So You Want A Career in Healthcare

Healthcare has remained a sector that continues to thrive. As one of the more recession-proof industries, healthcare offers many benefits to those hoping for a career in this field. That’s one of the reasons why a healthcare career is such a popular option. As other industries continue to reduce their employment numbers, healthcare professionals are consistently on the rise. Some people believe that finding employment in healthcare means learning to become a doctor, but the fact is that there are a wide range of potential roles that you could be looking at. If a career in the healthcare industry sounds appealing, here are some essential facts that you need to know.

The Benefits of a Healthcare Career

There are a high number of entry-level and non-clinical support roles that you may be suitable for, but the question of how a career in healthcare is beneficial may be one that has crossed your mind. The key benefits of a healthcare career are:

• Demand – As the fastest growing job sector in the US, healthcare workers will always be in high demand. The US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that demand is consistently high, and looks set to rise with projections that run through to 2022.

• Salary – While it’s no secret that doctors and surgeons are well paid, the fact is that most healthcare roles will mean a substantial wage increase from your current role. What your earnings will be will depend on the position that you aim for and whether you have a degree or not.

• Choice – There are so many potential healthcare roles available that it can be challenging to narrow down what position best suits you. Consider how many forms of healthcare there are, and the variety of facilities in use. 

• Value – If your current employer does not make you feel valued, then you might be surprised by how quickly that changes when you transition to a healthcare career. Caring for others can make a very real difference to the lives of others, and the work that you do will be valued and appreciated.

• Excitement – Sitting in an office and managing sales figures can get very tedious, very quickly. A career in healthcare means that you will usually be working in a fast-paced environment, making decisions that matter. No two days are the same.

• Prospects – Once you have a foot in the door with a healthcare career, you can start looking at ways to advance. There are always opportunities for more training and more experience when it comes to healthcare, and moving up is a very real option.

Finding the Right Healthcare Career

There are some easily achievable ways to ensure that you not only find the right career but that you excel in your new role. Some of the best ways to ensure that your transition into healthcare goes smoothly are standard career change strategies, and include:

• Research – You will need to stay aware of the latest industry news. Find the best news sources for healthcare news and be aware of the big names and people that you should be following. This can help you work out where your interests lie and will make it much easier to impress when it comes to interview time.

• Network – Every business person knows the value of networking, and you should not dismiss its potential usefulness. You should look at joining conversations on social media, and establishing a presence in the healthcare community. Many jobs will come down to who you know rather than what you know, so get your networking started as early as possible.

• Education – It may be that you have identified the perfect career, but have realized that you do not have the right qualifications. This is not as much of a barrier as you might assume. You can now tackle your education gaps easier than ever, and there are a huge range of resources available that will suit the role that you’re aiming for. Online training has transformed education, and with options like Walsh University’s online FNP programs that can be fitted around your existing commitments, or the wide range of online resources available, your education could be less of a hindrance than you thought.

• Transferable Skills – Never forget that you will already have a range of experiences, talents, and skills that can be transferable to a career in healthcare. These can be used to help you get your foot in the door. Healthcare skills can range from being IT-reliant, good with accountancy software, HR, or secretarial roles. Never assume that every healthcare professional needs to wear scrubs and know how to insert an IV. Look at the skills that you already have, and do some research on where those transferable skills might benefit the healthcare industry.

• Experience – One of the best ways to ensure that your healthcare career gets off on the right foot is to get some real-world experience as soon as possible. You might consider volunteering some time at your local hospital, or devising some extracurricular activities at a nursing home. Not only will this experience look fantastic on your resume, it can help you to work out if a career in healthcare is really for you.

• Talk to People – If you have friends or family that already work in the healthcare sector, then talk to them about their experiences. The more knowledge that you have about what to expect, the less surprises there will be on your career pathway. Talking to people that know you will be beneficial in other ways as well. It could result in you getting quality work experience, or can be used to identify your best route into the industry. Never underestimate real-world experiences, and pay attention to all of the advice that you get.

There’s no disputing that healthcare is a thriving industry. Finding the right role will depend on what you’re hoping to gain from the career choice, but there is always going to be the potential for growth. The more that you understand about the industry and what to expect from it, the easier you will be able to find the perfect healthcare career for you.