7 pointers that will help you start a career in the healthcare sector

7 Tips To Help You Start A Career In Healthcare

A career in the healthcare industry can be one of the life changing and the most empowering event in one's life. This field can provide you with ample job opportunities as it is one of the most rapidly growing industry in the country. You can enjoy job satisfaction from helping others, but you can also earn a good salary and benefits. Apart from a good salary package you also enjoy the the job satisfaction by helping others. However, it’s important to remember that a healthcare career is not easy and will require hard work, dedication, and commitment.

The health care sector is one of the world’s biggest and fastest-developing sectors and is about 12 % of GDP for most of the developed countries while in India its 5% of the GDP. The vast Healthcare industry is not limited to hospitals and doctors but it encompasses Medical devices, Equipment’s, Outsourcing, Tele medicine, Health insurance, and Medical tourism as well.

In India there is an incremental growth of the industry which is expected to advance at the rate of 22.87% in the coming years. The scope of healthcare industry is tremendously widening, bringing in enormous opportunities in terms of employment and revenue. With the immense growth of the healthcare industry, huge investment, various government schemes and an increasing number of private hospitals, the career scope in Healthcare sector is increasing exponentially. And hence healthcare industry is certainly one of the top career destination for aspiring candidates.

Besides the doctors and other paramedical staff, the healthcare industry today, looks forward to qualified and specialized healthcare management professionals who can handle the administrative and the management needs well. According to a survey by 2020, there will be a requirement of over 1 million healthcare management professionals in India.

If you’re thinking about starting a career in healthcare, here are seven tips to help you get started:

1. Get a Degree or Certification in a Healthcare Field

One can enter many different healthcare fields, but it is of utmost importance that you choose that particular domain that excites and suits you the most. 

First thing first, one needs to have a bachelor’s degree at least to pursue most careers in healthcare, but for some positions you may only require a relevant certification or an associate’s degree. Taking a Master of Healthcare Leadership (MHL) degree can also give you an edge in the job market. Most importantly, make sure you pursue your course from a recognized college like Gautam Institute of Nursing and Paramedics so that your degree is recognized by potential employers.

Moreover, there are various other types of degrees and certificates you can pursue in healthcare, so if you’re unsure what you want to do, consider pursuing a degree in health administration or public health. These degrees will give you a broad overview of the healthcare field and prepare you for various careers.

2. Get Experience in the Healthcare Field

No doubt having a verified degree is very important, but employers also seek for candidates with relevant experience in the healthcare field. One of the ways to gain experience is volunteering at a hospital or other medical facility. You can also search for executive or entry-level positions in healthcare, such as working as a medical assistant or administrative assistant.

There are many other prospects to gain knowledge/experience in the healthcare field, like internships, externships, and clinical rotations. Gaining one of these experience can give you the edge over others and the expertise you need in order to stand out to potential employers.

3. Consider Working in a Specific Field of Healthcare

There are many generalist positions in healthcare domain, but you would require to decide and consider working in a specific field, such as cardiology or pediatrics. This practice will help you in specializing in a particular area and become an expert in that field. In fact, working as a specialist can also fetch you  higher salaries and can offer you with more scope and opportunities for furthering your career advancement.

When you specialize in a particular field of healthcare can you also convert yourself into a more marketable and resourceful to relevant companies and organizations. If you’re interested in working in a specific field, take courses in that field and try to get experience working with patients in that field.

4. Get Licensed or Certified

Depending on your state, you may need to be licensed or certified to work in healthcare. For example, nurses must be licensed by their state’s board of nursing. Other healthcare professionals, such as pharmacists and physical therapists, must also be licensed in some states. Check with your state’s licensing board to see if you need to be licensed or certified to work in healthcare. Even if it’s not required, getting licensed or certified can make you more attractive to potential employers.

5. Reckon working in a Rural or Underserved Area

If working for people who are most needy is your priority, then consider working in a rural or underserved area. The areas or locations that are underserved have often shortage of skillful medical professionals. These areas often have a shortage of healthcare professionals and can therefore offer you with immense opportunities.

The implementation of this idea of working in a rural or underserved area could also prove to be very enriching and empowering for you, as you will be making a difference in the lives of those who need it the most. If you’re interested in this type of work, be sure to research the needs of these communities and look for opportunities to help meet those needs.

6. Stay Up-to-Date on Healthcare Trends

The Healthcare is constantly evolving sector, so it’s of utmost importance that you stay up-to-date on the latest trends. One way to do this is to read trade publications and attend conferences and seminars. In this way you will be able to remain updated of all the latest news and developments in this field. At the same time you also need to remain aware of all the changes in healthcare policy, as these changes can impact the delivery of healthcare services. 

7. Network With Others in the Field

Networking is by far the most fundamental and integral part of any career in across all domains, and healthcare is no exception. Connecting with other professionals in the field can help you learn about new job opportunities and advancements in your career. There are many ways to network with others in healthcare. Here are tips for networking in the health industry:

a) Try attending healthcare conferences and events: Conferences and events like the Health 2.0 conference,  Annual National Conference of Indian Public Health Association, and, World Health & Wellness Congress & Awards are a great opportunity to network with others in the healthcare industry. These regular conferences and events are typically attended by healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors, so it’s a great place to meet people who can help you advance your career.

b) Join professional associations: Professional associations, such as the Administration on Aging, American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology,

American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, American Nurses Association (ANA) and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) are a great way to connect with other professionals in your field. These organizations typically offer networking opportunities, such as webinars, online forums, and in-person events.

c)Using social media: Social media platforms, such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, are a great way to connect with others in the healthcare industry. You can join groups or follow hashtags related to healthcare to find people who share your interests. You can also use social media to connect with potential employers and customers.

Networking is a great way to advance your career in healthcare. By connecting with others in the field, you can learn about new job opportunities and keep up-to-date on the latest trends. So don’t be afraid to reach out and connect with others in the healthcare industry.

These are just a few tips to help you start a career in healthcare. Healthcare is a rapidly growing industry with many opportunities for those interested in working in this field. So if you’re thinking about starting a career in healthcare, be sure to research the industry, get licensed or certified, and network with others in the field. With hard work and dedication, you can succeed in your healthcare career.