Ten tips for switching to a health care career

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There has never been a better time to switch to a career in the health care industry.  Here are ten tips to help you in your journey.

1. Contact someone working in the particular field that interests you.  If you want to be a nurse, call your local hospital and ask for a nursing supervisor in the particular department you’d most like to work.  Ask if you can come in and “shadow” for a day.  This is true for any health care profession that interests you.  Shadowing a person for a day will give you a real sense of what the job is like.  It’s easier than you may think and most facilities allow this type of activity.
2. Go online and fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  The FAFSA is your first step in qualifying for all manner of student loans and grants.  You will be amazed by how many loans you may be qualified for.
3. Do an internet search for the profession that holds the most interest for you.  Dozens, and sometimes hundreds of sites are out there to provide excellent information about a particular health care career.  There are professional association web sites that often have very good straightforward information that can help you make an informed decision about a new career.
4. For unbiased job outlook information, go to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  You can find information out about everything from typical pay to expected job growth.
5. Contact one of the schools on this site and get information sent directly to you.  The information is free and having this will help you determine what will be needed in terms of cost and time commitments.
6. Ask friends and families for people they know who may be working in the industry.  Ask to contact that person to set up an interview and develop a list of questions that you would like to ask.  Most people will be happy to tell you their story and talk about the highs and lows of their particular career.
7. Your local library usually will have a good number of books available pertaining to a health care field.  Don’t be shy about asking the staff about any recommendations or where specific subject areas may be located.
8. Check with a local community college about what general education required courses they may have available.  This is especially important if you are considering a four year nursing degree program.  Be sure and check to see if the credits are transferable.
9. Research the trade journals that may be available for your newly chosen career.  Subscribe to one or two.  This investment is worthwhile because these trade journals provide excellent information regarding current industry trends.  They are also an great resource for finding work in the field.
10. Contact your local health department and ask to speak with someone about the careers most needed in the public health arena.  Working in public health can be very rewarding and there are almost always shortages of qualified staff within the different sections.

What other tips do you have?