Top reasons to work in the healthcare sector

By Tork Media

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Top reasons to work in the healthcare sector

Job satisfaction

There are very few jobs which are more rewarding than working in the healthcare sector. The work may be challenging, but the job satisfaction is high because you know that everything you do is having a positive impact on someone’s life and wellbeing. Whether you work as a physician, nurse or behind the scenes in an administrative or managerial role, you know that the work you do contributes to helping people every day. Helping people to recover from an illness, manage a condition, bring a new life into the world or adopt a healthier lifestyle, all these actions touch people’s lives in a positive way.

Growing sector

The healthcare industry is the second largest employer in the US, employing over 11 million people, and the sector continues to experience rapid growth. One of the major factors driving the changing demographics is the sizeable aging population. According to Forbes, the number of people aged over 65 in the US is forecast to double from around 50 million to around 100 million between 2018 and 2060. The aging population in the US is having a significant impact on the demand for health care.. Older people have a greater need for health care because they are more likely to have health conditions requiring ongoing therapy or medication, such as diabetes or hypertension.

There are current shortages of staff in the healthcare sector, and with the demand for health care increasing, the shortfall is set to increase. Demand for physicians and nurses is considerably greater than supply, and the numbers of graduates entering the workplace each year is not sufficient to fill the gaps. The number of nurses required in the decade leading up to 2030 is increasing by approximately 9%. Some nurses have left the profession, for example, due to ill health during or following the Covid-19 pandemic, so this has further contributed to the current shortage of nurses. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there will be around 195,400 new nursing roles created between 2021 and 2031. 

One of the benefits of the booming demand for healthcare is increased job security for people working in the industry. There are plenty of openings in the sector, and as you gain experience in your career in healthcare you will also find ample opportunities for progression. 

Career prospects

The healthcare sector has opportunities for people with a wide range of educational levels, from high school graduates to people at doctorate level. People who join the healthcare sector at the entry-level may advance through experience, but the best route to career advancement is by studying for further qualifications. For example, if you wish to move into or progress in a career in nursing, and don’t already have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, you should consider enrolling in an accelerated nursing program online. 

The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the Louise Herrington School of Nursing at Baylor University provides an opportunity for students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline to gain a nursing qualification in just one year. The course is full-time and consists of online coursework, hybrid interactive courses, clinical placements, lab experience and a two-week on-campus residency. Baylor University will provide support with securing a clinical placement at a suitable location for you. Ranking in the US and World Report’s top 5% of colleges in the nation, Baylor University provides an excellent standard of education. Studying for your BSN degree through this school will provide a head start to your career in nursing.

Job opportunities nationwide

Wherever you want to live and work in the US, there will be opportunities in the healthcare sector. Once you have a medical qualification, such as a BSN degree, it will serve as a passport to career opportunities all over the US. If you are eager to see more of the world, you will also be able to make use of your medical qualifications to help you to secure opportunities for working in health care overseas.

Variety

Every day brings fresh challenges and rewards in healthcare. No two days are the same. Many people find this stimulating and enjoy the variety. If you enjoy working in a high-pressured environment, there are many frontline roles in health care which will suit you, such as working as a nurse or physician. These kinds of roles can involve long hours and shifts, particularly in settings such as hospitals and busy medical centers. However, there are also nursing roles in less intense environments, such as working in an educational setting or a specialized outpatient clinic. If you prefer to be in a non-frontline role, there are choices for roles in health care which are not public facing, such as working in a laboratory. Additionally, there are thousands of people employed in administrative and managerial roles in the health care sector. 

Development and training

The healthcare sector is generally very encouraging and supportive of ongoing development and training. Some in-house courses may be provided, and support is often given to staff with their studies, for example offering more flexible schedules where possible, and allowing time off for placements which are part of a program of study. Some organizations will also provide tuition support. 

Whatever it is that motivates you to pursue a career in the healthcare sector, you can be assured of varied and interesting work, a secure job, opportunities for development and progression, and a chance to make a real difference to the health and welfare of the patients you care for.