Thinking about going into the growing field of healthcare? Concordia University Ann Arbor offers programs in many of the top healthcare careers.
With so many of America’s largest generational cohort—the “baby boomers”—retiring every day, it’s no secret that the demand for qualified healthcare professionals has nowhere to go but up. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), healthcare is expected to add 1.9 million jobs between 2018 and 2028—more than any other occupational grouping.
The digital publishing company Sechel Ventures utilized BLS data to round up a list of the top 50 health careers of the moment. The list takes into consideration:
- Career growth (Potential for employment)
- Salary
- Flexibility and return on investment
And guess what? Seven programs offered at Concordia University Ann Arbor show up among the first 17 on the list—including six in the top 10 healthcare careers. Take a look!
No. 1 on the list—Physical Therapist
Sechel Ventures says: “Physical therapy tops this health career list because it is a lucrative position with expected growth in the coming years. It also offers a relatively flexible and comfortable lifestyle. As of May 2021, the median annual wage for physical therapists was $95,620, and demand for these health professionals is expected to grow by 21 percent in the decade preceding 2030. Unlike some other health professionals, physical therapists can often make their hours, choose their clients, and are more likely to be self-employed.”
The Concordia degree: CUAA offers a new Doctorate of Physical Therapy program, as well as the requisite undergraduate program, our Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitative Science.
No. 3 on the list—Nurse Practitioner
Article says: “In many states, nurse practitioners are licensed to do much of what physicians can do. As the demand for healthcare services increases over the next decade, the demand for nurse practitioners is expected to increase by 45 percent (2020 to 2030). With a median salary of $120,680, this career is even more lucrative than physician assistants (or associates), particularly for in-demand specializations like adult care, gerontology, neonatal, pediatric, and more.”
The Concordia degree: Our Master of Science in Nursing degree is an online program that is run from our partner campus in Mequon, Wisconsin. Due to the convenience of the online format, students can take the program in a wide variety of states, and then find on-the-ground clinical placements wherever they live. *Some states are excluded due to state’s Board of Nursing regulations.
No. 4 on the list—Physician Assistant
Article says: “Not to be confused with medical assistants, physician assistants are highly trained health workers with advanced degrees who work closely with medical doctors to diagnose and treat illness. In May 2021, the median salary for a physician assistant in the US was $121,530, helping to make this challenging career one of the most lucrative in healthcare. The demand for physician assistants is expected to increase by 31 percent between 2020 and 2030.”
The Concordia degree: Concordia launched its first-ever Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program in January 2021.
No. 6 on the list—Registered Nurse
Article says: “As of May 2020, there were over three million registered nurse jobs in the US and that number is expected to swell 9 percent through the year 2030. Nurses enjoy a median salary of $77,600 for their work providing and coordinating care and educating and supporting patients in their wellness journeys.”
The Concordia degree: Housed in our newest building on campus, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at CUAA is one of our fastest growing programs.
No. 7 on the list—Occupational Therapist
Article says: “The BLS has noted that the demand for occupational therapists is expected to grow much faster than the average (8 percent) at 17 percent by the year 2030. This growth, coupled with a relatively high median salary of $85,570 (BLS May 2021) per year, makes this a highly desirable career pursuit. OTs typically have at least a master’s degree.”
The Concordia degree: Our Doctor of Occupational Therapy program launched in fall 2022, joining our undergraduate feeder program, Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitative Science.
No. 9 on the list—Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Article says: Diagnostic medical sonographers work closely with physicians but do not require nearly as much training, which means a faster track to employment. Demand for diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to grow 19 percent through 2030, translating into ample opportunities for graduating students. Sonographers generally have at least an associate’s degree and certification. They earn a median annual salary of $77,740 (BLS May 2021) and work in hospitals, laboratories, or medical office settings.
The Concordia degree: The didactic portion of our Bachelor of Science in Medical Sonography program is conducted at nearby Henry Ford Hospital.
No. 17 on the list—Radiologic Technologist
Article says: “Diagnostic imaging techniques such as x-rays have been around for many years, and they’re still one of the most effective ways to diagnose tumors and cancers. Radiologic technologists are expected to be in high demand, with 18,300 (9 percent increase) expected positions added through 2030. Radiographers also earn a decent living at $61,370 yearly (median annual wage) with an associate’s degree.”
The Concordia degree: The Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology degree is a two-plus-two program, meaning you’ll spend the first two years on CUAA’s campus before you apply for the rad tech program at one of our partner clinical institutions.
Want in?
At Concordia University Ann Arbor, we believe that education is at the junction of faith and learning. That means that we get to know you personally – your unique gifts and skills – so that we can help you develop fully in mind, body, and spirit to achieve your highest potential. Whatever area of study you pursue, within any of our five academic schools, you can expect personal attention, challenging courses, and genuine support from professors and staff who are invested in your success.