If you are looking for a fast growing and challenging career, you do not need to look any further than the field of healthcare. As one of the largest and fastest growing industries in the U.S. today, healthcare also plays a large part in the dynamism of the economy. Spending continues to rise and medical advancements and technologies change the face of healthcare almost daily. As a student opting for a career in healthcare, you can be assured of a promising future, steady employment, and competitive wages over the next ten to fifteen years.
As technology and medicine continue to develop, most job positions in this burgeoning industry now demand a greater level of education. Healthcare degrees need to offer a multi-faceted approach to the discipline consisting of a strong theoretical base, on-the-job training, development of interpersonal and communication skills, and knowledge of business practices and management skills as well. Armed with a degree in healthcare, graduates can then choose from a range of career options:
Respiratory Therapist – Respiratory therapists specialize in heart and lung abnormalities. A registered therapist is equipped to handle the treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of patients suffering from lung problems. Most respiratory therapy programs are for two to four years.
Surgical Technologist – As a surgical technologist, you would be responsible for arranging and supplying surgical instruments to a team of doctors and nurses in an operating theater during a surgical procedure. Once qualified, surgical technologists also operate equipment and specialize in certain areas of operating room surgery. Degree programs vary from 12 to 18 months.
Nursing – There are few fields as demanding and satisfying as nursing. As a profession, nursing offers up a host of career opportunities and nurses can look for jobs in hospitals, private practices, clinics, nursing homes, schools, as well as private homes. There are a number of degree options you can choose from if nursing is your goal. Colleges and institutions offer associate, bachelors, and master’s degrees in nursing offering different levels of training and qualifications. Many of these courses can also be conducted online or as an accelerated option as well.
Healthcare Administration – Apart from doctors, nurses, and the like, there are hundreds of different individuals who form the backbone of the healthcare industry. These include the administrators who work behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running and quality of an organization. A healthcare administration degree aims to provide a business development plan and maintain the competitive edge of this industry. Roles in healthcare administration could include Hospital Administrators, Department Heads, Directors, Chief Executive Officers, Chief Financial Officers and Company Presidents.
These are just some of the job options available in the healthcare industry today. Apart from being projected as one of the fastest growing fields in the next few years, a career in healthcare also offers extra flexibility in terms of the possibility of part time work and shift work. Choosing a future in healthcare will assure you of a dynamic and satisfying career with great potential for growth and earning power!
