Navigating the Transition: Tips on Successfully Changing Careers to Healthcare

If you've ever considered a career change to healthcare, you're not alone. With the growing demand for qualified professionals in the field, many people are discovering new and rewarding opportunities.

Making a career change into healthcare can be an intimidating process. With so many different roles and paths available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all of your options. But with the right research and preparation, you can make a successful transition into this rewarding field.

And that's just what we're here to help you do. Let’s take a look at why people choose to transition into healthcare and how to get started in some of the most popular roles in healthcare.

Why Make the Mid-Career Switch to Healthcare?

Making a mid-career switch can be daunting, but with the healthcare industry booming, it may be the perfect opportunity for job seekers to explore a new career path. There are numerous reasons why healthcare is a promising field for mid-career professionals, including:

1. Industry Stability
2. Diversity Of Opportunity
3. Industry Growth
4. Career Fulfillment

Industry Stability

The healthcare industry is one of the most stable and recession-proof industries, providing job security and consistent demand for skilled professionals.

Not to mention, the recent healthcare worker shortage as a result of the pandemic has pushed the demand for healthcare professionals to new heights. For job seekers, this means increased job security and more opportunities.

Diversity of Opportunity

The healthcare industry offers numerous career paths that may not be found in other industries. From nursing and physical therapy assistant roles to certified nurse assistants (CNAs) or hospital administration positions, there is something for everyone in this rapidly growing field.

The range of roles and specializations available makes the healthcare industry a great option for those looking to make a mid-career switch. Whether you’re interested in providing patient care or managing complex operations, there’s a healthcare role that can fulfill your career aspirations.

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Industry Growth

The healthcare industry is also one of the fastest-growing industries in the US. With the demographic shift toward an aging population and ongoing advancements in medical technology, the need for healthcare professionals is projected to continue to grow in the years ahead. Whether you are looking to make a career change or are just starting out in the job market, the healthcare industry offers a fulfilling and promising path with endless opportunities for growth and success.

This is a field where you will never be bored. From the evolving rehabilitation technology and complex medical equipment to the ongoing advances in medical care, there’s always something new to learn and explore. From exciting career paths and continuing education opportunities to job security and industry growth – what’s not to love about a mid-career switch into healthcare?

Career Fulfillment

Finally, a career in healthcare can offer its practitioners more than just job security and growth potential. Working in healthcare can be deeply rewarding on both a personal and professional level. Whether you’re directly caring for patients or fulfilling an administrative role, working in the healthcare industry allows you to make an impact on people’s lives.

You can take pride in your work knowing that you are helping to improve the quality of life for those who need it most. You will also have the opportunity to specialize or expand into other areas of healthcare, giving you more flexibility and control over your career path.

Making a Successful Switch to Healthcare

Making the switch to healthcare can be intimidating, but by following the steps below, you can make this transition a successful experience.

1. Find Your Ideal Role. Start by researching different roles in the healthcare industry that interest you – such as nursing, occupational therapy assistant, physical therapy assistant, certified nurse assistant (CNA), physician assistant (PA), or hospital administration.
2. Explore Education and Licensure. Once you have identified the role that’s best suited to your career aspirations and skill set, create an action plan for making the switch. Consider any educational requirements or certifications you may need and additional training or courses that will help build your skill set. It is also important to network with other healthcare professionals in order to gain insights and mentorship.
3. Craft a Winning Resume. Finally, create a resume highlighting your experience and skills as they relate to the healthcare industry. While you may not have been in the healthcare industry for your whole career, many of the skills you built in your previous career can be applicable to the healthcare field.
4. Start Applying.  Once you have your resume in order and any certifications or education completed, start applying for jobs. In your cover letter, be sure to mention both your recent healthcare training and your journey to a career change in healthcare.

Let's put it into practice and explore how you can apply these steps to some of the best medical careers for career changers.

Career Change to Nursing

Nurses provide critical care and assistance to patients in a variety of settings, from hospitals to private clinics. To become a nurse, you will need an RN degree or diploma and may also have to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). In addition, some states require nurses to take continuing education courses and pass certification exams. Once you have secured your nursing license, the next step is to craft a resume that showcases your experience and skills in the healthcare industry.

Hospital Administration Career Path

Hospital administration is an incredibly rewarding path for those looking to make a career change into healthcare. Aspiring hospital administrators need a degree in healthcare administration or a related field and experience in the medical industry. To make your switch to hospital administration successful, consider taking courses on topics such as healthcare law, ethics, and patient safety. Creating an effective resume that highlights your experiences in both healthcare and project management can also help you land the perfect job.

Mid-Career Switch to OTA or PTA

For those who are considering a career change in healthcare, becoming an occupational therapist assistant or physical therapy assistant can be a fulfilling and rewarding option. One of the most attractive aspects of this field is that in most states, only a community college degree is required to become a certified occupational or physical therapy assistant. This means that job seekers do not have to put in the time and money to obtain a bachelor's degree (or higher) before entering this field.

Occupational and physical therapy assistants help patients with disabilities or chronic illnesses improve their quality of life. If you’re making a mid-career switch to OTA or PTA, you will need training and certification from an accredited program where you will obtain experience in the healthcare field. To make sure you stand out among other candidates, you can also volunteer in a hospital or clinic to gain experience before beginning your job search.

Career Change to Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)

CNAs provide basic care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. Becoming a certified nurse assistant (CNA) is an excellent option that allows you to help others on a daily basis and develop meaningful relationships with your patients. Becoming a CNA requires completing an approved program and then passing the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam. You must also complete an online application and pass a background check.

To make the transition into this role smoother, consider taking courses or workshops in healthcare or the medical field, such as anatomy or medical terminology. Additionally, most states require that you complete an accredited training program, so research courses and programs in your area.

Becoming a Physician Assistant (PA)

PAs work closely with physicians to provide patient care in various settings, from hospitals to private practices. PAs must have postgraduate degrees, national certifications, and experience working in the healthcare field.

The process of becoming a PA is lengthy, so it’s important to plan ahead and consider the courses required for admission. Depending on your background, you may need to take prerequisite anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, or medical terminology classes. Once enrolled in an accredited program, you will have the opportunity to experience and choose a specific area of practice.

Make the Mid-Career Switch to One of the Best Medical Careers for Career Changers

Making a career change into healthcare can be overwhelming, but you can make it happen with the right action plan and knowledge of common roles in the industry. Take time to research potential roles, gain the appropriate education and licensure needed for each role, and craft a well-written resume highlighting your healthcare experience and skills.

If you are ready to start your career change to healthcare, iHire has various roles to explore across 13 dedicated healthcare communities. From nursing and CNA positions to physician assistant and hospital admin jobs, you can find the best medical career for you.