The global pandemic showed us all just how important healthcare workers are. People who make a difference in everyday lives, healthcare workers are often called ordinary heroes. In many places, they are needed more than ever to help provide quality care to people in all locations and circumstances.
If you’re someone who’s been considering a career change to the medical field, there are many ways you can become part of the healthcare industry and fill critical roles. For a few healthcare careers to consider, read on.
Working as a Licensed Mental Health Therapist
Many people make the mistake of overlooking mental health when they think of healthcare. The truth is that medical care should include the body and mind. Poor mental health can impact everything from the activities of daily living and socialization to overall happiness. For this reason, it’s important that people considering going into the medical field also think about becoming licensed counselors who work in clinics and private practice.
In the United States, there’s currently a shortage of mental healthcare workers because of the demands and pressures of the global pandemic. If you are someone who hopes to work in a quality clinic or as part of a great team like the Berkshire Therapy Group, a career as a therapist could be a great way to make a difference. As a therapist at a place like Berkshire, you could help people gain the skills they need to live their best lives and/or combat symptoms of anxiety and depression.
To become a licensed therapist, you’ll need a master’s degree in psychology. However, there are jobs you could do in mental healthcare that require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. As a case manager, for example, you could help high-risk families work with therapists on lifestyle transitions. You could also consider putting your associate’s degree to use as someone who answers phones for crisis hotlines. Or, you would work as a direct support worker who helps people with dementia and other disabilities with things like personal care and daily living. The opportunities in the field of mental healthcare are nearly limitless.
Caring for Seniors
Another great need in the healthcare industry is for people to work with older adults in long-term care in residential homes and out in the community. Whether this means providing companionship, hybrid home care, organizing social activities, or checking in on seniors in senior independent living situations, the baby boomer generation has reached senior citizenship. For this reason, your work with seniors could add up to improving the quality of life for those in senior living.
Many people forget that working in healthcare doesn’t always mean jobs involving administering or writing up treatment plans. Other jobs to consider when it comes to working with older adults might be running a senior living clubhouse, becoming an advocate for change, work as an in-home caregiver, or helping to build the type of community seniors would most want to live in.
Direct Care Nursing
If you’re someone looking for a high-demand job in a growing field, basic nursing care might be right for you. The truth is that, as baby boomers age, practical nursing career opportunities will continue to grow, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
To become a nurse, you’ll need to attend an accredited nursing program and pass a certification exam with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing if you’re from the United States. While attending a nursing school program might seem daunting, the job opportunities you’ll have upon earning your certification might make it worth it.
Administrative Healthcare Roles
If you’re someone who isn’t interested in skilled nursing care, working in long-term care facilities, or would rather be involved in healthcare in a different way, an administrative job might be right for you. From a position scheduling Covid-19 vaccines or a pediatrician’s office’s regular immunizations, you could still play a critical role in the field of health and medicine.
Maybe you already have a bachelor’s of science degree and haven’t been happy with your job in retail. Now could be a great time to go back for an advanced degree to make the switch to healthcare. Someone like you would possess the skills needed to manage offices and departments of hospitals, therapy offices, or other facilities. At the same time, you’d have peace of mind knowing you were doing important work.
In the end, no matter what healthcare job you choose, you’ll be making a big difference in the lives of the patients you work for. Whether you become a travel nurse, counselor, work to help older adults maintain their independence, or work to gain clinical experience for a career in advanced nursing, your hard work will change lives. Thank you for your decision to pursue a career as an essential health worker. Remember to engage in acts of self-care, too!
