Making the decision to pursue a career in healthcare is a big one. There are many factors to consider, such as job satisfaction, salary, and job outlook. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start.
To help narrow down your options, here are some of the top healthcare careers to consider.
Agency Nursing
Agency nurses provide care for patients in all of the usual nursing settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices, but they travel to where they are needed. They typically work 13-week assignments in different locations, which can be a great way to see different parts of the country and explore new places. Travel Nurse Salary starts relatively high too, so it’s a good option if you’re looking to earn more than you could as a registered nurse.
However, you may not have the opportunity to build long-term relationships with patients or co-workers, whilst you may also be away from home for long periods of time whilst on an assignment, so it may be more suitable for people who enjoy a nomadic lifestyle.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists help patients recover from injuries and improve their mobility. They typically work in outpatient clinics, hospitals, or private practices, but they may also work in schools or nursing homes. This variety opens up a lot of options for physical therapists and can even lead to a career in sports therapy – perfect for those wishing to work with major sports personalities.
One downside of being a physical therapist, however, is that the job can be physically demanding. They often have to lift patients or equipment, so you’ll need to be physically fit and flexible.
Pharmacy
Pharmacists dispense medication and offer advice on the proper use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Pharmacists typically work in pharmacies, hospitals, or clinics, although many supermarkets now have their own pharmacies, whilst pharmaceutical companies are always conducting research and development which may be suitable for those looking for less customer interaction.
One downside of being a pharmacist is that the job can be stressful. Pharmacists often have to deal with insurance companies and patients who are angry or upset. They may also deal with a lot of paperwork, and the consequences of getting medication wrong can be huge. It can pay incredibly well, however, so there are plenty of things to consider before making a decision.
Paediatrics
Paediatricians are doctors who specialise in the care of children. They typically work in hospitals, but some schools also have them too. This is a great career for those who love children, and it can be very special establishing a professional relationship with patients.
On the other hand, you must remember that being a paediatrician can be stressful. Paediatricians often have to deal with children suffering great pain, whilst concerned parents can also be hard to deal with.
Psychiatry
Psychiatrists specialise in mental health, helping to treat people suffering from depression, anxiety, addiction, and personality disorders. They can also offer help and guidance to help clients cope with bereavement, marital or family problems as well as PTSD. Psychiatrists tend to work in hospitals and schools, but private practices are also very common.
With that being said, being a psychiatrist is that the job can be distressing when working with victims of trauma or abuse. Psychiatrists often have to deal with patients who are in crisis, but it can be an incredibly fulfilling career when patients recover.
Midwifery
Midwives are health care professionals who provide care for pregnant women and their babies. Traditionally, midwives worked in home birth settings, but hospital care is now more common. Both men and women can be midwives, but some religions have strict rules against male midwives, so it may be harder to pursue this career as a man.
A disadvantage of being a midwife is that the job can be physically demanding, with lots of kneeling in awkward positions, but it can also be full of joy, making this career very rewarding.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the career options you may wish to consider, with others including dentistry, veterinary, sexual health, social care, and occupational therapy. Hopefully, the examples above will give you a good idea of the options that are out there and will help you to make the right choice for you.
