Entering the healthcare field means joining a growing industry in high demand for skilled workers. This typically makes it easy for qualified individuals to find a job. With that said, paid employment is never guaranteed. It still requires an individual to make an effort to apply. What’s more, certain factors will limit the range of opportunities a specific healthcare professional can access at any given time.
There are aspects of being hired a healthcare professional can control themselves. Temperament, track record, and ability to pass pre-employment background screenings are examples. However, immovable obstacles will require careful consideration and proper planning to maneuver around.
Use Agencies – You don’t have to pound the pavement on your own. Why not use medical staffing agencies to help you? These agencies do not just hire temporary and per diem workers. They also can hire permanent employees. The nice thing about medical staffing agencies like Fusion Medical Staffing is that they allow beginning healthcare workers to try out a variety of different positions and schedules to find the best fit for their lifestyle. They can get your foot in the door by providing you many options for employment.
Go Where the Need Is – There are some high demand areas for healthcare workers. If you are having trouble finding employment in your area, consider these high demand areas. The list of high demand states for healthcare workers in the U.S. includes California, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Vermont. Healthcare workers in these states make up a respectable segment of the workforce and get paid a respectable salary too. While you’re likely to find healthcare work in every state, some need you more than others. Better yet, some of these high demand states (the ones listed) want to make it worth your while to move there.
Have a Specialization – It is a really good idea to take coursework and internships in college that provides you a high-demand specialization. For example, right now there is an incredible demand for nurse anesthetists, speech-language pathologists, radiation and occupational therapists, MRI technologists, and diagnostic medical sonographers.
Be an Intern – Internships show employers that you are already ahead of your peers because you are learning the skills you need in the line of fire on the job. Internship experience shows how incredibly motivated you are to begin work ASAP. Don’t forget to ask your mentor at your internship for a letter of recommendation!
Utilize Membership Organizations – Whatever your specialty in the healthcare field, you have an organization (or more than one) that represents healthcare workers like you. Research membership organizations in your field of healthcare. You will likely find your membership organization provides job and discussion boards as well as opportunities to attend events and network.
Earn Additional Certifications – Using your membership organization, you can seek out and earn additional certifications that are highly prized in your field. Often, your membership organization will either be the certifying agency, or they will provide you with resources to help you study for your certification examination.
When the job-hunting gets tough, try agencies, high-demand locales, specializations, certifications, internships, and your membership organization. All of these can help you rise above other applicants and land a job in the healthcare industry.
Throughout the year, our writers feature fresh, in-depth, and relevant information for our audience of 40,000+ healthcare leaders and professionals. As a healthcare business publication, we cover and cherish our relationship with the entire health care industry including administrators, nurses, physicians, physical therapists, pharmacists, and more. We cover a broad spectrum from hospitals to medical offices to outpatient services to eye surgery centers to university settings. We focus on rehabilitation, nursing homes, home care, hospice as well as men’s health, women’s heath, and pediatrics.
