The Best Reasons to Choose a Medical Career

Choosing the right path for you can be difficult. With so many career choices out there, finding the one that fits you can take a lot of time and consideration. There are a lot of benefits to choosing careers in the medical field that one should take into consideration. Here are a few reasons why you should choose the medical field.

Schooling:
If you wanted to become a doctor you may be looking at 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, and 3 years working in a hospital as an intern before becoming a resident. That is a whole lot of student loans.

Choosing a career in nursing is much easier. To be a certified nursing assistant requires an associate’s degree and passing the state exam for where you live. That is only 2 years of schooling to get your foot in the door. From there you can attend night classes, online classes or your bachelors program to further your education and work your way up the ladder.

Job Opportunities:
You would think with the amount of hospitals and clinics, that there would be just as many nurses and assistants to match. The truth is there is a shortage of certified nurse’s assistants, and that number is growing. It is estimated that by 2020 there will be 800,000 open positions just waiting to be filled by qualified CNA’s.

Currently there is a shortage that is also forcing hospitals and clinics to import nurses from other countries. If you want job security the medical field has it. Thanks to baby boomers and people living longer, nurses are in high demand and will be for years to come. There are many medical jobs in Los Angeles and many other major cities as well.

Benefits:
We all know that medical benefits are getting more expensive. Having a career in the medical field would offer some of the best benefits you can get. Most hospitals offer many options that those in the “civilian” jobs cannot get. With more options comes more savings. There is also the possibility of slipping your doctor friend a $20 bill and having the care done under the table.

Along with great medical insurance, most hospitals offer plenty of paid time off, vacation, retirement, tuition assistance/reimbursement for those wanting to further their education, and flex pay accounts. In an economy where companies are cutting benefits, having those options are priceless.

Helping Others:
Ask any nurse/medical professional out there what one of the things they love most about their career and you may hear that they get to help others. We all like knowing that we made a difference in someone else’s life, especially when they are having a hard time. The feeling you will get by helping someone who really needs you will give you a sense of accomplishment and that warm fuzzy feeling that you hear about.

Convenience:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2009 there were 965,000 work related injuries and illnesses that resulted in missed work days. In 2010 there were 4,547 fatal work related injuries. With such high numbers wouldn’t it be convenient for those accidents and illnesses to happen at a hospital or clinic? Working in the medical field can have its perks for those who are accident prone. If I were to fall I would rather do it in front of a doctor rather than a co-worker who is taking orders in the drive thru window.

Stylish Uniforms:
The last benefit I will cover is the stylish uniforms you get to wear. Nothing says chic like the colorful and unflattering scrubs that you get to wear. Pair them with the latest crocs and you’re set to save lives. Most hospitals and clinics will allow you to choose scrubs that match your personality. You can get some with ducks, cartoons, or cloud patterns all over them to show your quirky self.

Whether you are undecided, or you have already chosen your career but are looking for a change, consider the medical field. It is one industry that will always be in need. Consider the finer points of this article to sway your decision towards a rewarding and interesting career as a CNA, respiratory specialist, pediatrics assistant, x-ray tech, etc. There are as many choices in the medical field as there are patients.

Guest Bio: Ken Stanford consults on income insurance for ASU insurance.  With unemployment on the rise many employees are planning for the unexpected.

Comments

[James]

Truly, a medical career brings plenty of benefits. It is also one of the most satisfying careers. The article points out some of the most important benefits of a medical career. But, the best of them all is 'helping others'.

Thanks for this nice post!

[Mary Jiel | Eye Chart]

I truly agree that medical career is a good choice of profession. especially in times of war. but one problem that concerns me is that is the government can carry all the medical profession in the states? would their be medical equipment shortage in stores?

Check this http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980607098

[Shaun]

The blog lists some excellent reasons for choosing a medical career. Healthcare, in fact, has been one of the few industries that have stood their ground against economic slowdowns. Some of the fastest growing professions in the country are healthcare related. But what makes healthcare careers an increasingly appealing choice is that many of them don’t require even four years of college. For example, one can become a respiratory therapist by attending a 2 year associate's respiratory therapist program.
http://www.cc-sd.edu/healthcare/associates/respiratory-therapy

[Dan Scarfo]

I think the strongest reason to choose medical career is to like everything connected with medicine, treatment, willingness to cure other people. The strongest intentions are usually discovered in childhood.