Healthcare Trends in 2025: Technological Advancements, Patient-Centered Care, and More

The healthcare industry is at a crossroads. Shaken to the core by the COVID-19 pandemic, workforce shortages, and accompanying challenges, the sector is now in a period of transition marked by the expanded integration of technological solutions.

Insights from the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions suggest an overall favorable outlook for 2025, with respondents anticipating significant increases in revenue following several years of unprecedented challenges. The sector’s positive outlook may also encompass improvements in patient care and even greater affordability for certain services.

New challenges can be expected, however, with regulatory uncertainty in particular hindering strategic planning. Deloitte highlights the need for agile strategies so leaders can remain proactive in the face of regulatory changes. Long-held concerns regarding cybersecurity and patient privacy remain relevant, too, although new technologies may be key to tackling these concerns.

Also important? A passionate and well-trained workforce, equipped with the drive and desire to make a difference. These talented professionals will ultimately determine how the latest trends in medicine play out and how new opportunities impact patients.

Healthcare Technology – New or Growing in 2025

Healthcare technology forms the basis for many of the most compelling healthcare 2025 trends and opportunities. The field’s technologies have seen rapid improvements in the last few years — prompted, in part, by the necessary response to the pandemic, which forced leaders to think creatively about how they could meet suddenly shifting patient needs.

Other improvements relate to ongoing staffing shortages and other labor concerns, with AI-powered solutions promising to augment the healthcare workforce. These strategies also allow professionals to focus on patient interactions and strategic initiatives rather than mundane, time-consuming tasks. Exciting trends include:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

It is impossible to overstate the impact of artificial intelligence and machine learning on the healthcare sector. Largely used to streamline administrative efforts and promote data-driven decision-making, these advanced technologies have improved dramatically in the past several years, with use cases expanding along the way. The next big shift represents organizations’ growing commitment to investing in and fully leveraging these technologies.

A Define Ventures survey reveals that 73% of healthcare leaders expect to increase their financial commitment to AI-driven technology, with most expressing confidence in AI’s “ability to improve the patient and clinician experience in the next few years.” Meanwhile, experts continue to refine AI models, capable of everything from detecting skin cancer to streamlining drug discovery.

Moving forward, a wider variety of professionals will be not only encouraged but also expected to take advantage of this technology. This is already becoming a staple in medical coding and making an impact in nursing as well, with most nurses expressing a desire for AI to improve patient care.

Virtual Assistants – Generative AI

Offering an efficient yet personalized approach to patient scheduling and other administrative or operational tasks, AI-powered healthcare assistants offer technical support and have, in the past year, seen rapid adoption across a range of organizations and facilities. These assistants leverage advanced technologies such as natural language processing (NLP) to make interactions feel intuitive.

In the next few years, chatbots are expected to play a more pivotal part in patient monitoring, especially for those managing chronic conditions. Furthermore, AI-powered chatbots can offer post-operative guidance and prescription management services. Speaking to the increased integration of generative AI, cardiologist Shaan Khurshid explains that this will soon play a more prominent role in many “aspects of routine clinical care,” such as summarizing patient medical records or producing preliminary diagnostic test reports.

Telehealth or Remote Health

The rise of telehealth largely coincided with the pandemic. With resources constrained due to surges in COVID-19 and patients unwilling to increase their risk of exposure, telehealth provided a much-needed stopgap to ensure that patients still received at least some attention.

While many patients still prefer in-person visits, telehealth remains a central part of the equation, offering the chance for patients in diverse geographic locations to schedule appointments and get the care they need. Additionally, telehealth accommodates those with limited access to transportation or other mobility impairments.

Telehealth may not be new, but it is expected to see more widespread adoption in 2025, following an eventful 2024 that has been referred to as the “Super Bowl for telehealth.” Advocates have worked hard to expand upon telehealth provisions, although the long-term status of Medicare telehealth flexibilities remains uncertain.

