Demand for health care services is on the rise.

Post-COVID, an increasing number of people are making the choice to focus more fully on their health. According to a survey conducted by The Harris Poll for the Samueli Foundation in May 2020, 80% of people reported that they would try to concentrate more on self-care after the COVID-19 pandemic. Sixty-four percent reported that they were concentrating on their mental health more than they had before.

People are also getting older and living longer. As baby boomers age, they need more medical care to accommodate health problems such as chronic conditions. At the same time, many of the doctors who can treat these patients are reaching retirement age. The Census Bureau reports that 1 in 6 people in the United States were 65 and older in 2020. By 2034, the Association of American Medical Colleges estimates the country will be short 37,800 to 124,000 physicians.

Vivian Health gathered information about health programs across the nation, looking to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to outline the timelines, prerequisites, and potential jobs and earnings for six different educational programs in health care.

The health care field encompasses a wide array of professions, such as pharmacy, optometry, medical transcription, EMT, and paramedics. Other careers in health care include dietitians and nutritionists, dentists, and podiatrists, along with many others. Some careers in the health care field require only minimal schooling, such as a diploma or certification.

If you’re interested in a career in the health care industry, continue reading to learn more about possible jobs in this field.