Is Health Care A Good Career Path?

Published on: 01 December 2022 Last Updated on: 04 September 2024
Is Health Care A Good Career Path

Is Health Care A Good Career Path?

As you are searching about this question, I believe you are thinking about starting your career. It is always best to explore the available options. It is also crucial to make a decision beforehand so that you can prepare yourself both academically and characteristically. 

After all, you need to have a particular degree along with other expertise and skills in order to get a job. Especially when you are targeting a particular industry. 

For example, as you are searching about whether the healthcare industry is a suitable career path or not, you can be ready for that. 

Here, in this article, along with providing you with the answer to your question, I will also guide you with some related information that you must know when you are thinking about these career options. 

What Is A Health Care Career? 

 Health Care Career

This is indeed a broad term which covers a wide range of occupations, specifically in the medical field. From nurses to doctors to pharmacists to therapies, you will find different types of healthcare careers that are available for you. 

All you need to do is pick up the most suitable one for yourself. Although each profession has its unique set of responsibilities, they hold the single goal of improving the well-being and health of patients. 

Read More: Ensuring Quality Healthcare with Correct Diagnoses

Requirements

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As I have already mentioned, there are several types of healthcare jobs available. Some of the job profiles need a high school diploma; on the other hand, some require a doctorate degree along with many years of medical training. 

Here, I have curated a list of the professions as per the minimum education level. 

Educational DegreeAvailable Jobs
GED or high school diplomaOpticians. Pharmacy technicians. Veterinary assistants and also laboratory animal caretakers. Personal care and home health aides. 
Post-secondary non-degreesSurgical technicians.Licensed practical and also licensed vocational nurses. Massage therapist. Dental assistants. Phlebotomists. Medical assistants. Paramedics and ENTs.  Medical transcriptionists. Health information and medical records specialists. 
Associate degreeRadiation therapists. Nuclear medicine technologists. Dental hygienists. Registered nurses. Medical cardiovascular technologists and technicians, and sonographers. MRI technologists and radiologists. Respiratory therapists. Veterinary technologists and technicians.  
Bachelor’s degreeRegistered nurses. Nutritionist and dietician. Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians. Athletic trainers. ‘Recreational therapists. Exercise physiologists. 
Master’s degreeNurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and nurse practitioners. Physician assistants. Occupational therapists. Genetic counselors. Speech-language pathologists. Prosthetics and orthotics. 
Doctorate and other professional degreesDentists. Podiatrists. Pharmacists. Optometrists. Veterans. Physical therapists. Audiologists. Chiropractors. 

Is Health Care A Good Career Path?

Is Health Care A Good Career Path

Now, you got a basic understanding of what a healthcare job actually is and also the requirements. It is time to answer your questions. “Is health care a good career path?”

Honestly, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot of things. Those things are not only our lifestyle but also the way different types of industries function. Just like many other industries, and health care industry is also affected by the effects of the global pandemic. 

Healthcare professionals are the ones who have worked day and night just to ensure that the patients can recover soon and fewer people get affected by this super infectious disease. 

While the doctors and nurses were doing overtime, other healthcare professionals were also given the necessary support. From laboratory technicians and other professionals. 

So, standing in 2022, we definitely can say that health care is not only a good career path but also an important one. So, if you are thinking about building a career here, always remember that you are taking a really responsible and noble opportunity to serve others. 

But at the same time, you have to ensure that you hold the necessary skills and capabilities. 

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Healthcare As A Career Path

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Healthcare
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Now, you get the answer to your questions, but in order to have a complete understanding of “Is health care a good career path?” it will be best to have a piece of knowledge about both the positive and negative side of the healthcare industry. 

Pros: What’s GoodCons: What’s Bad
Ability and opportunity of healing others. Job security. Different options to choose from. Career advancement. Almost constant stress. Hectic work schedule. Physically demanding tasks. 

What Do Health Care Jobs Pay? 

What Do Health Care Jobs Pay?

For both health care practitioners and technicians, like nurses and doctors, the median annual pay ranges around $75,040, as per the data of May 2021, U.S. BLS or Bureau of Labor Statistics.  

Here, I would also like to mention that healthcare support workers might earn a lot less. Workers in this specific category, like occupational therapy assistants, home health sides, and medical transcriptionists, make around a median annual salary of $29,880

Here is a list of the highest-paid jobs in the healthcare sector. So, when you want to know, “Is health care a good career path?” you also should know the job profiles that pay the most. 

  • Nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists: $123,780.
  • Optometrists: $124,300
  • Pharmacists: $128,570
  • Podiatrists: $145,840
  • Dentists: $163,220
  • Surgeons and physicians: $208,000

If you get the opportunity to discuss this with a healthcare professional, you will get to know a lot of things. 

Here is another list of the lowest-paying jobs in the healthcare industry. 

  • Psychiatric aides and technicians: $36,230.  
  • Nursing assistants and orderlies: $30,290
  • Medical transcriptionists: $30,100
  • Laboratory animal caretakers and veterinary assistants: $29,780.
  • Personal care and home health aides: $29,430.

Read More: 7 Health Tips For Medical Students

How Many Jobs Are Available In Health Care? 

How Many Jobs Are Available In Health Care
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Just like any other industry, the health care industry is also changing continuously. That is why the number of available jobs in this sector also changes. Reports state that in 2020 February, there were around 16.5 million jobs available in this field. 

Now, let’s have a look at the available options you can choose from. 

  • Doctor.
  • Nurse.
  • Optician.
  • Audiologist. 
  • Athletic trainer. 
  • Dietician or nutritionist. 
  • Dental hygienist
  • Chiropractor. 
  • Massage therapy. 
  • Genetic counselor. 
  • Paramedic or ENT. 
  • Nuclear medicine technologist. 
  • Medicare reimbursement specialist. 
  • Occupational therapist. 
  • Veterinarian. 
  • Transplant coordinator. 
  • Speech-language pathologist. 
  • Radiation therapist. 

But you always have to remember that if you are just entering this industry, you might not get high designated jobs. That means you need to prepare yourself for entry-level jobs. Here is a list of available entry-level jobs. 

Read More: Healthcare Jobs That Will Be Most in Demand 2020–2025

Good Luck!

I believe, after going through this article, you have already decided on “Is health care a good career path?” So, if you want to be a part of this industry, you should start your preparation today. Find out the job profile you want to go with and work hard to get there. 

And, in case you have any other queries and questions, you can always leave that in the comment section. And I will come up with a solution as soon as possible. 

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Good Interview Questions to Ask

Land The Job! 51 Good Interview Questions to Ask Your Employer

The interviews are primarily unnerving for the job seekers. However, the situation worsens when the interviewer turns the tables and asks, “Do you have anything to ask me?” The hiring managers often feel amazed that many candidates don’t even use such opportunities.    I know that receiving a job offer can be very exciting, especially when you are eagerly waiting for the role. Moreover, many candidates put more focus on impressing the interviewer. This way, they fail to get the necessary information that can help them to ensure that the job role is right for them.   In this article, we will discuss the importance of asking questions to an interviewer. 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The Necessity To Ask Important Questions To Your Employer   When you ask your employer questions, it shows that you want to know more about the company and its operations. Asking an interviewer questions can also help you learn more about the designation or whether you will fit that specific role. On the other hand, if you have questions to ask an interviewer, it can show that you have thought enough about the position, which can help you to decide on your future career.    The Questions That You Must Avoid To Ask Your Interviewer Here are a few questions that you should not ask during or at the end of your interview: What is the starting salary range? Does the company provide any kind of health insurance? What are your policies related to paid leave? During the interview, you must avoid asking about the salary or the benefits of the process. It is too early to negotiate, and you still don’t know about the entire territory. 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Is investment bankersbrokersservice a good career path

Is Investment Bankers/Brokers/Service A Good Career Path?

