9 Pervasive Myths About Careers in Healthcare
Myth 1: No one is hiring.
Even though layoffs and furloughs make the news every day, employers are still hiring. The good news is that health care jobs are among the few professions that are still actively posting want-ads.
Myth 2: I need a four-year degree to be a practicing radiologic technician.
Radiologic Technicians don’t diagnose or treat diseases, so they only need one to four years of training with a certificate or degree.
Myth 3: The nursing shortage guarantees me the perfect job when I graduate.
With the aging Baby-Boomer population, the need for healthcare workers in all sectors will grow. However, if you want to work in one of the most beautiful places in the country at a great organization, you will face steep competition.
Myth 4: It’s a bad time to consider a healthcare career in this economy.
According to government statistics, healthcare jobs are projected to grow the fastest with most workers being able to find jobs that require less than four years of college education.
Myth 5: If I have a career in healthcare, that means I’ll work in a hospital.
The demand for Home Health Aides will increase with the older population. Home health aides help home-bound people, often the elderly, with everyday activities. This means you can work in anyone’s home anywhere in the country.
Myth 6: You have to like working with patients.
Health Care Technician jobs are perfect for people who don’t like dealing with other people. While you don’t need to be a “people person,” you will have to be well organized and have an eye for detail so you can effectively compile patients’ charts and records.
Myth 7: In this economy, if you get a job offer you have to take it.
If you take a job that isn’t right for you, your attitude will suffer and you won’t be able to get good references from your boss when applying to other jobs. Decide on your criteria for a job before accepting any offers.
Myth 8: What I do on Facebook won’t impact my career in healthcare.
Competition for colleges and health care jobs can be fierce and many employers “google-stalk” candidates. Clean up your online image if you’re worried what potential employers might see.
Myth 9: Holistic medicine has no place in real healthcare
Adding holistic medicine to your credentials may help you advance your career. If you know more ways to help people, employers will give you a second look when hiring.