People who enjoy helping others and have an interest in science, technology, medicine, and math may find healthcare occupations to be a perfect fit. Healthcare is a great career choice for persons who desire steady, secure employment because the need for health services is anticipated to increase in the upcoming years.
Despite the strong demand for and possible high income for these positions, it's crucial to be aware of some of the potential downsides as well. These professions may also be quite stressful. A danger is burnout. Additionally, the necessary education and training can be expensive and time-consuming.
Consider whether these positions are a suitable fit for your personality and background before choosing a career in healthcare. With so many options, you may select the field of healthcare and the position that best suits you.
Let's begin!
Why Choose Health Care?
A profession in healthcare comes with several benefits. The prospects for jobs in this industry is excellent due to an aging population. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be 2.6 million additional employment in the health care industry between 2020 and 2030, a 16% increase above the national average. 2 This implies that wages in the industry are frequently above average and come with favorable perks.
Being a doctor or nurse is not the only professional option in healthcare. The employment options in the healthcare industry are quite diverse, ranging from sports trainer to pharmacy to veterinary technician, not to mention ancillary positions in administration, finance, maintenance, research, or communications.
Training Requirements
The educational requirements for different healthcare positions might range from a high school certificate to a medical degree with advanced specialty. Being a doctor or a skilled nurse might require a sizable time and financial commitment.
If you're thinking about a career in healthcare, consider how you'll pay for and schedule the required schooling. If earning a medical degree doesn't seem possible, look into alternatives like nurse practitioner or physician assistant programs. The level of education needed for various healthcare positions varies greatly. 2
You might work as a home health aide, orderly, optician, pharmacy technician, psychiatric assistant, veterinary assistant, or lab animal carer with a high school certificate or its equivalent.
You could become a dental hygienist, emergency medical technician, medical sonographer, cardiovascular technologist, licensed practical nurse, massage therapist, medical assistant, medical records specialist, medical transcriptionist, nuclear medicine technologist, certified nursing assistant, psychiatric technician, occupational or physical therapy assistant, or occupational health and safety technician with an associate's degree or postsecondary training certificate.
You might work as a lab technician, registered nurse, dietitian or nutritionist, exercise physiologist, recreational therapist, or sports trainer after earning your bachelor's degree.
You might work as a genetic counselor, mental health counselor, nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, nurse practitioner, occupational therapist, prosthetist, physician assistant, or speech-language pathologist after earning a master's degree.
You might work as an audiologist, chiropractor, dentist, optometrist, pharmacist, physical therapist, doctor, psychologist, surgeon, or podiatrist if you have a doctorate or professional degree.
What Skills are Needed?
There are distinct skill sets and personality attributes needed for each health profession. But there are certain traits that are universal. Most jobs demand a strong work ethic, outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, and some level of technical or mathematical ability.
Additionally, the majority of healthcare occupations need a high level of maturity and responsibility. The caliber of your job may have an impact on the health or even the life of your patients.
Type of Working Environment
Which kind of setting would you feel most at ease and effective in? For instance, you probably shouldn't work as a surgeon or a hospital nurse if hospitals appear uncomfortably chilly or huge. If you enjoy interacting with people and working directly with patients, a job in pathology or research might not be fulfilling for you.
Always keep in mind that there are healthcare positions available in a variety of locations outside hospitals, clinics, and care facilities. Healthcare professionals work in hospitals, schools, workplaces, military posts, cruise ships, and outlying clinics.
Work-Life Balance
While you are in school, finishing your training, and after you land a career in healthcare, make sure to take into account how your life and family will be impacted. For instance, it may be necessary for physicians, nurses, and many other healthcare professionals to work evenings or weekends, lengthy shifts, and be on call. 3
Additionally, find out whether there are employment and training programs in your region or if you would need to move. Are you capable of doing this? How will your family be impacted by the costs of training and education? Prior to committing your time, money, and resources to pursuing a career in the healthcare industry, it is imperative that you give all of this some serious consideration.
Final Thoughts
You have many options if you are interested in a career in healthcare because there are so many different possibilities in this area. Although it will need an initial outlay of time and money for training, a career in healthcare provides numerous benefits, both monetary and non-financial. Having a plan can help you accomplish your objectives.