Health Care: It’s Not Just For Doctors And Nurses Anymore Six Reasons Health Care Is A Great Career Field (NAPSA)—Fast-paced environ- ments, generous starting salaries, more job security than many professions and the rewards of making a difference by helping others are just some reasons to consider careers in health care. Health care careers encompass more than just medicine and nursing. “In demand” careers include: information technology, radiology, pharmacy, occupational and physical therapy. “No matter what your passion, there is probably a health care career for you, since health care represents one of the largest employment areas in the United States,” said Lillee Gelinas, chief nursing officer at VHA Inc., a cooperative that represents ,00 health care organizations across the nation. “With our aging population, and expanding medical advances, health care professionals are in demand more than ever before. Even during tough economic times, health care opportunities remain abundant.” Gelinas, a nationally recognized expert on health care work force issues, offers six reasons to explore careers in health care: Flexibility—Hospitals are open 4 hours a day, providing many opportunities to create flexible, convenient schedules. Portability—Health care professionals are needed around the world, from small, rural communities to large urbancities. Training—Many schools offer health career courses that meet students’ needs. Because of new technologies and advanced medical treatments, health care careers offer a variety of opportunities for continuous learning. Affordability—Scholarships and other financial incentives are abundant. * Opportunity—Skilled health care providers are always in demand. Advancement—Profession- als with skills and experience in health care are often sought-after for advancement into expanded clinical roles, management and administration. Gelinas encourages parents to help their children explore careers in health care. Allowing teenagers to visit hospital open houses and career fairs or volunteer at an area hospital or long-term care facility are good ways to see if a career in health care is a goodfit.
