Many want a career that allows them to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. The roles are often called helping professions because they focus on improving the physical, mental, emotional and social well-being of people and communities. From public health to education and social services, helping professionals provide important support, guidance and care for those facing challenges.
For those interested in a career focused on service and compassion, exploring helping professions can open the door to many meaningful opportunities.
What is a Helping Profession?
A helping profession is a job that focuses on improving the physical, mental, emotional and social well-being of people and communities. Most helping professions require direct outreach to individuals and communities to provide services and care to improve the overall quality of life.
Common Helping Professions
There are numerous careers and fields that are considered helping professions. Here are some of the most common roles, along with their job outlook and annual salaries.
1. Registered Nurse
A registered nurse is a healthcare professional who can provide care, coordinate and administer treatments for patients or serve as a patient’s primary caregiver. There are different types of nurses, including nurse practitioners, traveling nurses, licensed practical nurses and more.
To become a nurse, students must earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a university or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) from a community college. After completing their undergraduate program, students must apply and take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and pass to become registered.
Abilene Christian University offers students the online Pre-Nursing Certificate, which allows students interested in nursing to take all the prerequisite courses needed to transfer into a BSN program. For students who’ve already earned their BSN, ACU’s BSN to DNP program offers a way to bypass earning a master’s and earn their doctorate in nursing. Students will gain their knowledge through coursework and in-person clinical training so they can provide quality care to patients. .
There is always a constant demand for registered nurses and the U.S. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 5% increase in job openings by 2034. That is about 189,000 new job openings each year. The median salary for a registered nurse is $94,141.
2. Psychologist
A psychologist is a mental health professional who performs psychological evaluations and provides support to individuals coping with trauma, relationship challenges and other mental health concerns. Psychologists can work in various settings such as hospitals, educational institutions, community centers or have their own private practice.
Becoming a psychologist requires students to earn a graduate-level degree in psychology, advanced training and licensure. To practice independently in the United States, a psychologist it is required to get their license.
ACU has an online Bachelor of Science in Psychology program where students can build the foundation needed to pursue their master’s degree and pass their licensure exams. The curriculum covers topics such as theory, social psychology, leadership and more.
The job outlook for psychologists is expected to increase 6 percent by 2034, with almost 13,000 new job openings a year. The average salary for a psychologist is as of $114,139.
3. Social Worker
A social worker wears many hats in their profession. Social workers help individuals, families and communities battle and overcome substance abuse, poverty and even illness. To become a social worker, students need to have earned at least a Bachelor of Science in Social Work to pursue beginner or entry-level roles such as:
- Case manager
- Child welfare specialist
- Community outreach worker
- Substance abuse counselor
- Health educator
Earning a Master’s in Social Work will prepare students for clinical and higher-level roles such as:
- Licensed social worker
- Mental health therapist
- Family support specialist
- Clinical forensic specialist
- Policy analyst
ACU has both an online B.S. and M.S. in Social Work. Both programs are equipped with an industry-aligned curriculum to transform passionate students into skilled social work practitioners. Social workers are estimated to have a median salary of $61,330 and a job outlook of 6%.
4. Speech Language Pathologist
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) helps individuals who have difficulty speaking, understanding language, swallowing or communicating effectively.
SLPs work with the children and adults who suffer from disabilities that are caused by genetics, autism, stroke and brain injuries, such as:
- Speech delays
- Stutter
- Voice problems
- Language disorders
Through assessment, SLPs are able to create personalized treatment plans and lead therapy sessions to help patients improve their speech, language and social communication skills. SLPs may work in various settings, including schools, hospitals, clinics and rehabilitation centers.
ACU offers a unique online Pre-Master’s Leveling Pathway in Speech-Language Pathology to help students develop their communication and theoretical skills and enter a graduate program. After completing the Pre-Master’s Leveling Pathway in Speech-Language Pathology program, they can earn their Master’s of Science in Speech-Language Pathology.
Speech language pathologists’ jobs are projected to increase by six percent by 2034, with 74,000 new openings annually. The average yearly salary for SLPs is $61,330.
5. Teacher
Teachers and educators help students develop knowledge, skills and critical thinking abilities through curated learning plans and lessons. They work hard to introduce and explain new concepts and create and lead classroom activities to monitor and assess student growth. Teachers also work to promote a safe and fun learning environment that fosters curiosity, creativity and collaboration among students.
In most states, to become a teacher, students must pass a certification exam before they can start teaching. In states like California, Georgia, and Texas, there are non-traditional pathways to teaching through state-approved programs, internships, private teaching, and more. ACU’s online Master’s of Education in Instruction and Learning with Teacher Certification gives students a pathway to earning their certification while enhancing their teaching skills.
ACU also offers other online graduate degrees in education with concentrations in principalship, school superintendent, education leadership and more:
Teaching is a profession with a steady demand, with higher demand for preschool roles (3%). The BLS is reporting that the national average salary for teachers and instructors is $64,390.
6. Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists help people develop or regain the skills needed to perform everyday activities such as dressing, eating, writing or working.
They work with patients who have physical injuries, developmental disabilities, illnesses and mental health challenges. Occupational therapists evaluate patients’ abilities and create personalized therapy plans to build strength, coordination and independence for daily functioning. They may also recommend assistive tools or modifications to homes, classrooms and workplaces.
