Career Paths in Healthcare

The primary work of careers in healthcare is to treat patients facing illness or injury—whether to cure or rehabilitate from a condition, to maintain wellness, or to provide comfort or palliative care to people dealing with incurable conditions. Healthcare careers often involve interactions with patients and other team members, so active listening and communication skills are important. Healthcare includes many essential occupations that need to be staffed around the clock, so dependability and reliability are a must.

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One unique aspect of the health care industry is that most jobs require very specific levels and types of education more than in other industries. Credentials may be stacked to build a career ladder in the industry, including certificate programs that take a few months, two-and four-year college degrees, professional certifications, or occupational licenses.

Healthcare Science & Services is the largest employing industry in Missouri, making up 13.4 percent of total private sector employment. The Health Care Science & Services industry has over 14,500 employers that provide jobs to over 331,400 workers across the state. ​Wages in Healthcare averaged $69,869 in 2023, higher than the $62,563 state average for private industries.