Articles > HealthcareÌý>ÌýHow to change to a healthcare career
Written by Michael Feder
Reviewed byÌýMark Jóhannsson, DHSc, MPH,ÌýDean, College of Health Professions
Changing careers can be challenging.ÌýGetting started involves extensive research and consideration. It is more complex than simply deciding on a desired profession. It involves identifying a suitable match for an individual's talents, interests, and abilities. For many people, healthcare answers all those categories. For those considering a transition from a current profession to healthcare, several factors should be evaluated.
Employment in healthcare careers is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). .
BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2022-2032 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to °®¶¹´«Ã½ students or graduates.
Some healthcare professionals have flexibility in their careers too. They can work in hospitals or doctor’s offices, or they can choose to pursue positions in research labs or pharmaceutical companies. The healthcare industry is extremely diverse, so there are many types of jobs available for motivated professionals who want to impact the world.
In addition to salary and potential flexibility, individuals working within the healthcare sector can contribute to improving people’s lives. This might mean helping patients recover after an injury or illness and providing them with vital medical assistance. It could also mean working with researchers conducting clinical trials, helping hospitals and health systems run more effectively and preventing disease. Many find this aspect of working in a healthcare career rewarding.
Job satisfaction is a major factor to consider when changing careers. Many people choose a healthcare career because they want to help others. They like knowing their work will make a difference in someone’s life.
This, coupled with healthcare’s wide range of available specializations, makes it a satisfying career choice for many people, which is important because job satisfaction makes the day-to-day work more enjoyable and rewarding.Ìý
Salaries vary depending on the specific healthcare position being pursued.
Take health management nursing, for example.ÌýHealth management nursesÌýare responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities. They oversee patient intake, monitor patients’ treatment plans and ensure patients receive quality care.
Health management nurses can also impact an organization’s bottom line: They might help reduce costs by identifying ways to cut unnecessary procedures or measures that don’t benefit patients.
These nurses work in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, ambulatory surgery centers and physicians’ offices. They may also work in corporate environments where they oversee employee benefits programs such as wellness or disease management programs.
As of May 2023, medical and health services managers earned between , according to BLS.
This is just one option of many, but it underscores how the field of healthcare encompasses patient care, administrative duties and opportunity.
Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of °®¶¹´«Ã½. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. °®¶¹´«Ã½ does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.
Healthcare continues to grow as an industry. Employment of registered nurses isÌý, according to BLS, with an estimated 193,100 job openings for registered nurses each year. on average, over the decade.
But healthcare encompasses more than nursing. Job growth forÌý, for example, is projected to be much faster than average at 16% between 2022 and 2032. Job growth forÌýÌýis expected to be even more robust during the same time frame, with BLS projecting 22% growth.
Consider these four steps to get started on a healthcare career.
Researching the healthcare industry is essential before pursuing a career in it. Individuals should ensure the field aligns with their goals and that they are adequately prepared for future challenges.
Look at wage prospects and projected job outlook. But don’t forget about the workload.ÌýWorkload is an important factor to evaluate when considering a career in healthcare. It is essential to assess how much time may need to be dedicated to this profession on a weekly or monthly basis. Additionally, reviewing the core responsibilities of the role can help determine whether they align with personal interests and strengths. While helping others is a primary motivation for many entering the field, having comprehensive information is crucial before committing to the path of becoming a healthcare professional.
Evaluating existing skills and experiences is crucial when considering a career change. Individuals may discover they are more prepared for a healthcare career than initially expected.
For example, an individual working in IT support at a hospital who is considering a transition to a registered nurse role may find that existing skills and experience provide valuable insight into whether this path is suitable. Similarly, a background in computer science or coding can offer a competitive advantage when applying for IT support roles within healthcare settings.
Likewise, a registered nurse interested in moving into management or administration may benefit from reviewing past projects or responsibilities that required similar competencies. This reflection can reveal areas where prior experience supports readiness for overseeing operations or managing staff in a hospital or clinic environment.
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Healthcare organizations consistently seek candidates with the appropriate skills, education, and experience. A resumé serves as a critical tool in the job search process and should be tailored to align with the desired position and the healthcare industry.
When crafting a healthcare-focused resumé, it is essential to include relevant skills and experiences that support specific career objectives. For those applying to administrative roles in healthcare, highlighting clinical or healthcare-related experience that matches the job requirements is beneficial.
Since most healthcare positions require a certain level of education, it is important to examine the preferred field to understand the time commitment needed to acquire the necessary qualifications. Individuals should also consider the type of training required to enter the field, whether through formal education or on-the-job experience.
Various degree programs can prepare candidates for healthcare careers. A Bachelor of Science in Health Management or Administration equips students with the training needed for roles such as office manager or program manager. A Bachelor of Science in Health ManagementÌýor administration will provide skills and training needed to work as an office manager, program manager or other role. A BachelorÌýof Science in Nursing provides insights into disease processes and treatment methods.
Curious to learn more about a change to a healthcare career? °®¶¹´«Ã½ offers online degrees in healthcareÌýincluding:
Contact °®¶¹´«Ã½ for more information.
A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at °®¶¹´«Ã½ where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.
Mark Jóhannsson is the Dean of theÌý College of Health Professions. He has a career spanning over 35 years of healthcare management, public health practice, higher education administration, teaching and clinical/behavioral research within corporate, community and academic settings. He has served as both an educational and keynote speaker, and he has been published in a variety of peer-reviewed and periodic literature.
This article has been vetted by °®¶¹´«Ã½'s editorial advisory committee.Ìý
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