As a child, did you visualize yourself with a stethoscope around your neck? Were biology and chemistry your favorite subjects in school? If yes, then maybe a career in thehealthcare field would be right for you! It's currently one of the fasting growingfields, and will always remain so because we are always going to need doctors and nurses. 

Do you think you have it in you to make it big in healthcare? There are certain things you must consider before planning a career in this field. Read on to learn more. 

Things to consider when choosing healthcare as a career option

·         A career in healthcare requires a certain level of education. Depending on what your aspirations are, give serious thought to whether you want to spend a few years in college. Focus on your dreams—are you prepared to invest time and money to obtain the requisite degree?

·         All right, so you’re sure you want a career in healthcare, but unsure where to begin. What are you passionate about? Does working with kids excite you? You could be a good pediatrician! If caring for the sick comes naturally to you, why not become a nurse? Mull over your interests, and what sort of environment would you be most comfortable working in.

·         Are you a people person? Most healthcare professionalshave to deal with patients on a regular basis. There are, however, a few healthcare careers, like dental technician, pathologist, or medical billing specialist, which require less face-to-face interaction as compared to other healthcare occupations.

·         Healthcare is a vast field, so you must know your preferences and strengths before opting for a career in healthcare. If you can't stand the sight of blood and sick patients,and are not strong enough to handle stressful and emotionally charged situations, then you're probably not cut out to be a nurse, doctor, or a surgeon. Consider other options like respiratory therapist, medical specialist, X-ray technician, etc.

·         Some occupations require putting in extra hours of work almost every day, and some involve working in shifts, which can directly impact your personal life as well. Don’t ignore this possibility. As a doctor, you could be called in to check on a patient in the dead of the night, and rush for emergencies at unearthly hours. Take all these factors into consideration while making your decision. 

Considering all the above tips, do you think you're prepared for a career in healthcare? If yes, the first step would be to apply to a good college. Remember to look for an accredited and well-established college, withprograms designed to keep pace with the continuously evolving job market. Take the example of Stevens-Henager College. The college offers career-focused healthcare degree programs. Stevens-Henager College accreditation information shows that the college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, which is approved by the U.S. Department of Education. 

Healthcare careers are challenging, yet immensely satisfying, because at the end of the day, directly or indirectly, you know you're making a difference in people's lives. Whatever you occupation is, whether it's as a nurse, physical therapist, or a lab technician, you know you have contributed to making the world a happier and healthier place to live in.

 
What if you could have a lucrative, satisfying career in the healthcare industry with just a two-year associate’s degree? You read right: TWO years! Read on to find out more about your career options in the healthcare industry with a two-year associate’s degree.

Respiratory Therapists

Respiratory therapists provide medical care and attention to patients of all ages suffering from cardiopulmonary disorders and breathing difficulties. Students can take the certification exam in order to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) upon completion of a respiratory therapist program from an accredited program. Students with a certification are always preferred by employers.

Median annual wage: $54,2801

Top 10 percent could earn up to: $73,410

Degree requirement: Associate’s degree, though students have the option of earning a bachelor’s degree as well.

Radiation Therapists

Radiation therapists treat patients suffering from cancer by giving them radiation treatments. In order to be licensed a student is first required to complete a program from an accredited college and then pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam to become certified.

Median annual wage: $74,9802

Top 10 percent could earn up to: $110,550

Degree requirement: Associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree

Registered Nurses

Registered nurses provide medical care and attention to patients of all hospitals. Although patient care is their primary function, they also provide emotional support to patients and their families. Their jobs may be emotionally and physically challenging, but it is one of the most rewarding in the healthcare industry.

Median annual wage: $64,6903

Top 10 percent could earn up to: $95,130

Degree requirement: Associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree followed by passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) in order to become a licensed registered nurse (RN).

Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Nuclear medicine technologists prepare radioactive drugs to administer to patients undergoing scans. The radioactive drugs make the affected body part appear clearly in medical images. Nuclear medicine technologists are required to be nationally certified. Along with this certification, technologists can earn certification in specific procedures or equipment they’re proficient in such as: computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear cardiology (NCT).

Median annual wage: $68,5604

Top 10 percent could earn up to: $91,970

Degree requirement:  Associate’s degree in nuclear medicine technology

Choosing the right college

Choosing the right college is a question of individual interests and requirements. Before starting your search for a college, students are advised to think about what they want from a college. A great way of finding out finer details about a college is to read its reviews and student testimonials. For instance, if you read a review of Stevens Henager College, you’d learn about its accreditation and student services. Other reviews of Stevens Henager College speak of its career services, financial aid programs, and much more. Always make it a point to read as much as you can find about a college so you can make a well-informed decision about your college.

An associate’s degree could be a stepping stone toward a well-paying, satisfying career. All it requires is a little bit of research and deliberation.

References:

1)     http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Respiratory-therapists.htm#tab-5

2)     http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiation-therapists.htm#tab-5

3)     http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Registered-nurses.htm#tab-5

4)     http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Nuclear-medicine-technologists.htm#tab-5

    Author

    Raymond Gutierrezz

    Archives

    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012