The healthcare industry has a whole wealth of career opportunities – and they are not limited to medical-based jobs. So, one of the following seven routes into healthcare could be the right option for you.
1. Registered Nurse
Embarking on a career as a registered nurse means embracing a world of constant learning and human connection. Your main responsibilities would include caring for patients, assessing needs, planning care formulas, and evaluating the effectiveness of proposed treatments.
You will typically need a bachelor’s degree in nursing and an RN license if you wish to pursue this career route.
2. Health Services Manager
Working in health services management provides an opportunity to shape healthcare delivery behind the scenes. In this role, you would be involved in planning, managing staff, and coordinating services within medical organizations.
A bachelor’s degree in health administration will be required. However, many professionals also have a master’s degree.
3. Medical Technologist
If you are inclined towards laboratory sciences and high-tech analyses, becoming a medical technologist might be your niche. Responsibilities encompass performing lab tests used for the detection, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring of diseases.
While entry-level positions can require only an associate’s degree in life sciences or medical technology, many roles prefer candidates with higher qualifications.
4. Physical Therapist
Choosing a career as a physical therapist can be immensely rewarding. You would work closely with patients suffering from injuries or chronic conditions, aiming to improve their mobility and manage pain.
A Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is mandatory, followed by state licensure, to work in this role.
5. Medical Coder
As a medical coder, you would translate patient records into standardized codes for billing and insurance purposes.
Typically, certifications such as the CPC (Certified Professional Coder) are attainable after completing postsecondary education in Health Information Management to follow this career route.
6. Nutritionist
Embarking on a career as a nutritionist means dedicating yourself to promoting healthy lifestyle choices. Your responsibilities might include designing nutritious personalized meal plans or conducting educational workshops about balanced diets.
Generally, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in nutrition science along with licensure depending on your jurisdiction to become a nutritionist.
7. Physician Assistant
As a physician assistant, you would play a crucial role in delivering healthcare services right on the frontline. Your duties would include diagnosing illnesses, developing and managing treatment plans, performing procedures, or even assisting in surgeries.
To qualify, you will need to complete a master’s degree from an accredited PA program and obtain licensure by passing the PANCE exam.
Studying for a Healthcare-Related Degree: Your Gateway to a Rewarding Profession
There is an abundance of other careers in the healthcare sector available, from doctors and surgeons to receptionists and HR professionals. Many routes into these professions require qualifications, especially those roles that are medical-based.
Taking up a healthcare-related degree, such as nursing, physical therapy, health administration, or even medical technology, can present you with vast opportunities in the evolving healthcare landscape.
These degrees do not just prepare you with theoretical knowledge and practical skills but also equip you to adapt dynamically to the ever-changing needs of the healthcare environment.
Certain healthcare roles require specialized education paths. For instance, becoming a physician assistant involves completing a specific PA program, while aspiring medical technologists would need to delve into life sciences or allied fields.
Thanks to technological progress and our increasingly digital world, earning these qualifications is no longer confined to traditional brick-and-mortar classrooms.
You can readily explore online schools for healthcare that offer flexibility, which could be ideal if you need to balance commitments or you simply prefer the convenience of studying from home.
So, whichever career path you choose in healthcare, remember that taking the right educational step is your key to unlocking success.
Finding the Right Healthcare Career for You
Sorting through ample healthcare career options might feel overwhelming at first. But by considering your interests, skills, and lifestyle factors, you can determine which career choice is right for you.
Remember, finding the right healthcare career is a personal journey that aligns passion with purpose.