Thanks to an aging population and a focus on public health, healthcare careers will grow 16 percent by 2030. Healthcare students should know these careers can often command high salaries and even signing bonuses. If you like working with people and helping the sick, a healthcare career is right for you!
Before embarking on your healthcare career, you can do a few things to prepare yourself, including picking a career path, choosing a good education, and getting the proper training.
Here's how to start your healthcare career!
Pick a Career Path
From doctors to nurses to technicians - there are plenty of career paths to choose from in the medical field. You can work at clinics, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. Medical staff comes from all backgrounds with all educational levels.
If you are unsure about what you'd like to do in healthcare, see a career counselor or someone in the medical field. Talking with people with knowledge of the field is a great way to discover new opportunities. Perhaps you have family and friends who already work in healthcare.
Spend some time reading up on new and emerging healthcare careers. Jobs that didn't exist five years ago now might have abundant opportunities.
Much will depend on the type of job you want in medicine. Some jobs require flexible hours, while others in doctor's offices or clinics are more set. Each job also has different functions, such as registering patients, taking vitals, and even suturing.
Choosing a Good Education
As a healthcare student, you can choose from several educational levels, including certificate programs, community colleges, bachelor's degrees, and even higher. A better education typically comes with more money.
A good education will teach you to use specific equipment such as suture kits. You will also learn how to use essential equipment such as blood pressure machines and use an EKG machine.
Look for scholarship opportunities too. Many schools offer money to help you get through school. The federal government also provides many loans to make your education possible.
Some people may choose to get a minimal education and then work towards a higher degree.
Training
Training opportunities exist for many students as they are attending classes. For example, a student doctor on their way to becoming a physician will learn about the clinical side of medicine. Those studying to become nurses will learn about procedures, overseeing patients, and even suturing.
Internships are great places to learn about the medical field. You get a sense of what the job entails and if it's a right fit for you. In some cases, you may decide it's the wrong healthcare career path.
Training is essential. It's also an excellent place to make good contacts, develop your resume, and gain valuable work experience. A good training program can help you leap into your first job.
Don't rule out volunteering at various healthcare facilities. Even if it's menial work, you might still connect with people who can help you in your career path.
Licensing
Licensing is necessary for the healthcare field. Many jobs require you to pass 'boards' or 'tests' to ensure you have the right qualifications for the position. Testing might ask questions about different equipment, including suture kits.
Each state is different. It's best to check with your school to determine what kinds of requirements you'll need for each job.
For example, as a student doctor prepares to become a physician, they will eventually have to pass the requirements to earn the title of 'doctor.' Nurses are much the same way.
Finding Opportunities
Online job boards, social media, and your local employment office are excellent places to start when looking for a job. Many hospitals and health networks post positions right on their website!
Connect with a healthcare recruiter. Many healthcare facilities hire an outside company to recruit potential employees to their network.
Contact people you worked with about a future job in healthcare. Did you work with any outstanding doctors, nurses, clinicians, or administrators you enjoyed working with? Ask them for help with a reference.
Ask for recommendations from faculty with whom you have developed a good relationship over the years. Your letter should express your work ethic, study habits, and good attitude toward a future position.
Consider the benefits of different employers too. Some employers are offering signing bonuses because it's difficult to find workers. In other cases, employers might pay off your student loans over time as long as you sign a contract.
Many employers are bending over backward to give employees extra benefits. With many leaving the field, this could be your opportunity to move in the ranks fast!
Adapt to Changes
Changes in healthcare happen often. There's always new equipment, new educational opportunities, and new research. If you want to keep on top of your health career, adapt to change!
Take advantage of any opportunity to learn about using new equipment, whether it's a training class or watching online videos.
If there are additional classes to take that can enhance your degree or updated policies, jump on them. When you add these things to your resume, management will call you to take the lead.
When there's new healthcare research, it often means a new way of doing procedures and taking tests. If there are new suturing techniques, be the first to learn and teach the rest of the staff!
You can command a higher salary when you take the initiative and make yourself more valuable. You also become qualified for promotions.
Preparing for Your Healthcare Career
Prepare for your healthcare career by picking a career path and deciding on an education. Get good training, the proper licenses, and find the right opportunities. And when you adapt to change, you'll excel!
Do you want to learn more about healthcare careers and the types of medical equipment professionals use? Contact us today about a career in the medical field using suture kits. We can help you get on the right career path!
