It’s no secret that the healthcare industry is booming. With an aging population and new technologies constantly emerging, the need for skilled healthcare professionals is greater than ever. Depending on your interests and skill set, there are several different career paths you can take as a healthcare professional. And the best part? Many of these careers are in high demand and offer great job security. So if you are looking to get into the healthcare industry, here are six amazing career choices for you to consider:
Registered Nurse
As a registered nurse (RN), you will be responsible for providing direct patient care. This can include everything from taking vital signs and administering medication, to providing emotional support to patients and their families. RNs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and even patients’ homes. With a wide range of duties, RNs must be able to multitask and remain calm under pressure.
The easiest way to become an RN is to obtain a diploma or associate’s degree in nursing from an accredited program. Alternatively, you can also get a Master’s degree in nursing. While this is not required to become an RN, it can open up additional career opportunities and allow you to advance further in your career. And with so many reputable Master of Nursing online programs, it’s easier than ever to get the education you need. Even if you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, there are plenty of accelerated nursing programs that can help you transition into a career in nursing.
Physical Therapist
As a physical therapist (PT), you will help patients regain movement and function after an injury or illness. This can involve developing and implementing treatment plans, providing hands-on care, and teaching patients exercises to improve their strength and flexibility. Even though this career option may sound physically demanding, it can actuate rewarding to see patients progress and regain their quality of life.
To become a PT, you will need to obtain a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program. While many PT programs are now offered online, you will still need to complete clinical rotations to graduate. Once you have your DPT, you will then need to obtain a state license to practice. And although the path to becoming a PT may be long, it is worth it for those who are passionate about helping others recover and live their best lives.
Occupational Therapist
While physical therapists help patients regain movement and function, occupational therapists (OTs) focus on helping patients with their activities of daily living. This can include everything from teaching patients how to cook and dress to assisting with cognitive tasks like memory and problem-solving. OTs work with patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. And unlike some other healthcare professions, OTs typically have a lot of one-on-one time with their patients, which can be very rewarding.
If you want to become an OT, you will need to earn a master’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program. You will then need to obtain a state license to practice. And similar to PTs, OTs must also complete clinical rotations as part of their training. However, the length of the OT program is generally shorter than that of the PT program. So if you are looking for a career in healthcare that allows you to make a difference in people’s lives but doesn’t have the time or patience for a lengthy educational program, occupational therapy may be the perfect choice for you.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists play a vital role in the healthcare system, as they are responsible for dispensing medications to patients. But beyond just filling prescriptions, pharmacists also counsel patients on the proper use of their medications. This can involve everything from answering questions about side effects and drug interactions to guiding how to take their medications correctly. And with the rising cost of prescription drugs, pharmacists are increasingly being looked to for advice on how to save money on medications.
Depending on the state in which you practice, you may be able to become a pharmacist with just a bachelor’s degree. However, most states now require pharmacists to have a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an accredited program. And although the educational requirements for pharmacists are becoming more demanding, the job outlook for this career is still very positive. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of pharmacists will grow by 3% from 2018 to 2028, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Surgeon
If you are looking for a challenging but rewarding career in healthcare, surgery may be the perfect option for you. Surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in performing operations on patients. This can involve anything from removing someone’s appendix to performing a heart transplant. And although being a surgeon requires a lot of hard work and dedication, it can also be very gratifying to know that you have helped save or improve someone’s life.
Becoming a surgeon requires a significant amount of education and training. First, you will need to obtain a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a science-related field. You will then need to attend medical school and complete a residency in surgery. And once you have completed your training, you will need to obtain a state license to practice. So if you are interested in becoming a surgeon, be prepared for many years of schooling and training. But if you are up for the challenge, it can be an extremely rewarding career.
Psychiatrist
If you are interested in a career that combines healthcare with mental health, psychiatry may be the perfect choice for you. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. This can involve everything from prescribing medications to providing psychotherapy. And although psychiatry can be a challenging field, it can also be very gratifying to help people improve their mental health.
In most states, you will need to earn a doctor of medicine (MD) degree from an accredited medical school. However, there are a few states that allow you to become a psychiatrist with just a bachelor’s degree. Once you have completed your educational requirements, you will need to obtain a state license to practice. And similar to other medical professions, psychiatrists must also complete clinical rotations as part of their training. So if you are interested in becoming a psychiatrist, be prepared for many years of schooling and training. But if you are up for the challenge, it can be a very rewarding career.
While there are many different healthcare careers to choose from, the six occupations listed above are some of the most popular choices among aspiring healthcare professionals. So if you are interested in a healthcare career, be sure to consider one of these options. With the right education and training, you can have a very successful and rewarding career.
