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20 MIN READ

Is Healthcare
a Good Career Path?

Have you thought about a career in healthcare, but you’re not sure if it’s the right choice?

Healthcare professionals are more critical now than ever before. Registered nurses, respiratory therapists, hospital administrators, certified nursing assistants, nurse educators, public health directors and more are imperative to the health and well-being of communities.

There is an abundance of job opportunities in healthcare, but it’s also a rewarding and meaningful career that allows you to make an impact on people’s lives.

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A Brief History of Healthcare Careers

It wasn’t until the Civil War when the United States implemented organized nursing training in response to the number of casualties from the war, according to the National Women’s History Museum.

As more nurse training programs were established and the number of nurses grew in the late nineteenth century, regulations and licensing systems were established.

Both World Wars created a larger demand for nurses. Nurse specialties, such as nurse anesthetists, also began to take shape during this time, according to the University of Pennsylvania.

CivilWarNursing
Nurse

Many allied health professions evolved from a demand in the healthcare system, especially during the World Wars when physicians needed assistance caring for wounded soldiers, according to the National Institutes of Health.

By the 1960’s, nurse education evolved and colleges began offering bachelor’s degrees in nursing to better prepare nurses and allow them to take on more advanced roles in healthcare.

The term “allied health” wasn’t commonly used until after the 1980’s.

Did You Know...

Florence Nightingale, a British nurse, statistician and social reformer, is best known as the founder of modern nursing.

Did You Know...

Mary Mahoney was the first credentialed black nurse, graduating in 1879. She led the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses, which was established in 1908.

Did You Know...

The healthcare industry is the country’s top employer.

Did You Know...

Nurses walk an average of four to five miles per 12-hour shift.

Did You Know...

About 40% of nurses don’t work in hospitals.

The future of Healthcare as a Career

Employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 16 percent by 2030, adding about 2.6 million jobs in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The projected growth is due to an aging population, more access to health insurance through government programs, a renewed focus on preventative care and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The healthcare industry will experience more job growth than any other sector in the next 10 years, according to Forbes.

NursingToday

Top 10 Healthcare Careers

Top 10 Healthcare Jobs

Download

Nurse Practitioner

1

Healthcare Manager

2

Physical Therapist Assistant

3

Respiratory Therapist

4

Phlebotomist

5

Occupational Therapist

6

Sonographer

7

Radiologic Technology

8

Registered Nurse

9

Certified Nursing Assistant

10

Many healthcare jobs are in demand right now. Hospitals and clinics are in need of skilled nurses, respiratory therapists, certified nursing assistants, occupational therapists, healthcare managers and more.

Choosing the right healthcare career may seem daunting. There are many job options between nursing, allied health and healthcare management.

As you determine which healthcare career is right for you, consider where you’d like to work, what type of hours you want to work, whether you want to work directly with patients, how much education you want to get and how much money you’d like to earn.

Average Salary in Healthcare

Healthcare jobs are in demand, which means many hospitals, clinics and healthcare providers are offering competitive salaries.

The median annual wage for healthcare practitioners and technical occupations was $75,040 in May 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median salary for healthcare occupations is much higher than the median annual salary for all other occupations in the United States.

Salaries in healthcare occupations depend on your level of education, your degree, where you live, special certifications, years of experience and more.

Career Growth Potential

Working in healthcare means that you’ll have many opportunities for career advancement.

If you start out with a certificate to be a certified nursing assistant, phlebotomist or pharmacy technician, you can go on to earn your associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing, allied health or healthcare management.

Those who earn their bachelor’s degree can pursue master’s or doctoral degrees in nursing, occupational therapy, education or healthcare management.

Whatever path you choose, you’ll be able to grow your knowledge base, skill set and earning potential.

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Healthcare Career Guide

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Average Base Salary
$59,450
Entry Level
Average Base Salary
$77,600
Mid Career
Average Base Salary
$120,250
Experienced
*Median annual salaries for registered nurses, according to the
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Why is a Career in Nursing so popular

Nursing is a rewarding career that allows you to help people in their time of need. While working as a nurse could mean providing direct patient care, there are a variety of job options and opportunities for nurses.

A nursing degree allows you to pursue jobs in your area of interest. Whether you imagine yourself as a clinical nurse, a nursing school professor, a nursing scientist, a researcher, a public health nurse or a nurse practitioner, earning a degree in nursing will help you get there.

Between 2020 and 2030

Employment for nurses is expected to grow 9%

according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

While the demand for nurses will continue to increase, nurses have the opportunity to gain more education or specialty certifications to grow in their career.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says registered nurses made a median annual salary of $77,600. Nurses with a master’s degree or doctor of nursing practice degree can earn more. The average median salary for nurse practitioners was $123,780 in 2021.

The job opportunities, job growth and competitive salary are among the reasons why nursing is ranked as one of the best healthcare jobs and one of the best jobs overall in the U.S., according to U.S. News and World Reports.

Before you begin researching nursing programs, find out about the 6 Myths About Nursing School.

Choosing a Healthcare School

Whether you’re a first time student or you are going back to school, choosing the right healthcare college is an important decision.

