5 Questions to Ask Before Making a Switch into Healthcare

Maya Angelou once said, "I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as 'making a life'." If your passion and fulfilment lie in making a difference in the lives of others, being a Healthcare professional may be a suitable career for you. But before you take the leap, here are five questions to ask yourself.

Do I Have Qualities That Suit A Career In Healthcare?

A career in Healthcare is rewarding. However, it does require a certain disposition and some key attributes. If you are wondering whether a career in Healthcare is right for you, taking a self-assessment tool such as the RIASEC test is useful.

Typically, individuals with stronger social interests who enjoy helping and engaging with people will thrive well in Healthcare. Individuals with the Holland code of SA will find careers such as counseling (SAI), psychology (SIA) or hands-on work such as healthcare or caretaking fulfilling.

[What should your ideal career be? Take the RIASEC test to find out if Healthcare is for you!]

I’m New To Healthcare. How Can I Bridge The Skills Gap?

Dealing with change can be intimidating. For individuals looking to reskill and enter the Healthcare industry, there are programmes to help you transit smoothly. Catered specially for mid-career switchers, a myriad of healthcare programmes are available on MySkillsFuture to choose from.

How Do My Skills And Strengths Match Up?

Every career requires a different set of skills and even personality traits. Regardless of the role you land in, being in the Healthcare field involves working around patients and other Healthcare professionals.

That said, most roles will expect attributes such as empathy, interpersonal, problem-solving skills, and a strong work ethic. In a detail-oriented field like Healthcare, attention to detail is key.

From filing paperwork to interacting with and taking care of patients, most Healthcare jobs entail a great deal of responsibility and trust. After all, Healthcare professionals play a vital role in the well-being and lives of patients.

[Looking to brush up on your skills? Put your SkillsFuture Credit to good use and discover more courses in Healthcare now!]

[For more information on the skills and training required for the Healthcare sector, check out the Skills Framework for Healthcare]

What Specific Roles Am I Interested In?

The demand for Healthcare is expected to remain resilient amid the tumultuous economy. The Ministry of Health estimates that by 2021, the sector will create about 7,500 jobs and 1,600 traineeships, attachments and skills training opportunities to meet the population’s needs. These include various jobs in both nursing and allied health care tracks, ranging from Therapy Assistants, Healthcare Aiders, Pharmacists, Community Care to Managerial positions. The plethora of roles available within Healthcare provides good ground for exploration before you settle on one.

[Check out this handy infographic to learn more about the hottest career tracks, important skills and top hirers in Healthcare!]

[Unsure of the pathways to take? Consider speaking to a Skills Ambassador to guide you through.] 

What Are My Motivations In Pursuing A Healthcare Career?

Working in Healthcare may not be everyone’s cup of tea. One requirement could be shift work, which might mean longer or irregular working hours. However, it is also a sector with growth opportunities. Besides touching lives, this highly meaningful career equips you with valuable soft skills, such as communication, that are important in any career.

As with a career switch into any sector, you should consider your motivations and aspirations before making a final decision - but one point is important, do not let these considerations hinder you in taking the first step into upskilling and reskilling!

In fact, as Dale Carnegie puts it, "The person who goes farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare. The sure-thing boat never gets far from the shore." Consider these five questions before you embark on a profession in Healthcare, and chances will be higher that you can transit smoothly and have a rewarding career in the long run.