If you’re undecided about what career path to take, you may want to consider a career in healthcare. Maybe you’ve been wondering about it, but you aren’t really sure. Here are 10 good reasons to consider a career in healthcare.
#1: Become a Respected Member of Society
Doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals are some of the most respected members in society, and they have become even more so in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. These professionals are responsible for the lives of many individuals, meaning that they’re highly trusted.
#2: Every Day is Different
While the actual tasks that healthcare professionals have to perform every day may be the same, no two patients are the same. There’s hardly ever a boring day in any type of healthcare facility, so each day is stimulating. Also, because each day isn’t exactly the same, healthcare professionals can always put their best foot forward.
#3: Job Satisfaction is Higher than Many Think
It’s true that healthcare professionals have some of the most stressful jobs, but many professionals report high job satisfaction. This is a very rewarding profession, and healthcare workers are satisfied knowing that they’ve helped their patients. You can even achieve a suitable work-life balance, depending on where you’re employed.
#4: Job Security is Almost Guaranteed
The healthcare industry has some of the most in-demand jobs and is also experiencing a physician shortage at the same time. This means that medical and nursing students are very likely to find jobs once they’ve completed their education. Some of the most in-demand healthcare professions are:
- Cardiologists
- Dentists
- Pediatricians
- Phlebotomists
- Plastic surgeons
- Registered nurses
- Urgent Care
Some of the lesser-known medical career paths may not be as in-demand as those listed here, but healthcare professionals are needed everywhere, so it won’t be impossible to find a job in healthcare.
#5: Not All Career Paths Require Medical School
Not all healthcare careers require you to attend medical school— which is a good thing for some people because medical school is expensive. It’s also another three or more years after you graduate college. Just note that all medical doctors in the healthcare industry must attend medical school, but this isn’t the only career path in healthcare.
Registered nurses (RNs) are only required to earn a Bachelor’s degree and medical school isn’t necessary. There are also a variety of healthcare occupations that allow you to attend a trade school instead of a college, such as dental hygienist, radiation therapist, respiratory therapist, and ultrasonographer.
#6: The Pay Can’t Be Beat
Healthcare professionals— especially physicians— are some of the highest paid professionals in the world. A 2020 survey found that these 10 specialists were among the highest-paid physicians:
- Neurosurgeons
- Thoracic surgeons
- Orthopedic surgeons
- Plastic surgeons
- Oral surgeons
- Vascular surgeons
- Cardiologists
- Radiation oncologists
- Gastroenterologists
- Radiologists
The majority of physicians make at least $100,000 a year, and other healthcare professionals have the potential to make close to this amount as well.
#7: Travel is Possible
Locums tenens, or doctors who travel, is the perfect career path for those who want to practice medicine and travel at the same time. You can travel within your own city or to nearby cities, filling in for other physicians, or you can even travel the world and help people in need overseas. You can also look for jobs as a traveling nurse or a traveling therapist.
#8: Variety of Career Paths to Choose From
Doctors and nurses can choose from a wide variety of specializations. You can choose to specialize in a certain part of the body, such as cardiology or podiatry, or you can choose to specialize in a specific population, such as pediatrics or gerontology. Some of the most common medical specializations include:
- Allergy and immunology
- Dermatology
- Emergency medicine
- Family medicine
- Internal medicine
- Neurology
- Pathology
- Radiology
- Urology
#9: You Make a Visible Difference in People’s Lives
Probably the most important reason to pursue a career in the healthcare industry is to make a positive impact on many lives. Healthcare professionals are likely aware of the impact they have on their patients, but even those in smaller roles can have an impact. Receptionists who smile and are friendly to patients checking in can put them at easy when they’re nervous about their appointment.
#10: Your Passion
If you’re passionate about helping people with their health, then that’s a good enough reason to pursue a career in healthcare. None of the other reasons listed above will matter if this isn’t something that you truly want to do.
Working in healthcare isn’t for everyone, so make sure that this is something you really want to do. There are some disadvantages that come with working in healthcare, but coming from most healthcare professionals, it’s worth it.