If you’re looking for a stable, meaningful career that brings positive change to the lives of the most vulnerable among us, consider a job in healthcare. Healthcare is one of the fastest growing and most diverse industries in the world, with thousands of different positions available in different aspects of the field—from patient care to property management. Whether you’re looking to interact with patients directly or provide essential services behind-the-scenes, there’s a place for you in the healthcare industry.
The Advantages of a Career in Healthcare
Healthcare professionals, in addition to providing critical, often lifesaving services to patients, also enjoy several benefits unique to the field. The healthcare industry enjoys high levels of job security as well as high job satisfaction, diversity, and flexibility.
Job Security
The demand for healthcare and home care agencies has grown over the past decade as baby boomers retire. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare occupations and industries are expected to experience one of the highest growth rates of any economic sector between 2019 and 2029, with over three million new jobs added to the economy. This projected growth is mainly due to an aging population, leading to greater demand for healthcare services and job security for those who answer the call.
Job Satisfaction
If you enjoy helping others live a long, fufilling life, a job in healthcare may be right for you. There’s no shortage of miraculous recovery stories, and those stories would not be possible without the nurses, doctors, and home health aides that facilitate patient recovery.
Job Diversity
The healthcare industry is a broad industry that encompasses many different professions.
Healthcare professionals include:
- Hospital workers
- Nurse Practitioners
- Home health aides
- Audiologists
- Hospital managers
- Pharmacists
- Sonographers
- Pediatricians
- Podiatrists
There’s no one “correct” career path in the healthcare industry. In fact, there are a dizzying number of fields, sub-fields, and specializations to choose from. Whether you want to help patients directly or be on the cutting-edge of modern medicine, there’s a job or program for you.
Job Flexibility
Healthcare offers flexible and adaptable career paths, with different positions to suit your specific lifestyle. Many healthcare agencies allow their employees to work different schedules, such as full-time, part-time, or per diem. There are also options for on-site, remote, and hybrid positions.
How to Get Your Start in Healthcare
To get started in healthcare, you’ll need the appropriate education, training, and certification for your chosen field.
For most entry-level jobs in healthcare, a high school diploma will be enough to get your foot in the door. However, earning a college degree is required for higher-level positions, such as that of a cardiac sonographer or radiologist.
Other positions may require completion of a professional program or a graduate degree. Depending on your field, you may need to pass an exam to be licensed or certified, or you may need to undergo a background check. Positions that require certification include nurse practitioners and medical doctors.
Working as a Nursing Assistant
One of the easiest ways to start your career in healthcare is to become a nursing assistant. Nursing assistants ensure patients are safe and comfortable, often helping with daily activities such as bathing and medication management. They also provide companionship, emotional support, and social interaction.
Eventually, those working as nursing assistants can take additional courses to become a certified nursing assistant, personal care assistant, or home health aide. Home health aides provide personal care to seniors and people with disabilities in the comfort of their own homes.
You don’t need a college degree to become a nursing asisstant or home health aide. You only need a high school diploma (or equivalent) and a training program covering basic skills and knowledge of home healthcare. You can complete a training program in as little as a few weeks and start working immediately.
Find a Training Program Near You
The Good Shepherd Community is a senior living community that provides a variety of home care services, assisted living, memory care, nursing home care, and senior therapy.
We also provide home health aide training, where you can learn everything you need to get started as a home health aide. The training is quick, flexible, and thorough. After completing the course, feel free to apply for a job in The Good Shepherd Community!
To learn more about the home health aide training program or to apply for a job, give us a call at 320.252.6525 or contact us through our website!