The healthcare industry is booming, and there’s never been a better time to pursue a career in this lucrative field. Some people ignore healthcare as a career option because they think it requires a medical degree and significant years devoted to education, however this isn’t true. There are many opportunities in healthcare that require only a short training program, and most of these programs are now available online.
Healthcare career opportunities are at your doorstep!
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
The Healthcare Industry Is Booming
The healthcare industry is growing faster than any other field in the country right now. The primary reasons for this are:
- The Affordable Care Act (ACA), which provides accessible healthcare to all Americans. Since more people can access healthcare, there is a greater need for professionals who can provide that care.
- An aging population comprising of millions of baby boomers who are in the midst of retiring. Seniors make up 12% of the population right now, but that will rise to 21% over the next 20 years, and older people tend to have more health issues.
- The population is facing more health challenges, such as diabetes, obesity, and increased risk of heart disease from lifestyle factors. Unless this changes, the continued growth of the population will require more health services by default.
A job in the healthcare field is a great choice if you want to enjoy a generous and stable income. However, it also provides the satisfaction that you’ll be making a difference by improving the lives of all the people you help over the course of your career.
Easy Entry Healthcare Jobs That Pay Well
Here are just some of the career opportunities in healthcare that you could apply for. Some require a short training program, while others can be achieved with only a high school diploma.
Licensed Practical Nurses
Median Salary: $47,480 per year
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide basic nursing care for people who are ill. They work in many settings, including nursing homes and extended care facilities, hospitals, physicians’ offices, and private homes. Because they are required to have a license, they must complete a state-approved educational program, which typically takes about one year.
Nursing Assistants and Orderlies
Median Salary: $29,640 per year
Nursing assistants provide basic care and help patients with the activities of daily living. Orderlies transport patients and clean treatment areas. They typically work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other medical facilities. Nursing assistants are required to have a Certified Nursing Assistant license, which can be acquired through a short training program and passing an exam. In many states, orderlies are only required to know basic first aid and CPR.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists
Median Salary: $42,630 per year
If the thought of being around sick people makes you queasy, then rest assured there’s another option. Medical billing and coding specialists work in the administrative side of healthcare. This is a growing field, and does require a short training program that can last anywhere from six months to a year.
Surgical Technologists
Median Salary: $48,300 per year
Surgical technologists assist in surgical operations and work primarily in hospitals. However there are growing opportunities for surgical technologists to work under specialists, like podiatrists, periodontists, etc. Most states require technologists to be certified, which means completing a two-year training program.
Psychiatric Technicians and Aides
Median Salary: $32,020 per year
Psychiatric technicians and aides care for people who have mental illness and developmental disabilities. The need for this job has been steadily rising as the healthcare industry improves at providing care for people with special needs. As a psychiatric technician or aide, you could find work in hospitals, mental health facilities, and in the private sector.
Personal Care Workers
Median Salary: $25,280 per year
Also known as Home Health Aides, PSW’s help people with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or cognitive impairment by assisting in their daily living activities. This can be a part-time or full-time position, and in some cases includes living in the person’s home. Since no actual medical care is entailed, it is easy to become a personal care worker even if you only have a high school diploma.
How To Get A Job In The Healthcare Industry
Many of the careers listed above require some sort of formal training. Luckily, these days you can pursue your education online through accredited online programs. These programs are great because they are affordable, accessible, and allow you to take them at your own pace. Best of all, their flexibility means you can still keep your day job and attend to other responsibilities at the same time.
Because there are so many online course options out there, it takes a bit of searching to find one that’s right for you. Start by searching online to find one that suits your schedule and budget, and you’ll soon be on your way to a successful career in healthcare.
