Why Work in Healthcare?

The coronavirus pandemic has changed a lot in our world. It caused many people to re-evaluate their career choice, whether they lost their job or decided that they wanted a change. One of the top industries under consideration for career changers is healthcare and it’s easy to see why.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates a 16% growth in healthcare occupations between 2020 and 2030, which adds up to about 2.6 million new jobs. The retirement of baby boomers who work in healthcare roles is creating job openings in a variety of positions, and the overall aging of the U.S. population will drive more demand for healthcare services in the years to come.

Here are some common benefits of working in healthcare, top healthcare jobs and ways to know whether a career in a healthcare position is right for you.

Benefits of healthcare jobs

One of the top benefits of a healthcare job is the ability to help others. Whether you’re providing daily care, analyzing test results or making it easier for someone to manage care for them or their loved ones you can truly make a difference in their lives.

The work of healthcare workers across the country during the pandemic has been inspiring, whether they have been on the job for 20 to 30 years or just starting a career. Many current healthcare students have been inspired by that dedication and are looking forward to serving on the frontlines of care.

Also, the median annual wage for occupations such as registered nurses was about $75,000 in May 2020, according to the BLS. In addition, many healthcare workers are eligible for flexible schedules, such as evening or overnight shifts and opportunities to work fewer, longer days per week.

What healthcare careers are available?

There is a variety of work available in the healthcare field in hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, surgical centers, at-home care, insurance companies and more.

Some of the most in-demand careers are nurse practitioners, occupational therapy assistants, physical therapy assistants, medical and health service managers, and medical assistants. Some of these are known as allied health careers, which might not be as well-known as nursing but play a vital role in the care of patients and the smooth operation of healthcare organizations.

There are many healthcare roles, including:

• Medical billing and coding, which can allow you to work in a healthcare position without direct patient care and possibly work remotely.
• Licensed practical nurse (LPN), which is a relatively quick entry into the nursing profession as programs could be completed within 12 months.
• Radiologic technologist, where you can operate X-ray machines and other high-tech medical imaging equipment.

Is healthcare right for you?

There are some common threads with healthcare positions that can help you determine, generally, whether a healthcare career is right for you.

Here are a few questions to help you decide.

• Do you like to provide care to others? Although some healthcare industry positions don’t involve working with patients or their families, most do. So if you enjoy helping others, especially as they experience an illness or are in recovery, it’s likely you’ll find a variety of work in healthcare that’s likely to appeal to you.
• Do you like to work in an office or at home? If you would prefer to work in a corporate office setting or stay at home, you could still find a healthcare job. If you do like office work, you shouldn't be deterred! Careers like Medical Office Administration and Healthcare Administration could be a good fit for you! However, if you would prefer to be on the front line of care in a hospital, clinic or similar setting, a healthcare position could be ideal.
• Are you an effective collaborator? Just about any healthcare career involves collaboration, whether it’s a nurse on an intensive care floor or an occupational therapy assistant who works in tandem with other rehabilitation professionals in a clinic. 

Healthcare is an exciting and rewarding industry to work in, with a variety of careers that can fit your preferred work style and location. Check out what’s available today!