ACI Medical & Dental School Prepares Students for In Demand Healthcare Jobs (Updated for 2025)
The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) has released its latest Industry Outlook, which continues to show that jobs for allied health professionals in the US are growing at a much faster rate than other professions. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare will be the fastest-growing industry between now and 2032, with a 15.4% job growth rate. The NHA report also shows the importance of holding the necessary certifications and credentials in these professions. Here is a look at what the NHA report had to say about some of the careers for which students can become certified with industry-recognized credentials at ACI Medical & Dental School.
Average job growth rate is compared to a national average of 2.8% across all industries.
NHA’s Top Healthcare Industry Insights
The NHA has shared these primary findings based on their most recent Industry Outlook:
- The importance of credentials. NHA certification truly matters, as 83% of employers prefer hiring credentialed applicants over those without.
- A focus on retention. There is a staffing crisis in the healthcare field, and employers are taking steps to recruit and retain talented staff. This includes investing in training programs and increasing pay.
- An increase in education. With demand for skilled applicants far outpacing supply, there has been a 9.9% increase in healthcare certification programs. This makes taking the first step towards a career in healthcare more accessible than ever before!
Medical Assistant
Medical Assistants perform both clinical and administrative tasks, including assisting doctors during exams and minor surgeries, performing EKGs and phlebotomy procedures.
Job Outlook: 14% Average Job Growth Rate
87% of Employers Require or Prefer Certification for This Position
Employers Look for These 5 Skills:
- Clinical Experience
- Patient Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Professionalism / Soft Skills
- Time Management
Advanced Job Responsibilities Reported by Employers:
- Medical Scribing
- Health Coaching
- EHR Super User
- Navigating
- Translating
- Phone Screening/Triage
Relevant Program: Medical Assistant Certification
Patient Care Technician
Patient Care Technicians work closely with nurses and doctors, assisting patients with daily living activities as well as assisting with basic medical procedures.
Job Outlook: 9% Average Job Growth Rate
95% of Employers Require or Prefer Certification for This Position
Employers Report these main job responsibilities for Patient Care Techs:
- Basic Patient Care
- Performing Safety Checks
- Administering Patient Care Supplies
- Ensuring Cleanliness of Patient Rooms
- Monitoring Vital Signs
Relevant Program: Medical Assistant Certification
Phlebotomy Technician
Phlebotomists take blood and collect samples for medical laboratories.
Job Outlook: 8% Average Job Growth Rate
96% of Employers Require or Prefer Certification for This Position
Employers Report these main job responsibilities for Phlebotomists:
- Drawing Blood
- Explaining and Answering Patient Questions
- Prepare for Blood Tests
- Maintaining Equipment
- Verifying Identities
Relevant Program: Medical Assistant Certification
EKG Technician
EKG Technicians perform electrocardiograms and monitor results to determine patients’ cardiac health.
Job Outlook: 8% Average Job Growth Rate
94% of Employers Require or Prefer Certification for This Position
Employers Report these main job responsibilities for EKG Technicians:
- Set Up and Administer EKGs
- Set Up and Administer Stress Tests
- Prepare Patients for Monitoring
- Perform Telemetry Tests
- Interpret EKG Results
Relevant Program: Medical Assistant Certification
Top Continuing Education Trends According to the NHA
Healthcare is a dynamic and constantly changing field, so it is important for healthcare professionals, including Medical Assistants and Dental Assistants, to stay up to date on the latest technology and methods through continuing education. In a recent blog post, the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) revealed the top trends in continuing education today, including:
Engaged Learning
Students learn best when they are able to engage and interact with the material. In particular, simulation and team-based activities are great ways to reinforce and build upon what they’ve learned.
At ACI Medical & Dental School, our students receive hands-on training with state-of-the-art equipment in our on-site laboratory.
Interprofessional Education
According to the NHA, there is an increased demand for healthcare professionals to have a wider knowledge base beyond their specific discipline, which ultimately leads to better patient care and cooperation among healthcare teams.
Our students learn concepts that can be applied to a wide variety of healthcare settings, increasing their potential job opportunities and their value to employers.
Personalized Training
Studies have shown that a personalized learning experience can have a very positive impact on a student. Our students receive comprehensive instruction from industry professionals in a nurturing, supportive environment. We are dedicated to the success of every student!
Filling the Knowledge and Skills Gap
According to the NHA, students learn better when they supplement what they learn in class with additional training. In addition to our medical & dental programs, our students complete an on-site internship at a medical or dental facility to reinforce what they learn in class with hands-on career training.
Contact ACI Medical & Dental School today to take the first step towards one of these in-demand careers!
