As British Columbia’s healthcare system continues to evolve, demand for skilled professionals is on the rise. With advancements in medical technology, an aging population, and increasing healthcare needs, several roles within the health field are becoming more essential than ever. Here’s a look at some of the top 10 in-demand healthcare jobs in 2025 and beyond, including exciting expansions in key BCIT programs to meet the industry demand.
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Registered Nurses (RNs)
With hospitals and long-term care facilities facing ongoing staffing shortages, registered nurses continue to be in high demand. Specialized areas such as critical care, emergency, and cardiology are particularly sought after. The latest workforce numbers from Stats Can show there are currently 5,325 nurse vacancies in BC, and by 2031, nearly 27,000 nurses will be needed to keep up with the health-care needs of an expanding population. Nurses play a crucial role in healthcare by providing direct patient care, administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and educating patients and families to promote overall health and recovery.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at BCIT stands out for its accelerated three-year format, integrating the latest in healthcare technology and simulation-based learning. Students gain hands-on, practice-ready experience through clinical placements in various acute care and community settings, alongside specialized nursing courses, preparing them to meet the complex care needs in today’s healthcare environment.
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Medical Laboratory Technologists
Medical laboratory technologists perform critical diagnostic testing, helping physicians detect and treat diseases. With advances in medical diagnostics, their role is more crucial than ever. The Medical Laboratory Science program at BCIT is a comprehensive, full-time diploma course that trains students to become skilled medical laboratory technologists. Over two-and-a-half years, students gain hands-on experience through on-campus labs and a 35-week clinical placement, preparing them for the national certification exam and equipping them with the expertise needed to support critical diagnostic testing in healthcare settings.
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Radiation Therapists
Radiation therapists play a key role in cancer treatment, delivering targeted radiation therapy to patients. With cancer rates rising, the demand for skilled radiation therapists is increasing, leading BCIT to expand its September 2024 intake to 35 seats to help meet workforce needs. The BCIT Radiation Therapy Bachelor of Science is the only program of its kind in BC. We pair cutting edge technology with peer and mentorship support so learners are well prepared to look for work upon completion of the program.
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Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Nuclear medicine technologists work closely with doctors and the healthcare team to diagnose and manage various conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders, by providing precise functional imaging and targeted treatments. BCIT’s Nuclear Medicine Technology program is the only one of its kind in British Columbia, offering a rigorous 24-month, full-time diploma. With a combination of on-campus lectures, labs, and clinical training at nuclear medicine facilities across the province, students gain the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to begin their careers immediately upon graduation. As the demand for skilled professionals continues to rise, BCIT is committed to equipping students with the advanced knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to excel in this specialized field and to address the industry demand, BCIT has increased its seats to 20 students per year starting September 2024.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologists
MRI technologists operate advanced imaging equipment to diagnose neurological, musculoskeletal and cardiac conditions. MRI is also used to image soft tissue structures and to detect and stage cancers. The BCIT Magnetic Resonance diploma program equips you with hands-on experience using cutting-edge MRI simulators and labs, ensuring learners are job-ready upon graduation. Ideal for those who excel in patient care, teamwork, technical precision, and effective communication in a hospital setting. The need for trained MRI professionals has grown significantly, prompting BCIT to expand its seats to 16 students per year starting January 2025.
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Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Also known as ultrasound technologists, these professionals use imaging technology to diagnose conditions related to pregnancy, heart disease, and internal organs. The B.C. Labour Market Outlook forecasts 470 job openings in the Magnetic Resonance field between 2023 and 2033, highlighting strong career opportunities for graduates. Sonographers are especially in high demand in the Lower Mainland, as well as the Vancouver Island and Coast regions.
The BCIT Diagnostic Medical Sonography program draws students from across the province. Our program provides access to state-of-the-art equipment and the latest in ultrasound technology so that you are ready to start your career the moment you graduate.
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Respiratory Therapists
With the increasing prevalence of respiratory illnesses such as asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and long-term effects of COVID-19, respiratory therapists are in high demand across hospitals and rehabilitation centers. They play a critical role in assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients with breathing disorders by providing therapies such as mechanical ventilation, oxygen therapy, and airway management, ensuring optimal lung function and improving patient outcomes.
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Health Information Management Professionals
These experts manage patient data, ensuring healthcare providers have accurate records to support treatment and research. The Province recognizes digital health as a key enabler for a more sustainable, connected, and integrated healthcare system that supports the health and wellness of all people in B.C.
BCIT recently introduced a Digital Health Advanced Certificate program to help support the growing demand. The Digital Health Advanced Certificate program at BCIT prepares students to work in the rapidly evolving field of digital health. Designed for healthcare professionals, this part-time, online program equips students with skills in health informatics, clinical data management, and digital health project leadership, preparing them to contribute to large-scale healthcare initiatives. Students gain hands-on experience through industry-based projects and are trained to improve healthcare systems using innovative technologies while emphasizing patient-centered care and reducing health disparities.
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Physiotherapists
As the population ages, the demand for physiotherapists to support rehabilitation, mobility, and injury prevention continues to grow. These professionals play a critical role in improving patients’ quality of life by helping them recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and enhance physical function. With the increasing number of older adults, physiotherapists are essential in promoting independence and reducing healthcare costs associated with long-term care.
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Pharmacy Technicians
Pharmacy technicians support pharmacists in preparing medications, managing inventory, and ensuring accurate dispensing. With an increased focus on medication safety and patient care, this role is in high demand. Pharmacy Technicians are in high demand in Lower Mainland-Southwest Region, Nechako Region and North Coast region.
Meeting the Demand with Expanded Training Opportunities
From Nursing to Pharmacy Technicians, there is a career for you. To help address British Columbia’s growing healthcare workforce needs, BCIT has expanded many of our programs, including the Radiation Therapy, Nuclear Medicine, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging programs, to offer more seats to train the next generation of healthcare professionals.
If you’re considering a career in healthcare, now is the perfect time to step into one of these rewarding and high-demand fields. Learn more about BCIT’s Health Sciences programs and how you can apply today!