The American Economy has been through its ups and downs over the last half century. Since so much of the influence and power over the markets is made up of hundreds of complex, fluctuating factors at a national and international level, when things start to go south economically, many industries can suffer. However, when these tough times do surface there are a collection of industries that maintain a level of resilience and resistance to downturns. The one that is consistently at the top of the list is the healthcare industry.
Saving, healing, and caring for people, both the sick and their family members, is definitely a sound way for anyone looking for great career fulfillment. On top of this point, there are hundreds of different roles available in healthcare. While nursing has maintained a place at or near the top and forefront of ideal careers over the past few decades, there are a few other positions in the healthcare industry — such as family nurse practitioners (FNPs) or adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners (AGACNPs) — that have had similar growth and stability of demand.
The following is a quick summary, how-to guide, on becoming a nurse practitioner and will then go on to highlight a few other noteworthy careers in the healthcare industry that employees might want to consider further.
Becoming a Nurse Practitioner
As with any high skill career, the path to graduation and employment is notable and appropriately challenging. For obvious reasons, such as the responsibility of saving and helping to maintain the physical welfare of patients, becoming a nurse practitioner requires diligence, hard work, and a keen study aptitude.
Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who have completed additional education and training beyond the requirements for a registered nurse or RN. They are able to diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and provide comprehensive healthcare to patients of all ages and thus sets them apart from standard RN’s.
Steps to becoming a Nurse Practitioner
Step One
Pursue and graduate with a degree in nursing. To become an NP there is a requirement to apply to and graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), regardless of whether someone holds another degree. Typically these programs are the typical four-year track, but there are accelerated programs that can be found which last as little as two years.
Be advised, there are some programs out there that will accept RN’s who have an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) and enough proven experience.
Step Two
After graduation from an accredited BSN program the graduate is required to pass the national board of certifications exam known as the NCLEX. People must pass the NCLEX before applying as an RN in whatever state they plan to work in.
Step Three: Complete A Focused Graduate Program
The RN who is considering going on to further study to become a nurse practitioner should take some time to research and carefully consider what patient focus they would like to concentrate on during a graduate program. There is a list of areas to consider ranging from neonatal work, family nursing, to psychiatry, to gerontology. Interestingly, the majority of NP’s did their studies in primary care. After choosing a field of study, finding the right school and MSN program is the next step.
Step Four
Once the graduate program is completed, just as with the RN, and NP will have to take and pass a board-certified exam, then apply for state licensure. Something to keep in mind is that NP’s must periodically retest and renew their licenses over the course of their career.
Other High-Demand Careers in Healthcare
Physician Assistant
With a projected job demand increase of 27% over the next ten years, and a high starting salary range of around $130,00 per year, becoming a physician assistant is another sound choice for employment in healthcare. Physician assistants help to examine, diagnose, and treat patients while under the supervision of physicians.
Dental Hygienist
While not the most impressive projected growth rate at around 7%, there is still a demand for dental hygienists. A solid starting salary of about $100,00, and steady, predictable work environments makes this an involved but rewarding job.
Midwife
As the primary caretaker to assist women and their families in pregnancy and all the decisions that come with it, a good midwife is an important role. Nurse-midwives help OB/GYNs to develop treatment plans, monitor, and diagnose patient issues. The 38% projected job demand means that there are going to be plenty of openings for people who have an interest in this rewarding work.
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Guest Author Bio
Sarah Daren
With a Bachelor’s in Health Science along with an MBA, Sarah Daren has a wealth of knowledge within both the health and business sectors. Her expertise in scaling and identifying ways tech can improve the lives of others has led Sarah to be a consultant for a number of startup businesses, most prominently in the wellness industry, wearable technology and health education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life with a focus on making America a healthier and safer place for future generations to come.
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