If you’re looking to switch careers or pursue your passion, the medical field is a great industry to get into.
But as you know, it requires a four-year degree (or more) in order to become a nurse, therapist, dentist, or pharmacist. And we all know how much longer it takes to become a doctor. Getting a clinical degree can be quite a stressful and expensive endeavor.
If you are going to try to specialize into some niche, becoming a neonatal nurse or a cosmetic dentist for instance, it will take even more training and effort. It might be wise to hold off on this until you have a few years of experience as a generalist in your field.
So when it comes to getting your foot in the healthcare door, going back to university might not be your best bet. What do you do then when you don’t have the luxury of time on your hands? Here are some tips:
Determine your transferable skills
As with any career change, you should determine what current skills you have that might be valuable in your new job or industry. This especially applies to a skill-heavy field like healthcare.
But don’t worry, though.Even if you don’t have any educational background in healthcare, you can acquire a certificate in healthcare administration.
Are you an IT professional? A clinic might be looking for IT staff. Are you skilled in accounting and finance? Doctors and other health professionals might be in need of your services. Do you work in human resources? You can help hospitals recruit the needed staff.
And if you really want to, you can even explore getting some on-the-job training for other roles once you’re inside the industry.
Find a mentor
Getting and excelling in a healthcare job might be easier if you have a mentor. You want to find someone who has been in the industry long, who is well-connected, and who would be willing to show you the ropes when needed.
With a mentor, you can stay up-to-date on news and developments in the medical industry, get an idea of what potential jobs are like, and maybe even get hiring recommendations.
But where exactly can you meet one? Try attending local networking events or asking your family or friends for recommendations. You can also go online and connect with medical professionals on LinkedIn.
Don’t forget to highlight your willingness and eagerness to learn when talking to potential mentors. After all, passion feeds off passion.
Take short courses
Perhaps you really want to get a healthcare education but don’t have time for a four-year program. The good news is, there are some certifications and short courses you can take to become a medical professional.
For example, a Phlebotomy Career Training course can run for a span of just 4 weeks or up to 5 months. After taking the course, you’ll have the necessary skills and hands-on experience to successfully practice as a phlebotomist.
It’s no surprise that people want to get into the medical industry, as it’s a constantly growing field. Plus, there will always be a need for medical practitioners.
Make sure you do plenty of research into all of your options. There are more ways to be in the medical field than to be a doctor or a nurse. What is a medical assisting certificate? How can you manage medical records? How long would it take to become a radiologist? These are all open to you!
Whether you’re just starting out in your career or in the middle of transitioning, becoming a healthcare professional, clinical or non-clinical, is a great option for anyone.
So keep these tips in mind when you start applying for jobs. Good luck!
