COLLEGE OF

Education and Human Development

Careers in health

The primary work of occupations in the Health Science career area study, diagnose, treat and prevent human illness, injury and other physical and mental impairments. This career area includes occupations involved in services, research, and business operations related to health and wellness.

Many health care positions require specific credentials. Explore which degrees, licensure, and certifications are needed. Required credentials vary based on the occupation, location, and type of employer. Employees willing to further their education or gain additional credentials can advance their careers or move into speciality areas. Some employers pay for workers to gain additional credentials.

Job seekers in this career area benefit from being flexible, multitasking, having critical thinking skills, empathy, research skills, and having the ability to communicate complex information. Many occupations work in fast-paced environments.

Trends in health

Job growth

Health care is a large and growing sector of the economy. Nearly 21 million people are employed in health care. Many health care occupations are projected to grow 25 percent or more during the next decade, much higher than the 5 percent average for all occupations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that nearly one in seven Americans will work in the industry by 2028.

Shortages

Despite overall growth, some specialty occupations are experiencing worker shortages. Employers in certain geographic areas have a strong need for employees. Job seekers can explore which specialties are in high demand and consider pursuing training or education in those areas.

Wellness careers

As mental health issues continue to be destigmatized, behavioral health, substance abuse services, and related services expand. Job seekers with interest in wellness and neurodiversity are in demand.

Telehealth

Remote care continues to expand to make patient care more accessible and reduce staff involvement. Opportunities for remote or hybrid work locations are increasing. 

Diversity and inclusion

The health care industry has taken the lead in recognizing the importance of communicating and providing services for people from varied cultural backgrounds. Job seekers who demonstrate cultural competence will stand out to employers.

Salary and career information

These are samples of some of the positions CEHD graduates enter. Find out more about these and occupations.

Acupuncturist

Herbalist | Licensed Acupuncturist (LAC) | Oriental Medicine Provider | Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner

Education requirements: Professional degree
Median wage: $72,220

Adapted Physical Activity Specialist

Adapted Physical Education Teacher | DAPE Specialist (Developmental Adapted Physical Education Specialist)

Education requirements: Master’s + license
Median wage: $63,950

Art Therapist

Art Psychotherapist | Group Therapist | Registered Art Therapist (ATR)

Education requirements: Master’s
Median wage: $60,800

Audiologist

Educational Audiologist | Pediatric Audiologist

Education requirements: Professional degree
Median wage: $82,680

Chiropractor

Chiropractic Neurologist | Chiropractic Physician

Education requirements: Professional degree
Median wage: $75,380

Cytogenetic Technologist

Clinical Cytogeneticist Scientist (CCS) | Cytogenetics Technologist | Molecular Genetics Technologist

Education requirements: Bachelor's
Median wage: $57,380

Dietitian

Clinical Dietician | Nutritionist | Registered Dietician

Education requirements: Master’s
Median wage: $66,450

Ergonomics Consultant

Ergonomist | Human Factors Engineer | Occupational Ergonomist

Education requirements: Bachelor’s
Median wage: $96,350

Exercise Physiologists

Clinical Exercise Physiologist | Exercise Scientist | Weight Management Consultant

Education requirements: Master’s
Median wage: $51,350

Medical Laboratory Technologist (Medical Lab Tech)

Clinical Laboratory Scientist | Histologist Technologist | Microbiology Technologist

Education requirements: Bachelor's
Median wage: $57,380

Recreation Therapist

Activities Coordinator | Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist | Recreational Therapy Program Coordinator | Rehabilitation Therapist | Therapeutic Specialist | Therapist

Education requirements: Bachelor's
Median wage: $51,330

Rehabilitation Counselor

Employment Services Case Manager | Human Services Care Specialist | Vocational Case Manager | Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Education requirements: Master’s
Median wage: $39,990

Research Coordinator

Clinical Program Manager | Clinical Research Administrator | Clinical Trial Manager

Education requirements: Bachelor's
Median wage: $157,740

Medical Services Manager

Clinical Director | Health Information Manager | Health Care System Director | Medical Records Manager | Mental Health Program Manager | Nursing Director

Education requirements: Master’s
Median wage: $104,830

Occupational Therapist

Assistive Technology Trainer | Home Health Occupational Therapist | Industrial Rehabilitation Consultant | Pediatrics and Acute Care Occupational Therapist

Education requirements: Professional degree
Median wage: $93,180

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician

Pain Management Physician | Pediatric Physiatrist | Rehabilitation Physician

Education requirements: Professional degree
Median wage: $223,410

Physical Therapist

Acute Care PT | Doctor of Physical Therapy | Home Care Physical Therapist (Home Care PT) | Registered Physical Therapist

Education requirements: Professional degree
Median wage: $97,720

Podiatrist

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) | Foot and Ankle Surgeon | Podiatric Physician

Education requirements: Professional degree
Median wage: $148,720

Prosthodontist

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) | Maxillofacial Prosthodontist | Prosthetic Dentist

Education requirements: Professional degree
Median wage: $223,410

Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech Clinician | Speech Therapist | Speech and Language Specialist | Speech and Language Teacher |  Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

Education requirements: Master’s
Median wage: $84,140

Sports Medicine Physician

Athletic Team Physician | Nonsurgical Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician | Orthopedic Team Physician

Education requirements: Professional degree
Median wage: $223,410

Veterinarian

Companion Animal Practitioner | Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) | Veterinary Surgical Specialist

Education requirements: Professional degree
Median wage: $103,260

Data notes

  • Minnesota data shown, unless otherwise noted.
  • Education Requirements = Degree, credential or training needed to enter the occupation. National standard used; Minnesota employers might have different requirements.
  • Work Settings = Environment where work is performed. Represents types of employers most often employ this occupation.
  • 25% Wage = Representative of an entry-level wage for workers with less than four years’ experience in the occupation. The point at which 75% of workers earn more and 25% of workers earn less. 
  • Median Wage = Represents typical salary for workers with at least five years of experience in this occupation. Half of all workers in this occupation earn less, the other half earn more. 
  • Data Sources (retrieved April 2024): CareerOneStop | O*NET | Occupational Outlook Handbook | DEED Career & Education Explorer

Explore academic programs

Use our program selector tool to identify a degree program that can lead you to a career in your desired field.

Career trajectories of CEHD alumni

DEED’s Graduate Employment Outcomes in Minnesota tool shows data on University of Minnesota alumni who are working in Minnesota. Academic program names are a compost of related programs in Minnesota colleges; the wage data is specific to UMN graduates. 

    Undergraduate programs

    Hourly Median Wage Trend for 2016 Graduates (updated through 2022) of Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Campus

    Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness

    • Wages in 2017 (1 year after graduation): $19.23
    • Wages in 2020: $28.97

    Employers of recent graduates