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What are the Fastest Growing Career Fields?

Did you know the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) keeps an updated list of the fastest growing occupations in the country? They also keep track of the median annual salary of those jobs and how much the field is projected to grow over the next ten years.

Some of those occupations also require a college education. That's why we've mapped out what degree programs can help you work toward these career fields and how fast each is projected to grow.

 

Nurse Practitioners (52%)

The medical field is in high demand — nurse practitioners have an estimated growth rate of 52% within the next ten years. In this occupation, you will have the ability to watch and maintain patients' health care needs, prescribe medications, diagnose illnesses, and more. Nurse practitioners may have challenging schedules but have the autonomy to impact patients' lives in a big way. Many career opportunities exist within this degree, such as pediatrics, psychiatric mental health care, and more.

IWU's high-ranking Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) School offers an online master's degree specializing in family nurse practitioners. This program is integrated with Christian perspectives and will enable students to work with a diverse group of individuals. It will also give students the education and abilities to enter their field with confidence. It is a perfect major for those who want to pursue health care but do not have the time for in-person class schedules. Click here to learn more about what our MSN has to offer.

 

Occupational Therapy Assistants (35%)

Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) help patients develop and recover the skills needed for their day-to-day lives. OTAs might help children with disabilities gain skills for school, or they might help older adults adjust to physical or cognitive changes that happen later in life. This fulfilling career field is projected to grow 35% through 2029, with a median annual salary of $62,940 in the U.S.

IWU's OTA program teaches students through experiential learning, which means you'll get hands-on experience and work collaboratively with other students in the School of Health Sciences programs, such as the Doctor of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy Doctorate, Public Health and Athletic Training. The OTA program meets in IWU's Greenwood (IN) education center where its experienced faculty members are training students to be excellent practitioners.

Note: IWU also offers an Occupational Therapy Doctorate program, should you want to work toward a terminal degree.

 

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors (25%)

If you are more interested in mental health care than physical health care, counseling is a career you may want to consider. Counseling occupations are projected to rise around 25% in the next ten years. In counseling relating to substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health, you will serve a diverse group of clients to help them work toward recovery and wellness. This career path is well-suited to people with significant interpersonal skills and a passion for helping people.

IWU offers several different options for pursuing specified counseling careers. For those just beginning their education, we offer a bachelor's degree in addictions counseling, which is best for individuals who want to work with substance abuse patients. You can also explore a master's degree in counseling if you have already started your education journey. These programs are designed to prepare you to serve those who struggle with various issues and teach you how to prepare your own heart beforehand.

 

Don't see your desired career field here? IWU offers more than 100 online programs ranging from associate through doctoral degrees. Find one that fits your aspirations and see how IWU can help you reach your goals. Learn more at IWUisHow.com.


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