I want to work in healthcare
Healthcare providers are always seeking compassionate, empathetic people to give proper care to their patients. There are many health professions to choose from, so identifying which area best fits your personality and interests requires a lot of thought and planning. You can get hands-on in nursing or becoming a doctor, rehabilitate others through physical therapy or as a chiropractor, study disease through public health, focus on specialized areas like dental or optometry or care for animals as a veterinarian. Healthcare professions require various levels of education and clinical experience.
Career Snapshot
- Salary Range– $24,060 - $208,000 annually(stats from Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary varies by health area, education and experience)
- Work Environment– hospital, physician’s office or other care facility, often fast-paced, long hours on your feet
Things to think about
Top qualities and skills needed for healthcare careers:
Communication
Effective and thorough communication is necessary for sharing vital information that could affect a patient’s health outcome. Forming relationships with patients, their families and others in the healthcare field is important.
Empathy
Listening to a patient or family member’s feelings and needs when it comes to their health is essential to providing the level of care they need. Be sensitive to their needs in order to provide quality customer service.
Problem-solving & Adaptability
Health conditions can rapidly change. Adapting and remaining calm under pressure will help you quickly assess the situation and make decisions.
Teamwork
Healthcare professionals often work collaboratively in order to ensure they’re providing a high level of care and safety for the patient.
Top Five
There are avariety of majors at CU Boulderthat can help prepare you for the future.
Most Surprising Majors
Handshake Job Search Terms
- Health
- Nurse
- Hospital
- First aid
- Treatment
Things You Can Do
Seek opportunities on campus to start developing skills.
Get Involved
Commitment to service and helping others can be demonstrated through getting involved with student clubs and organizations. Check out thesehealth professions student groupsavailable at CU Boulder.
Get Connected
Shadow a local healthcare professional and ask questions about their career path. Find ways to make these connections through Health Professions Advising atCareer Services.
Get Experience
Search for opportunities to volunteer and become more informed about healthcare fields. Ƶ18 opportunities to gain experience through:
- - Login and search using keywords like “healthcare”
- Handshake- Login and search by industry, job function or keyword
- Volunteer Resource Center- Search the calendar or organization database
- Health Promotions- Search through programs with peer health promotion and wellness coaching
Get Engaged
You have access to resources about the healthcare field throughHealth Professions Advising. Attend workshops and events to get information and expert advice from professionals in the community.
Get Informed
Identify which health profession you want to pursue by researching thehealth areas of interest. Useto learn more about careers in healthcare.