Scheduling a campus visit or scheduling a time to talk with an admissions coordinator are the best ways to learn about a college and ask questions.

Some questions you may want to ask include:
  • Is the school accredited?
  • What are the prerequisites? Will my credits transfer?
  • How long is your program of interest?
  • What is the cost of tuition?
  • Are there financial aid opportunities?
  • What type of preceptorship opportunities are there?
  • What types of student organizations or activities are offered?

Once you’ve visited campus, you can determine whether you feel comfortable in the environment and with the staff, faculty and students.

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Private School vs State School

Private colleges rely on student tuition, alumni donations and donor endowments to fund academic programs, building updates and day-to-day operations. Private colleges can be for-profit or nonprofit. According to Best Colleges, nonprofit colleges generally have a better reputation than for-profit schools.

The differences between private schools and public schools include cost, program offerings, research opportunities, financial aid, campus life and class size.

Public colleges and universities are mainly funded by state governments.

Private colleges often have more funds available to provide financial aid to students because of endowment funds.

Public colleges are usually larger in size with less one-on-one interaction between students and faculty.

Why Private College

14:1
Student to
Faculty Ratio
95
Student to
NCLEX Pass Rate*
94
Placement in
Top Choice
Preceptorships**
1:1
Job Coaching

*Students who passed the first time in 2021 at Nebraska Methodist College.

**Spring 2022 graduating Bachelor of Nursing students at Nebraska Methodist College placed in top three choices for preceptorships.

Understanding Costs

Figuring out the costs associated with college can be stressful. But by understanding the cost of college ahead of time, you’ll feel more confident and be less likely to have unexpected financial obligations.

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Healthcare Career Guide

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When you go to college, you’ll have to pay for:
  • Tuition and fees
  • Housing
  • Books and supplies
  • Personal expenses
  • Transportation

About Nebraska Methodist College

Are you a first time college student or are you ready to go back to school? Nebraska Methodist College (NMC) is where students learn to live with meaning and create positive change in the world.

An accredited, private, not-for-profit nursing and healthcare college, NMC offers outstanding graduate, undergraduate and certificate programs in nursing, allied health and healthcare management.

With an enrollment of approximately 1,200 students, the NMC campus is a close-knit community where students receive caring support.

The College was established in 1891.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at NMC

NMC’s Center for Diversity and Community Engagement works to strengthen the College’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

As an institution educating future healthcare professionals, NMC is dedicated to preparing students to enter their professional practice capable of providing care with respect and equity to diverse populations.

 

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Healthcare Programs at NMC

Select Program

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program gives you the skills needed to provide essential care to patients. Choose from a four-week on-campus program or a six-week hybrid program.

Student Nursing Assistant Program

Student Nursing Assistant Program

The five-week hybrid Student Nursing Assistant Program allows you to become a certified nursing assistant for free with a two-year commitment to work at Methodist Hospital.

Certified Medication Aide (CMA)

Certified Medication Aide (CMA)

As a Certified Medication Aide (CMA), you’ll learn the roles, responsibilities and skills needed to safely administer medication to patients. The 40 hour course can be completed in three weeks with classes offered on weekends.

Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree allows you to gain the foundation that you need for a career as a registered nurse. A BSN program will give you experience working with diverse patients in a variety of settings to prepare you for a career in healthcare.

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

If you’re ready to jump right into your career in nursing, the 12-month accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is for you.

You must have an associate or bachelor’s degree to be admitted to this program.

Master of Science in Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing

A Master of Science in Nursing Degree allows you to develop skills and knowledge that can help you advance your career in leadership, education or informatics.

RN to MSN and BSN to MSN options are available. You can also choose a track to earn your master’s degree with a specialization as a care coordinator, nurse educator, nurse executive or nurse informaticist.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Doctor of Nursing Practice

A Doctor of Nursing Practice allows you to study advanced nursing practices and build leadership skills. You can choose whether to become a family nurse practitioner, an adult gerontology nurse or work in public health policy.

Phlebotomy

Phlebotomy

A nine-week phlebotomy hybrid course combines online learning and on-campus laboratory work followed by a three-week clinical experience. Students come to campus three hours each week for hands-on learning. After the course, students are eligible to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification examination enabling them to be a certified phlebotomy technician.

Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy Technician

A 10-week hybrid course combines online modules and in-person skills laboratory work along with experiential training at local pharmacies. Students who complete all course requirements and have a cumulative grade of 80% or higher receive the Nebraska Pharmacy Technician Certification. After completion of the course, students take the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam.

Sterile Processing Technician

Sterile Processing Technician

A six-week online course with hands-on clinicals at Methodist Hospital prepares students to become sterile processing technicians. Students who complete the course receive a certificate and can take the Sterile Processing Technician exam through the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution, Inc.

Cardiovascular Sonography

Cardiovascular Sonography

An associate of science degree in cardiovascular sonography is a 21-month program. A bachelor of science in cardiovascular sonography is a four-year program. The first two years of the program are on campus, the third year combines online coursework with clinical fieldwork and the fourth year is online.

