The healthcare industry is an essential pillar of our society, and if last year has taught us anything, we need healthcare professionals more than ever. We have seen healthcare workers in the public eye working tirelessly to provide the essential care and support to keep health systems above water during a global pandemic. Being exposed to this work and industry, you may have started to wonder what it takes to become a health worker.
The prominence of this industry in the media shows the multitude of varied roles that are available. From social services to administration roles, there are hundreds of different parts and positions to choose from. Whatever your background or qualifications, if you decide to have a career change and enter into the healthcare industry, there will be a full-time and part-time position for you.
There are many reasons why you might decide to change your career and start a profession in healthcare. Perhaps you are interested in directly working with patients and providing care to those in need? Or maybe you wish to work in accountancy or administration? Are you interested in cutting-edge research? Whatever your niche might be, there are so many roles in the vast business of caring for people.
There are many different fields within the healthcare industry, which means there is even a choice of setting when you embark on this profession. From hospitals and physicians’ offices to home health care and ambulance services, the industry is expansive. Therefore, whatever interests you have and whatever setting you hope to work in, careful research into your career options is essential.
This blog will highlight the diverse nature of healthcare professions and the qualifications and training you might need to get into the industry. Finally, the blog will emphasize the benefits of a healthcare career.
Types of Professions and Roles
Healthcare Administration
Healthcare administration is a broad field, one which encompasses all the non-clinical aspects of the healthcare industry. In addition, it is a field related to the leadership, management, and administration of public health systems. In its essence, all the cogs and wheels keep the industry running smoothly in all hospital networks in primary, secondary, and tertiary care.
These advantageous positions in the industry maintain a smooth running and efficient facility. It is a role that is often overlooked and does not get the glory it deserves. Nevertheless, these are essential roles that require a master’s degree in healthcare administration or a related field. Those with a BA degree often work in a health center setting before embarking on a master’s.
After gaining a master’s qualification in healthcare administration, you can look to several diverse and varied professions, for example, manager of clinical lab trials, public health official, administration clerk in a general hospital, and insurance strategist. Combining degrees can also give healthcare administrators the option to reach new and exciting positions in the field.
Nursing
Nurses are at the core of the medical profession. Nurses provide comprehensive care in every sector of the healthcare industry. It is a nuanced profession that needs in-depth and thorough training. Nursing requires people to have adept interpersonal skills and the technical know-how necessary to provide quality medical care.
There are many types of nursing that you can choose from, for example, community care nurse, cardiac nurse, pediatric nurse, registered nurse, clinical nurse specialist, and many, many more. Each nursing practice requires in-depth technical skills and knowledge. Qualifications in nursing are available up to a doctorate; however, to enroll in doctor of a nursing practice programs, you will need to complete both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Nevertheless, the higher the qualification, the deeper your knowledge will become, which will ensure you the chance to serve as a nursing leader.
Clinical Psychology
Clinical psychologists work with individuals and organizations to develop and support psychological practice. They take a holistic approach to mental health and provide care to people of all ages. They combine an understanding of psychological theory and clinical work to develop care and support systems for people suffering from psychological distress and symptoms such as anxiety, depression, psychosis, and personality disorders.To become a clinical psychologist, you will have to embark on a three-year doctorate program, including training, supervision, and a salaried training position. This is a rigorous and varied program, leading to various roles, mainly in social and health care settings.
Medical Assistants
Medical assistants work alongside physicians, mainly in outpatient facilities and ambulance services. Cross-trained in administrative and clinical duties, medical assistants have various responsibilities, from taking medical histories and explaining medical procedures to patients to preparing and administering medications and taking electrocardiograms.
The minimum requirement for a medical assistant is a high school diploma; however, you may also need some clinical training to do more in-depth clinical work. Medical assistants need excellent interpersonal skills, strong analytical skills, and pay close attention to detail. Newly hired medical assistants often will get on-the-job training from an experienced staff member, which could take several months and cover many topics.
Benefits of A Profession
Each role is likely to need a specialist qualification or training program. These qualifications are no easy feat or limited to medicine degrees; there are diverse and varied qualifications you can get to enter into the healthcare industry. Once you have earned the relevant qualification for the role you hope to pursue, you will undoubtedly begin to reap the benefits.
Working in healthcare means you will be making a difference in the lives of others. If you desire to help others and work within a care system, then a healthcare career is for you. Whatever the role you choose, you may help bring a new life into the world and stop another from ending. From job satisfaction to a fast-paced work environment, healthcare professions are incredibly fulfilling. If you are thinking about making this career change, take your time to research what you want to do and how you will go about it. In addition, you will need to understand the levels of qualifications required.
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