Healthcare is a wide field with a plethora of opportunities for growth, both professionally and educationally, and the generous salaries don’t hurt either. The healthcare field is filled with programs that will repay student loans in exchange for service, so you can almost get “free education” in a way. Naturally, job security is a huge benefit as well. People will always need healthcare, and demand will increase even more if it continues to become more affordable. Perhaps most importantly of all, healthcare is a particularly satisfying field to work in because employees know they are making a difference in people’s lives. The evidence that their jobs are worth doing is clear to see every day, and that’s something many fields can’t offer. Each person plays a part in helping their region’s health information exchange organization increase the quality of care and satisfaction for their patients.
Lastly, the diverse range of jobs and settings in the healthcare field means anyone is welcome to find a specialty they are passionate about, and some of these careers can be launched in a couple of years instead of having to spend a sizable chunk of life in school. The following are just a few good options in the healthcare field for all stages of education.
RNs and CNAs
Registered Nurses and Nursing Assistants are among the many healthcare positions that don’t require a BA or higher. In fact, these positions can be worked with an Associate’s degree or a certificate, respectively. While the Nursing Assistant option doesn’t come with the higher salary of a Registered Nurse, it can be a great way into the field, and you can always enter an educational program or go back to school later. Starting as a nurse or assistant somewhere like this local medical clinic in Oregon can be a great way to launch a career without having to make the demanding investment in a four year degree.
Optometry
If you’re looking for something more specialized, working in eye health can be a great choice. There is a good amount of freedom involved in that you can work for an established company or open a shop independently. Optometrists generally won’t have a hard time making six figures, and while salaried positions typically have an advantage in the beginning, those who open their own clinic tend to be more profitable in the long run.
Of course, as people age and more insurance plans include vision, demand for this field will only increase. There are also good opportunities for assistants that could help build future careers in healthcare, bookkeeping, or other fields.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
A specialist like this Obstetrician/gynecologist in Covington, LA is trained to care for women’s reproductive health as well as caring for women during their pregnancies and after the baby is born. Someone who practices both of these specialties is frequently abbreviated as an “OB-GYN.”
Obstetricians are considered “high risk” experts because they often focus on maternal-fetal medicine for pregnant women with health problems or complications during pregnancy. Someone who practices solely as a gynecologist will focus primarily on reproductive care. This includes things like hormone disorders, fertility issues, and diagnosis/treatment of STIs.
An OB-GYN will cover reproductive health and also treat any complications that can arise during pregnancy. They will also monitor the progress of pregnancies and deliver the baby when the time comes. Because of the wide range of complicated treatments an OB-GYN will cover, this position requires a great educational/training commitment beyond medical school.
Gastroenterology
Working in a center like these digestive disease specialists in Harrisburg, PA is another good option for those interested in a more specific path. These specialists deal with a wide variety of symptoms ranging from issues like constipation or heartburn to serious abdominal pains. Generally, one will be referred to a specialist whenever they are suffering new symptoms.
In most cases, their patients will be those who already have a digestive condition diagnosed. Specialists will care for ongoing diseases and treat them when they flare up. They will also tend to diseases of the liver and pancreas and issues like polyps and ulcers.
This just scratches the surface of the opportunities available. While many are intimidated by the prospect of medical school and other long term commitments, there are practical options available for virtually anyone interested in healthcare.