The healthcare sector is thriving in the United States. There are many rewarding opportunities for Arizona locals and transplants alike, as long as they possess the necessary skills, passion, and education. From registered nurses to physician assistants to mental health providers, the demand in the sector spells good tidings for healthcare practitioners who are looking to start their careers or transfer positions.
Job-Seeking Resources Overview
Finding the right position in any vocation requires a well-rounded approach. Each available resource builds on the others. For example, education is vital to having the skillset and qualifications to work in the medical field. Yet, career advancement may be challenging without professional guidance, community support, and the necessary preparation. It is more necessary with jobs for locum radiologists.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 23,600 new positions for physicians and surgeons will be available each year in the next ten years. But how can those interested in a healthcare career navigate this tricky job market? Luckily, many solutions are available for healthcare professionals seeking a new posting.
Education and Certifications
First things first: most jobs in the healthcare industry require specialized training. If starting from scratch with your high school diploma, consider which additional certifications or degrees you will need to work in your desired healthcare field.
Suppose you’re interested in becoming a nurse—you will need an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and then pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Registered Nurses (luckily, Arizonians have a few great options if this is a path they wish to take!). Other medical practitioner positions, such as technicians or therapists, often require unique certifications.
Remember that education in the medical industry continues even if you already hold a degree in your desired field. As procedures and techniques rapidly change in the healthcare sector, ongoing training is crucial. Both new graduates and experienced professionals must keep up with the latest breakthroughs, technologies, and certifications.
Find a Mentor
Many medical training programs and degrees, particularly in fields such as nursing, dentistry, and pharmacy, require candidates to complete residencies or internships supervised by seasoned professionals. Many attending physicians contain a wealth of knowledge and expertise in their specific medical discipline and have also accrued years of invaluable experience navigating the complexities of the job market. Their practical experience and guidance could prove crucial.
Use your mentor wisely. While they are there to guide you through the ins and outs of being a practicing physician, they can also offer advice on potential job placements and other aspects of your future career.
Network Within the Medical Community
Networking is a tried-and-true method of connecting to the community and finding clinics or teams with job openings that match your skills. Networking can be intimidating, but just like any aptitude, it can be learned and honed. In the medical field, networking opportunities abound.
There are many ways to expand your professional network, such as staying in touch with classmates, connecting with colleagues and mentors, participating in industry-related events, and becoming a member of reputable healthcare organizations and societies. Building and nurturing these connections can significantly improve the possibility of finding the ideal job in your field.
Interview Preparation
When seeking a position in any industry, learning the skills to complete your job effectively is only one piece of the job-seeking puzzle. Your resume is the key to highlighting your accomplishments and showing off the hard work you’ve put in to prepare yourself for fulfilling all the requirements of a fixed position. Ensure your resume is polished, readable, and showcases your professional capabilities and strengths.
Additionally, take time to prepare yourself for the interviewing process, which can be challenging if you are a recent graduate or a first-time job seeker. Consider conducting practice interviews with a trusted friend or colleague. A professional coach can also help you prepare for the candidate process.
Platforms for Job Matching
Some of the top resources for finding a position in the healthcare field that meets your skills and personal requirements are online. Career boards and job-seeking platforms, such as PracticeMatch, can help you find openings in Arizona or other states (if you want to relocate).
Many platforms have functionality to narrow down open positions that match your specialty and provide an overview of the market for that particular field. This includes essential information such as average salary, signing bonuses, and other metrics. To streamline the job hunt process, consider subscribing to newsletters to receive personalized job postings via email.
Bottom Line
The healthcare industry needs skilled workers. There are numerous opportunities for healthcare practitioners from diverse backgrounds in the United States. Alternatively, if you’re hoping to keep your healthcare skill set in the great state of Arizona, there are plenty of openings available here as well! To all healthcare workers: thank you for everything you do to support those beginning their career journey or seeking a change, and good luck.
