Tips for Pursuing a Career in Healthcare - Penn-Mar

Tips for Pursuing a Career in Healthcare

Posted on January 12, 2023

The healthcare field is one of the largest industries in the United States. In fact, there are over 22 million healthcare jobs in the U.S.—about 15% of all U.S. workers—and the industry is expected to grow by 13 percent by 2031, making it both the largest and the fastest-growing sector in the country. That means there is—and will be—great demand for healthcare careers.

Pursuing a career in healthcare can be a rewarding and fulfilling choice, as it allows you to make a positive impact on the lives of others while also providing you with a sense of purpose and meaning. However, it can also be a challenging field, as it requires a significant amount of dedication, hard work, specialized knowledge, and commitment. In this article, we’ll share some useful tips for pursuing a career in healthcare.

What You Should Know When Seeking a Career in Healthcare

Looking for a new job or career in any industry can be a large undertaking as you make sure you are qualified, prepare your resume and cover letters, apply to different openings, and more. Making sure you are prepared is especially important when you are interested in finding a job in healthcare because of the skills, qualifications, knowledge, and experience many positions require. Here are some tips to help you succeed in a career in healthcare:

  • Choose the Right Field – Healthcare is a vast and diverse industry with many different fields. That means there are many different career paths to choose from. Consider what interests you most and what you are most passionate about. Some options might include becoming a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physical therapist, or direct support professional. Knowing what you want to do ahead of time will allow you to gain the necessary experience and qualifications for the job, but since there are so many different positions in the healthcare field, you will have a variety of options if you end up wanting to try something else.
  • Get a Good Education – A strong educational foundation is essential for a successful career in healthcare, especially if you have a specialized field you are interested in. If you aren’t sure exactly what you are interested in, consider earning a degree in a popular field that can translate between various occupations, such as nursing, pharmacology, or biology. You may also want to consider earning a graduate degree, such as a Master’s or a Doctorate, to further your knowledge and expertise.
  • Gain Practical Experience – In addition to formal education, it’s important to gain practical experience in the healthcare field. This can be through internships, volunteering, or even shadowing a healthcare professional. This will not only give you valuable hands-on experience, but it will also help you to determine if a career in healthcare is the right fit for you.
  • Stay up to Date – The healthcare field is constantly evolving, and it’s important to stay current on the latest developments and trends. This could mean taking continuing education courses, attending conferences or workshops, or simply staying informed through reading industry publications.
  • Build a Strong Network – Building relationships with others in the healthcare field can be incredibly valuable. This can include networking with colleagues, joining professional organizations, and participating in local or national healthcare events. Developing a strong network will help you maintain connections with people who can recommend you for positions, know when certain jobs open up, and keep up with current industry trends.
  • Stay Organized and Manage Your Time Effectively – A career in healthcare can be demanding, so it’s important to stay organized and manage your time effectively in order to balance your work and personal life. This could involve creating a schedule, setting priorities, and delegating tasks when necessary.
  • Be a Team Player – Healthcare is a team-oriented field, and it’s important to be able to work effectively with others. Careers in healthcare often require an ability to communicate clearly, listen actively, and collaborate with others in order to achieve common goals.
  • Maintain a Positive Attitude – Working in healthcare can be challenging at times, and it’s important to maintain a positive attitude in order to stay motivated and focused. This can involve setting realistic goals, seeking support when needed, and finding ways to stay energized and engaged in your work.
  • Take Care of Yourself – Committing your life to helping others is a noble career choice, but you have to make sure it doesn’t negatively affect your personal life. It’s important to prioritize your own well-being in order to succeed in a career in healthcare. This could involve making time for self-care, getting enough rest and exercise, and finding ways to manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Overall, healthcare careers can be incredibly rewarding, but they can also require a significant amount of dedication, hard work, and commitment. By following these tips, you can set yourself up for success in this exciting and fulfilling field.

If you’re considering a career in healthcare, then you’ve come to the right place! At Penn-Mar Human Services, our mission is to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live courageous lives full of self-determination, independence, and equity. Our approach is innovative, person-centered, and successful. Through meaningful employment, community inclusion, and residential choice, the people Penn-Mar supports are empowered to live their best lives. 

If you’re interested in a career in healthcare and want to make a difference in the lives of others, consider filling out an application to join our team! We offer a wide range of employee benefits and competitive compensation. You can also get involved by learning more about our services or signing up to volunteer with us today!

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