After doing some research, many job seekers quickly realize that there’s a diversity of career paths within the healthcare industry. From pharmacy technician jobs to medical billing and coding support, there are a variety of options available for pursuing a career change to healthcare.
Below, we explore the different advantages of working in the healthcare industry. You’ll also sure to see how flexible this career path can be.
High Demand…But Huge Shortage of Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare is one of the most important and rewarding industries. And yet, many facilities struggle to find qualified labor.
As technology evolves in the healthcare industry, so do the roles. These roles need to be filled by people who have knowledge relevant to the specialized set of technical skills involved in the job.
For instance, there’s a huge need for pharmacy technicians. These technicians, however, need to be proficient with the knowledge gained from pharmacy technician training degree programs. This is particularly true with regard to current technologies that allow them to perform their job functions well. Pharmacy technicians must be able to manage workflow efficiently while ensuring compliance with regulations at all times. They must diligently prepare medications and other treatments and oversee distribution to patients.
Another important position that requires knowledge and expertise with modern healthcare technology is medical billing and coding. Coding and billing specialists are responsible for the prevention of medical errors, fraud, and waste in the healthcare industry. They typically work with doctors, nurses, hospitals, insurance companies, government programs, and billing firms.
Then there is the newer trend of “data science” as an emerging career option. Data science is a field where someone takes their education and training as a healthcare professional to help companies make better decisions. They do this by crunching data and finding patterns in reports that can help predict outcomes. Data science allows those who are not traditionally trained in the medical field to make a career change into the healthcare profession. They don’t have to have any traditional medical training to dive in.
Distance Learning Options
A career in healthcare is the perfect choice for someone who wants to work in this industry but doesn’t have the time to enroll in a full-time program on a college campus. A large percentage of courses have been designed with the needs of working professionals in mind. These allow anyone to gain valuable skills that can help advance their career.
Learning the technical skills required of a healthcare worker in a particular field of specialization can be problematic for many. Working people often cannot find the time for additional education because of their busy work schedules and familial obligations.
Newer technologies and innovations in the field of online learning are removing barriers to success. Online learning provides video lectures, interactive lessons, and many other tools so students can learn remotely at any time of the day or night.
Since educational technology has advanced so rapidly, someone who already has a job can work on their career goals in healthcare during their free time. A typical scenario would be working from home on their course curriculum after their day job or on weekends.
Fastest-Growing Job Market
The healthcare job market is developing rapidly. Two primary factors fuel predictions that it will only continue to grow. Those factors are 1) an aging population and 2) improvements made in healthcare technology.
The aging American population creates a huge demand for healthcare infrastructure to address their growing medical needs. Due to changes in technology, this field requires many open-minded and flexible workers. Employers want staff who can adapt to this new technology and use it effectively.
In fact, the health sector has a projected demand of 1 million new jobs by 2024. Analysts suggest that healthcare will be one of the top-20 fastest-growing industries in America.
Career Enhancement Opportunities Available
In today’s world, a master’s degree in any healthcare career specialty is a great thing to have.
From being an emergency room supervisor to working as a nurse or physician assistant, earning a specialized master’s degree puts a person in a good position for a healthcare career change. It can help you become a senior healthcare professional, earn a higher wage, and increase overall satisfaction.
A Medical Background Is No Longer a Necessity
Many people have a misconception that only candidates with medical backgrounds can score a position in the healthcare industry. This is no longer the case.
In fact, there are many jobs that those without a significant medical background can qualify for. Oftentimes, they just need specialized training and knowledge, much of which can be learned online in their spare time.
The Bottom Line on Making a Healthcare Career Change
The demand for healthcare professionals has increased exponentially within the last decade. There is no indication that this trend will slow down. Quite the opposite, in fact. It’s important for aspiring healthcare professionals to explore all their options. That way, they can live up to their potential — and earn more — in a rapidly evolving field.