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These types of brokers work for a large brokerage firm.  On the other hand, investment service is a general term used to describe the complete range of activities related to investments in financial instruments.  This banking denotes a financial service that produces capital for organizations and individuals by counseling on marketing plans that can maximize their returns and reduce their risks.  Moreover, investment bankers provide assistance for restructuring, acquisitions, and mergers. The best advantage of being an investment banker is that you get the opportunity to learn from big and real corporate transactions.  Is Investment Bankers/Brokers/Service A Good Career Path In 2023? The answer to this question is an absolute Yes. Many individuals consider this as their career path just for the sake of money. This banking career attracts people who are: Interested in specific exit opportunity  Interested in deals rather than simply following the market  Solid in terms of reading and writing Extremely attentive to detail Competitive  High achievers who are willing to work for long hours. Investment bankers/brokers/service can be a well-defined career path with high packages, offering life insurance, medical, and other benefits. These institutions also offer many opportunities for advancement, and many banks pay for talented employees.  On the other hand, the banking sector is an excellent career path, but there are many disadvantages. One such con is serving the public which can, in turn, be an extremely stressful task.  How Many Jobs Are Available In Investment Bankers/Brokers/Services? An investment banking career can be extremely demanding, with analysts working a hundred hours a week. 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At the same time, you must apply strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to meet clients’ needs. You must also have the ability to learn and adapt to new information and technologies.  3. Capital Markets Capital markets consist of both debt and equity markets where the team advises the client on the most appropriate issuance, valuation, and appropriate time. This is one of the best paying jobs in investment bankers/brokers/service. They help companies develop the execution and origination of equity offerings such as convertible notes, follow-ons, IPOs.  4. Mergers And Acquisition Mergers and Acquisitions are responsible for servicing the client strategically and acting as an advisor in negotiations, structuring, and facilitating valuation. To get a role in this career path, you must have a minimum of 4-5 years of experience in financial services. This division is one of the top sources of revenue for investment bankers across the world. 5. Insurance Marketer Insurance Marketer specialists are responsible for creating, strategizing, and implementing marketing campaigns that support growth and business development.  You also need to meet the designated sale quota by customizing the marketing plan in order to sell insurance goods to individuals or businesses on behalf of the insurance company. What Are The Best Paying Jobs In Investment Bankers/Brokers/Service? Now that you know what this sector is all about, You might be thinking about which job pays you the most in this area. Well, worry not, as I have you covered! Here are the jobs in this sector that pay you the best: 1. Investment Banker:  Investment bankers play a crucial role in driving financial transactions within the capital markets. 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Leveraging their profound knowledge of financial markets, effective communication skills, and adeptness in navigating intricate investment strategies, stockbrokers often earn competitive salaries, which may include commissions tied to transaction volumes. 3. Wealth Manager/Private Banker:  Wealth managers and private bankers cater specifically to high-net-worth individuals, delivering personalized financial counsel, meticulous portfolio management, and strategies to preserve and grow wealth.  They embark on a comprehensive journey by analyzing clients' financial aspirations, assessing risk tolerance, and recommending tailored investment opportunities. The trust vested in their expertise and their ability to manage substantial assets is reflected in their attractive salaries, signifying the level of responsibility and specialized knowledge they bring to the table. 4. Financial Analyst:  Financial analysts are the driving force behind in-depth research on companies, industries, and investment prospects. Their responsibilities include dissecting financial statements, scrutinizing market trends, and formulating investment recommendations grounded in their extensive findings.  Armed with robust analytical skills, unwavering attention to detail, and the capacity to provide invaluable insights, financial analysts in investment banking and financial services often command competitive salaries for their prowess in evaluating investment prospects. 5. Compliance Officer:  Compliance officers occupy a pivotal role in guaranteeing adherence to regulatory requirements and industry standards across investment banking, brokering, and financial services.  They are instrumental in designing and implementing comprehensive compliance programs, conducting thorough risk assessments, and vigilantly monitoring internal processes. 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Investment bankers are one of the great career paths that you can consider in the long run. Besides, let me know your doubts in the comment section below if you come across any. Read Also: Is Energy A Good Career Path? - A Detailed Guide A Beginners Guide to Listed Investment Companies Is Property Investment Still a Good Way to Make Money?

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how to become a phlebotomist

