Choosing to become a doctor is a noble commitment to make - for your career and your life alike. But it is not the only way to enter the healthcare industry and make an impact in the lives of those around you.
While you might not be ready to spend nearly a decade studying and training to become a surgeon or physician, there are endless possibilities for anyone to start a career in healthcare. But will this be the right choice for your goals?
Here are a few signs that you’d make a great healthcare provider.
You're Well Organized and Have Great Attention to Detail
Organizational skills and attention to detail will get you far in any job position or industry, but they are in particularly high demand in the healthcare industry.
As the volume of patients continues to increase, and medical practices struggle to provide accessible and efficient healthcare services, your competencies can help streamline internal operations and boost the efficiency of the entire medical team.
If this sounds like you, investing in a reputable medical assistant program can help you kickstart your career by giving you the foundational knowledge you need to confidently enter your chosen clinical setting, including phlebotomy and medical coding skills.
You Are Empathetic and Compassionate
Empathy isn’t just one of the must-have qualities to become a doctor - it is important in any clinical and medical setting! After all, no matter whether you wish to become a nurse or healthcare assistant, you will be dealing with people who are struggling with their health, feel worried or scared, or looking for guidance.
Being able to truly listen to their needs and experiences, and understanding their viewpoint can help you build a relationship of trust. It is thanks to this relationship that doctors can diagnose conditions with accuracy and create treatment plans that are more likely to be efficient.
You Wish To Serve Others and Improve Their Lives Through High-Quality, Accessible Care
Today, Americans face significant challenges with healthcare costs and accessibility, with nearly 50% of people struggling to afford medical expenses and a growing number of people over 65 unable to afford medical care. As the cost of medical care and the volume of patients continues to increase, these challenges are only bound to worsen - both in the US and beyond.
If you have made it your goal to ensure that as many people as possible in your community have access to high-quality, accessible medical care, choosing a healthcare career might be the best way to serve your community.
From working with non-profit organizations and taking part in charitable initiatives to finding employment in a pro-bono practice, there are plenty of ways to use your skills to help people.
You Are Academically Inclined and Committed to a Life-Long Learning Journey
No matter what healthcare career you wish to pursue, education and training is something that can’t be skipped. And, given that the health and well-being of your patients will rely on your knowledge and skills, being academically inclined is something that can make your journey more enjoyable.
For those who wish to become a doctor, the education journey includes at least 4 years of college and 3-7 years of residency. However, you can become a registered nurse in three years or a medical assistant in 9 months to 2 years.
Don’t forget that, in healthcare, you’ll continue learning and developing your skills throughout your life, and being able to identify and address your knowledge gap is essential to keep competitive in your field.
You Wish To Take Part in a Thriving Industry
According to statistics by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the healthcare industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the US, and occupations within this industry are expected to grow at a whopping annual rate of 16% over the next 8 years.
Today, the healthcare industry employs over 22 million professionals - or 14% of all US workers. What’s more, healthcare practitioners, including nurses, benefit from median annual salaries nearly double the median annual salary for all occupations.
So, if you are looking to boost your finances or take part in an industry that is quickly developing, opting for a healthcare career might be a great choice to make.
You Can Handle Stress and Manage Emergencies
Do you handle stress well? Do you react promptly and with a calm mind in critical situations? Becoming a paramedic to become part of your local emergency medical services team can help you fulfill your career goals while using your skills to serve the community.
Paramedic certifications require a minimum of 1,200-1,800 hours of training or a 2-year degree, but they can prepare you to save the lives of those around you in an emergency.
WRITTEN BY
Claire Ward