Moving into or moving up in the healthcare field is an excellent career move to be considered for many reasons. Of course, any major career decision is something you should carefully consider, especially if you need to invest time and money into further education to do so.
There are countless career advancement and promotion opportunities if you already work in the healthcare industry. While some may require extra certifications and degrees, these can be achieved in less time than you might think.
The rapidly growing field of healthcare is in dire need of talented and driven workers to take care of an aging population. In addition, the increased number of people with healthcare coverage has also led to more younger people seeking good preventative care.
It is not hard to find a lot of great reasons why you should consider furthering your career in healthcare.
You want to make a career change that is rewarding and helps others.
If you feel stuck in a career that is boring you and going nowhere, you might want to consider retraining for a job in the healthcare industry. The medical field is never boring; you will be helping people every day at work. People working in the healthcare field find that their job positively impacts their community, and they can feel good about what they are doing. When you have a meaningful and satisfying career, your well-being improves too.
Shortages of workers in the medical industry are an ongoing problem.
During the COVID-19 crisis, it quickly became clear that there was a severe shortage of medical workers. The result was a lack of care and overstressed workers. Unfortunately, this continues to be a problem. If you are interested in a healthcare career, there has never been a better time to get the education and training you need. While it can take some time to gain a degree, there will continue to be a high demand for nurses and other medical personnel. In addition, many countries, including the USA, have large aging populations, so the demand for care will continue to grow for decades.
The medical industry offers very competitive salaries.
A shortage of medical personnel means employers are forced to compete for a small pool of applicants. This means compensation packages can be very lucrative, particularly if you are willing to relocate to an area where the shortage is especially acute. It is not uncommon for there to be compensation for travel and moving expenses as well as a sign-on bonus after you have fulfilled an agreed-on amount of time of employment.
An advanced degree can be achieved by attending classes part-time online.
There are many types of advanced degrees you can study for online or in person. It is important to note that many online programs do have some residency requirements. For example, you may have to stay on campus for several weeks a few times throughout your program. Some advanced degrees can take as little as two years to complete when taking full-time courses, but you can take classes part-time if needed. It is far better to take classes part-time than not at all. Even if it takes you a little longer to get your degree, the higher earning potential is well worth it over your career life.
There are many degrees to choose from that offer a lot of career advancement options.
MSN vs DPN: Those already holding a nursing license may consider the differences between these qualifications. For example, an MSN or Master of Science in Nursing from Walsh University is an excellent choice for those who want to specialize on a clinical level. In contrast, a DNP or Doctor of Nursing Practice is suited for those who wish to have management-level positions that are likely to mean less time on the patient floor.
The ability to find a job practically anywhere makes the healthcare industry a very attractive job market.
If you like the idea of moving somewhere else and having a fantastic career waiting for you, then healthcare can offer you that. This means you can job hunt and compare salaries and compensation packages in many areas that appeal to you and apply to the most lucrative ones. Of course, you may want to consider some places that maybe you would not normally if there is a particularly high offer. Make sure you know a lot about the area and what you are getting yourself into before committing. Leaving a position too soon is not good to have on your resume and could impact your ability to obtain future posts.
Financial aid is available to help with tuition, and online education makes it even more affordable to enter the healthcare industry.
Education is not always as expensive as people think it is. Programs vary greatly depending on the institution you attend or get your online degree from. In addition, there is a lot of financial aid available if you do some research and application. From grants and scholarships to loans with low interest, there is likely a way to make your education fit into your budget. Also, it is important to consider the higher salary you will be able to command after you graduate.
Flexible work schedules are possible in the healthcare field.
While some shifts may be harder to get than others, there is room in the healthcare world for flexibility in your working schedule. For example, it is common for nurses to trade shifts at times if needed as long as their supervisor agrees.
Of course, you can also be picky about what jobs you apply for, so you are put on the shifts you need to fit your lifestyle. For example, the night shift may be what you need if you are a night person. In addition, some people can plan their work schedule so that they see more of their family throughout the week.
The healthcare industry provides excellent job security.
If you do your job as expected, you can expect to stay in your position for a long time. Since there is such an increasing demand for healthcare workers, medical facilities typically do not terminate someone’s employment without an exceptional reason to do so. If you exceed expectations and stick with a single employer for a long time, your experience and dedication will lead to promotions and a better salary. If you choose to get a more advanced degree or gain credentials, your potential for a better-paying position is even better.
The healthcare industry has a high level of worker satisfaction.
When you are doing a job that is meaningful and fulfilling, it results in a higher level of personal satisfaction and happiness. Not only do healthcare professionals command excellent salaries and benefits, but they also enjoy good job security and growth. In addition, knowing that you are helping others every day is a wonderful feeling that never goes away. Healthcare workers are also highly respected by other people, which further contributes to a high level of worker satisfaction.
Healthcare professionals enjoy excellent employee benefits and retirement packages.
Excellent health insurance for you and your dependents is just one of the many benefits of a healthcare job. In addition, many employers offer excellent retirement plans, 401K programs, and more. With the average age for retirement on the rise due to a lack of affordability, a healthcare job can offer you peace of mind that you will be able to retire at a reasonable age.
Some healthcare degrees can be achieved in as little as one year.
If you are looking for a career change, consider getting a fast degree in the healthcare field. An LPN (Licensed Nurse Practitioner) degree can be achieved in 12 months, while an associate degree in nursing is a two-year program. You can get a decent job in healthcare while working towards other degrees that will increase your earning potential over the years.
Many of those with an LPN or an associate degree go on to get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. If you are switching careers, it can be more practical to get a beginning degree and start making that salary while you work towards a higher-level degree and more advanced positions. Many people switching careers already have a family to support and other obligations, meaning they must work while attending school. Thankfully that is achievable with today’s many educational opportunities.
The Bottom Line: Healthcare is the way toward a rewarding career and financial security.
Healthcare is one of the best ways to start a new career with an excellent salary and exciting opportunities. If you already have experience, there are countless opportunities for advancement. Programs for getting a variety of degrees are more accessible and affordable than ever before, and they do not require quitting your job to work toward them.