The What, Why, & How To Of Being A Phlebotomist In 2024

Phlebotomists, also known as phlebotomy technicians, use venous or skin punctures to draw blood. These specialists are essential to the healthcare industry, especially when it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses. Phlebotomy services can be used by patients to receive transfusions, donate blood or plasma, or test for medical conditions. In addition, phlebotomy technicians have strict guidelines to follow when labeling biological samples, handling needles and other tools, and entering patient data into databases. These workers must execute their duties carefully and safely since they deal with biological samples. Engaging with patients and making a difference in their care is a rewarding experience for many phlebotomists. Phlebotomists who are kind can ease patients' anxieties about having their blood drawn, as many patients find the procedure uncomfortable. These technicians can also discuss the significance of blood collection Phlebotomist employment prospects appear to be favorable. According to BLS projections, employment in this field will increase by 22% between 2020 and 2030, while jobs in healthcare will grow by 16% and all occupations by 8% during the same period. Here is everything you need to know about how to become a phlebotomist. How to Become a Phlebotomist? Becoming a phlebotomist does require specialized training. Fast-paced work environments and frequent client interaction necessitate that professionals in the field possess the following qualities:  Although phlebotomists are frequently employed in laboratory environments, some have more flexibility in their work environment when they work for ambulatory services. They might still have to put in overtime or on the weekends, for example, if they work in a lab. Learn more about how to become a phlebotomist in this article, along with the procedures for obtaining national certification and education. Requirements on How to Become a Phlebotomist Before getting into the details of how to become a phlebotomist let us clear up the basics. Candidates must earn a GED or complete their high school education. It could be beneficial to take science and anatomy classes in high school. After that, people can enroll in phlebotomy programs, which typically leads to certification after 4–8 months of training. Community colleges, technical schools, and trade schools all offer these kinds of programs.  To practice, phlebotomy graduates in California, Louisiana, Nevada, and Washington must obtain certification. To improve their chances of finding work, professionals in other states should still think about obtaining a postsecondary credential. Phlebotomists have access to a range of certifications, such as:  Certified Phlebotomy Technician I: Trains medical personnel to take blood samples via venous and skin punctures.  Certified Phlebotomy Technician II: Trains medical personnel to perform venous, arterial, and skin punctures to collect blood.  Limited Phlebotomy Technician: Someone who trains medical professionals to take blood via skin punctures.  Certification and Licensure Acquiring certification to become a phlebotomist requires a written and practical exam. The test will include about 300 questions. The clinical component will include a demonstration of sample labeling, skin, and venous blood draws, and sanitization procedures. Phlebotomists can then acquire the certification from different organizations, such as: American Society for Clinical Pathology  National Center for Competency Testing   American Certification Agency for Healthcare Professionals  American Medical Technologists  National Healthcareer Association  National Phlebotomy Association  American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians  To stay up to date in their field, phlebotomists—especially those who need to renew their certification—must complete continuing education. The requirements for ongoing phlebotomist training vary by state, but most professionals must earn roughly six credits of continuing education annually. To fulfill these requirements, phlebotomists might be able to enroll in classes at community colleges or vocational schools or attend conferences.  Training to Become a Phlebotomist Learning how to become a phlebotomist involves taking crucial courses and earning certification. 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Apart from extracting blood from patients, they also process blood samples for analysis, gather patient data, and assist patients who might feel uneasy with needles.  The main responsibility of a phlebotomist is to take blood samples from patients as directed by a physician or other healthcare provider. On the other hand, your practice might also involve labeling vials, checking vital signs, chatting with patients about the blood draw procedure, and maintaining a sterile and clean work area. During your shift, you might also be required to carry out the following tasks, depending on where you work: Gather data and make updates to patient medical records.  Fill out the paperwork and mark the vials.  Make patients more at ease while having their blood drawn.  Place a supply order  Arrange the necessary vials, needles, and other supplies in the work area.  Joining a professional organization can benefit your career in the long run, even though most charge a membership fee. These organizations give you a route to certification, facilitate networking, and assist you in keeping up with new methods or regulations.  National Phlebotomy Association The National Phlebotomy Association (NPA) provides workshops, training courses, and professional certifications, such as a credential for phlebotomy instructors, to facilitate continuing education. For full- and part-time jobs in phlebotomy and other allied health fields, the organization maintains a job board.  American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians, Inc. The American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians, Inc. (ASPT) certifies both graduates of recognized programs and employed phlebotomy technicians. Members of NHA, ASCP, and AMT are eligible to receive benefits from the organization. Members have access to nonprofit events, cross-training workshops, and opportunities for ongoing education.  Additionally, ASPT offers an EKG fundamentals program and a phlebotomy refresher course. There is a $65 exam fee and a $35 membership fee for phlebotomy technicians.  National Healthcare Association (NHA) NHA offers phlebotomy technicians immersive learning opportunities in addition to professional certification. Practice drills, interactive games, and quizzes are among the available resources intended for educators and students.  For allied health professionals, NHA offers a job board, resume review services, and career planning guidance.  By showcasing and improving your skills, obtaining a professional certification can increase your marketability even if your state or employer does not require it. Examine the prerequisites for the following three popular certifications.  