7 Reasons to Pursue a Career in Healthcare

Whether you are fresh out of high school and trying to decide what to do with your life or you are ready to embark on a new career path as an adult, working in the healthcare sector provides numerous benefits. There are also a lot of different roles in this industry, so it’s possible to find a position you’ll love regardless of what your specific interests or talents may be. Working in healthcare is extremely rewarding–especially for those who are passionate about helping others–and is an excellent choice when you are looking for an in-demand career that offers plenty of job security.
Currently, a lot of major changes are taking place in the American healthcare industry. This is great news for anyone who is thinking about working in this field because it means that there will be many new job opportunities in the coming months and years and plenty of chances for growth.

Still not sure if this industry is right for you? Keep reading to discover a few reasons to stock up on nursing scrubs and pursue a career in healthcare!

Job Stability and Growth Opportunities

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the healthcare industry is a great place to be if you are looking for a career with plenty of growth opportunities. In fact, of the top 20 fastest growing occupations, healthcare positions account for more than half.

The healthcare industry is growing at an exponential rate, and that growth is expected to continue over the next several years. And since there is always a need for nurses, doctors, aides, technicians and other providers, you’ll likely never have to worry about job security. You aren’t likely to be laid off due to lack of work or downsizing, and with the ever-increasing aging population in the United States, there will always be a need for skilled healthcare workers.

Opportunity to Make a Real Difference in People’s Lives

If you enjoy helping people, you are likely a great candidate for working in the healthcare sector. Whether you begin your workdays by donning your favorite nursing scrubs and providing face-to-face care to patients in a hospital setting, you work as an activity aide and brighten the days of people living in long-term care facilities or you take on virtually any other role in the healthcare sector, you’ll have opportunities each day to make a difference in people’s lives.

As someone who enjoys helping others, you will find working in healthcare very rewarding. Even if you are not directly involved with patient care, you will still be playing a vital role in helping the people in your community enjoy healthy, happy lives.

Excellent Earning Potential

Careers in healthcare are some of the best-paying ones in the U.S. If you are looking for a job that will do much more than just pay the bills and help you survive from one paycheck to the next, working in healthcare is one of your best options. Of course, some positions pay much higher than others. But even at the lower end of the spectrum, you can expect to earn much more in the healthcare industry than you would in many others.

Positions for Nearly All Skill and Education Levels

Breaking into the healthcare field doesn’t require a decade (or more) of post-secondary education. You’ll need to spend a lot of time in school if you plan on becoming a doctor or surgeon, of course, but there are also plenty of jobs you can land with as little as a high school diploma.

Keep in mind, too, that even if you are working toward becoming a doctor, surgeon, pharmacist, nurse practitioner, etc., there are lower-level opportunities that will allow you to work in the field prior to earning the credentials needed for your dream job. Many hopeful nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants, for example, begin their careers as nurse’s aides or licensed practical nurses before working their way up to their chosen career. While you may start out wearing simple scrubs for women to work, with time and dedication, you can work your way up to wearing the white doctor’s coat you’ve always dreamed of!

Ability to Live and Work Anywhere

Whether you love the hustle and bustle of the big city or you’re more at home in a small town, there are healthcare opportunities everywhere. Medical workers are in high demand nearly everywhere in the United States, so you shouldn’t have much trouble finding work regardless of where you live.

Another great thing about this industry is that you don’t have to be tied down to one geographic region. If you have a bit of wanderlust and prefer not to stay in the same place for too long, you could always look into becoming a travel nurse. Travel nursing allows you to move from place to place doing the job you love and provides numerous benefits, so it’s definitely worth checking out if you’d like to see more of the nation.

Excellent Benefits

This, of course, varies from one position and employer to the next, but in general, healthcare workers receive excellent benefits. If you work as a nurse or another healthcare provider, you’ll likely have access to exceptional health and life insurance, generous paid time off and tuition reimbursement or loan forgiveness for continuing education. Even if you work in a lower-level position, you’ll still probably have, at the very least, great health insurance coverage and other attractive benefits.

Never Stop Learning

For those who enjoy learning, working in healthcare means that your education never stops. The field is constantly evolving, so it’s excellent for anyone with a love of learning. Continuing education is required in many roles and provides plenty of opportunities for you to stay on top of your game and learn about the latest industry advancements.

The Bottom Line

Pursuing a career in healthcare is a great option for many reasons. Doing so provides numerous benefits and opportunities, and few jobs are as rewarding as those in the healthcare sector. Whether you’re fresh out of high school and looking to launch your career or you’re tired of your current job, entering the healthcare field could be the best decision of your life.