Since 2010 the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) has been predicting double-digit growth for most jobs in the healthcare sector through 2020. Those projections have changed very little over the last three years. If you are planning a career in the healthcare industry, there will be work available for the foreseeable future. Yet, preparation is the key to a solid career.

1. Preparing for a Career in the Healthcare Industry
Since 2010 the U.S. Bureau of Labor and
Statistics (BLS) has been predicting doubledigit growth for most jobs in the healthcare
sector through 2020. Those projections
have changed very little over the last three
years. If you are planning a career in the
healthcare industry, there will be work
available for the foreseeable future. Yet,
preparation is the key to a solid career.
The government projects some 3.2 million
healthcare jobs will be created between
now and 2018. Nevertheless, each of those
jobs requires its own, unique training. Most
even require state licensing before
graduates can begin work.
Therefore, the first step in preparing for a healthcare career is deciding what direction you want to go in and
learning what the educational and certification requirements are.
Educational Program Choices
There are four basic choices for educational programs within the healthcare sector. They are:
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certification programs
two-year associate degrees
four-year bachelor degrees
advanced degrees
Certification programs can be as short as 30 days or as long as a year. These programs are intended for
healthcare jobs considered entry-level – jobs including phlebotomy technicians, dialysis technicians, lab
assistants, and more. The most attractive aspects of these programs are the low cost and relatively short
completion time. Certification programs are typically available through community colleges and local hospitals.
For anything other than an entry-level position, you will need to consider one of the many different types of
degrees you can earn. The two-year associate degree is a good option to get started in nursing, for example. A
two-year degree and a licensing exam will prepare you to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or nurse
assistant. From there you can continue your education, while working, if you would like to move into a more
advanced career.
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2. A four-year bachelor degree will be the minimum for registered nurses, healthcare IT professionals, and so on.
Obviously, advanced degrees are required for everything ranging from nurse practitioner to surgeon to
healthcare administration. If you are planning to pursue the most prestigious healthcare careers, plan to
devote 8 to 12 years to your education.
Chart Your Course
Any career choice requires some measure of planning in order to maximize resources and waste as little time
as possible. However, the complexity of the healthcare sector makes it even more important here. It is wise to
chart your course before getting started so you know exactly what's required, every step of the way.
For example, plan a minimum of eight years education before you can begin work as a general surgeon. More
specialized areas of surgery require an additional three to seven years of study. You will need to plan for how
much education you will need, where you plan to get it, how you are going to pay for it, and how you are going
to support yourself in the interim.
Obviously, careers that do not require such extensive education programs also do not require as much
planning. Nevertheless, it's never wise to begin your education without some plans in place. Take your time, do
your research, and make sure you have a pretty good idea where you are going – before you get started.
Related Experience a Must
The healthcare sector is somewhat unique in that employers look for more than just college degrees. They are
also interested in related experience acquired while you were going to school. You will stand a better chance of
landing the job you are after if you make a point of participating in appropriate opportunities outside of the
educational paradigm.
For example, you may have an opportunity one summer to participate in an overseas medical program for
disadvantaged people. This experience is invaluable as a resume enhancement because it shows your level of
commitment to your chosen field. It is also a great way to gain valuable experience you can put to use in realworld medical care.
Making Good Connections
Lastly, Health Jobs Nationwide always recommends making good connections with established professionals
while you are undergoing your education and training. Those connections will make it easier for you to find
your first job upon graduation and, in many cases, that second or third job you are looking for as you move up
through the ranks. The old adage that says, “It’s not what you know but who you know”, is at least partially
true in the healthcare sector.
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3. Making good connections means taking the time to network with established professionals and your fellow
students as often as possible. Take part in conferences and symposiums; take advantage of opportunities to
volunteer your time at local healthcare facilities; attend professional networking opportunities where
important people will be present.
In the end, preparing for a career in the healthcare industry means being deliberate about your education and
networking. When you are ready to start applying for jobs, Health Jobs Nationwide will help you to make your
job search as productive and fruitful as possible. Our database currently lists more than 300,000 opportunities
in every sector, from across the country. We are one of the leading sites of our kind because we produce
results.
www.HealthJobsNationwide.com