Tips to help make your career decisions
If you’ve ever considered a career in the healthcare field, you’ve probably looked into the more well-known career occupations of doctor or nurse. Did you know there’s a whole world of fulfilling and well-paying healthcare careers, especially in cardiovascular care?
We asked cardiovascular professionals to share what they wish they knew in high school that would have helped them along their career journey.
Their answers might surprise you. Here’s what they said:
- You don’t always need a four-year degree to launch a great career! Many of us found fulfilling and well-paying jobs in cardiovascular care, starting with community college or specialized programs. We were earning money and loving our work even before our friends finished their degrees, but without the burden of student debt!
- Start exploring early! We wish we had taken the initiative in high school to shadow healthcare professionals, volunteer in hospitals, and seek out real-world experiences in cardiac care. Getting a firsthand look at these careers would have given us a much clearer picture of the path ahead and could have helped us find our passion sooner.
- Look beyond the first job – there’s room to grow! The cardiovascular field offers many opportunities for career progression and advancement, including getting involved in research, taking on leadership roles, and working within the medical industry. It’s not just a job; it can be a whole career journey!
How can I apply this to my career decisions?
- Explore all your options! Don’t limit your thinking to only the most common medical careers. Research different roles in cardiovascular care and see what sparks your interest.
- Look into professional credentials. Organizations like Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) offer various certifications, which can open doors to many of these exciting careers.
- Consider different educational paths. Community colleges and specialized programs can be a great starting point. You don’t always need a four-year degree to start a fulfilling and well-paying career.
- Seek out opportunities to learn more. Consider shadowing healthcare professionals, volunteering at hospitals, or attending informational sessions to get a first-hand look at these careers.
Cardiovascular care offers a wide range of rewarding careers for passionate individuals. We hope this glimpse into the experiences of professionals in the field inspires you to explore these possibilities!
Learn more about the industry outlook here and ask your educators to share their resources on cardiovascular careers.