The work of an HCP is uniquely taxing, physically and mentally. Many healthcare workers get burned out to the point that they reconsider their futures in a clinical setting. Luckily, healthcare experience is a strong foundation for various alternate career paths. For the HCP in desperate need of a new profession or change of scenery, we have listed 5 popular career changes worth considering.
Physical Therapist
Average Compensation: $95,620/yr
To become a PT, HCPs need to complete a three-year Doctor of Physical Therapy course. If you can accommodate additional education, it is a fruitful career path filled with opportunity. Physical therapists assist with recovery, pain management, and preventative care. They assist patients dealing with various chronic or acute physical conditions, injuries and illnesses. The field is expected to rapidly increase in popularity, with an expected 17% growth in employment from 2021 to 2031. For reference, the average annual growth rate sits at 6%. PTs are well compensated and can work full-time or dictate their own hours.
Clinical Manager
Average Compensation: $74,715/yr
HCPs commonly leave their patient care roles, in search of more management and leadership opportunities. As a clinical manager, you must coordinate the day-to-day clinical processes and communicate between the various HCPs. Their work ensures a smooth healthcare process and an efficient operation. Though demanding in its own right, an HCP’s communication skills and knowledge of healthcare processes ensure a smooth transition.
Social Worker
Average Compensation: $50,390/yr
Compared to Registered Nurses or even Licensed Practical Nurses, Social Workers make a modest salary. For HCPs who want to directly contribute and assist their communities, however, it is a path well worth considering. They work to help people or groups in dealing with serious behavioral or mental problems. Social workers offer assistance to people dealing with chronic illness, alcoholism, unemployment, and more. Once the problem has been assessed, they identify the appropriate interventions, offer critical advice, and perform periodic checkups to monitor progress. An HCP’s knowledge of physical and mental conditions, connecting with patients, and identifying the symptoms of bigger problems help a great deal.
Clinical Informatics Specialist
Average Compensation: $91,927/yr
The world of healthcare is rapidly shifting towards a digital future. More and more, healthcare facilities are adopting new technologies, electronic record-keeping, and all-in-one proprietary nursing portals. Clinical Informatics Specialists sit at the forefront of the digital healthcare revolution and are compensated accordingly. They collate all kinds of healthcare data, develop information systems for facilities to use, and share said information with HCPs on staff. In addition, they educate said staff on how to access electronic records databases and how to navigate new nursing software. This role requires a combination of direct nursing experience and a sufficient level of knowledge, regarding Information Technology.
School Nurse
Average Compensation: $54,767/yr
Technically, this role still requires you to provide healthcare services to patients in need. However, it is a unique environment and atmosphere that may be the change of pace you have been looking for. School nurses are in charge of caring for students in need. Typical problems range from minor wounds and bruises to allergic reactions to their lunch to providing basic healthcare education such as dental hygiene or washing your hands before you eat. On average, it is not as high pressure as a regular RN shift, but it will still require a lot of patience, compassion, and communication skills.
Tip of the Iceberg
These are just some of the roles available to HCPs. You can take up a writer role, and apply your industry knowledge towards writing blogs, newsletters, and other forms of healthcare content. Some HCPs even take up real estate roles, thanks to your communication skills and critical thinking. As was mentioned earlier, it is common for nurses to shift towards managerial positions over time. The opportunities are endless, as long as you open your mind to them. HCPs are uniquely qualified individuals with a wide range of marketable skills and attributes.
