflects an annual growth rate of 0.7 percent, which is higher than recent projections cycles and accounts for recovery from low base-year employment for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated recession.” With so many new jobs opening every day, the medical field is constantly looking for new employees. The best part is, there are so many different opportunities for those who are interested. No matter your education level, jobs are readily available for those who are interested.

Nurse practitioner

Projected percent change, 2020–2030: 52% Much faster than average

Projected employment change: 114,900 new job openings Median annual wages, May 2020: $111,680
Education: Master’s degree

Occupational therapy assistant or aide

Projected percent change, 2020–2030: 34% Much faster than average

Projected employment change: 16,800 new job openings Median annual wage, May 2020: $60,950
Education: Accredited associate degree that may take two years to complete

Physical therapy assistant or aide

Projected percent change, 2020–2030: 35% Much faster than average

Projected employment change: 44,900 new job openings Median annual wages, May 2020: $59,770
Education: An accredited associate degree that may take two years to complete

Home health and personal care aide

Projected percent change, 2020–2030: 32% Much faster than average

Projected employment change: 1,129,900 new job openings Largest growth across all industries
Median annual wages, May 2020: $27,080
Education: Postsecondary nondegree award that may take 1 year to complete

Medical and health services manager

Projected percent change, 2020–2030: 32% Much faster than average

Projected employment change: 139,600 new job openings Median annual wages, May 2020: $104,280
Education: Bachelor’s degree

Physician assistant

Projected percent change, 2020–2030: 31% Much faster than average

Projected employment change: 40,100 new job openings Median annual wages, May 2020: $115,390
Education: Bachelor’s degree and two years of postgraduate study

Medical assistant

Projected percent change, 2020–2030: 18% Much faster than average

Projected employment change: 132,600 new job openings
Median annual wages, May 2020: $27,080
Education: Postsecondary nondegree award that may take 1–2 years to complete

Medical sonographer, cardiovascular technologist or technician

Projected percent change, 2020–2030: 14% Faster than average

Projected employment change: 19,100 new job openings. Median annual wages, May 2020: $70,380
Education: Postsecondary certificate or associate degree that may take two years to complete