The healthcare industry is one of the world’s largest industries that has an insatiable demand for highly skilled professionals. And not all of these jobs are related to traditional roles such as doctors and nurses. Non-traditional healthcare jobs are plentiful and they offer a more comprehensive array of career paths with more or less the same level of personal satisfaction that comes with any traditional healthcare job. Healthcare administration, medical technicians, hospice care, research are just a few niches of non-traditional healthcare. These professionals play an essential role in the healthcare industry and aid frontline workers in delivering quality patient care.
Are you interested in a career within the healthcare industry other than becoming a doctor, nurse, or physician? If yes, then there are plenty of alternatives for you, and here are some reasons to help convince you:
1. Excellent career prospects
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment within the healthcare industry to grow by an astounding 19% in 2024. This means more jobs across the board, including non-traditional healthcare. Naturally, better patient care requires better administration, social work, and research. So if you opt for degrees for specific non-traditional careers, you’re in for some luck!
A degree in allied and non-traditional healthcare programs will offer greater flexibility in terms of choices. The license and training requirements may alter. But the fact that there are several offline and online allied health programs available will allow you to study and gather relevant experience simultaneously.
2. Fast track your career
Usually, a traditional healthcare career will require you to have years of higher education, specializations, and certificate on your resume. This on its own can stretch over ten years and become quite tiresome for many. But a career in non-traditional healthcare is a fast track to a healthcare-related job. Depending on your program choice, you can graduate in four years or less and complete your training in a few months. So if you really want to work within the industry but don’t have the patience to go through years of med school, this is the best route.
3. Personal satisfaction on the job
Everyone who chooses to work in the healthcare industry does so due to an innate desire to help people and make their lives better. And like we said earlier, you don’t need to become a doctor or nurse to achieve that sense of satisfaction. Not everyone has an appetite for blood. And choosing a career in non-traditional healthcare is a good alternative for people who wish to serve others with a higher purpose of personal fulfillment.
For example, suppose you choose to become a physical therapist. In that case, you will directly interact with patients and help them get back to the best physical health after a muscular injury or fracture. You will actively participate in making their life better through your efforts. Or, suppose you aspire to become a social worker and provide healthcare services to society’s less privileged. In that case, you can get an online BSW program and spearhead your career in the intended direction. The gratification you receive from these people will make your education, training, and career worth it, just like any traditional healthcare career.
4. Attractive salary
Admit it; most people want a good salary! And we all know that jobs in healthcare are one of the highest paying jobs out there. Naturally, the higher the risk associated with the job, the greater the pay scale. You can get stable entry-level jobs with your non-traditional healthcare degrees with attractive salary packages. The average salary of an entry-level physical therapist is $66,000 yearly. An ultrasound technician makes up to $52,000, and a social healthcare worker makes up to $56,000 a year. Of course, the remuneration only increases with experience in the field. Either way, these are good figures to ensure financial stability. You wouldn’t be struggling under the weight of student debt for too long.
5. Opportunity for advancement
Professional growth is significant if you want a satisfying career. And non-traditional healthcare offers the perfect opportunity. You will get many opportunities for advancement in your respective field. Experience and certifications will help in vertical growth within the healthcare system, especially in administrative and research-based jobs.
Conclusion
Choosing a fulfilling and satisfying career is always a wise decision in the long run. The prospect of a good salary, specific working conditions, and career advancements never hurt either. But most of all, the passion for helping others becomes the ultimate driving force in healthcare. Becoming a doctor or nurse is not the only option anymore. Non-traditional and allied healthcare is just as fulfilling and rewarding. They are also the right choice if you don’t want to spend years studying and training in medical or nursing school. There are many allied healthcare degrees you can pursue in three years or less. So it is safe to say that these non-traditional healthcare careers are a fast track to a fulfilling career with many perks.