Completion of either program makes students eligible to take the adult echocardiography and vascular technology exams administered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.

Multispecialty Sonography

Multispecialty Sonography

An associate of science degree in multispecialty sonography is a 21-month program. The program provides students with the knowledge and hands-on clinical training to become a certified sonographer.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

The bachelor of science in diagnostic medical sonography is a traditional four-year program that includes hands-on learning in high-tech labs, helping improve skills and confidence.

Clinical rotations expose students to diverse populations, facilities and technology.

Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical Therapist Assistant

In 21-months, students can earn a physical therapist assistant associate’s degree. Students gain experience by practicing physical therapy procedures in a clinical setting and learn to provide care specified by a physical therapist.

Radiologic Technology

Radiologic Technology

Radiologic technology requires a two-year associate's degree. The program provides a liberal arts foundation and professional training. Hands-on experience in clinical settings is needed.

Respiratory Care

Respiratory Care

A respiratory care associate’s degree program is 24 months and includes the study of human physiology and the cardiopulmonary system. Students learn critical thinking and communication skills, patient assessment skills, disease management protocols and care plan development.

Surgical Technology

Surgical Technology

An associate’s degree in surgical technology is a 21-month program and allows students to work one-on-one with experienced instructors to develop professional skills in patient care, surgical technology and communication. In the final semester, students take the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam.

Imaging Sciences

Imaging Sciences

Students can earn a bachelor of science degree in imaging sciences with a three-year dual-degree option on-campus or a degree completion for associate degree graduates. Students can specialize their degree with courses in CT, MRI or mammography.

Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory Therapy

A bachelor’s degree is the future of the profession as determined by the American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC). A bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy features a curriculum that supports the changing role of the respiratory therapist and includes content in health promotion, health education, leadership, case management and healthcare policy.

At NMC, students can enroll in the RRT to BSRT program or the dual degree AS + BS program.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy

The master’s program in occupational therapy at NMC combines classroom learning, research assignments, lab work and fieldwork teaching in an on-campus and online hybrid format over 24 months.

Healthcare Management

Healthcare Management

A Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management allows students to learn business skills and healthcare knowledge to effectively manage clinical and non-clinical settings. This degree is for those aspiring to lead, with a curriculum that’s focused on healthcare administration and leadership. This program is 100% online and can be completed in four years.

Master of Business Administration in Healthcare

Master of Business Administration in Healthcare

A Master of Business Administration in Healthcare provides graduates with the leadership and management skills they need to work at the executive level in healthcare. Courses focus on health services delivery and creating leaders who anticipate change and stand at the forefront of a new healthcare management model. The program can be completed in 24 months and is 100% online.

Doctor of Education in Education and Leadership in Healthcare

Doctor of Education in Education and Leadership in Healthcare

An Education and Leadership in Healthcare Doctorate allows students to develop expertise in transforming organizational culture through relationship building, reflection, education, organizational awareness and accountability. This online program can be completed in 24 months as a full-time student and 36 months as a part-time student.

Doctor of Education in Public Health Policy

Doctor of Education in Public Health Policy

A Doctor of Education in Public Health Policy is for those who want to be leaders who can influence change through population and public health initiatives and health policy. This online program can be completed in 24 months as a full-time student and 36 months as a part-time student.

About the NMC Campus

The Nebraska Methodist College - Josie Harper Campus is an intimate campus with modern classrooms, laboratories and study spaces.

Josie’s Village, NMC’s student housing, is located close to campus allowing students to commute in just a couple of minutes without driving.

Easily accessible in central Omaha, NE, the campus has convenient parking that is free to all students.

NMC Campus
Library and Resource Center

Library and Resource Center (LARC)

Study or relax. The LARC features modern study areas, private meeting spaces, cozy places to lounge and access to hardcopy, online and inter-library resources.

WellnessCenter-786A3546

Wellness Engagement (WE) Center

The modern fitness center features cardio and strength training equipment, a group fitness studio, a touchscreen on demand fitness mirror, towel service, massage chairs, personal lockers and more.

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Josie’s Village Student Housing

Fully furnished, one- and two- bedroom apartments include free internet, on-site laundry, parking and utilities. All students on campus have access to the swimming pool at Josie’s Village.

TestingCenter

Accessible Testing Center

Need accommodations during tests? Here you’ll find individual testing spaces with noise canceling panels, white noise, ear plugs, fidget toys and more.

DejaBrew-786A4341

Deja Brew and Micro Market

Fuel your day with a campus favorite, like a croissant breakfast sandwich. Breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks are available for purchase.

Patio-786A1226

Outdoor Patio

Take your studying outside and enjoy some sunshine or take a break and relax by the fire pit.

AnatomyLab-AnatomageTable-786A1650

Cadaver Lab

NMC’s cadaver lab provides students with the unique opportunity to learn physiology concepts from preserved human bodies.

SIM -Lab-786A9536

Simulation Labs

NMC has four hospital-room modeled simulation labs with medical manikins that simulate real-life medical situations.

Want to learn more about NMC?

Interested in learning more about our healthcare degree programs,
applying to NMC or transferring credits?

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Schedule a Visit