Healthcare Is Expanding. But Not in the Ways You Think.
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | 8:00 AM
When people think about careers in healthcare, the first thing that comes to mind is doctors and nurses. We don’t blame you, it’s something that’s ingrained in our minds.
But behind every diagnosis, and treatment plan is a network of professionals responsible for data, operations, education, and analysis. Interprofessional collaboration is a thing, and these are the roles that not that many people talk or think of, yet they together shape how patient care is delivered every day.
And demand for these roles is growing.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare occupations are projected to add more jobs than any other occupational group, with about 1.8 million openings each year over the next decade. Many of these roles extend beyond direct patient care and into the systems that support it.
If you want to work in healthcare or grow within it you are no longer limited to one path.
This shift is exactly where a degree like the Master of Science in Health Science (MSHS) becomes relevant.
Designed to mirror how healthcare actually works, this program offers five distinct concentrations that span the interprofessional landscape: healthcare administration, healthcare informatics, nutrition, clinical laboratory science, and health education.
Healthcare Runs on More Than Clinical Care
Healthcare systems rely on coordination, accuracy, and information flow. A lab result must be processed correctly. An information system must track patient data. A training program must prepare the next generation of professionals. It takes a variety of team members from different professions to make it all work.
When one part breaks down, the entire system feels it.
That is why roles outside direct patient care are becoming more critical, and more specialized.
The Roles You Don’t See But Healthcare Depends On
Here’s where the MSHS concentrations connect directly to workforce demand:
- Clinical Laboratory Sciences
Diagnostic testing drives medical decisions. Without accurate lab work, providers cannot confirm conditions or monitor treatment.
- Healthcare Administration
Healthcare systems require leaders who understand operations, budgeting, and policy. These roles influence access, efficiency, and patient outcomes.
- Healthcare Informatics
Health systems, public health agencies, and private industries are actively seeking professionals who can manage health information systems and interpret the data they generate.
- Health Professions Education and Technology
The healthcare workforce must be trained continuously. Educators play a direct role in preparing and advancing professionals across the field.
- Nutrition
Preventive care continues to gain attention, especially as chronic conditions rise. Nutrition professionals support long-term health outcomes beyond clinical settings.
Each of these areas reflects a different way to contribute to healthcare without following a single traditional path.
Why Specialization Matters More Now
Healthcare is no longer a general field. Employers are looking for candidates who bring targeted skills aligned with specific needs. Whether it’s managing the budget of a department, training others on new technologies, or looking at healthcare data to improve patient care, there is really something for everyone.
A broad interest in healthcare may open the door, but specialization determines how far you can move within it. The structure of the MSHS program allows you to build that specialization while staying connected to the larger healthcare landscape.
Where This Degree Can Take You
Graduates can pursue roles such as:
- Clinical Laboratory Scientist
- Healthcare Administrator
- Health Informatics Professional
- Health Educator or Training Specialist
- Nutrition Professional
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many of these roles offer strong earning potential and continued growth, particularly as healthcare systems expand and evolve.
You’ve Chosen Healthcare. Now Choose Where You Go Next.
Healthcare needs professionals who understand more than patient care. It needs individuals who can manage systems, analyze data, train others, and support long-term health outcomes.
If you are looking for a way to enter the field or move beyond your current role, the direction you choose matters.
Explore the concentration that aligns with where you want to go next and start building the skills that healthcare systems are actively seeking.
Choose your path within healthcare and start building expertise where it matters most. Apply Today!
Source:
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4360764/Have a question or concern about this article? Please contact us.
