11 Reasons to Consider Pursuing Work in Health Care

Updated 9 June 2023

There are many reasons pursuing a career in the healthcare industry can offer you personal satisfaction and professional fulfilment. These reasons include the prospect of earning a high salary and the possibility of travelling and working in desirable destinations. Considering a list of reasons to pursue a career in health care may help you determine whether this is an industry that's right for you. In this article, we provide a detailed list of reasons to work in health care and briefly describe what the healthcare industry is.

11 reasons to work in health care

Here are 11 positive reasons to pursue work in health care:

1. Earning potential

Pursuing a career in the healthcare industry can provide you with the opportunity to earn a satisfying salary, especially if you decide to gain employment in a hospital or government organisation. This can be an enticing reason if you're someone who's motivated by the prospect of earning enough money to buy your own home and car, take regular holidays to desirable destinations or create a financially comfortable life for your family. Although salary expectations differ depending on your healthcare role, there are typically many opportunities available in this industry for career advancement and substantial earning potential.

2. Employment opportunities

The demand for healthcare professionals is increasing as the population continues to grow. As a result, you may find greater employment opportunities in your desired healthcare field. For example, with an increased life expectancy in the modern world, population ageing can create more jobs for aged care professionals.

You might want to pursue a career in health care but don't wish to undertake extensive university or vocational training. If this describes your situation, many entry-level opportunities are available for people interested in on-the-job training. For example, you might consider a job as a physical therapy assistant, dental assistant or medical secretary.

3. Job satisfaction

As a healthcare professional, you can positively impact the health and wellness of patients and clients. For example, you might be a physical therapist responsible for providing patients with exercise programs to help them reduce joint or muscle pain. Alternatively, you might decide to pursue a career as a nurse, where you may care for numerous patients daily by treating their specific health conditions and offering them emotional support. Knowing you participate in an industry that promotes positive health habits may fill you with professional purpose and job satisfaction.

4. Available positions at varying education levels

Whether you have a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCE) or a master's degree in a specialised medical field, the healthcare industry has many positions available to suit your educational background. For example, with a master's degree in mathematics, you could pursue employment as a biostatistician. Alternatively, you might be a recent high school graduate with no degree, in which case you could gain a job as a medical administrative assistant or a pharmacy assistant.

5. Meeting unique people

By pursuing a career in the healthcare industry, you may have many opportunities to meet various people from diverse backgrounds. These people, whether other healthcare professionals or patients and clients, can positively impact your career and personal life. For example, you may have the chance to perform duties under the guidance of experienced and knowledgeable professionals in your chosen field. This could lead to lifelong relationships in which you learn valuable information that accelerates your professional growth and leads to development opportunities.

6. Suitable jobs for different personality types

Because the healthcare industry comprises a variety of unique jobs and workplace environments, many career options are available to suit your specific personality type. For example, you might be extroverted and have a strong interest in people and engaging in social interactions. If this describes you, you may find a career as a nurse, social worker or physiotherapist deeply rewarding, as these jobs typically involve connecting with patients and clients.

By contrast, you might be more introverted and prefer to perform professional duties alone rather than with a team. If this description aligns with your character, you could consider a career as an X-ray technician, MRI technologist or medical equipment repairer.

Related: Guide: 16 Personality Types

7. Many fields from which to choose

Because there are so many fields in the medical industry, there's a wide array of options available from which to choose a career that aligns with your interests and aspirations. For example, if you're interested in specialising in medicine, you could pursue a career as a doctor, nurse or dentist. You may wish to focus on medical research instead, where there are numerous roles available you may find fulfilling, such as a microbiologist or biomedical scientist. Having many such options open to you is an excellent reason to consider a career in health care.

8. Engaging working environments

While many industries require professionals to perform repetitive tasks daily, the healthcare industry is unique in that it can offer you the chance to experience something novel each day. For example, a healthcare professional working in a hospital or surgery treats various patients with distinct ailments, which requires them to use their expertise to solve a new set of challenges daily. Because of this, if you're someone who's searching for an exciting career, choosing a profession in the healthcare industry can be an excellent choice.

9. Flexible schedules

Because many healthcare professionals, such as consultants and nurses, perform services during the day and at night, pursuing a career in one of these fields can offer you flexible schedules. For example, you might prefer to keep your days freed up to pursue hobbies or courses that aren't available in the evenings. In this situation, working as a registered nurse could allow you the flexibility to perform night shifts, affording you the time to pursue your interests during the day.

Another healthcare profession that can offer great flexibility is a home care aide. There can be many clients in this industry who only require professional care a few days each week. Others may even establish a routine with you whereby once you've finished your duties, you're finished for the day rather than leaving at a set time. This can leave the rest of the day or week for you to pursue other interests.

10. Career development opportunities

Many healthcare businesses provide their employees with continuous training and development opportunities. This is often to ensure patients are receiving the best possible care and the organisation's healthcare providers are up to date on new technologies and best practices. If you strongly value learning and self-improvement, this can be an excellent reason to pursue a career in health care.

11. Opportunities to travel

All around the world, from major cities to regional areas, there's typically a demand for healthcare services. Because of this, gaining the requisite qualifications and pursuing a career in your chosen healthcare field can offer you the chance to perform your profession almost anywhere. This can be an excellent opportunity if you aspire to travel, explore landmarks and acquaint yourself with unfamiliar cultures and customs while also earning a salary and progressing in your career.

What is the healthcare industry?

The healthcare industry comprises many sectors that provide services and products to treat patients, prevent illnesses and offer rehabilitative and palliative care. Professionals in this industry include researchers, technicians, therapists of various kinds, surgeons and physicians, such as plastic surgeons and dentists, and those who perform services in medical laboratories. The industry also comprises professionals concerned with financial management, which can involve helping hospitals and health organisations monitor internal spending and generate income.