March 28, 2024

4 Easy Steps to Becoming a Healthcare Worker

4 Easy Steps to Becoming a Healthcare Worker

Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States. With the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), many experts predict that the need for experienced healthcare workers will grow tremendously over the next few years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the healthcare sector is expected to grow at an annual rate of almost three percent, adding 50 million jobs by 2022. This accounts for almost one-third of the total increase of jobs over the next decade. For this reason, taking the steps to become a healthcare worker could lead to career advancement and job security for many years to come.

Education

One of the first steps toward obtaining a position in healthcare is to first learn what is necessary to not only obtain a position but to understand what levels of education are necessary to advance in that career. There are many entry-level positions, such as a healthcare aide or home health aide that do not require education beyond a high school diploma and a certification from places like ABES College (Alberta Business Education Services). However, if you want to advance in your career into the highest echelons, it may be necessary to obtain additional education. Most community colleges offer basic classes in healthcare that can help you advance, even if you do not obtain a certificate or degree.

Networking

Once you have determined what education and skills are necessary for a job in healthcare, begin connecting with as many people as possible in the healthcare industry. Often, finding a job is more about who you know than what you know, so the more people you connect with within the healthcare industry, the more likely you are to find a position. Assess the skills you have in your current position and bring those to the attention of people you know who are in the healthcare profession. Let them know you are seeking a healthcare position and ask that they keep you in mind when they hear of entry-level positions.

Volunteer

If possible, volunteer at a hospital, nursing home, or other healthcare organization so that when positions open up, you are already known to the person who will be hiring. In addition, volunteering is an excellent way to develop new skills and get invaluable hands-on training. Many employers want new staff to have some real-world experience, so by volunteering you are giving yourself experience that someone just leaving college may not have.

Non-Medical Position

Another step to take to get into the healthcare industry is to take a non-medical position. For example, accepting a position as a receptionist in a doctor’s office will help you learn more about the medical field and put you in a better position to move into a patient-related field. There are many non-medical positions available, including file clerks, data entry specialists, and others where you do not have daily contact with patients, but provide a crucial service to the organization. If you want to eventually work directly with patients, taking a position in a behind-the-scenes role could lead you to a patient-related position fairly quickly.

These four easy steps can start you on the path toward obtaining the healthcare position you want. In addition, these steps can help you grow in that position and could make it much easier for you to advance in your chosen career.

A recent college graduate from University of San Francisco, Anica Oaks loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.

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