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.