Working in healthcare comes with many perks. Not only can you feel confident that you’re working in one of the most stable, secure fields, but you also get the satisfaction of helping others every day. Working in healthcare is a smart financial choice since you have a wide range of lucrative pay options depending on your education and experience. Additionally, you don’t necessarily have to commit to extensive higher education and training programs to get started with your career in healthcare.

Now that you think healthcare might be the path for you, it’s time to get serious about your career. You’ll need to start by researching different options, looking into educational opportunities, and gaining experience with patients. This guide will give valuable insight into the healthcare industry so you can land a job in no time.

Education

Depending on the position you choose to focus on in the healthcare field, you’ll need to get special education or training. Entry-level health positions will require significantly less education, and many only need high school diplomas. If you’re interested in starting as a medical transcriptionist, an orderly, or a pharmacy tech, you won’t need to worry about special training right away.

On the other hand, if you want a more hands-on, higher-earning position, you’ll need to put in some work to get certified.

Positions like EMTs, entry-level nurses, and therapy aids will often need a degree from a technical school which can take up to 18 months to complete.

More specialized positions will have greater educational needs, like physicians and many types of nurses. Having a college degree to add to your resume is a great way to make you a stronger candidate. Find out more about internal medicine positions here to see what sounds like a good fit for you.

Experience

Education is only the first step. Many degree programs and certification courses require hands-on training or experience hours, and this is a great way to learn about expectations when working with patients. In addition, it’s always a good idea to look for more opportunities to build your own resume with experience. This can be done through any healthcare-type experience. You can volunteer at a local health event or hospital, work at a retirement home that needs extra hands, or even just join a local healthcare network.

A more structured option is a healthcare internship. While many of these are unpaid, you usually can get credit with your educational program by completing one, not to mention it will strengthen your job application in the future. Healthcare as an industry is growing quickly. There is a high need for interns, and these candidates have the chance to network with other leads in the industry.

Job Search

As the population continues to age and face more health concerns, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates massive growth in the healthcare industry to meet this demand. This is good news for anyone interested in starting an exciting career in healthcare. The two key ingredients to success are education and experience. One alone usually isn’t enough, but once you have your foot in the door, it’s easy to grow.

If you feel like helping people lead healthy lives is your passion, it’s time to get serious about your job search. Start by perfecting your healthcare resume. Showcase your unique experience and skills, and always position your education and certifications front and center. From there, begin applying on industry job boards. Reach out to local healthcare industry networks to find new opportunities to learn and engage with your skills. You’ll find a job that fits your skills in no time.

Final Thoughts

There’s no better time to pursue a career in healthcare. Not only can you get paid more than many other industries, but you can also feel confident you’re doing something good for your community. Depending on your position, you might need to put in more time to get to where you want. That being said, there’s a huge demand for skilled workers in the health industry, so you’ll be off to a strong start.