The health industry is booming. It is the fastest-growing employment industry between 2014 and 2024. In fact, employment in the health sector is projected to grow from 162.8 million to 168.8 million. You can expect such growth in the industry due to the outbreak of the COVID-19.
But what career paths await the young women out there? Globally, women comprise 42 percent of the working population. In the health sector, they account for about 75 percent of the global workforce. Expect this figure to grow due to the pandemic brought about by the COVID-19 crisis. It only goes to show that young women have plenty of career opportunities in the health sector.
Here are some career paths to take in the health industry as a young woman:
1. Become a doctor or nurse in a medical facility
If you’ve taken a medical course and got the necessary certification, you can work in a medical facility. Whether you’re a nurse or a doctor, you’ll most likely end up working in a hospital.
There’s pride and prestige in being a physician, be it a general practitioner or a specialist. However, becoming one requires time, investments, and financial resources. On the other hand, becoming a nurse is a highly demanding profession. By next year, expect more registered nurses available than workers.
2. Open a physician’s clinic
If you’re a doctor making rounds in hospitals or clinics, opening your medical clinic is a good idea. Do so if you’re a primary doctor, whether a general physician, a family doctor, or a pediatrician. Even if you’re a specialist—an ENT doctor, gastroenterologist, or urologist, consider having your own clinic as well.
But before opening one, there’s a lot of considerations to make. Factor in your capital outlay, medical construction, medical supplies, and nursing assistants. Keep in mind that opening your clinic is like starting a business as well.
3. Work in the health insurance
Another career option to take is to work in the health insurance industry. Given the COVID-19 crisis, people need health insurance now more than ever. Whether they get individual health plans or employer-based policies, health insurance will protect them.
As a health insurance specialist, you can work for the benefits or claims department. Your role is to explain to members the coverages and exclusions of their policies. Also, you’ll contact medical providers to ensure members get covered and the insurance company is properly billed. Other jobs in health insurance include underwriting, insurance sales, and claims processing.
4. Start a dental clinic
There’s no denying how dentistry has come a long way in modern times. Various dental services are readily available in the market. These include general, restorative, cosmetic, and pediatric dentistry.
That said, you can start working as a dental assistant and soon become a general dentist. After getting the training and certification, you can transition to a dental specialist. You can become an orthodontist, periodontist, or oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Same with starting a medical clinic, you can also open your dental practice.
5. Open a pharmacy
If you’re a pharmacist, you can take your career to the next level—that is by opening a pharmacy in your area. Consider taking this route if you have an educational background in pharmacy. Do so if you’ve been employed in a hospital setting or have worked in a retail pharmacy.
But even so, you need the expertise of mentors in the pharmacy business and legal advice. Also, consider your pharmacy location, medication supplies, and the pharmacists working for you.
6. Offer rehabilitation services
The last on the list is to consider providing rehabilitation services. Nurses and doctors are not the only ones important in the health industry. Other health practitioners are considered necessary in providing health services. Take note of the following:
- Physical therapy: A physical therapist enhances the clients’ mobility and quality of life. You’ll provide movements and exercises to improve the clients’ balance, strength, endurance, and flexibility.
- Occupational therapy: An occupational helps patients fulfill their “occupations.” You’ll assist them in performing their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
- Speech pathology: A speech pathologist helps boost clients’ ability to communicate and swallow. You’ll most likely work with children who are unable to speak yet or eat their foods.
There are career opportunities in the healthcare industry for every young woman. Whether looking to work as a nurse or doctor, open a clinic, or offer rehabilitation services, your options are unlimited. You have to consider your educational background, industry experiences, and fields of specialization. With all these in mind, you’ll be able to make the right decision. Ultimately, you’ll take a career path that will make you succeed as a health professional.
