Career Pathway:
Healthcare
The healthcare industry by the numbers:
Employs
209,510
people in the Metro Atlanta area
Accounts for
8%
of all jobs in the Metro Atlanta area
20,971
entry-level job postings in the past 12 months
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, 4/14/2021 [www.bls.gov/oes/]
Industry Overview
- Healthcare is the largest industry in the US and jobs are projected to grow more than any other industry.
- Healthcare job growth within the Atlanta Metro region is projected to be even faster than the national average.
- Many jobs don't require a bachelor's degree and pay family sustaining wages with good benefits.
Essential Skills
Healthcare careers can be a calling or something you are truly interested in exploring. Healthcare workers have a strong desire to help others and find satisfaction in their career when they are using their essential skills to care for people. Responsibilities and expectations of roles within the healthcare field include:
- Advocating for Others
- Cleaning
- Communication
- Computer Literarcy
- Customer Service
- Detail Oriented
- Decision Making
- Empathy/Compassion
- Organizational Skills
- Patient Care
- Physical Abilities
- Positive Attitude
- Problem Solving
- Professionalism
- Setting Priorities
- Teamwork
- Time Management
- Work Ethic
Common Career Pathway
Find more information on occupations within the healthcare industry based on education level below.
Certficate (4-6 weeks)
Occupation
Nursing Assistants
Median Annual Wage
$28,300
Certficate (3-4 months)
Occupation
Medical Assistant
Median Annual Wage
$35,600
Occupation
EMT
Median Annual Wage
$37,200
Diploma (1 year)
Occupation
Paramedic
Median Annual Wage
$37,400
Occupation
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Median Annual Wage
$46,000
Associates Degree (2 years)
Occupation
Registered Nurses (ASN)
Entry Level Wage
$56,300
Bachelors Degree (4 years)
Occupation
Registered Nurses (BSN)
Median Annual Wage
$74,300
How do I start my career in Healthcare?
Do Some Research
- Assess your interests, aptitudes, skills, personality and preferences.
- Getting to know yourself helps you match your interest and skills to different careers.
- Use ONETonline.org to learn about various careers.
Expand your Network
- Join a professional organization and take advantage of social media like Linkedln.
- Volunteer at a local hospital or assisted living facility.
- Use your network to help you learn about career pathways, educational opportunities, and job responsibilities and expectations.
Get Training
- Many healthcare jobs don’t require a bachelor’s degree.
- Check out WorksourceGAportal.com for a list of eligible training providers to get started in your healthcare career.
Where can I work?
Hospitals
Nearly every job in healthcare is represented at hospitals. Being in a hospital environment is a great way to get acquainted with new specialties and work environments you may be curious about.
Physician Offices
Physician Offices usually offer a “normal” schedule of 9-5 and 5-days a week without requiring nights or weekends. Patients are well enough to bring themselves to a physician office and may simply require vaccinations or adjustment of medications.
Home Healthcare Services
Home Healthcare providers work independently in a setting within the community with a focus on coordination of care. Keeping patients safe at home, avoiding hospitalizations, and helping them regain their health and self-sufficiency are at the heart of home healthcare service.
Nursing Care Facilities
Nursing care facilities rely on teams of different professionals to collectively take care of residents. Many patients in skilled nursing facilities have deteriorating diseases and require comfort until end of life.
Outpatient Clinics
Outpatient clinics and urgent care centers are other places that people go to receive care. Ambulatory clinics/centers are medical facilities that perform procedures and treatments but do not require an overnight stay. Urgent care centers provide treatment for minor emergencies, illness, and injuries including laboratory and X-ray testing.
Top healthcare employers hiring entry-level talent
Source: Burning Glass Technologies. "Labor Insight Real-Time Labor Market Information Tool." 4/30/21
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