Healthcare professions make up some of the fastest growing occupations in the United States. There are various roles within the healthcare field ranging from clinical professions like nursing and medical assisting to non-clinical roles such as healthcare administrators or IT specialists.
At 10,000 Degrees, we know that a large percentage of our students have expressed interest in pursuing a career in the healthcare field. Thanks to our partnership with the Gilead Sciences Foundation, we have launched a new healthcare initiative to support our healthcare students in exploring the various healthcare pathways available to them as well as take the next step in their professional and leadership development journey. This includes securing healthcare-related internships, full-time jobs, and admission into healthcare-related education programs.
Why Healthcare?
Below are some of the factors that influence people in choosing to pursue a career in healthcare:
- A desire to help others; careers in healthcare directly affect the wellbeing of people.
- Healthcare careers are often associated with job security as the demand for varied healthcare professionals continues to grow.
- Pursue a career that offers room for growth, both professionally and financially.
Is the healthcare field right for you? Check out the following resources:
- 8 Great Reasons to Work in Healthcare
- Healthcare Career Quiz
- What To Consider as You Decide on a Career in Medicine
- Exploring Careers in Healthcare
What Types of Jobs are Available in the Healthcare Profession?
What kinds of roles do you think of when you hear the word healthcare? For many, doctors and nurses may be the first roles that come to mind. The truth is, there are many different healthcare roles available, each with its own unique responsibilities, schedules and required skills. See below for some of ExploreHealthCareers.org’s listings on the different types of healthcare careers:
- Clinical (patient-facing) roles: Doctor, Registered Nurse, Dentist, Occupational Therapist, Pharmacist, Emergency Medical Technician
- Allied-Health roles: Medical Assistant, Medical Science Liaison, Respiratory Specialists, Anesthesiologist Assistant
- Non-Clinical/Administrative roles: Health Administrator, Health Information Manager, Healthcare Documentation Specialist
- Public Health roles: Community Health Worker, Epidemiologist, Environmental Health Advocate, Biostatistician
- Behavioral Health roles: Social Worker, Clinical and Counseling Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Rehabilitation Counselor
- Healthcare Technology roles: Health Information Manager, Medical Laboratory Scientist/Technician, Neurodiagnostic Technologist, Biomedical and Laboratory Technician
What Type of Education Do I Need to Work in Healthcare?
There are many roles in the healthcare industry, and the level of education needed varies based on the position. Some positions only require a high school degree, whereas other (often higher paying roles) require a certificate, bachelors degree, or an advanced degree such as a doctorate. If you are looking to work in the healthcare industry and the roles you are interested in require a certain degree, license, or certification, it’s recommended to look for educational institutions that are “not-for-profit” and are accredited (meaning that the program has been vetted to meet a high standard of education).
Explore career options and the education requirements:
General:
California:
- California Community Colleges – Careers in Health Science
- California State University – Health Care Programs
- University of California – Health Professional Schools
Utah: