Careers With Growth Potential and the Degree You'll Need

The landscape of the U.S. labor force is shifting—and for many occupations, it’s for the better. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), total employment is projected to increase by nearly 12 million jobs over the 2020–30 decade, from 153.5 to 165.4 million.¹ If you’re looking for a new role in your current field or to make a career change, there are a number of jobs across industries with great growth potential you can tap into, depending upon educational background and experience.

Careers With an Impressive Employment Outlook

Medical and Health Services Manager²

• Median Pay: $104,280
• Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s
• Employment Outlook: 32% (2020–30)

Medical and health services managers with a relevant bachelor’s-level education, like a BS in Healthcare Management, can earn a six-figure salary. Also referred to as a healthcare administrator or healthcare executive, professionals in this role plan, coordinate, and direct health and medical services and communicate changing healthcare laws, regulations, and technology. After earning an advanced degree in the field—such as a Master of Healthcare Administration or a Doctor of Healthcare Administration—medical and health services managers can go on to oversee medical and/or clinical facilities, departments, or practices.

Computer Systems Analyst³

• Median Pay: $93,730
• Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s
• Employment Outlook: 7% (2020–30)

A great option for those with a BS in Business Administration degree with a specialization in Information Systems, computer systems analysts review an organization’s computer systems and find solutions to increase their efficiency and effectiveness. While this career path is expected to grow at a normal rate, a greater number of opportunities are expected within the healthcare industry to handle the increased call for electronic health records, e-prescriptions, and similar healthcare technologies. The total projection breaks down to about 47,500 job openings each year targeted to professionals serving in these functions.

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor⁴

• Median Pay: $47,660
• Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s
• Employment Outlook: 23% (2020–2030)

The rise of mental health issues and substance abuse disorders in the U.S. has led to legislation aimed at increasing access to mental and behavioral health resources and care. And as more people seek treatment, the demand for licensed clinical mental health counselors will continue to grow. This is especially true for those who hold a specialized degree in substance abuse counseling, such as an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Addiction Counseling. With counseling expected to be among the fastest-growing career areas through 2030, job prospects are likely to remain promising.

Nurse Practitioner⁵

• Median Pay: $117,670
• Minimum Required Education: Master’s
• Employment Outlook: 45% (2020–2030)

Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), including nurse practitioners, are top earners across non-physician healthcare occupations. To serve as an APRN—whether as a nurse practitioner, anesthetist, or midwife—you must earn a specialized Master of Science in Nursing, become licensed in the state where you will practice, and pass a national certification exam. APRNs coordinate patient care and provide both specialty and primary healthcare in a variety of settings, including clinics, primary care offices, and hospitals.

Start Your Online Learning Journey Today at Walden—an Accredited University

With over 100 degree and certificate programs online, Walden University is a great option if you’re looking to get your bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. And thanks to an array of student support services and a convenient online learning platform, you can better maintain a work-life balance as you earn your college degree. Whether you want to pursue a career in business and management, social work, education, psychology and counseling, nursing, or another discipline, Walden’s got you covered.

Walden University is an accredited institution offering high-quality online degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, as well as online certificate programs. Expand your career options and earn your degree using a convenient, flexible learning platform that fits your busy life.

¹Source: www.bls.gov/news.release/ecopro.nr0.htm
²Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical and Health Services Managers, SOC code 11-9111. Retrieved December 2021. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, do not guarantee actual job growth, and are subject to change.
³Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer Systems Analysts, SOC code 15-1211. Retrieved December 2021. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, do not guarantee actual job growth, and are subject to change.
⁴Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, SOC code 21-1018. Retrieved December 2021. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, do not guarantee actual job growth, and are subject to change.
⁵Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners, SOC code 29-1151. Retrieved December 2021. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, do not guarantee actual job growth, and are subject to change.

Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.