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Negosentro.com | Tips for Entering the Healthcare Field | The healthcare industry is one in which demand will never subside. Growth is projected to create 2.4 million new jobs within the next decade, positions that need to be filled by dedicated, caring individuals looking to make a difference in the lives of thousands of patients.
Entering the healthcare field takes schooling and exploration, finding your best fit, and working hard to acquire the necessary education. While this may sound daunting, it doesn’t have to be. Plenty of options are out there, and if you’re interested in healthcare, there’s bound to be a path for you.
Finding the right fit and entering the healthcare field can be as simple as following a clear plan of attack. The hard work is up to you. Here’s what you should know.
1. Explore Your Options
The healthcare field is expansive and diverse. You could focus your career on anything from dental hygiene to neurosurgery, though the level of school and corresponding pay scale will vary. Because of the breadth of positions open to healthcare workers, you should start your entry process by narrowing down exactly what it is you’d like to do.
If you’re shooting for high-paying public health careers, environmental science, health administration, and natural science management are some of the best paying out there. Alternatively, if you’re looking to see the world, positions like travel nursing can allow you to explore while helping underprivileged people from all over.
The sky is the limit when it comes to healthcare jobs. Find your areas of interest before starting your journey.
2. Expand Your Education
Every healthcare position requires different levels of education and certification. While positions like medical doctors and surgeons will require the most school, other healthcare professions look for specialized training that might take less time.
A dental hygienist, for example, may only need an Associate’s degree and certifications for a position that pays an average of $74,100 a year. The path towards making a difference and earning a great salary can come through trade schools and dedicated training, all depending on the path you choose.
Throughout your schooling, it is essential to also dedicate time to crucial things recruiters look for in a resume. These can include:
- Being a team player
- Having a long work history
- Having limited employment gaps
- Using appropriate spelling and grammar
Developing these skills and more will help you breeze through your necessary education while giving you a serious boost when it comes time to apply for healthcare jobs.
3. Pick a Specialty
There are approximately 135 specialties in the field of healthcare. Each represents real needs and a chance to save lives and make a difference in the world. As you go through your schooling and search for healthcare positions best suited to your personality, consider specialties.
While the full list of options is too broad to put down in full, here is a sampling of the range of positions open to you with the right knowledge and expertise:
- Addiction Psychiatry
- Biochemical Genetics
- Dermatology
- Family Medicine
- Infectious Disease
- Oncology
- Sports Medicine
- … and so many more
Every option will present its own set of pros and cons, challenges, and successes. As you go about your healthcare journey, the right fit will become more clear to you.
4. Prepare for Challenges
While few fields may be as rewarding as healthcare, few are quite as challenging as well. When entering the healthcare industry, it is important to note all the demands of the job and prepare yourself to meet these challenges head-on.
Healthcare can be draining physically, emotionally, and mentally. Set yourself up for success by preparing yourself for the unique challenges of the field, such as:
- Exposure to disease
- Exposure to violence
- High-stress environments
- Long hours
- Potential work overload
No one should enter the healthcare field without knowing what to expect. These challenges and more can make for a harrowing work environment at times, so it is essential to be aware of the risks. As we have seen throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers are heroic in their endeavors, but the work can take its toll.
5. Create a Balance
Because of the schooling and long hours involved in breaking into the healthcare field, new entrants need to build a sustainable routine of work-life balance and self-care. Demands of the healthcare field can cause burnout fast, so building a routine long before you even start the job will be a vital element to your success.
Start by managing your time and schedule around all vital pillars of health. These include nutrition, sleep, stress management, and physical activity. Balance your life situation to support your career growth, and strive for your professional goals.
These tips can help you achieve the success you want from entering the healthcare field, allowing you to help others while earning a respectable income. The world is in constant need of healthcare professionals, so find the right fit and get to work today.
