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Kinds of Healthcare Jobs Available |
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Some healthcare jobs, such as medical assistant or certified nursing assistant, require only months of schooling. Other jobs, such as physician or pharmacist, require doctorate degrees and years of academic study. Between these two extremes are numerous other careers that vary in length of training and education needed. Most people in healthcare jobs are passionate about helping others, have an interest in the human sciences and enjoy solving problems. Healthcare jobs have generally favorable working conditions with good salaries, flexible schedules and plenty of opportunity for advancement.
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Career Outlook and Availability of Healthcare Jobs |
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the healthcare field is anticipated to grow at a greater rate than the majority of job sectors. This means that the number of healthcare jobs is going to continue to increase, making finding a job easier.
Currently, many healthcare professions have shortages of workers due to a growing elderly and chronically-ill population, making jobs easier to come by, even during the economic downturn. To get a job in healthcare, it is important to have the right education and training. Most jobs in healthcare require a certification at the very least, with many requiring a degree from a college or university. No matter what training is decided on, good study skills and attention to detail are a must. Most programs require good grades in prerequisite classes prior to admitting students. Internships may also be helpful to get a job in healthcare, as they provide on the job training, real-life experience and networking opportunities. Volunteering is also a good idea when considering a job in healthcare. Many times, volunteering in a job you are interested in can help solidify a job choice, or may lead you to seek a different path. Having a volunteer position on a resume impresses many employers and speaks to the quality of a job applicant.
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Entry-Level, Mid-Level and Advanced-Level Healthcare Positions |
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There are many entry level healthcare jobs such as medical assistant and certified nursing assistant. A medical assistant is a person with basic medical training that may take vital signs, assist physicians in the office and help with day to day clinic duties. Generally, training is four to nine months in length. A medical assistant makes an average salary of $27,628. A certified nursing assistant completes a certificate training program averaging six to nine months in length. They may work in the hospital or in nursing homes helping patients with activities of daily living such as eating, bathing or toileting. They also do basic nursing tasks such as taking vital signs and weighing patients. An average salary for a certified nursing assistant is $22,562.
Mid-level healthcare jobs include radiation technologist and registered nurse. Radiation technologists take imaging studies such as x-rays, ultrasounds and cat scans. They hold an associate's degree which requires two years of post-high school study. Radiation technologists make an average salary of $60,982. Registered nurses help to care for patients by administering medications, educating patients and performing nursing procedures such as wound care and establishing intravenous access. They hold either an associate's or bachelor's degree, requiring two to four years of study. Registered nurses make an average of $55,074 per year.
Advanced healthcare jobs include physician and pharmacist. Physician jobs vary widely as there are many different areas for specialization. In general, physicians manage patient care, including assessing, diagnosing and prescribing. They hold a medical doctorate degree which requires four years of post-graduate study and have completed a residency program at least three years long. Pay varies widely by specialty. A family practice physician makes an average salary of $132,198 per year versus a cardiothoracic surgeon who averages $329,500 per year. A pharmacist helps educate patients about their medications and serves as another checkpoint to ensure patients are on the appropriate medications and that there are no interactions between medications. They hold a doctorate degree requiring three to four years of post-graduate study. Pharmacists make an average salary of $109,045 per year.
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Why Get a Job in Healthcare |
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Pursuing a job in healthcare can be a smart move for someone who is interested in helping others. The number of healthcare jobs is expected to increase in the next ten years, with more jobs being added than most other job sectors. This means more job security for those in the healthcare sector and better job prospects for new graduates. Entry level healthcare jobs can be attained with as little as a few months of training. For those with the desire to become physicians, years of study and practice will be necessary before being able to practice independently. No matter what career path is chosen, jobs in the healthcare field will be both rewarding and challenging. Possessing the ability and knowledge to positively impact the lives of others can lead to a very fulfilling career, while the ever-changing landscape of healthcare will challenge practitioners daily. If a career that is intellectually challenging provides good pay and the ability to help others sounds good, then a job in healthcare may be just right!
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