There’s no denying that the healthcare industry plays a vital role in improving people’s lives and their safety. This is because health should always be at the top of the priority list. No wonder, a career in healthcare is rewarding in every way possible, and working in this profession is considered the most fulfilling job there is. So why is healthcare a good career path?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that healthcare employment is expected to grow by up to 16% in 2030, making it one of the most booming industries in the US. The aging population is one of the main reasons healthcare is growing in demand—this means that there will be an increase in managing an elderly patient’s chronic conditions along with the financial demands on our health care system.
If you’re still wondering what career to take, this may help you decide if the healthcare field is the right path for you. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know before jumping into the healthcare industry—the different jobs you can pursue and how you can prepare for this exciting career ahead.
Overview of the Different Fields in Healthcare
“Is health care a good career path?” Pursuing a career in healthcare is a big step; nevertheless, it’s attainable and rewarding. To help you decide what path to take, here are the most common healthcare fields you can choose from.
Allied Healthcare
Allied health professionals play an essential part in the delivery of health care and related services in the U.S. and across the world. They diagnose, evaluate, treat, and prevent disease transmission and other illnesses. Examples of allied healthcare professionals are anesthesia technicians, dieticians or nutritionists, dental assistants, massage therapists, and paramedics.
Healthcare Technology
Technology advancement has improved the healthcare system and the entire medical field. Many career opportunities have been created due to the technology improvements in the industry. Healthcare technology and systems are estimated to grow by 11% in 2026. Some jobs in this field are medical record technicians and health information technicians.
Healthcare Management
Healthcare management, also known as healthcare administration, is centered on the business aspects of the healthcare industry. This field is in-charge of the maintenance and operations of a healthcare establishment. The employment projection in this field is 32% in 2030. Some examples of healthcare management jobs include medical office assistants, customer service representatives, and patient service representatives.
Why is Healthcare a Good Career Path?
The healthcare field can offer you a promising career with its wide range of job titles based on your skills and educational attainment. Here are five factors to consider before working in the healthcare industry.
Job Security
A fast-growing career means plenty of job opportunities that lead to job security. As mentioned earlier, the BLS has projected a growth in the job market of up to 2.6 million new jobs. Because of this, there’s a greater chance for you to land a secure career in this field.
Educational Levels
The healthcare field offers many job opportunities based on different educational attainments. The industry offers jobs to individuals who have finished their high school diploma or GED, post-secondary non-degrees, associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and up to doctorate degrees.
Career Opportunities
The healthcare industry is growing more than ever, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All the jobs related to it are in demand and numerous opportunities are available for job seekers who are interested in the medical field.
Competitive Salary
The competition is getting stiffer with the increasing number of job opportunities in the field. In addition, many professionals want to be part of the industry because it offers a competitive salary.
Job Satisfaction
One of the most fulfilling achievements in working in the field is making an impact on people’s lives by giving them care and assistance. Healthcare workers play an important role in ensuring public health. They also help people deal with and recover from illness for longer and more productive lives.
Common Careers in the Healthcare Field
As stated earlier, the healthcare job market has been on a high since the pandemic. Hence, many job seekers want to know the answer to the question: Is health care a good career path? If you’re one of them, check out these job opportunities.
Registered Nurse
Registered nurses are considered the backbone of the healthcare field. One of the tasks they typically do is to assess, monitor, and record a patient’s medical conditions and history. They also communicate with the patient’s family regarding their health status and they are the ones who typically perform diagnostic tests and result analysis.
Average salary: $77,600 per year
Educational requirements: Nursing diploma, an associate’s degree in nursing, or a bachelor’s degree in nursing. You should also pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Pharmacist
Pharmacists give prescription medications to patients, and they have expertise in how to use prescriptions safely. They supervise the medication prescribed to patients and give lifestyle recommendations. They also do health and wellness checks.
Average salary: $128,570 per year
Educational requirements: Degree in Doctor of Pharmacy and a license from the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX).
Medical Assistant
Medical Assistants manage administrative and clinical tasks in healthcare facilities.
The duties of a medical assistant usually involve keeping records of a patient’s history and personal details, measuring vital indicators, assisting doctors, scheduling patient’s appointments, and other paperwork.
