Healthcare has long been a growing industry and across the USA and the rest of the world there are so many career opportunities in all manner of areas within the sector.
Whether you’re looking for a hands-on career on the wards, a role in executive management in healthcare, or perhaps a position in research, finding cures and progressing medication for conditions, there’s so much out there and so many jobs that are always going to be needed, even in the era of AI!
So, if you’re a student living in Brooklyn and beyond at the moment, here are five career options in healthcare you might want to consider.
Registered Nurse
Registered nurses are so important in patient care and there are roles that can be picked up across various healthcare centres from hospitals to clinics, community health organizations and beyond.
They’re the people that assess the needs of a patient, administer medication and also educate patients and their families on their needs and conditions.
Typically, those wanting a career as a registered nurse must have a degree, usually in Nursing, while in order to become a nurse you must also pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses to obtain a license.
It is possible for a registered nurse to specialise too, and with the demand always high, it can be a good career option with guaranteed work available.
Physician Assistant
Practicing under the supervision of a physician, to become a physician assistant you need a master’s degree from an accredited physician assistant (PA) programme. These usually take about two years and require a bachelor’s degree and healthcare experience to get on a course.
From there, you will need to pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam in order to practice. The role itself will then involve performing examinations, diagnosing illnesses and developing treatment plans, as well as sometimes even assisting in surgery.
Healthcare Administrator
Managing the operational elements of healthcare facilities, healthcare administrators oversee staff, manage budgets and develop policies to ensure the smooth running of a healthcare centre or service as well as improving patient care.
To move into such a role, the career pathway usually follows a degree in healthcare administration or business administration, while many working in the role also have master’s degrees in similar topics too.
It’s a great option for someone with strong organisational and leadership skills and those who want to have an impact on the delivery of healthcare without being on the ground and having to complete surgeries and diagnose illnesses.
Medical Laboratory Technician
Medical laboratory technicians (MLTs) play a vital role in diagnosing diseases by conducting tests on blood, urine, and other bodily fluids. Their work is essential in providing accurate information that informs treatment decisions.
To become an MLT, you generally need an associate degree in medical laboratory technology, which includes both classroom instruction and clinical practice. After completing the degree, aspiring technicians can become certified through organizations like the American Society for Clinical Pathology to improve job prospects.
MLTs often specialise in areas such as microbiology, hematology, or clinical chemistry. This career path is ideal for individuals who enjoy science and laboratory work, offering a crucial behind-the-scenes role in patient care.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists are healthcare professionals responsible for dispensing medications, advising patients on their proper use, and providing health consultations. They play a key role in ensuring patient safety and optimising medication therapy.
To become a pharmacist, you must earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an accredited pharmacy school, which typically takes four years following undergraduate studies. After completing the degree, you must pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination and often a state-specific exam to practice.
Pharmacists can work in various settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies. They may also specialise in areas such as clinical pharmacy or pharmacotherapy, making this a versatile and respected career option.
