Steps to a Healthcare Career: Chart Your Path

Last Updated on February 27, 2025

A career in healthcare can be extremely rewarding. There are many paths to take, and it’s an extremely wide specialty. Almost all roles require training and expertise, though plenty of entry-level jobs are available, too.

Roles in healthcare range from administrative jobs like booking and monitoring waiting lists to fully-fledged doctors. So, where do you start if you want to fit anywhere on this scale? Let’s look at some important steps you need to take to pursue a career in medicine. 

What This Article Covers

• Exploring Healthcare Career Paths: Learn about the diverse opportunities in healthcare, from entry-level positions to specialized medical roles requiring advanced education and training.
• Gaining Practical Experience: Discover how internships, volunteering, and entry-level jobs can provide hands-on experience and strengthen your resumé for future career growth.
• Understanding HIPAA Compliance: Find out why HIPAA certification is essential for working in healthcare and how to obtain compliance training to boost employability.
• Educational Requirements for Success: Learn about the academic pathways required for various healthcare roles, including medical school, university degrees, and certification programs.
• Specializing to Advance Your Career: See how focusing on a specific healthcare field can open doors to higher-level positions and long-term professional success.
• Building a Strong Professional Network: Explore the importance of networking, attending industry events, and leveraging mentorship to grow and succeed in the healthcare industry.

Steps to Pursue a Healthcare Career

1. Choose a healthcare field that interests you and aligns with your skills and goals.
2. Gain education and training through a degree program, certification, or apprenticeship.
3. Look into more ways to improve your skills and gain accreditation, like CME accredited medical conferences
4. Specialize in a particular area of your field to advance your career.
5. Gain practical experience through internships, entry-level jobs, and volunteering.
6. Network with professionals in your field to gain insights, advice, and potential job opportunities.
7. Obtain the necessary licensure and certification required for your profession and specialty.
8. Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and changes in healthcare through continuing education and professional development.
9. Develop strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
10. Attend industry events and conferences, join professional organizations, and utilize social media to build a strong professional network.
11. Consider additional education or training to advance your career, such as pursuing a master’s degree or obtaining a leadership position in your organization.

Careers in Healthcare and Beyond

$52.22

This book is intended for someone curious to learn more about a career in healthcare, but not certain if it is right for them, or if the industry would be a good fit for them. 

Buy from Walmart

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

04/23/2025 12:02 am GMT

Get Experience

The first thing you should do, no matter what age you are, is to get some experience in the field. As mentioned, you can take plenty of entry-level jobs and training courses. As a young person, you could easily get work experience at a local hospital, doctor’s office, or medical company. Any of these avenues will be a valuable experience and great on your resumé.

Even if you are not of school or college age, you should be able to reach out to a local center and seek an entry-level position. The benefit of doing this is that it shows your commitment to the field while also letting you learn some key aspects of the world of medicine and healthcare. Don’t worry if it isn’t your dream job or field, as you can reach it later.

Ensure You’re HIPAA Compliant

If you don’t know about it, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act is a federal statute that helps prevent personal data fraud and theft within the healthcare industry. These days, it’s super easy to get a third-party certification for HIPAA compliance, even with no experience. Online training courses will allow you to get a certificate to show you understand the rules and regulations of the HIPAA statute, making you even more employable whether at entry or high level.

Again, taking time to achieve this kind of compliance certification can be amazing for your resumé. It shows your commitment, drive, and understanding of the medical field. Look for this and other online courses to help strengthen your position.

Get Good Grades

Assuming you are still in school, it’s time to work hard! Whether you want to be a salesperson, senior-level administrator, or a doctor, you’ll need to get good grades! If you are serious about pursuing this career, the stronger your grades are, the better your chance of success.

If you are already out of school and don’t have amazing grades, the short courses can help. You can also consider night school or other e-learning to improve your grades.

Careers in Mental Health: Opportunities in Psychology, Counseling, and Social Work

$43.95 $26.86

Accessible and unbiased, Careers in Mental Health introduces upper-level high school students and beginning undergraduates to the different aspects of various mental health professions.

Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart.com

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

04/24/2025 04:39 am GMT

Go to Med School or University

You’ll likely need a university education to be a nurse, doctor, or medical specialist. Doctors, as we know, train in school and on the job for many, many years. Nurses, specialist practitioners, and paramedics are no different – the learning never stops. Even senior managers will almost certainly have a high level of education. In some cases, a lot of experience and years on the job can also help you reach this position. Specialize & Expand Your Knowledge

Once you’ve decided on your desired field, it’s crucial to specialize in a particular area to advance your career. You can gain experience while working an entry-level job. For doctors or nurses, spend time in a preferred area of the hospital, and for sales or admin roles, position yourself in a relevant field. Specialization is essential to reach higher levels in your career. Immerse yourself in the area, learn everything you can, and surround yourself with experts to gain valuable knowledge. In healthcare, everyone continues to learn, and experienced consultants are happy to pass on their knowledge.

Introduction to Health Care & Careers

$112.79

Introduction to Health Care & Careers provides students beginning their health care education with the fundamentals they need to develop their personal and professional skills, understand their chosen profession

Buy on Amazon

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

04/24/2025 05:22 am GMT

Next Steps

• Identify Your Ideal Healthcare Role: Research different healthcare careers, assess your skills and interests, and determine which path aligns best with your long-term goals.
• Gain Hands-On Experience: Look for internships, volunteer opportunities, or entry-level positions in healthcare settings to build practical skills and strengthen your resumé.
• Obtain Necessary Certifications: Enroll in relevant training programs, such as HIPAA compliance or CPR certification, to enhance your qualifications and increase your job prospects.
• Explore Educational Opportunities: Consider enrolling in a university program, vocational school, or online courses to gain the knowledge and credentials required for your chosen career.
• Network with Industry Professionals: Attend conferences, join professional organizations, and connect with mentors to gain valuable insights and increase job opportunities in the healthcare field.

Final Words

Pursuing a healthcare career requires careful planning, dedication, and continuous learning. You can build a successful and fulfilling career in this ever-growing industry by gaining relevant experience, obtaining necessary certifications, and expanding your professional network. Take proactive steps now to position yourself for long-term success and make a meaningful impact in healthcare.