Average salary: $37,190 per year
Educational requirements: Postsecondary
Physicians
Physicians deal with the diagnosis and treatment of patients. They also carry out and interpret diagnostic tests. Patients frequently receive advice from physicians regarding their overall healthcare.
Average salary: $208,000 per year
Educational requirements: Bachelor’s degree, Degree in Medical Doctor, successful residency program in their specialty of interest, fellowship, and medical license
Dentist
Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and oral health; fix or extract damaged teeth; give patients anesthesia for painful operations; and instruct patients in proper oral and dental hygiene.
Average salary: $163,220 per year
Educational requirements: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) and license to practice
Clinical Laboratory Technologist
Clinical laboratory technologists collect samples and other substances to determine the presence of any diseases. They also provide data that helps the physician diagnose and make a treatment plan for a patient.
Average salary: $57,800 per year
Educational requirements: Bachelor’s degree in medical technology or any related life sciences field and clinical laboratory technician license (for some States)
EMT and Paramedic
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics are the first responders in a medical emergency. Their work often consists of quick and competent attention, as people’s lives depend on their first-aid care while the patient is being transported to a medical facility.
Average salary: $36,930 per year
Educational requirements: High school diploma and a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification; having an associate’s degree is a plus; and license from The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT)
Radiologist
Radiologists examine patients with X-rays and other diagnostic imaging procedures and are trained to use medical diagnostic equipment. Radiology specializations are in X-ray, mammography, and computed tomography (CT) imaging.
Average salary: $61,980 per year
Educational requirements: Associate’s degree and having relevant certificates or bachelor’s degree in healthcare is a plus
Home Health and Personal Care Aide
Home health and personal care aides help people with illness or disabilities with their everyday activities such as eating, bathing, walking, and taking prescribed medicines. They often cater to older individuals.
Average salary: $29,430 per year
Educational requirements: High school diploma and relevant training programs such as safety training for emergencies
Chiropractor
Chiropractors tend to patients with problems in the neuromusculoskeletal system. They use spinal manipulations, massage therapy, rehabilitative exercise, and ultrasound to relieve painful joints and muscles and to help increase mobility.
Average salary: $75,000 per year
Educational requirements: Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree and chiropractic license
Physical Therapist
Physical therapists help injured or ill people with pain management and mobility improvement. They usually tend to people of all ages with body injuries, sprains, fractures, and people who have undergone amputation.
Average salary: $95,620 per year
Educational requirements: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree; completed residency program
How to Start a Career in Healthcare?
Now that you’re familiar with some healthcare job opportunities, it’s now time to take the next step. Here are some sure fire tips to land a job in the medical industry.
1. Attend medical training programs.
Acquiring certifications, training, and health-related courses can give you higher chances of landing your target post.
2. Know and enhance your skills.
Whether you’re someone who’s yet to decide on their career, or someone who’s looking for a successful career change, knowing your skills is key to determining the best job to take.
3. Get relevant experience.
Experience is the best way to stand out in any career you’re pursuing. Consider applying for an internship or volunteering in any medical facilities. This boosts your chances of getting first-hand experience with the job and learning the field at the same time.
4. Find a career mentor.
Having someone to teach, inspire, and lead you is one of the most important factors in building your career. Find someone who aligns with your vision and purpose and teaches you to excel in your chosen field.
5. Create an effective resume.
Starting a career in healthcare requires all the things we have mentioned above, but most importantly, you have to learn the key components of an effective resume to secure a job.
Plan your resume outline. Include your accomplishments, skills, education, certifications, training, and anything that might add value to your resume.
Elevate Your Career with Expert Advice from Our Career Coaches
With all the substantial points covered in this article, is healthcare a good career path? The answer is “Yes!” Entering the healthcare industry can be challenging, but being a healthcare worker can give you the greatest advantages career-wise, and it can also give you a great sense of purpose.
Prepare to elevate your career by equipping yourself with career advice from the experts. Moreover, get ready to impress hiring managers with a well-written resume. If you’re not confident in how to write a job-winning resume, it’s best to hire a reliable and competent healthcare resume writing service firm to help you.
Look no further! We have the right team for you. Resume Professional Writers is home to expert resume writers and career coaches who can help you ace your job search. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
