The healthcare industry is still the largest in employment and annual payroll. In fact, there are over 20 million employees in the healthcare sector! Between 2018 and 2028, the industry grew by 14%.
In other words, there are plenty of career opportunities available in the medical field.
Are you thinking of pursuing a medical career? Before you do, you’ll need to consider the path you want to take. Plotting your course can ensure you set your career up for long-term success.
Need help finding a career in medicine? Keep reading to discover how to find the right medical career for you.
With these tips, you can find the right specialty and start training. Begin on your career path with these tips today.
1. Your Motivation
First, take a moment to consider why you want to start a medical career.
What are you hoping to gain from this career path? Do you enjoy a specific medical field? Are you curious?
Some people are motivated by the need to help others. Perhaps you’re motivated by money instead.
Either way, everyone has their own reasons for finding the right medical career. Consider your reasons before choosing your career path.
It’s important to recognize that there are pros and cons to a career in medicine. For example, it’s highly lucrative and rewarding. However, you’ll likely undergo a lot of stress.
You’ll need to dedicate yourself to working hard as well. Finding the right medical career will take commitment, time, and endurance. You’ll need to study hard.
Take a moment to outline your career goals and objectives. Understanding why you’re making this decision can better inform your career choice. Focusing on your priorities can also help motivate you on the road ahead.
2. Education and Training
Before pursuing a medical career, you’ll need the right education and training. What degree, diploma, or in-person training will you need?
If you want to become a high-level nurse or doctor, you’ll need to invest both time and money into your career. Have you considered how long your education and training will take? Do you have that time in your current schedule?
Consider looking into online classes. You can gain the education you need while working, allowing you to control your schedule.
Do you want to become an EMT? Consider these online EMT courses.
How will you finance your classes? Can you balance your family life with your education and classwork?
It’s important to have a realistic mindset before pursuing a career in medicine.
If you don’t want to spend 15 years of education and training, that’s okay. You can still become a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant. There are still career options that don’t require as much time.
Focus on a career path that suits your time and budget.
If you want to pursue higher education, consider applying for financial assistance first.
3. A Specialty and Role
Consider the type of specialty you want to pursue, too. For example, registered nurses make up 30% of hospital employment. You could also become a:
- Dietitian or nutritionist
- Pharmacist
- Physician assistant
- Occupational therapist
- Physical therapist
- Respiratory therapist
- Nurse practitioner
- Physician
- Cardiovascular technologist or technician
- Diagnostic medical sonographer
- Radiologic technologist or technician
- Clinical laboratory technologist or technician
- Pharmacy technician
- Surgical technologist
- Surgeon
- Medical assistant
- Phlebotomist
- Emergency medical technician or paramedic
- Magnetic resonance imaging technologist
- Psychiatric technician
When finding the right medical career for you, you’ll need to focus on your interests. What specialty captures your attention? What makes you curious enough to ask questions?
Are you interested in heart health? Consider a career in medicine such as:
- Cardiac nurse
- Cardiologist
- Cardiovascular technician
- Cardiac perfusionist
If you prefer working with kids, look for a career in pediatrics.
Understanding your passion will help you find the right career. Then, you can determine what education and training you’ll need.
4. Skills and Strengths
Before choosing a career in medicine, consider your strengths and skillset.
For example, are you able to work under pressure? The medical field will require you to take on a lot of responsibility. If you’re not good in high-stress situations, avoid the emergency room.
Consider a smaller practice instead.
You’ll need strong communication skills if you plan on working with patients. If talking with people isn’t your strong suit, consider working in a lab.
You’ll need to work long and sometimes odd hours. Are you flexible? Will your passion drive you?
Take the time to learn more about the healthcare industry and the sector you’re interested in. How is the sector changing and growing? Are any new segments or careers emerging?
Remaining up-to-date with the industry could help you find new opportunities.
Keep your strengths and weaknesses in mind.
5. Work Environments
There are many different work environments you can choose from, too. When researching medical jobs, consider where you want to work.
For example, do you enjoy the fast pace of the emergency room? Would you prefer a hospital or practice? What about working in a pediatric clinic?
There are over 6,000 hospitals in the US. Only 1,805 are in a rural area, though. If there’s not a hospital in your area, what about a private practice or clinic?
If you prefer working with older citizens, look into assisted living centers.
When learning how to find the right medical career for you, consider your likes and dislikes. Would you prefer not to interact with patients? What about working in a lab instead.
You might consider an unconventional work environment, such as a cruise ship or school, too.
6. Making Changes
Before starting a medical career, consider the changes you’ll need to make in your current life.
For example, how will going to school and training impact your family? Will working long hours keep you away from them? Will you adapt to working on the weekend or remaining on-call?
Are you able to make that change?
If you’re married, sit down with your spouse. Talk to them about your decision to pursue a medical career. They might help you develop a plan.
Consider where you might end up working as well. Will you need to relocate? If you have kids, you might need to move them into a different school.
How will that impact their future? Will financial changes impact your family?
Look into medical jobs that are available locally. Otherwise, make sure you’re reading to invest your time and money in making these changes.
Take the time to develop a game plan, too. Having a plan in place will help you remain organized and on-track to achieve your goals.
First, make sure you have your resume. You’ll need to consider preliminary requirements to work at each company or healthcare facility. What requirements are you still lacking?
You might want to look into healthcare staffing firms. Many hospitals and facilities use these staffing firms to find employees. The staffing firms already have relationships with local healthcare companies.
They’ll let you know if there’s a vacancy and job available.
Make sure to update your social media platforms, too. Market yourself as the perfect applicant.
7. Seek Advice
You don’t have to make this decision alone. Instead, consider consulting someone who already has a career in medicine. You can rely on their previous experience and expertise to make a more informed decision.
How did they choose their specialty? Are they happy with their choice? What pros and cons have they experienced after finding the right medical career?
Their answers can give you the unique insights you need.
If you don’t know anyone in the medical field, that’s okay. Instead, look for experts and industry insiders through your Careers Services Office.
As a student, your school could provide you with the resources you need. You can learn more about the different medical jobs available. Your school put you in touch with companies that are offering jobs right now as well.
You can speak with different medical professionals to learn more about the industry.
In fact, these connections could also help you find the right job based on your education and preferences.
As you speak with these professionals, keep track of your contacts. You never know where you might end up. Put a star next to any career paths that you’re interested in.
Take the time to ask questions about the daily life of a medical professional. For example, what day-to-day duties would you complete? What challenges might you experience?
What skillset would you need as a professional in that medical sector?
Is there room for growth? How did they get to where they are today?
Speaking with someone in the medical field can give you information you can’t find online.
Made for Medical: 7 Tips for Finding Your Perfect Medical Career
Ready to start an exciting, fulfilling medical career? Keep these seven tips in mind first. With these tips, you can discover how to find the right medical career for you.
Let your passion drive you with these seven tips today. By pursuing a career in medicine, you could change your entire life. Good luck!
Searching for more knowledge? We have exactly what you’re looking for.
Explore our latest guides today for more useful tips and tricks.
