Health care is a broad field that involves multiple jobs. Although all professions are directly or indirectly linked to serving humanity, health care stands out. But, to choose whether you should make healthcare your career, you must be well aware of the perks and challenges associated with this profession.
If you are sitting on the fence and looking for the answer, read along as we have discussed everything one should know before making a choice.
Health Care is a rapidly growing field. There are many career opportunities and a wide range of specializations associated with this field.
Whether you are interested in working directly with patients or in a more administrative role, the healthcare career path apparently suits your interests and skills.
But this is not sufficient. Let us have a 360-degree view. Let us discuss all the reasons why you should join and reasons why you should avoid the healthcare career path.
7 Reasons why Health Care is a Good Career Path
Enlisting all the reasons will be time-consuming. We shall be selective in discussing the reasons that actually matter.
1. Job Security
Once you are in the field and performing well, there is no reason you would be fired. With the fast-growing population of the world, healthcare professionals will always be in demand.
If we look at the recent wave of Covid-19, the countries actually witnessed a shortage of healthcare professionals. They perforce have to demand doctors and nursing staff from other countries to deal with it.
Moreover, with an aging population and an increasing emphasis on preventative care, the demand for healthcare professionals is expected to continue growing in the coming years.
In short, healthcare careers are likely to be more stable than many other industries.
2. Opportunity to Serve Humanity
Another advantage of a career in health care is the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of ordinary people. Healthcare professionals are best able to improve the health and well-being of their patients.
Thus, it provides utter inner relief and satisfaction to relieve someone from pain.
“And whoever saves a life it is as though he had saved the lives of all mankind.”
Al-Quran (5:32)
3. Competitive Salaries
Healthcare professionals, particularly those with advanced degrees and specialized skills, can earn high salaries. Many healthcare positions also offer benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.
4. Social Prestige
Another benefit that makes health care a good career path is the social recognition and prestige associated with it.
Health Care professionals such as doctors, pharmacists, paramedical staff, etc. are greatly respected in all societies. They are seen as heroes and saviors of humanity.
5. Advancement Opportunities
There are many opportunities for advancement in health care. For example, nurses can advance to become nurse practitioners or nurse educators. Likewise, medical and health services managers can advance to become administrators or chief executive officers.
In short, with more experience and education, one can constantly climb the ladder of success.
6. Enhanced Socializing & Interpersonal Skills
Healthcare professionals have the opportunity to work with a diverse population. Such socializing helps them develop and improve many interpersonal skills.
7. Teaches Collaboration & Teamwork
Health care is a highly collaborative field. It teaches teamwork with professionals from different backgrounds and specializations working together to provide the best possible care for patients.
This can be a great opportunity for individuals who enjoy working in a team environment.
Overall, a career in health care offers a lot of benefits. From job security and competitive salary packages to the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives, health care becomes one of the most attractive professions.
With a wide range of career paths and specializations, it is a field that can appeal to a variety of individuals with different interests and skill sets.
“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.”
Joseph Campbell
3 Major Challenges in Health Care Careers
As medical professions are highly rewarding, they can also be extremely challenging.
1. Health Care Field is Stressful and Emotionally Demanding
Healthcare professionals often deal with patients in critical or emotional states. This can be emotionally taxing and lead to high levels of anxiety and stress.
2. Work Load
Healthcare professionals often work long hours, including overnight and weekend shifts. Thus, for people associated with health care, it becomes difficult to balance between personal and professional life.
So, they can be at risk of burnout due to a high-stress work environment, long working hours, and constant interactions with patients and their families.
3. Workplace Safety
Healthcare professionals are at risk of exposure to infectious diseases and other hazards. It requires them to take extra precautions to protect themselves and their patients.
For instance, many doctors and paramedical staff lost their lives treating Covid patients.
Some Best Career Paths in Health Care
There are many different career paths in health care. Each career has its own set of requirements, responsibilities, and earning potential.
Some of the most popular healthcare careers include:
1. Registered Nurse (RN)
RNs work directly with patients. Their role includes providing care and administering medication to the patients. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
2. Physician Assistant (PA)
PAs work under the supervision of a physician. They are responsible for performing a wide range of medical tasks. Their job includes taking medical histories, conducting physical exams, ordering lab tests, etc.
3. Physical Therapist (PT)
PTs help patients recover from injuries and illnesses by designing and implementing rehabilitation programs.
4. Occupational Therapist (OT)
OTs help patients improve their ability to perform daily activities by designing and implementing rehabilitation programs.
5. Medical and Health Services Manager
Medical and health services managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a healthcare facility or department. They may work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or other healthcare settings.
6. Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists clean teeth, take X-rays, and educate patients on how to practice good oral hygiene.
7. Radiologic Technologist
Radiologic technologists use X-rays, MRIs, and other imaging equipment to create images of the body to help diagnose and treat illnesses.
Each of the above careers has a unique set of skills, qualifications, and education requirements.
For example, becoming a registered nurse typically requires an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in nursing, while becoming a physician assistant requires a master’s degree.
Final Thoughts
While the healthcare field can be challenging, it is also incredibly rewarding. It is a field that is ever-changing and evolving, requiring healthcare professionals to stay current with new technologies, treatments, and regulations.
In conclusion, a career in health care can be a great choice for individuals who are interested in helping others. So, for those with a passion for science and technology, and who are looking for a stable and rewarding career path, healthcare can be a great choice.
With a wide range of specializations and opportunities for growth, a career in health care can be both challenging and fulfilling.
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