Some people know exactly which career they want to choose, while others aren’t sure what they want to spend their working life doing. Some people might know that they want to help others but can’t always decide exactly which route to choose. There are so many different options to choose from that it can feel difficult to decide which is the right one for you.
If you’re interested in a job where you’re able to positively influence the health of others but you’re not sure which career to choose, we’ll consider some of the opportunities that might be available to you.
1. Counseling and Therapy
Working in the field of counseling and therapy allows you to meet many different people who are looking for support in their lives. This could be for a variety of reasons, but many of them are looking for help in overcoming certain obstacles and barriers. These could be related to their physical health or mental health, and a compassionate and listening ear could make a huge difference. There are many areas of counseling you can explore, such as family counseling, couples’ therapy, and support for children and young adults. You can also choose to specialize in certain areas, such as anxiety, depression, and grief. Counselors may be self-employed, or they may choose to work for a hospital or larger health clinic.
2. Nurse
Being a nurse is arguably one of the most challenging jobs in the healthcare sector. Like many other jobs, you need to have a certain type of personality and a willingness to look after other people. Nurses often experience difficult situations which are emotionally challenging, and this is why many have a passion to help others and have chosen to go into this field. To become a nurse, you will need certain qualifications, and it can be valuable to get some work experience in a healthcare setting too. You can also explore other nursing qualifications and enroll in a DNP executive leadership program at Baylor University. Many nurses continue to gain new qualifications throughout their lives, enabling them to learn more, develop their skills, and progress up the career ladder.
3. Pharmacist
Working as a pharmacist is often a great job for someone who wants to work in the healthcare sector without taking on too much of a front-line role. A pharmacist needs very strong attention to detail, and often has good mathematical skills and a science background. They are often working behind the scenes, although many of them interact with customers and patients on a daily basis too. As a pharmacist, you might be required to give initial assessments of common health problems and work closely with doctors and hospital staff to provide the right quantities of medication. As a pharmacist, it’s essential that you’re able to stay up to date with all the latest medications, drugs, and requirements.
4. Midwife
Many midwives regard their jobs are highly rewarding and it’s not difficult to see why. Working as a midwife is a career which allows people to support mothers and their children, literally from the moment they are born. Like nurses, midwives must have a certain type of personality and be able to support and encourage women who are going through childbirth and in the months before and afterwards. This is arguably one of the most important roles in the field of women’s healthcare and it is not without its challenges. Many midwives are also qualified in other aspects of healthcare, which means they can move around and shift their focus if they want a slight change in career.
5. Occupational Therapist
Working as an occupational therapist, you will be able to support people who have health problems that limit them from their daily activities. This could include helping people develop and get back into work or supporting someone who has overcome a tragic incident. It’s considered a very rewarding job that allows you to work with a wide range of people who have different experiences. Occupational therapists need to be patient, kind, and ready to work long-term with the same patients in order to start seeing results. It is a job which can have a wide range of opportunities and experiences every day. Many occupational therapists will tell you that no two days are the same when working with their patients.
6. Dentist
The work of a dentist can be challenging but very rewarding. This career often pays more than many other roles in the healthcare sector, which is a key factor for many people who pursue it. Although it’s a job where you’re able to help people with their health, you might find that most patients don’t enjoy visiting the dentist. Many of them may come feeling anxious or worried, which is why this role often suits someone who is laid-back and is able to help counteract some of the negative experiences that people often associated with the dentist. If you’re able to make your patients feel more comfortable when they enter the room, they will begin to have a more positive experience of visiting the dentist.
7. Massage Therapist
A career as a massage therapist often suits someone who is social, emotionally intelligent, and wants to make a difference to the lives of other people. As well as coming for physical relaxation, customers will often visit their massage therapist because they feel stressed or tense. Your customers will appreciate what you’re doing for them and will build trust with you over time. Many licensed massage therapists work on a self-employed basis or run their own small businesses, making this an excellent opportunity for people who want more freedom in their work life.
There are many jobs which will allow you to have a positive impact on the health of other people. As well as learning more about health and wellbeing to apply to your own life, studying for a career in healthcare allows you to make a real difference to other people around you.
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