Many people stay in their chosen careers their entire lives. Others decide to switch their careers for many professional or personal reasons. If you have been feeling stagnant in your current job, making a move to a new industry can be the right choice. Consider a career in healthcare if you are passionate about serving others.
There are many options available when it comes to healthcare jobs, whether you prefer supportive, administrative, or clinical roles. These jobs are incredibly popular because of the huge demand in healthcare, the opportunity to switch to a lucrative career, and the ease with which you can make the change. With the right education and training, you can transition to a new job that is rewarding and fulfilling.
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Why transition to a healthcare career?
There are a number of reasons why so many people choose to transition to healthcare jobs. Some love the professional responsibilities, while others love the scheduling flexibility. If you are dealing with layoffs or burnout in your current industry, this may be a good career choice. Here are a few more reasons why you should consider a career in healthcare:
Filling a growing need
The population in our country is aging and there is an increased need for quality healthcare. The Affordable Care Act has also resulted in greater access to healthcare. With the current shortage in nursing and other healthcare professionals, you will be filling a need in the healthcare industry.
Changing career goals
While you may have initially liked working in your first career, your goals may have changed. Some jobs require long hours, others provide flexible scheduling, and others may be more professionally rewarding. If your life goals have changed, you may want to transition to a new career that matches your current professional and personal goals.
Meaningful work
One of the main reasons why so many people switch to healthcare jobs is because they are looking for meaningful work and a value-based career. Helping others regain their health has great value and meaning for the healthcare professional and the patient. The services you will provide in the industry will always be needed. As a healthcare professional, you will have a major impact on the lives of many people.
Making a difference
There are many professional and economic benefits of working in the healthcare industry. Making a difference in people’s lives remains the most crucial motivating factor for many. For patients in need of care, the work you do is very important. You will have the potential to change someone’s life on a daily basis.
Things to consider before transitioning to a healthcare career
If you are interested in turning to healthcare for a new career, there are several things you will need to consider. Think about your professional experience, prior education, and personal preferences to help you make the right decision. You will also have to think about the specific role you want to move to within healthcare since it will help you determine what credentials you will need. If you are interested in becoming a nurse, a second degree online BSN program from the University of Indianapolis is a good option. This accelerated degree will allow you to leverage your current experience and degree to help you become a nurse in 15 months.
While making your career change plans, think about the skills you currently have that can be useful in a healthcare career. Whether you have quantitative experiences such as data processing or are naturally patient and empathetic, there are many ways your current skills can be helpful in your new career. Your experience can also help prepare you for a career in healthcare. You may have been a caregiver for a grandparent or parent. The knowledge you may have gained during this time will help you when you transition to healthcare jobs like a personal care aide, home health aide, or registered nurse. Think about your experience and how you can apply it to your new career.
Many roles in healthcare allow you to enter the industry relatively quickly. Advanced healthcare degrees may take years, but there are accelerated programs available if you want to start working quickly. You can start gaining experience on the job before you decide to pursue further education. As you continue to work in nursing or other healthcare roles, you will gain a better understanding of the specializations you may want to follow.
