Finding Your Calling Within Healthcare: Alternative Routes that Make an Impact

There’s no one-size-fits-all path to working in healthcare. Regardless of your background, the industry will always welcome new additions to assist in providing the highest level of care possible to a population that continues to age and now requires an average of 49,000 healthcare jobs to be added each month.

As a healthcare professional, you possess the foundation of knowledge and skills that can be leveraged to explore various specialties and roles. Whether you aspire to become a specialized nurse, a healthcare administrator, a medical researcher, or a public health advocate, you could enjoy a long and rewarding career across a variety of roles. 

Are you looking to make a slight career adjustment, advance your current responsibilities, or maybe be ready for a new specialization? No matter your motivation, there are plenty of pathways to pursue the career you’re destined to love. 

Switching or Advancing in Healthcare Careers

Exploring a healthcare career gives you the chance to tap into your talents and passions while aligning them with the right position for you. Changing careers within the industry can not only make you happier in your day-to-day role but also improve the level of care you’re able to give to your patients and make you a more well-rounded asset to your organization or facility.

The great thing about switching careers within healthcare is that you’re not completely starting over. You likely have already completed your general undergraduate courses, so you may be able to move right to earning the degree you’ll need for your new position.

Luckily, there are a lot of educational programs that cater exactly to this scenario. Herzing University offers a variety of bridge pathways to get you to where you want to be with flexible schedules to accommodate different lifestyles. Here is a list of available programs that are perfect to help you make the transition:

• Cardiovascular Technologist (CVT) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Registered Nurse (RN) 
• Military Medic to RN
• Paramedic to RN
• RN to BSN
• Respiratory Therapist to ASN/BSN

Making a Career Change

Sometimes you may find that your chosen career isn’t everything you thought it would be, which can be daunting, but that means there’s a better fit for you.

When looking at making a significant career change, there are lots of things to consider as you prepare for that transition. Here are five ways to launch a new career:

1. Network, network, network: Making connections in your potential industry is an ideal way to help you get a jumpstart in the new industry.
2. Do your research: Changing careers is a huge decision, so make sure you’ve done your research to ensure it will be the right fit.
3. Do you need to go back to school?: If you want to start a career that requires a new or advanced degree, check out your options online and begin having conversations with academic advisors at potential schools.
4. Create a plan: Make a map of what you need to do to reach your goal to keep yourself on track.
5. Make yourself memorable:  What unique and valuable gifts can you bring to the role? Highlighting your previous experiences will make you stand out from others in your industry when you apply for a job. 

If you’re considering switching your career to nursing specifically, here are five steps to success.

Working for a Healthcare Organization

Healthcare workers aren’t all nurses – there are plenty of positions that may not be as well-known but are just as essential. Just like in many businesses, there are roles like accountants, marketers, receptionists, and office managers who are all necessary to run hospitals, doctors' offices, and healthcare facilities. A few possible job titles you could pursue include:

• Medical biller
• Recruiting coordinator
• Healthcare advisor
• Clinic manager
• Health services administrator
• Claims manager

No matter the career path you take, Herzing University is here to support you through it all. With campuses throughout the country, plus online programs, there are a variety of educational options to fit your lifestyle and schedule. Get started on your career in healthcare today and find the right program for you!