Setting the Stage for a Healthcare Career

Healthcare is a growing and expanding field that features many career opportunities. With some of the top jobs in the country according to U.S. News & World Report, many positions in healthcare ensure job security and a higher median income compared to roles in other industries. 

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that roughly 1.8 million healthcare job openings will be available each year for the next decade. Nurse practitioners are one of the fastest-growing jobs in any field, with the number of jobs expected to increase 45 percent from 2022 to 2032. 

What’s causing this rapid growth in the field? According to the Wisconsin Hospital Association, healthcare workers are retiring faster than they can be replaced, and the gap between unfilled jobs has widened.

Other factors are contributing to the high demand for healthcare workers. Burnout from the COVID-19 pandemic has caused staffing shortages. Not only has the average life expectancy in the US decreased since the pandemic, but the growing baby boomer population has led to a rising need for senior care. There is also a need to treat and provide specialized care for patients, as more than half of adults have a chronic disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The healthcare field offers many ways to make a lasting difference in patients’ lives. With the expansion of online medical records and advances in technology, new jobs have been created for professionals in healthcare IT, health informatics, and health information management. Those who are passionate about helping others can also pursue a career in education to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals:

“Even if you’re not doing the direct care, there’s so many ways that we can gain fulfillment in our career versus just going in and punching a clock 9 to 5. There are many jobs that don’t use medical skills,” says Jill Saxton, a nurse practitioner who teaches in the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee RN-to-BSN program offered through UW Flexible Option. 

No matter your interests, there are opportunities for everyone to make a positive impact. Whether you want to work directly with patients or would prefer a non-clinical role, healthcare offers the flexibility to transition into other positions within the field as you progress in your career. 

Throughout the month of October, Wisconsin Online Collaboratives will be highlighting the healthcare field and the ways you can help make a difference. Wisconsin Online Collaboratives works with campuses across the UW System to provide multiple healthcare programs to students. With 100 percent online offerings that allow you to fit courses into your busy schedule, our collaborative and competency-based programs provide the skills and practical experience required to excel in the field.

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* Please select the program you are most interested in...Agile Project Management - CertificateAgile Project Management - CertificateApplied Bioinformatics - CertificateApplied Biotechnology - Master's DegreeApplied Computing - Bachelor's CompletionAssociate of Arts and Sciences - Semester-basedAssociate of Arts and Sciences - Competency-basedBiodiversity and Conservation Science - CertificateBiodiversity Conservation and Management - Master's DegreeBSN@Home - Bachelor's CompletionBusiness Administration - Bachelor's CompletionBusiness Analytics - CertificateClimate Leadership - CertificateClinical Mental Health Counseling - Master's DegreeConservation Data Management and Analysis - CertificateConservation Leadership, Policy, and Management - CertificateCybersecurity - Master's DegreeData Science - Master's DegreeData Science - CertificateDiagnostic Imaging - Bachelor's CompletionDigital Marketing Analytics - CertificateDigital Marketing Management - CertificateEmerging Technologies in Fintech - CertificateEnterprise Infrastructure - CertificateEnvironmental Sustainability - CertificateEnvironmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) - CertificateFoundations of Biodiversity Conservation and Management - CertificateFoundations of Health and Wellness - CertificateHealth and Wellness Management - Master's DegreeHealth Care Informatics - CertificateHealth Information Management & Technology - Bachelor's CompletionHealth Information Management & Technology - CertificateHealth Sciences - Bachelor's CompletionHealthcare Administration - Master's DegreeImproving Health with Data and Policy - CertificateInformation Science & Technology - Bachelor's CompletionInformation Technology Management - Master's DegreeInterprofessional Leadership in Healthcare - MicrocredentialIT Leadership - CertificateIT Operations - CertificateLeadership in Health and Wellness - CertificateLeading Fintech Transformation - CertificateNursing (RN to BSN) - Bachelor's CompletionNursing Home Administration - CertificateSubstance Use Disorders Counselor - CertificateSustainability and Well-being - CertificateSustainable Enterprise - CertificateSustainable Management - Bachelor's CompletionSustainable Management - Master's Degree

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Master of Science Degrees:

• Healthcare Administration (Semester-based, Collaborative)
• Health & Wellness Management (Semester-based, Collaborative)
• Applied Biotechnology (Semester-based, Collaborative)
• Data Science (Semester-based, Collaborative)
• Cybersecurity (Semester-based, Collaborative)

Bachelor of Science Degrees:

• RN to BSN (Competency-based, UW Flexible Option)
• Health Information Management & Technology (Semester-based, Collaborative)
• Health Sciences (Competency-based, UW Flexible Option)
• Diagnostic Imaging (Competency-based, UW Flexible Option)

Certificate Programs:

• Health Care Informatics—Certificate (Competency-based, UW Flexible Option)
• Senior Living and Services Leadership—Graduate Certificate (Semester-based, Collaborative)
• Applied Bioinformatics—Graduate Certificate (Semester-based, Collaborative)
• Sustainability & Well-being—Graduate Certificate (Semester-based, Collaborative)
• Data Science—Graduate Certificate (Semester-based, Collaborative)
• Substance Use Disorders—Non-credit Certificate (Competency-based, UW Flexible Option)

To find out more about our healthcare programs, contact an enrollment adviser by calling 608-800-6762 or emailing learn@uwex.wisconsin.edu.