4 Fulfilling Healthcare Careers That Allow You to Make a Difference in Your Community

The healthcare industry is one of the most important and rewarding fields to work in, offering a wide range of career paths that allow professionals to make a positive impact on their communities.

If you’re looking for a career that allows you to help others and give back to your community, there are many fulfilling options to explore. In this blog post, we’ll highlight four healthcare careers that can provide a sense of purpose and allow you to make a difference in the lives of others.

Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to make a change, read on to discover these fulfilling and rewarding healthcare careers.

Community Health Workers

Community Health Workers (CHWs) are healthcare practitioners who collaborate with people and communities to encourage healthy lifestyles and deter illness. They bridge the gap between healthcare providers and patients, offering support, education, and advocacy to help people achieve better health outcomes. 

The duties of a CHW may include conducting health assessments, providing health education and counseling, facilitating access to care, and connecting patients with social services. They may also help patients manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension, and provide referrals for specialized care when needed.

Moreover, CHWs have played a critical role in providing education and support to communities around COVID-19 prevention, testing, and vaccination. CHWs were instrumental in reducing vaccine hesitancy and increasing vaccination rates in many communities.

To become a CHW, most states require some formal education and training, which may include certification programs, associate’s or bachelor’s degrees, or on-the-job training. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of Community Health Workers (CHWs) is expected to grow by 21% from 2020 to 2030, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. As of 2020, there were approximately 64,100 individuals employed in this field. The median annual wage for CHWs was $46,590 as of May 2021, making it a fulfilling and financially rewarding career path.

Nurse Practitioners

Advanced practice registered nurses, known as Nurse Practitioners (NPs), offer primary and specialized care services to individuals of all ages. They have the authority to diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medication, and provide preventive care. 

NPs often work in collaboration with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients. NPs typically provide a wide range of services, including physical exams, health screenings, and chronic disease management. 

In recent years, the demand for NPs has grown significantly, driven by a shortage of primary care physicians and an increasing focus on preventive care. The employment of Nurse Practitioners is predicted to increase by 40% between 2021 and 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

The scope of practice for NPs varies by state. For instance, becoming a Nurse Practitioner in a state like North Carolina offers several benefits, both professionally and financially. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 6,940 NPs employed in the state as of May 2021, and this number is expected to increase in the coming years. With a growing demand for primary care providers in the state, NPs are in a great position to make a difference in their communities.

Moreover, the annual mean wage for NPs in North Carolina was $112,730 as of May 2021. This makes North Carolina attractive for aspiring NPs who want to earn a good income while making a difference in their communities.

In addition, North Carolina offers several programs for aspiring NPs, including online MSN-AGPCNP programs that are open to residents of the state. These programs allow students to pursue their education while continuing to work and gain valuable experience in the field. 

With an online MSN-AGPCNP program open to North Carolina residents, aspiring nurses can leverage this opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge they need to make a significant impact in their communities. 

To enroll in this program, there are certain prerequisites that aspiring students must fulfill. As per the University of Indianapolis Online, these requirements include holding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited institution, possessing an unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license, having a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, etc.

Meeting these requirements is crucial for those who aspire to become Nurse Practitioners and enroll in online NP programs. These prerequisites ensure that students have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to succeed in their NP education and future careers as healthcare providers.

Physical Therapists

Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who help patients improve their physical abilities and recover from injuries or illnesses. They play a crucial role in promoting community health and well-being by helping individuals regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve the overall quality of life.

Physical therapy is a fulfilling career that allows individuals to make a significant difference in their community. Physical therapists provide care to individuals from diverse age groups and various backgrounds, such as athletes, children, and senior citizens. They help people recover from a wide range of conditions, such as strokes, arthritis, and injuries sustained in accidents.

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a physical therapist is seeing patients make progress and regain their independence. They also work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians and occupational therapists, to ensure that patients receive comprehensive care.

Physical therapy is a promising healthcare career with a growing job volume and increased salary. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 17% growth in the physical therapy field from 2021 to 2031, with the addition of 40,400 jobs during that time. As of 2021, the median annual salary for physical therapists was $95,620, with the top 25% earning $101,920 and the lowest-paid 25% earning $77,750.

Public Health Educators

Public health educators are professionals whose careers help communities and individuals understand how to prevent illnesses and improve their overall health. They play a key role in creating and implementing health promotion programs that can help individuals lead healthier lives. 

Public health educators work in various places, including hospitals, schools, government agencies, and community organizations. They may also work on developing policies that promote healthy behaviors, such as increasing access to healthy foods or implementing smoke-free laws.

Public health educators also collaborate with other healthcare professionals to design and implement educational programs that are tailored to the specific needs of their community. They may also work with community leaders and policymakers to advocate for policies and programs that promote health and wellness.

Public health educators played a significant role in the COVID-19 pandemic by educating individuals and communities about how to prevent the spread of the virus. They also worked to combat vaccine hesitancy and ensure that accurate information about the COVID-19 vaccines was disseminated to the public.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), careers in the field of health education is expected to grow 12% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is projected to result in around 16,000 job openings each year, on average, over the next decade. As of May 2021, the median annual wage for health education specialists was $60,600. 

Conclusion

The healthcare industry offers many rewarding career options, enabling individuals to make a positive impact on society. From community health workers to nurse practitioners, physical therapists, and public health educators, there are numerous fulfilling careers to explore. 

With the industry projected to grow and offer many new job opportunities, now is a great time to consider a career in healthcare. By pursuing one of these careers, you can work towards improving the health and well-being of your community while also finding personal satisfaction in your work.