Electronic Health Reporter

Forging a successful career is never easy, especially when so many industries are impacted by uncertainty and economic instability. But, one sector that is always in demand is the healthcare industry, which is predicted to grow even further in the coming years. This expected growth is mainly attributed to an increasingly large aging population. The increase in the elderly population is expected to fuel the development of the healthcare sector by 15 percent from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

The social assistance and healthcare industry employs the largest number of people in the United States, employing more than 20 million workers. This figure demonstrates how crucial the role of healthcare employees is throughout the United States and why forging a career in this sector could be an excellent choice for your long-term career prospects.

As the above figures show, jobs in the healthcare industry continue to be a great choice of employment. But, if you are currently working in a non-clinical role in a health care setting, you may be wondering how to boost your career progression further. While the career path of healthcare professionals working in clinical roles is pretty clear cut, advancement in a non-clinical role is not always as straightforward. If you are feeling stuck in your current position and want to begin propelling your career forward towards greater success, there are a few ways you can do this. Here are some of the ways you can boost your career progression in the healthcare sector:

Discuss Your Options

If you are struggling to decide which direction to take your healthcare career, it is helpful to gather as much information as possible. Getting an idea of all the different career options that are available to you is the first step toward making a plan for your progression. Sometimes the next step on the career ladder does not seem obvious, and you may be concerned that you have reached a plateau in your progression. If this is the case, you may find it helpful to discuss your options with your direct manager to gain their opinions on possible progression routes. Sometimes, simply letting people know you want to progress is enough to open up possibilities for you.

Look for Fast-Track Programs

If you are the type of person that prefers to follow a clear path and know exactly where they are headed, then a fast-track program could be an excellent option. Finding out whether your workplace offers a fast-track progression program for non-clinical workers could prove extremely helpful. Some settings may offer promising employees with management potential the opportunity to enter fast-track programs. It is likely you will need to meet a number of minimum requirements in terms of education and experience to be accepted into a program. You may need a bachelor’s degree and a few years of experience working in healthcare to gain entry to the program, so it is worth checking the entry requirements to see if there is anything more you need to do before you apply.

Join a Mentoring Scheme

Does your workplace have a mentoring scheme? If so, you may want to take advantage of this to help you drive your career forward. If an official mentoring scheme is not already in place, you may wish to speak with your manager about your interest in finding a mentor to help you develop your career.

Having a mentor has many advantages and offers you the opportunity to gain support while trying to move your career to the next stage. Your mentor should be able to provide you with honest feedback that helps you to improve your knowledge and skills. A mentor may be able to help you prepare for job interviews by working on your interview technique. Your mentor will also be able to suggest opportunities that aid your professional development and may put you forward for additional roles and responsibilities to increase your experience.

Boost Your Qualifications

One of the most helpful ways to improve your chances of achieving your next promotion is to boost your qualifications. Gaining relevant qualifications in your chosen field can launch your career prospects to the next level and set you on a clear trajectory towards success. Of course, how much benefit you gain from your qualification depends on how well regarded the qualification is within your industry and also how relevant it is to your chosen career. If you are looking for a non-clinical healthcare qualification that fits these requirements, you may want to consider studying for an online masters in health administration (MHA). The MHA is designed specifically for those wishing to pursue a non-clinical role in healthcare administration and seeking out leadership-level positions in their future careers.

Gaining a recognized qualification such as the MHA can provide many benefits. For starters, it enables you to select electives that meet your specific area of interest and focus your studies on these, which will benefit your career. Secondly, gaining the MHA will provide you with the knowledge that enables you to perform your job with additional expertise and insight you would not otherwise have. Lastly, achieving an MHA will help to set you apart from the other candidates when applying for roles and give you a distinct advantage.

Volunteer Your Time

Building a career that is successful in the long term is not just about being successful at job interviews. To establish a truly successful career path, you also need to raise your profile in the workplace and to make yourself known. Displaying a positive attitude to work and a willingness to perform your role to the best of your ability is crucial. One way to build your presence in the office is to volunteer your time and show an eagerness to take on additional tasks. Showing that you are willing to help out and take a step beyond your current role will ensure you get noticed and will help you to gain plenty of valuable experience in the process.