5 Questions to Ask When Considering a Career in Healthcare

5 Questions to Ask Yourself When Considering a Career in Healthcare

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the rate of growth for careers in healthcare is projected at 16% between 2020-2030, which represents about 2.6 million new jobs — good news for those looking for a career where they can make a difference each time they go to work. But while a growing employment sector is crucial for future livelihood, there’s more to consider when choosing a career than just stability. You need to make sure it’s the right fit — and to do that, you need to ask yourself a few important questions.

We’ve put together five questions to help you think through your options, find the degree and program that best meet your needs, and put you on the right path toward a successful career.

1. Why healthcare?
   If you’re looking for a stable and fast-paced career, the healthcare industry may be the perfect fit. Besides self-fulfillment and high job satisfaction, it offers competitive salaries and compelling positions, regardless of your specific interests — with opportunities in hospitals, public health, emergency care, home health, and much more. In addition, due to the nature of health care, the industry offers a variety of options in terms of when and where you work.
2. Is there an area that you’re passionate about?
   Healthcare is a widely varied industry, with seemingly limitless opportunities for different skills, personalities, passions, and motivations. The key is to figure out what you enjoy and where you excel professionally. Do you want to work closely with patients? Doctors and nurses may come to mind as the main options, but there are also roles that perform important support tasks such as providing diagnostic tests as an ultrasound technician or interacting with insurance companies as a medical billing specialist. If you’re not interested in working one-on-one with patients, there are a variety of options that don’t involve direct care that still make a positive impact, including information technologists, office administrators, and healthcare managers.
3. What are the degree and professional requirements?
   There are a variety of jobs in healthcare, with varying degrees of education, certification, and licensure that may go along with them. As you’re researching your desired career, make sure you have a full understanding of what is required. This understanding will help you plan your path and gauge how far you want to advance in your selected field.
4. How can you gain real-world experience in your desired field?
   Healthcare students are often encouraged to gain real-world experience — whether it be shadowing a local professional, working as an intern in an applicable clinic or office, or volunteering for an important cause. Future employers will be interested in seeing any valid experience on your resume, as it demonstrates your commitment to developing your knowledge and skills. When looking at degrees, be sure to explore programs that offer practicum opportunities — as many UC Online programs do.
5. Which program is right for you?
   Choosing the right program for your individual lifestyle and goals can help you unlock valuable opportunities in your desired career — without sacrificing what matters most to you.

But what is the right program?

To maintain commitments, many aspiring healthcare professionals enroll in an online program with lower tuition, flexible schedules, and more financial aid options. And at UC Online, we offer multiple nationally ranked healthcare degrees designed to help you succeed in whichever area inspires you. With little to no on-campus requirements, these programs will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to advance your future.

“As a mom of four children, a flexible online education was the best choice. I chose the University of Cincinnati Online because it allowed me to set up my clinical close to home. I was pleasantly surprised by the experience. The faculty made time to meet with me one-on-one using Skype and I could schedule time with proctors for my tests.”

—Wendi R. MSN Nurse Midwifery

Your Journey in Healthcare Starts Here.

By asking yourself the above questions you can map out your path to a rewarding, fast-paced, and lucrative career in the healthcare industry. And at UC Online, we’ll be at your side every step of the way, helping you find the right answers — because your journey in healthcare starts here.

So — are you ready to learn more? Explore our online programs to discover how you can achieve your goals with a healthcare degree from the University of Cincinnati Online; or take the first step in advancing your career by beginning your application today.