Ways to Transition into a Healthcare Career
The healthcare field is one of the most recession-resistant industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ employment projections for the next 7 years, healthcare is an industry seeing one of the fastest job growths by 2020. It’s not a surprise that with most of the population living longer than ever, there is a paralleled increase in the need for healthcare. In response, many job seekers are increasingly interested in finding a job within the healthcare industry.
If you’re interested in transitioning to a career in healthcare, or if you’re exploring whether this transition is a good fit for you, read below for several suggestions to help in your career transition plans.
Step 1: Determining whether a healthcare profession is a good fit for you.
Successfully transitioning into a new career involves some self-reflection. You don’t want to only go after jobs with high growth yet low job satisfaction and fit. Ask yourself:
- What is my primary motivation to pursue a healthcare profession?
- Knowing your primary motivation at the very start can help you stay on track when you’re in the midst of obtaining your healthcare career.
- What kind of job environment do I excel in?
- What are my interests and how do they align with my skill-sets?
- How will a healthcare career impact my family and long term goals?
- Some healthcare positions involve long schooling and work hours, so figure out if this is possible for you.
Having a good sense of the kind of work environment you excel in, your strongest skill-sets, and your primary motivations in a career can help you decide the right healthcare position for you.
Step 2: Researching different healthcare professions for best fit.
Be strategic. Look for “transferable skills” when trying to find the appropriate healthcare profession. Ask yourself, what are skills I currently have that can easily transfer to the healthcare field? Even in the healthcare industry, there’s a need for accountants, administrative assistants, and IT to name a few. For example, if you have experience in IT, you might do well in a medical IT role.
Also, consider how much time you’re willing to dedicate before entering this field. Some occupations require 3 months of training, whereas others require years of schooling.
Below are 3 popular positions to consider. Visit their occupation profiles to learn more about what the position entails.
Step 3: Research and Network within the Medical Industry.
The best way to break into the healthcare industry is to be on top of industry news and be a part of the network of medical professionals. With always changing healthcare laws and medical advances, it’s good to keep up with the buzz in order to figure out who is hiring and who can help recommend you for a position.
Networking also helps you to find out more about your new career interest. Speak to those who currently work in the profession and learn what the job is really like day-to-day. A good source to find contacts is through LinkedIn. Ask for an informational interview and use these sessions to better understand your fit for the profession. Maybe these connections might be the referral you need to your next healthcare profession.
