NHA’s Industry Outlook 2025: The Latest Trends in Allied Health Professions

We’re thrilled to announce the release of NHA’s 2025 Industry Outlook – your guide to the trends and forecasts impacting healthcare’s future. In our report, we break down a number of key stats not only for each allied health role, but for the industry as a whole. 

The NHA 2025 Industry Outlook offers a wealth of information on a variety of topics, each offering insight into the evolving healthcare landscape. Key topics include staffing gaps and turnover problems, role growth, and breakdowns of how often employers screen for certification. We also survey for current trending training methods, and the most common job responsibilities across healthcare systems in each of these changing roles. 

As a teaser, here’s a look at some of our industry and role-specific content. 

Certification Value Remains Strong Among Healthcare Employers 

In an industry where patient safety and quality of care are paramount, credentials have become a critical component of the hiring and evaluation process. Our survey reveals that: 

• 70% of employers require certifications for roles such as Medical Assistants (MA), Pharmacy Technicians, and Phlebotomy Technicians. This underscores the importance of formal qualifications in ensuring that healthcare professionals are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge. 

• 71% of employers have increased pay for employees who earn a credential, highlighting the tangible benefits of certification for career advancement and financial growth. 

• 85% of employees believe that certification is very important or important to their performance, indicating a strong alignment between employee perception and employer expectations. 

• Employers consistently link credentials to improved patient safety and a higher standard of care, reinforcing the value of certified professionals in delivering quality healthcare services. 

Healthcare Staffing Crisis Leads to Internal Training Needs 

The healthcare industry is facing a significant staffing crisis, prompting employers to invest in internal training programs to bridge the gap: 

• 83% of employers report that developing an internal training program is effective or very effective in maintaining quality talent. This approach addresses immediate staffing needs and fosters a culture of continuous learning and development, keeping employees engaged. 

• 82% of healthcare employers utilize on-the-job training for their staff, providing practical, hands-on experience that enhances skill development and job readiness. 

• 61% of employers are actively training and upskilling staff to promote them into new roles, demonstrating a commitment to career progression and employee satisfaction. 

• 28% are considering implementing such programs in the next 12 months to tackle hiring challenges. 

Healthcare Staff Recruitment and Retention Remain Top Priorities 

53% of healthcare employers cite employee retention as the biggest challenge over the next five years. Furthermore, 73% of employers believe that certification is important or very important for employee retention, and over 70% increase pay when an employee earns a professional certification. 

Projected Growth for Allied Health Roles 

The demand for allied health professionals continues to rise, with several roles experiencing significant projected growth: 

• Billing & Coding Specialist – 9% projected growth 

• EKG Technician – 4% projected growth 

• Medical Administrative Assistant – 8% projected growth 

• Clinical Medical Assistant – 15% projected growth 

• Patient Care Technician – 8% projected growth 

• Pharmacy Technician – 7% projected growth 

• Phlebotomy Technician – 8% projected growth 

These projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reflect a growing reliance on allied health professionals to support their health systems and meet the needs of a growing patient population. 

As we navigate the challenges of staffing shortages and the need for skilled professionals, certification and internal training programs are more important than ever. By investing in the development of their workforce, healthcare employers can ensure they are well-equipped to meet the demands of the future, and simultaneously keep employees engaged to boost retention. We invite you to explore the full report to gain deeper insights into these trends and prepare for the future of healthcare.