We have decided to do a long series on this website on how to choose a career path. We understand how important this decision could be to some people, so we will be getting involved, helping you choose the best career path in life. So, let’s do a post about the question, ‘is health care a good career path?’
The health care field is no doubt one of the fastest-growing fields today. As the baby boomers grow old, there is an increase in the number of people who will need special age-related care. At the same time, people are becoming more conscious of their health. They want to be fit and take care of their health. All these have contributed to the increase in demand for more professionals in the industry.
If you are thinking about picking up a career in the health care industry, then you will need to read this. We have given different points to show why we think the industry would be great for anyone looking for career prospects.
Is Health Care a Good Career Path?
Answering this straight away, we would say yes, the industry is good for anyone to choose a career. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, the industry is expected to grow by 18% from 2016 through 2026, creating more than 2.4 million new jobs in the field.
Pay is really attractive. There is job satisfaction, and there couldn’t be any other industry where job security can be as high as the healthcare industry. Apart from all of these, the health care field also lets you meet and help people, hence making a difference every single time you go to work.
If you are looking for a rewarding career path with a sense of personal fulfillment, then health care is a good career path to consider. However, let’s take a deeper dive into things to help you see why the field is a promising one.
Is Health Care a Good Career Path; Some Reasons to Consider
Still trying to provide an answer to the question ‘is health care a good career path?’ Let’s see some interesting things about the career field that might help you make a decision.
#1: There is a high level of job security
Unlike some other fields in other industries, the health care field is growing every day. There are more job opportunities opening up in the field every day. According to the estimations by the U.S. Department of Labor, there will be more than 3 million new wage and salary jobs available by 2029. That means if you pick a career in the health care industry, you are likely not going to struggle to look for a job.
#2: You will enjoy job satisfaction
Not everyone working in other industries actually finds joy in what they do. But the story is different with the health care industry. A career path in the field can lead in many directions. You can either be in an office treating patients or studying cells under a microscope. You can decide to work in a small doctor’s office or run a hospital of your own.
There are many areas you can choose a career from. If you love the eyes, you can work examining the eyes. If you are a lover of small babies, you can become a pediatrician or a midwife. There are just too many areas you can specialize in based on your interest. And that is why the AMN Healthcare survey showed that the healthcare industry is one of the leading industries where workers find great satisfaction in their jobs.
#3: There are positions for all education levels
You don’t have to spend several years in school before you can choose a career in the health care field. If you can be a book warm like a doctor, there are many other careers there with far less education. And regardless of the position you choose in the industry, you can be sure of enjoying attractive pay and great job satisfaction. For instance, you only need a postsecondary non-degree award to become a surgical technologist earning $22.68 per hour.
#4: You can learn by reading and doing
Many health career training programs allow you to work while you study. This training involve both classroom lectures and hands-on learning opportunities. You can easily hone your skills by spending some time in the lab or doing a summer internship in a community clinic. In fact, even for high school and college students, there are many hands-on learning programs they can enjoy.
#5: You will have the chance to meet new people
Are you looking for a career that will allow you to meet lots of new and amazing people? Then you should quit asking, ‘is health care a good career path?’ Instead, just go for it. With a career in the industry, you will have the chance to meet lots of new people, including tech experts, scientists, medical staff, nurses, and patients. This will allow you to learn new things and experience what it feels like to work with people of diverse knowledge and cultures.
#6: Free schooling is a benefit here
There are many programs in the health care industry that allow students to work for a certain number of years while they help them repay their student loans. That’s really interesting compared to other industries. For instance, the National Health Service Corps allows medical residents to work in some part of the country for a certain number of years. In exchange, the government then repays as much as $120,000 student loans for any student that take that route.
#7: There is a high level of flexibility
When we talk about flexibility, you just have to take our words for it. Health workers are not limited to any geographical location. They can go and work anywhere across the globe, provided they have what it takes to work there. Some organizations even send medical practitioners abroad to deliver services where they are most needed. If you are the type that would like to work beyond the shores of your country, choosing a career in the health care industry might be especially interesting.
#8: You will have the chance to make a difference
Even though jobs in this field can sometimes be very demanding, you can be sure the profession is really rewarding. Many countries are in desperate need of health care professionals, especially as a result of the recent COVID-19 outbreak that paralyzed the health sector of most countries. So picking a career there would mean doing something that really matters to humanity. You will be dealing with lives, helping to make a real difference in the world.
Is Health Care A Good Career Path; Some High Paying Jobs in the Industry
Physician and surgeon
The average salary of physicians and surgeons is $208,000 per year. While physicians are responsible for the diagnosis of medical illness or injuries, surgeons care for their patients by performing surgeries. Surgeons are specially trained to use instruments to treat diseases, injuries, and various deformities in people.
Dentist
A dentist earns an average of $156,240 per year. Dentists are trained professionals who care for people’s mouths and teeth. They make use of various professional equipment to perform their procedures.
Podiatrist
A podiatrist care for people’s feet, ankles, and lower legs. They diagnose disease in these areas and can also perform surgery on them. The average amount a podiatrist earns is $129,550 per annum.
Pharmacist
A pharmacist dispenses prescriptions and medications for people. These professionals are well knowledgeable in the safe and effective use of these medications. They can also perform some other tasks such as conducting wellness screenings, immunizing, and giving advice to patients. The average salary of a pharmacist is $126,120 per year.
Nurse practitioner
Nurses perform a wide range of critical tasks in the health care industry. So when we are discussing, ‘is health care a good career path?’ we just need to mention their role. They perform tasks such as checking patients’ vital organs, administering medicine, and communicating patients’ conditions with doctors. On average, a nurse practitioner earns about $113,930 per year.
Optometrist
This health professional deals with the eyes, examining and diagnosing any problems with the eyes. Optometrists also treat problems associated with the eyes and other related parts. The average payment an optometrist gets at the end of the year is $111,790.
Veterinarian
Veterinary doctors treat and care for animals. They also work to ensure the safety of the general public against animals. Their average salary is $93,830 per year.
Physical therapist
These professionals usually work in rehabilitation facilities, helping to improve their patient’s ability to move. They usually help their patients manage any issues that have to do with the legs. The average salary of a physical therapist is $87,930 per annum.
Occupational Therapist
An occupational therapist is often in charge of treating ill or disabled patients. He designs treatment plans for them and suggests exercises to help their patients lead strong and independent lives. The average salary of an occupational therapist is $84,270 per year.
Nutritionist
These professionals are in charge of the type of food people eat. They advise people on healthy eating and nutrition issues. Their average pay is around $54,000 per year.
