Changing your career is not exactly something to take lightly. Most people spend a lot of time and money when going down a particular path. To suddenly decide to drop everything and switch careers isn’t an easy decision. 

However, it happens often enough in today’s world that it doesn’t really surprise people anymore. It turns out that a lot of us simply get into a career in autopilot mode. We graduate school, pick a college and a major that seems interesting, and let ourselves be carried away with the flow.

Before you know it, you are thirty-three and wondering, "Why am I doing this?” Finding a meaningful career that gives us purpose can become very important, and healthcare is often chosen as a new focus for people making a career. It’s true, you can have a direct impact on people here, but is it a good idea for you? Let’s find out today.  

Which Field of Healthcare Are You Interested in?

Healthcare is an extremely broad field, and it’s important that you have a clear picture in mind about what you want to do. 

Thankfully, there are several roles within healthcare that can be pursued. For instance, medical assistants perform a lot of administrative and clinical tasks. Some doctors will provide you with a position as an office assistant and then provide on-the-job training to become a medical assistant as well. 

Often, you don’t need anything other than a high school diploma to become a medical assistant. That said, there are certificate programs that make you a better candidate.

Similarly, a career as a health educator is another great option. You get to conduct outreach activities and develop educational programs, and it can be a fulfilling experience.

If you already have a background in education or a related field, this would make the switch even easier. Do some research on the different roles and career options available to you. See how you can match your current skill set to make the most of your previous experience. 

Consider How Long The Switch Will Take

If you made the decision to switch careers early on, it may still be feasible for you to go into medicine and work your way up to being a doctor. However, for older people who wish to make a switch, the time and financial commitment needed to become doctors may simply be impractical.

When you are looking at the different career options in healthcare, something to watch out for is how long the switch will take. For instance, nursing is a fantastic career path that a lot of people choose. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurses rank number two on a list of twenty of the fastest-growing occupations. 

However, it can take four years to complete your BSN, which is a considerable amount of time. If you are willing to put in the hard work, it is possible to get it done in a fraction of that time.

That’s right. Accelerated BSN online programs are often favored by people who can’t commit four long years to a single degree. These accelerated programs condense the course load so that it can be completed within eleven to sixteen months. 

Due to the remote nature of such courses, you are often self-learning through provided course materials or attending online lessons. Online ABSN Programs states that students in such courses also tend to have access to the valuable experience that comes with residency and clinical exposure. 

Regardless of which career you pick, try to see if there are ways to cut down on the switching period. The faster you can get into the workforce, the less likely you are to feel burned out and start doubting what you are doing.

Does Hard Work Scare You?

At the end of the day, the field of healthcare isn’t known for providing a lighthearted and easygoing experience. If you are hoping for a stress-free working life, this may not be the most ideal option. Even among the most pro-employee hospitals and workspaces, you are still going to experience stress. 

If that’s something that scares you, then it might be worth reconsidering your career choice once more. Don’t get us wrong. Healthcare is definitely a field where people feel like they have a real impact on others, but it certainly comes with the cost of being physically and mentally demanding. 

There will be days when you don’t feel like getting out of bed. That said, if you don’t mind working hard, this can be one of the most fulfilling options out there. 

In conclusion, switching careers and making a move toward healthcare requires some research and preparation from your side. Healthcare is a broad field, and there are tons of roles and responsibilities that you can try. 

Avoid making the same mistake by not doing enough research. The last thing you want is to pick a position just because you like the idea of working in that capacity. 

Remember to talk to people in the field, both online and offline, and get their honest, grounded advice for the best results!

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