5 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Job in Healthcare

Posted by Staff Contributor October 31, 2020

5 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Job in Healthcare

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical career opportunities will grow by 15% in the next decade, much faster than the rate of other jobs. This makes a job in healthcare a great way to enjoy steady employment, while also getting to help people.

However, as the healthcare field is so vast, it can be difficult to know where you belong. So what do you need to decide before getting started?

Keep reading to learn about five factors to consider when you’re looking for a job in healthcare. 

  1. Consider Your Motivations

From Grey’s Anatomy to Scrubs, the number of shows that romanticize medical professions seems endless. If you’re considering working in healthcare, you need to first check your motivations.

Are you joining the healthcare field because you help others, enjoy math and science, and because the salary isn’t bad either? Those are good reasons. If you’re joining to meet a beautiful doctor, or because it’s someone else’s dream, then you might not be able to persevere through the difficult times. 

  1. Have an Education Plan

All jobs in healthcare require you to invest a significant amount of money and time. These can range from a couple of years to decades worth of schooling. 

Make sure to explore different options to know the educational requirements you’ll need to take care of. Is getting a certificate enough, should you get an online masters in public health, or do you need to add attending medical school to your plan? Understanding the process will make sure you can afford the time and money required.

  1. Are You a Good Fit for a Job in Healthcare?

The healthcare field is expansive, meaning that people of various backgrounds can be successful in different roles throughout it. However, there is a certain type of person that’ll be the most successful and enjoy going to work.

Almost all roles need people who have great interpersonal skills, a solid work ethic, and some sense of mathematical competency. 

  1. Find a Niche

With so many opportunities and different professions, it’s important to do your research to try to figure out where you belong. Play to your interests and strengths, and make sure you choose something you can do for a long time.

For example, if you want to be a nurse, you can decide between different subcategories. A cardiac nurse will lead a very different life than a CNA.

  1. Decide Where You Want to Work

Although a hospital may be the most traditional environment to work in, it’s definitely not the only option.

From schools to assisted living homes, military bases to laboratories, the options are endless. Again, play to your strengths to find an environment that will let you be the most effective worker you can be. 

Start Your Future Today

Getting a job in healthcare allows you to impact the lives of others positively. If you’re uncertain about where you belong in the field, following this guide and considering these five factors can help you start on the right foot.

Do you now have a better understanding of how to explore different medical career opportunities? Before you go and start planning, make sure to check out some of our other blog posts for more guides and tips.