Why a Job in Healthcare Could Be Your Next Career Move

In today’s job market, things are constantly changing. These days, you’re more likely to have as many as seven careers before you retire as a result of altered working environments, technological advancements, and the constantly evolving landscape of how you fit into an organization. Finding a new passion and changing careers is more of a possibility than ever, and the healthcare industry stands as a beacon of opportunity and stability. If you’re thinking about your next career move, an accelerated Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program might be the transformative step you need to embark on a new and fulfilling journey into helping others. A recent Forbes article found that the healthcare system was already working with a staff shortage even before the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic despite being the largest employer in the United States. The jobs are there, and you won’t need to become a doctor to access them.

Job Security and Competitive Salaries

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for a registered nurse is $81,220 per year, or about $39.05 an hour, and that’s with a bachelor's degree. The highest-earning 10%, many with qualifications above a bachelor’s, were earning more than $116,000 per year. Advanced practice nurses, such as nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetists, command even higher salaries that reflect their specialized skills and expertise that their roles require. The predicted job growth between 2022-2032 is predicted to be 6%, faster than average compared to other industries in the United States. This growth rate is driven by an aging population, continued advances in medical technology, and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, all of which contribute to rising healthcare needs.

Embracing Technological Advancements in Healthcare

The healthcare industry is at the forefront of technological advancements, making it an exciting field for individuals who thrive on innovation. From electronic health records (EHRs) to telehealth solutions, technology is absolutely pivotal in improving patient outcomes and streamlining the myriad of processes involved in healthcare. Professionals entering the industry with an education in nursing and healthcare administration or a background in technology are well-positioned to contribute to and benefit from these advancements. If you’re interested in coding or the tech world, the healthcare industry is an excellent way to discover the true cutting edge of advancements that will affect us directly.

Making a Real Difference

By pursuing a career in healthcare, you’ve got the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others every day. Clocking in no longer means typing an email that’ll lead to a meeting that really just could’ve been another email. Instead, you’re providing direct patient care, or contributing to groundbreaking research, or implementing healthcare policies. All of these contributions can have a real, profound impact on individuals, families, and communities. There’s a sense of fulfillment that comes from knowing that you’ve helped in improving someone’s health and well-being, and that feeling is unparalleled and can sustain you throughout your career journey.

The benefits don’t stop there, though: a career in healthcare offers avenues for professional growth and advancement. With continuous learning and skill development at the forefront of the industry, healthcare professionals are encouraged to pursue further education, training, and certifications to expand their knowledge base, which also enhances career prospects. What’s more is the scheduling: healthcare professions are known for their flexibility and versatility, so you don’t have to stick with the same old 9-5 schedule if that doesn’t suit your needs. Individuals can tailor their careers to suit their lifestyle preferences and personal obligations, whether that be a casual sports league you’re a part of, or picking your kids up from school. Whether you’re working full-time, part-time, or casually, there are opportunities to accommodate various schedules and commitments. Employers in the industry will often offer flexible scheduling options because healthcare doesn’t clock off at 5pm - this includes night shifts, weekend shifts, and remote arrangements to accommodate the diverse needs of their workforce.

The Real Meaning of Teamwork

In addition, the field of healthcare is inherently collaborative, fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among professionals from diverse backgrounds. In multidisciplinary healthcare settings, nurses collaborate closely with doctors, therapists, social workers, and other allied health professionals to deliver comprehensive care that addresses the complex needs of individual patients. This collaborative environment not only enhances patient outcomes but also cultivates a sense of shared purpose and mutual respect among healthcare team members. This isn’t an environment that rewards workplace gossip - instead, it fosters real relationships between people with the shared goal of helping others. Wouldn’t you want to be in an environment where everyone is passionate about care?

The Career Opportunities Are Endless

The health industry stands out for its incredible range of career paths. It's a place where you're not stuck doing one thing forever. Instead, you can start in one area, like nursing or medical tech, and then dive into completely different fields as you go. It’s all about growth and exploration here.

For example, someone who starts out in a pharmacy could find themselves drawn to public health issues later on. Or a physical therapist might switch gears and focus on athletes. With new advances in medicine and technology popping up all the time, there's always something new to learn or a new specialty to explore. This flexibility doesn't just make your career more interesting; it also means better care for patients. After all, when healthcare workers bring diverse experiences and knowledge to their jobs, everyone benefits.

In conclusion, a job in healthcare offers a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional fulfillment. Whether you're drawn to the prospect of making a positive impact on people's lives, advancing your career prospects, or enjoying the financial rewards and flexibility that come with healthcare professions, there's never been a better time to consider a career in this dynamic and rewarding field.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes