In Demand Allied Jobs While healthcare jobs in general are in demand, there are a few careers that are specifically projected to take off in the next decade. These healthcare careers will only continue to grow alongside the aging baby boomer population and healthcare emergencies. Here are the five most in demand healthcare careers.

5 In Demand Healthcare Jobs that are Growing Fast

Physical therapy assistant (PTA)

Growth rate: 32% by 2030
Projection: 23,800 job openings projected each year
Average weekly salary: $1,570
Average hourly rate: $39
Education requirements: Associate degree
Relevant certifications: NPTE

Physical therapist assistants work under the supervision of physical therapists to implement treatment plans to help patients recovering from injuries and illnesses to regain mobility, manage pain, and improve strength. PTAs observe patients, assist patients with prescribed exercises, and more.

Respiratory therapist (RT)

Growth rate: 23% by 2030
Projection: 10,100 job openings projected each year
Average weekly salary: $2,559
Average hourly rate: $64
Education requirements: Associate or bachelor's degree
Relevant certifications: RRT (NBRC), CRT (NBRC)

Respiratory therapists are specialized healthcare providers who care for the lungs and respiratory system and have some of the highest median annual salaries for all health care jobs. RTs make sure patients’ breathing functions are operating well. RTs care for patients with chronic illnesses and respiratory diseases like asthma, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They also administer tests to assess lung capacity, take blood samples, and perform treatments and administer prescription medications to improve breathing.

Phlebotomist

Growth rate: 22% by 2030
Projection: 19,500 job openings projected each year
Average weekly salary: $677
Average hourly rate: $17
Education requirements: Associate degree
Relevant certifications: NCPT

A phlebotomist or phlebotomy technician draws patients’ blood and prepares blood samples for testing. They may also collect blood for donations. Phlebotomists are found in numerous types of healthcare facilities as they also maintain lab equipment, take care of patients in the lab, and ship blood samples.

Physical therapist (PT)

Growth rate: 21% by 2030
Projection: 15,600 job openings projected each year
Average weekly salary: $1,434
Average hourly rate: $36
Education requirements: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Relevant certifications: NPTE

Physical therapists are health professionals who improve patients’ quality of life with exercise, hands-on care, and education. PTs treat patients of all ages with injuries, disabilities, and other health conditions requiring treatment. Additionally, PTs work with those wanting to take preventative measures. PTs work with their patients to develop a treatment plan aimed at improving mobility, reducing or managing pain, restoring function to certain parts of the body, or preventing disability.

Occupational therapist (OT)

Growth rate: 17% by 2030
Projection: 10,100 job openings projected each year
Average weekly salary: $1,747
Average hourly rate: $44
Education requirements: Master's degree
Relevant certifications: NBCOT and specialty certifications from AOTA

Occupational therapists help patients do everyday activities again after an illness or injury. They help injured, ill, or disabled patients develop and improve daily skills. By assessing their patients’ abilities and environment, they can make recommendations to help improve the patients’ daily lives as well as improve necessary skills. OTs may help their patients with bathing, dressing, eating, meal prep, skills training, and more. OTs also work with other healthcare providers and help their patients address emotional issues, mental health challenges, and developmental disabilities.

Looking into going into one of these healthcare professions? It's a great place to start if you're looking to start in a field where you can grow your healthcare career and earn a competitive median annual wage. At Fusion Medical Staffing, we're experts in helping medical professionals like you find the best health care jobs where you can take your patient care skills on the road.

Editor's note: salary information was sourced from ZipRecruiter.