Selecting a career in the healthcare field is a wise choice, according to Forbes. Using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Forbes reports that opportunities for employment in healthcare will continue to dramatically increase over the next 10 years. The outlook for growing opportunities is clear in three healthcare fields: nursing, occupational therapy and physical therapy.
The Affordable Healthcare Act has empowered nearly 32 million Americans to receive previously unattainable medical care, but the question of who will treat these new healthcare consumers still remains. While this opportunity means a better quality of life for many, our current healthcare system is ill-equipped to handle this influx. Therefore, students seeking to enter high-demand fields which will continue to grow over the next decade have a higher chance for employment.
Helen Cornely is currently Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Physical Therapy and prior Chair of the Physical Therapy Department for Florida International University College of Nursing and Health Sciences (FIU CHNS). The college houses nursing, occupational therapy and physical therapy programs under one roof, making Cornely an excellent source of expert advice for approaching entrance into these growing fields.While the professions differ in their job responsibilities, she says, there are similarities in the required training, education, and motivation. Work in the healthcare field requires a passion for people, a caring empathy, but within a framework of, a strong scientific background gained from courses in chemistry, biology, psychology, or anatomy.
“All are necessary for success in any of these professions,” Cornely states, “but it is not enough to want to help and care for people. Demonstrating advanced skills in core science courses is a must.”
Students that want to pursue these healthcare professions need to fulfill multiple criteria in order to gain admission into the program of their choice. For example, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy graduate programs require more than just a strong scientific background, they also require a great overall GPA, high GRE scores, a well-written essay, and a great admission interview. The steps to enter into these three professions are multifold and vary from program to program.
A student can enter into nursing as a Registered Nurse (RN) by completing an associate’s degree program in approximately two years. However, those earning a four year degree will graduate with a Bachelors of Science Nursing (BSN) and have a competitive edge and greater chance for career progression. Successfully completing either of these degree requirements is only the beginning, and you must pass a national exam issued by the state you wish to work in.
“After completing law school,” Cornely explains, “you must pass the state bar exam before practicing. Healthcare is the same, because you can only practice in the states where you have passed the exam and are licensed.”
This holds true for all levels of nursing, even at the master’s level, which qualifies an individual as a Nurse Practitioner (NP). These individuals often facilitate care at “mini clinics” or health centers, and their knowledge is more specialized at this level. Most programs require 42 to 48 credits after the BSN program leading to more autonomy in the profession. The exam that they must pass confirms their specialty in areas such as psychiatric, adult, child, family or community nursing.
While students can enter into the nursing profession immediately following undergraduate work, physical therapists and occupational therapists must complete graduate work before entering their profession. However, physical therapists must earn the title of Doctor of Physical Therapy to practice.
What about securing an internship? Luckily all programs have clinical internship components within the curriculum, so all students will have the opportunity to potentially find a job. “These clinical internships are highly beneficial when applying for jobs,” according to Cornely. “You’re there for six to eight weeks, so successfully completing a clinical internship often leads to a job offer at the clinical site.”
The opportunity for employment in the healthcare field continues to grow. “There is a 99% employment rate after licensing in physical therapy,” Cornely states. “It may not be a job in your dream location at first, but it’s a profession in an exciting and growing health care field where you make a difference in people’s lives every day you go to work.” Work satisfaction guaranteed.