Developments in 2025 will largely revolve around how telehealth is covered. Telehealth-aided acute care-at-home programs are also expected to expand, potentially shifting how the public perceives telehealth. In recent years, telehealth services have largely emphasized remote patient monitoring and basic consultations, but remote strategies also hold great promise for reducing the cost of acute care and even boosting patient satisfaction.

Surgical Techniques and Medicines

Surgical procedures remain among the most expensive and dangerous healthcare services but have seen dramatic improvements in response to robotic solutions and even artificial intelligence. Supporting less invasive procedures like laparoscopic surgeries, robotic solutions are now regularly used in everything from cardiothoracic to colorectal surgeries.

In addition to facilitating less invasive procedures (and ultimately, reducing patient discomfort and expediting recovery), surgical solutions are favored because they reduce strain on the workforce and can even prove beneficial from an ergonomic perspective — surgeons and surgical assistants enjoy improved precision and range of motion but are less likely to spend a considerable amount of time stretching, bending, or straining for prolonged periods.

Expanded access is expected in 2025 — but that’s just one of many changes in store. Going forward, flexible robotic arms are expected to boost maneuverability, while augmented reality (AR) promises clearer visual perspectives and enhanced precision.

Health Data Security

In 2024, the healthcare sector was a major target for cybersecurity attacks, and unfortunately, these are expected to continue in the years to come. As attacks grow more sophisticated, the same can be said for the strategies used to combat these cyber threats.

Blockchain technology has been proposed as an option for boosting transparency and overall security within the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). Healthcare organizations are also increasingly committed to adopting Zero Trust Architecture.

Meanwhile, updates to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) are anticipated, with the goal of securing electronic protected health information (ePHI). Expected requirements include multi-factor authentication and encryption for ePHI — both at rest and in transit.

Economic and Government Impact

As a new administration impacts federal policy, regulatory shifts are to be expected. However, these remain difficult to predict. Others are already being unrolled, though, including significant changes at the state level. These may accompany economic challenges like ongoing issues with inflation.

Inflation and Rising Costs

While inflation has cooled down since it peaked in 2022, rising costs remain a key point of concern in the healthcare field. Insights from the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker suggest that medical inflation slightly outpaced inflation in other sectors in 2024, specifically with prices for hospital services and nursing home care increasing dramatically.

Experts anticipate that healthcare expenses will continue to increase at a rapid rate in 2025, as the cost of employer-sponsored health plans is expected to rise 9%. While telehealth and AI could potentially help to keep expenses in check by improving efficiency, these savings could be offset by the heightened demand for specialty drugs such as glucagon-like peptide 1 medications (GLP-1s).

Regulatory Changes

From a regulatory perspective, the most pressing question about healthcare trends in 2025 has to do with the incoming Trump administration. At minimum, a shift toward deregulation and market-driven solutions can be expected.

Other changes are on the horizon at the state level but could have ripple effects. In Washington, for example, a new law will prevent clinical professionals from dealing with mandatory overtime. Meanwhile, legislation in Idaho aims to reduce the cost of medications via prescription benefit managers (PBMs).

Sweeping changes can be expected in Illinois due to the Healthcare Protection Act. Among this act’s many provisions is the banning of step therapy, in which patients are required to try lower-priced drugs before “stepping” up to more expensive treatments. This law also makes significant prior authorization changes, especially as it applies to mental healthcare.

Patient Trends and Patient-Centric Care

Discussions of healthcare trends often center on technological improvements or regulatory concerns, but the role of the patient should not be discounted. Aided by social media and the overarching wellness movement, patients view themselves as more informed and more proactive than ever. Whether this perception rings true remains to be seen, however, as patients are also highly vulnerable to misinformation. Still, there is much to be gained from their desire for greater engagement.

Wellness Popularity

The wellness industry is thriving — with many consumers eager to take charge of their health and well-being by adopting lifestyle improvements that relate to their nutrition, sleep, exercise, and mental health. These trends are accompanied by a clear push to adopt a more holistic, lifestyle-centered approach to healthcare. While many people look to influencers for wellness advice and motivation, healthcare professionals are hoping to leverage this interest in wellness and connect on a more meaningful level.

Direct-to-Consumer Healthcare

Insurance companies have long played a central role in shaping the United States healthcare system, but new opportunities to cut out intermediaries are beginning to emerge. Known as direct-to-consumer healthcare, this approach directly links providers and consumers, eliminating the need for insurance involvement in some administrative (and even some routine clinical) processes. This could help decrease costs, and some consumers also express that this model helps them feel in control of their care.

Mental/Behavorial Health

Demand for mental health services skyrocketed during the pandemic and has remained strong since then. Patients are more willing to seek mental health care, but with a caveat: There are not currently enough clinical professionals available to meet this heightened demand. Anticipated trends include the improved integration of physical and mental healthcare, along with the expanded use of chatbots and other AI-driven solutions.

Access to Information and Healthcare Staff

Patients are increasingly invested in their own care, with many dedicating considerable time to researching treatment options and even alternative therapies. Strong patient engagement can boost adherence to treatment plans and ultimately improve both health outcomes and satisfaction with patient care.

These days, there are ample ways for patients to get engaged; telehealth, AI, and patient portals allow easy access to both services and information. In 2025, patients will become even more aware of these opportunities and eager to leverage them.

Healthcare Workders: Nurses, Allied Health, etc.

The future is bright for professionals across the vast spectrum of healthcare. From nurses to allied health and even administrative roles, professionals can observe not only strong demand but also excellent options to achieve career advancement while pursuing personally meaningful specialties.

This versatility extends to training, with numerous degrees, diplomas, and other credentials available to aspiring healthcare workers and nurses. For instance, programs through Bryant & Stratton College offer valuable preparation for the nurses, medical assistants, and administrative professionals of tomorrow, who can leverage this training to score the field’s top opportunities.

Job Demand for Healthcare Professionals

Stability and strong earning potential have long been among the top reasons for entering the healthcare field. Across various roles and specializations, there is a need for talented professionals who, with the right credentials, often have little trouble scoring jobs they find compelling (not to mention impressive pay).

This demand is expected to remain strong in 2025, with many factors contributing to this positive outlook: increased healthcare needs as the Baby Boomer generation ages, for example, along with the expansion of telehealth services and a growing emphasis on preventative care.

Nursing Shortage

Nursing shortages are among the industry’s most worrisome concerns. From the aspiring healthcare professional’s perspective, however, these shortages spell major hiring opportunities. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reveals a modest outlook for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs), advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) hold a promising outlook of 40% for 2023-2033.

Upskilling & Career Development

Nursing is just one of many fields in which higher-level professionals may find it easier to get hired. The same is true of administrative roles; BLS data projects a job outlook of 29% for medical and health services managers from 2023-2033. Thanks to advancements in online and hybrid education, however, there are many opportunities for improving skill sets and gaining necessary credentials — all while embracing a spirit of lifelong learning.

All of the Above!

Healthcare jobs are changing in response to not only increased demand but also because of the many technologies described above. For example, artificial intelligence is expected to have a substantial impact on healthcare professionals, shaping how they handle routine tasks and even how they interact with patients. In addition, telehealth promises to help a wider variety of patients leverage healthcare services while enhancing flexibility on the employee’s end.

These nursing trends may prompt a steep learning curve, but they also offer valuable opportunities to improve patient care, and reduce costs. Agile and well-informed professionals will be well-equipped to take advantage of these trends in medicine to deliver impressive outcomes.

Join the Healthcare Industry With a Degree

If one thing’s certain about the healthcare 2025 landscape, it’s a strong demand for skilled and passionate professionals who are determined to make a difference. This is an excellent time to invest in yourself and your career through college-level training.

Prepare for a bright future in healthcare with a diploma or degree that will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly changing sector. Several excellent options are available through Bryant & Stratton College. Take a closer look at our nursing and healthcare degrees and diplomas — or feel free to get in touch to discuss your options.