A shortage of healthcare staff remains one of the biggest challenges facing European healthcare. An ageing population, retirements and rising demand for care mean that demand for many healthcare professions grows year after year. The European Commission estimates a shortfall of roughly 1.2 million doctors, nurses and midwives across the EU, which is why countries are taking steps to attract and retain staff.
The most sought-after healthcare professions in Slovenia
According to the latest Occupational Barometer published by the Employment Service of Slovenia and the new Healthcare Workforce Development Strategy 2026–2036, the professions in shortest supply are:
🥇 Nurses and nursing technicians
- the largest shortage across the entire healthcare system,
- a high number of retirements,
- increased recruitment of staff from abroad.
🥈 Family doctors
- the biggest shortfall at primary care level,
- essential for reducing waiting times.
🥉 Medical specialists
The greatest need is for:
- anaesthesiologists,
- emergency physicians,
- psychiatrists,
- radiologists,
- internal medicine specialists.
Also in high demand: physiotherapists, paramedics, care assistants, psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists and dentists.
The most sought-after healthcare professions in the European Union
Similar trends apply across most EU countries. Demand is highest for:
- nurses,
- family medicine doctors,
- emergency medicine specialists,
- psychiatrists,
- anaesthesiologists,
- radiologists,
- physiotherapists,
- midwives,
- long-term care workers,
- healthcare assistants and carers.
Why is demand growing so quickly?
The main reasons are:
- 👵 an ageing European population,
- 🏥 more chronic conditions,
- 👨⚕️ large numbers of healthcare staff retiring,
- 🌍 staff moving abroad or into the private sector,
- ❤️ greater need for long-term care,
- 💻 the growth of telemedicine and digital health, which changes how people work but does not reduce the need for healthcare staff.
The healthcare professions of the future
European experts expect the following to be among the most promising by 2035:
- nurse,
- family medicine specialist,
- anaesthesiologist,
- psychiatrist,
- radiologist,
- physiotherapist,
- occupational therapist,
- long-term care specialist,
- clinical psychologist,
- digital health and telemedicine specialist.
Did you know? Around 80% of employers in Slovenian healthcare and long-term care report difficulty finding suitable staff. The European Commission warns that without further measures to improve working conditions, education and recruitment, the shortage of healthcare workers will not ease in the coming years.
Which healthcare profession should you choose today to still be in demand in ten years?
Choosing a career is one of life’s most important decisions. If you are considering a career in healthcare, the good news is that this sector will remain among those with the most employment opportunities over the next decade – both in Slovenia and across the European Union.
According to the latest WHO and OECD analyses, demand for healthcare workers will keep rising until at least 2035, driven by an ageing population, more chronic illness and retirements.
If you are still at school …
… and thinking about a future career, healthcare is one of the safest and most promising choices. These are not only jobs with great responsibility, but also jobs where you help people every day while enjoying strong employment prospects at home and abroad.
Professions with the best outlook (2026–2036)
🥇 Nurse / registered nurse
- the highest demand in Slovenia and the EU,
- employment usually available immediately after graduating,
- many opportunities for advancement and specialisation,
- excellent prospects abroad as well.
🥈 Family medicine doctor
- one of the most sought-after professions in Europe,
- a key role in easing pressure on the healthcare system,
- high employability and long-term security.
🥉 Physiotherapist
- demand will keep growing as the population ages,
- work in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, sport and private practice.
Also highly promising: anaesthesiologist, radiologist, psychiatrist, emergency physician, occupational therapist, clinical psychologist, speech therapist, paramedic, pharmacist, and digital health and telemedicine specialist.
What does the latest research say?
In 2025 the World Health Organization published State of the World’s Nursing 2025, considered the most comprehensive study of nursing worldwide. Key findings include:
- the number of nurses worldwide is rising, but not quickly enough,
- by 2030 the world will still be short of roughly 4.1 million nurses,
- European countries will continue recruiting healthcare staff intensively because of retirements and an ageing population,
- countries must improve pay, working conditions, mentoring and career development to make these professions more attractive to young people.
In 2025 the WHO also launched the Nursing Action project together with the European Commission, aimed at increasing young people’s interest in nursing and improving recruitment and retention across EU countries.
A message for young people
If you are looking for a profession that will still be valued, stable and in demand ten years from now, healthcare is one of the best choices. Technology and artificial intelligence will help healthcare workers with diagnostics, administration and organising work, but they will not replace human knowledge, empathy and direct contact with patients. That is exactly why nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, psychologists and other healthcare professionals will remain among the most sought-after professions of the future.
