January Career Corner
I hope you all had a fun and relaxing break! We are kicking off this new year with this month’s Career Cluster Spotlight: Healthcare & Human Services—a dynamic and fast-growing field that focuses on improving the physical, mental, and social well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
This cluster includes a wide variety of careers—from hands-on medical care to emotional and behavioral support, from biotechnology and health data to personal wellness services. It brings together science, compassion, and innovation to support health at every stage of life.
Why It Matters in Maryland:
Maryland is a national leader in health sciences and biotechnology, with major employers like Johns Hopkins Medicine, NIH, and hundreds of biotech firms. In 2024, Maryland added over 1,600 healthcare jobs in just one quarter, showing how fast this sector is growing. From hospitals to home care, and from research labs to counseling centers, there are expanding opportunities across the state.
Below is an overview of the six sub-clusters within this diverse career area:
Behavioral & Mental Health
Sample Careers: Counselor, Psychologist, Psychiatric Tech
Biotechnology Research & Development
Sample Careers: Biomedical Scientist, Lab Technician, Biotech Researcher
Community & Social Services
Sample Careers: Social Worker, Case Manager, Community Health Advocate
Health Data & Administration
Sample Careers: Health Info Technician, Medical Records Clerk, Healthcare Admin
Personal Care Services
Sample Careers: Hairstylist, Massage Therapist, Esthetician
Physical Health
Sample Careers: Nurse, Physical Therapist, Radiologic Tech
Industry Trends to Know:
- VR and gaming tech are being used for medical training and therapy.
- Health data and analytics are driving new job growth.
- The aging U.S. population is increasing demand for home care and support services.
- Maryland’s biotech corridor is among the most advanced in the country.
Many careers in this cluster offer short-term certification programs, dual enrollment options, and even pathways that start in high school—making it an excellent fit for students with interests in science, technology, helping others, or wellness.
This month's Career Cafe will take place on Thursday, January 29th. If you are interested in speaking for this month's Career Cafe please complete this form. Any student interested in attending this month's Career Cafe can sign up by completing this form. (Students will need to be signed into their hcpss.me account to complete the form.)
Feel free to reach out to our CRA, Ms. Monica Stevens at monica_stevens@hcpss.org with any questions.