Healthcare

How a Health Care Degree Can Help you Advance Your Career

The healthcare industry in the USA – and, indeed, worldwide – is a fast-growing sector. Recent events have reminded all of us how important the healthcare industry is, and how much we rely upon hard-working employees from ground level to the very top.

A healthcare degree will give you a head start in gaining a role in this vital sector. Healthcare roles are varied – some broad, some specialist – but all contribute to the result, which is helping people.

Are you interested in a role in health care? We want to talk about what qualifications you need in the first instance and why you should consider your options carefully.

Is a Health Care Role Right for You?

Before we go on, there’s an important point: healthcare jobs are not for everyone. Furthermore, some roles may suit you better than others. Empathy, understanding, and problem-solving are all critical aspects of every healthcare job, and a degree – or other training – will help develop your skills in these areas.

What level of degree should you choose? The associate's degree – a two-year study program – is a popular choice for many seeking a job in this sector. Associate degrees are acceptable for applicants to roles such as registered nurses and radiologists. These roles are as important as any in the industry.

Some entry-level healthcare roles can be applied by holders of non-degree post-secondary awards. These include paramedics and nursing assistants. Roles such as hearing aid specialists may be achievable with a high school diploma and training.

However, a bachelor's degree in a relevant area of study is essential for those with an ambition to move forward in a healthcare career. Further up the career ladder, a master’s degree may be necessary. Then there is the subject of certification, which we want to touch on next.

Why Become Certified?

The healthcare industry is undergoing rapid growth and shows no signs of slowing down. All roles – from general to specialist – are in demand. For this reason, you may want to consider becoming certified. This is the award of a certificate – after intense training and education – that shows you are qualified in a particular role or area.

There are many certified healthcare roles, with alternative bodies awarding the certificates, and obtaining a certificate will make you far more attractive to potential employers. In general, you will need to hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant field to enter the certification process.

Conclusion

Healthcare is a sector that will always demand new entrants, and the sheer variety of roles and professions within it is bewildering. If you have chosen to pursue a healthcare career, we recommend you closely look at relevant associate degrees and the many non-degree level qualifications that can help get your foot in the door.

Healthcare roles are demanding but also satisfactory, engaging, and often lucrative. Begin your research and decide on the best route to your desired role.