The demand for healthcare professionals continues to grow and data show Methodist University is at the center of providing top-tier education in the health sciences.
“U.S. News & World Report” recently published a list of the best healthcare jobs in the country in 2024 – looking at measures including projected number of jobs, median salary, and the required education. According to the report, Methodist University offers academic programs for five of the top-10 jobs listed by the publication – with another five high-ranking jobs that would become possible through the upcoming Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine.
“Methodist University’s commitment to excellence in education, combined with its emphasis on values and community, make it the perfect institution for preparing individuals for a career in the healthcare sector,” said Dr. Meredith Gronski, dean of College of Health Sciences and Human Services and director and associate professor of Occupational Therapy. “The institution’s holistic approach and innovative application of interprofessional learning not only equips students with the necessary academic knowledge, but also fosters the ethical practice and team-based skills essential across the health care professions.”
Methodist University currently offers an academic program for the following healthcare jobs (and their ranking) named in the report:
1- Nurse Practitioner
Program offered at MU: Doctor of Nursing Practice (online)
Projected jobs: 118,600
Median salary: $121,610
2- Physician Assistant
Program offered at MU: Master of Physician Assistant Studies (on campus)
Projected jobs: 39,300
Median salary: $126,010
4- Occupational Therapist
Program offered at MU: Doctor of Occupational Therapy (on campus)
Projected jobs: 16,100
Median salary: $93,180
7- Physical Therapist
Program offered at MU: Doctor of Physical Therapy (on campus)
Projected jobs: 37,300
Median salary: $97,720
10 - Registered Nurse
Programs offered at MU: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (on campus) and RN-to-BSN (online)
Projected jobs: 177,400
Median salary: $81,220
Methodist University is a top university in the region for higher education in health sciences with many state-of-the-art facilities on campus that include a general simulation hospital, human anatomy lab, motion analysis lab, daily living simulated apartment, and several other labs and facilities.
The Nursing program – which features three degrees on the above list – offers various levels of education that are offered on campus and online to ensure flexibility for both traditional and non-traditional students. The Physician Assistant Studies program has established itself as one of the top programs of its kind in the nation, garnering hundreds of applications nationwide for its 40-seat cohorts. The Doctor of Physical Therapy program has established a track record of high performing students. The Doctor of Occupational Therapy program was the first fully accredited, entry-level doctoral program in occupational therapy in North Carolina and now offers a bachelor’s-level program training occupational therapy assistants.
The Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine, which currently holds applicant status with the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) and hopes to have its first class of M.D. students in 2026, would allow for pathways to these other top healthcare jobs listed in the ranking:
9 - Psychiatrist
Projected jobs: 1,900
Median salary: $226,880
13 - Anesthesiologist
Projected jobs: 1,000
Median salary: $239,200
14 - Obstetrician and Gynecologist
Projected jobs: 500
Median salary: $239,200
19 - Podiatrist
Projected jobs: 100
Median salary: $148,720
22 - Pediatrician
Projected jobs: 300
Median salary: $190,350
Methodist University’s College of Health Sciences & Human Services also includes programs in Kinesiology and Social Work. Visit the College web page to learn more.
To wrap up the first day, attendees were able to meet up for a social event at the Brad Halling American Whiskey Ko. in Southern Pines where a $10,000 check was presented to the Joint Special Operations Foundation for their scholarship fund. Photo pr
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