Technician in Phlebotomy (PBT) There are various ways to become certified in PBT offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Candidates must possess one year of full-time clinical experience or have finished an authorized phlebotomy program within the previous five years. Programs must fulfill minimum instruction requirements, be approved by the California Department of Public Health, or accredited by NAACLS.  In addition to paying a $145 application fee, candidates must pass an 80-question exam.  Certified Technician in Phlebotomy (CPT) Candidates must successfully finish a phlebotomy training program or one to two years of supervised phlebotomy technician experience to be eligible for the National Healthcareer Association's CPT distinction. Blood collection, patient preparation, and safety and compliance are all covered in the two-hour certification exam. The exam is $125, and you can buy a study guide or practice test to get ready.  Every two years, CPTs need to renew their certification by paying $179 and completing continuing education requirements.  Colleges That Offer Phlebotomy as a Course Since phlebotomy students must acquire practical skills in blood withdrawal and collection, phlebotomy programs are typically offered on campus at educational institutions. The programs that prospective phlebotomists can find in the United States are listed below. However, keep in mind that this is just a small selection of all the programs that are offered all over the country. When you want to know how to become a phlebotomist, the college you must go to is an equally important aspect to consider.  Abrams College The didactic component of Abrams College's phlebotomy program is offered over two weeks, on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM in Modesto, California. This equates to 48 hours of classroom instruction. To proceed to the externship experience, students must pass all tests and complete all skill station requirements.  The 40-hour externship takes place in a hospital or clinical laboratory. Students who complete the program receive a certificate and should be qualified to apply for both state and national licensure.  Cuyahoga Community College Cleveland, Ohio's Cuyahoga Community College provides a short-term certificate program in laboratory phlebotomy. Students are trained in blood collection, specific blood collection techniques, medical terminology, ethics, and other related areas through a skills-based didactic curriculum. Students also need to finish an eight-week clinical externship at a hospital or clinic.  Graduates of this NAACLS-accredited program have completed it with a 100% job placement rate and a cumulative 95% pass rate on certification exams over the last three years. Furthermore, transfer programs are offered to students who wish to graduate with a bachelor's degree from an institution in partnership.  Iowa Western Community College The phlebotomy program at Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs consists of 120 hours of clinical experience and 80 hours of classroom instruction. The students receive their clinical placement assignments during the sixth week of the program. After finishing, they ought to be qualified to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology national certification exam. Students must adhere to a rigorous professional dress code and present documentation of their vaccinations upon admission to the program.  Santa Fe College Students can finish the two-semester phlebotomy certificate program at Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Florida. In the first semester, students attend 60 hours of classroom instruction, and in the second semester, they complete 105 hours of clinical phlebotomy rotations.  Students must pass a background investigation and have all necessary vaccinations to be admitted. This course also includes instruction on bloodborne pathogens, HIPAA compliance, and CPR certification. The NAACLS is requesting approval for this program.  South Arkansas Community College  Students enrolled in the one-semester program at South Arkansas Community College in El Dorado, Arkansas, are prepared for careers in phlebotomy. Students can obtain their certification in phlebotomy by completing seven credit hours of coursework in phlebotomy, professionalism, patient relations, and medical technology. In addition to working at least 100 clinical hours in designated healthcare facilities, students must complete 100 successful unaided collections and maintain a grade of C or higher in all courses. The practicum is set up by the program director. This program is accredited by NAACLS, and there is a 14-student maximum per class.  Cost of Courses in Phlebotomy Programs for phlebotomy are reasonably priced when compared to the potential earnings. The cost of a course can vary from $700 to $3,000, based on the training duration and school. Students who want certification also need to pay a test fee, which ranges from $90 to $200. States that demand licensing will also pay an additional $58 to $200. According to data from the BLS (May 2022), the average hourly wage in this field was $19.51, or $40,580 per year. Phlebotomists mean wages were higher in California, Massachusetts, Washington, D.C., New York, and California—all over $46,900. Wrapping Up It can take a year or less to become a phlebotomist, depending on the educational program and whether the student wants to pursue national certification. It could take longer in some states because of the various certification requirements for employment in those states. The duration of education programs varies based on the type of school and program students enroll in, ranging from eight weeks to less than a year. Programs at community colleges might require more time, while those at vocational schools might be quicker. To receive a certificate or diploma and land a job, completing the program's didactic and clinical hours is necessary. Although it's usually not necessary, national certification can be useful when applying for jobs.  Depending on the student's exam preparation and certification motivation, this could take several months or longer to finish. Nonetheless, there are typically time constraints on when a learner can sit for national certification after completing a program. Few states require certification, so working as a phlebotomist can be accomplished in less than a year—especially if the student enrolls in one of the faster-paced programs. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about how to become a phlebotomist, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!  We also have more information if you want to know how to become a pediatrician, a therapist, an orthodontist, an anesthesiologist, a psychologist, or a physician assistant. Learn More About: Therapist Or Psychiatrist: Which One Is Right For You? Life with Braces: Tips from Surrey’s Orthodontic Experts What Does A Career In Anesthesiology Look Like? Click To Know

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