Are you interested in a health career but not sure which one? Here are some suggestions to help you with the process.
Employment in health care is not recession proof. Locally it may be difficult to find jobs because there are numerous schools graduating more students than local (central PA) needs. Local need may be lower currently because people aren't retiring as planned and other previously unemployed health care professionals may have returned to work to make ends meet. With an upswing in the economy and more baby boomers retiring in the next few years, some jobs will definitely open up. Job markets tight because of the number of graduates locally will not change, and may worsen if additional programs are started.
Graduates willing to relocate will find more jobs available in larger cities and institutions. Graduates should be flexible, broaden their search, and be willing to accept flex and part-time positions to get a foot in the door.
- Questions to ask yourself (pdf)
- Check out our list of Programs Offered to learn about the programs, careers, see videos and other links. Be sure to look at the admission criteria (to apply for clinicals) and technical standards for those programs.
- Health Careers Orientation
- Use the Career InfoNet. Types of information you can find on Career InfoNet website:
- 450 career videos
- Fastest growing occupations
- Highest paying occupations
- Occupations with most openings
- Wages and trends (also check out www.salary.com)
- Education and training
- Check out these websites
- Find links to professional organizations for career/s you are interested in. Most have a "career" section on their websites to encourage students to learn more about their professions.
- Find out the difference between and options in nursing (pdf)
- Shadow a professional in your career area. Spend a day and get a good understanding.
- Take the HACC Human Development course on Career Development and Decision Making (HD101). There is often a section offered for students interested in or already enrolled a health careers/allied health majors.
- Volunteer in a hospital:
Good Samaritan Health System
Hanover Hospital
Holy Spirit Hospital
Lancaster General
Memorial Hospital (York)
PinnacleHealth
Summit Health
Wellspan Health
- Still can't decide? Then choose your most preferred health career program to list as your major. When you meet with your health career advisor (usually the program director), explain that you're not completely sure and your advisor will help you schedule classes with that in mind. When you finally do make up your mind, make sure your major is listed correctly!