To become an occupational therapist, students must earn a bachelor’s degree in either biology, psychology, health sciences or related programs. After that, students need to get a master’s degree in occupational therapy to pass their licensure exam. On average, an occupational therapist makes over $98,000 a year and has a projected job growth of 14 percent, or about 10,000 new jobs a year.
7. School Counselor
School counselors support students’ academic, social and emotional development. They help students manage and navigate stress, family and peer issues, academic pressure and more. A school counselor will also help students establish educational goals, choose classes and plan for college. In addition to meeting with students individually, school counselors can also lead group sessions, find and coordinate support services, perform crisis intervention and work with families and teachers to ensure student success.
ACU’s online Certificate in School Psychology program is a graduate certificate program for experienced educators and school-based professionals. This curriculum is a retraining model that prepares educators and professionals to meet the requirements for licensure to be a school psychologist.
There’s a constant need for psychologists, with the BLS projecting a six percent growth in jobs by 2034. There are almost 13,000 new jobs each year with an average salary of $94,310.
8. Medical Assistant
Medical assistants support healthcare providers by performing both clinical and administrative tasks in medical offices, clinics and hospitals. Their responsibilities often include taking patients’ vital signs, preparing patients for exams, recording medical histories, scheduling appointments and updating medical records. Medical assistants also assist doctors during procedures, collect lab samples or explain treatment instructions to patients.
To become a medical assistant, a minimum requirement is a high school diploma or GED and completing a medical assistant program or an associate’s degree from a college. There are over 112,000 new job openings a year for medical assistants, with a median annual salary of $44,200.
9. Behavior Specialist
Behavior specialists help individuals improve behavior patterns to develop positive social and communication skills. They often work with children or adults who have behavioral challenges related to conditions such as autism, ADHD or emotional disorders. Behavior specialists observe behavior to identify triggers and create structured plans to promote positive actions and reduce harmful or disruptive behaviors.
They collaborate with families, teachers, therapists and healthcare professionals to ensure consistent support across environments. Behavior specialists commonly work in schools, clinics or community programs.
ACU’s online B.S. in Psychology can also create a career pathway for students to become a behavior specialist or counselor. The curriculum helps students build a foundation by covering topics such as biology, developmental and physical psychology, cognition and learning.
The BLS is projecting a faster-than-average growth rate for behavior, substance abuse counselors or mental health counselor job openings at 17 percent, with over 48,000 jobs. The average salary is $59,190 for this role.
10. Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists study how diseases spread and how they affect populations. They collect and analyze data to identify patterns, causes and risk factors associated with illnesses, injuries or public health issues. Their research helps health organizations develop strategies to prevent disease outbreaks and improve community health. Epidemiologists often work for government agencies, universities, research institutions or public health organizations. They may investigate infectious diseases, environmental health risks or chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.
The projected job outlook for epidemiologists is 16 percent, which is about 800 new annual job openings. An epidemiologist’s annual salary is $83,789.
11. Community Service Manager
Community service managers plan, coordinate and oversee programs to support the needs of communities. They work with nonprofit organizations, government agencies,or social service groups to address issues such as housing, healthcare access, education and family support. Community service managers assess community needs, manage staff and volunteers, secure funding and ensure programs run efficiently. They’ll collaborate with local leaders, social workers and organizations to extend their outreach and services to the community.
There is steady demand for community service managers, with a six percent increase by 2034, with nearly 19,000 new job openings a year. On average, community service managers make $78,240.
12. Nonprofit Program Manager
Nonprofit managers oversee programs that help organizations achieve their mission and serve communities in need. They help plan initiatives, create and maintain budgets and coordinate with staff or volunteers for program events to make sure goals are being met. Nonprofit managers may also lead projects that focus on:
- Education
- Healthcare
- Environmental protection
- Poverty relief
- Community development
They also work to retain and collaborate with donors, partners and community members to help promote and expand organizations and their programs.
ACU’s online Master’s of Science in Management has a nonprofit leadership concentration that focuses on leaders wanting to work with nonprofit organizations. Students will develop skills in:
- Leadership
- Financial reporting
- Grant writing
- Program evaluation
- Fund-raising techniques
The BLS predicts a 6% increase in jobs for nonprofit program managers by 2034, adding almost 19,000 new jobs each year. A nonprofit program manager, on average, makes $78,240 a year.
13. Victim Advocate
A victim advocate will provide support and guidance for individuals who have experienced crime, abuse or traumatic events. They help victims learn and understand their rights, navigate the legal system and find resources like counseling, housing and financial assistance. Victim advocates mostly work with nonprofit organizations, hospitals, law enforcement and government programs. Additionally, victim advocates will accompany victims to court hearings, help them file reports or connect them to community resources.
The projected job outlook for victim advocates and social services assistants is estimated to be six percent by 2033, with nearly 51,000 annual job openings. The average yearly salary for victim advocates and social service assistants is $45,120.
Pursue a Helping Profession Career With ACU
A helping profession is more than a career, it’s an opportunity to bring meaningful change in the lives of people, families and communities. From supporting patients in the healthcare setting, helping students in the classroom or advocating for people in need, these roles help build healthier communities.
Interested in pursuing a career that allows you to explore your calling to serve others? Getting the right education is the first step. Abilene Christian University offers a variety of online programs that are designed to prepare students for impactful helping professions. With degrees in nursing, social work, education management and more, students can build their knowledge and skills with an industry-aligned curriculum. Explore ACU’s online programs today and begin working toward a career dedicated to helping others.
