If you have a passion for helping others and want to be in the healthcare field, there are an abundance of opportunities outside of becoming a nurse or a doctor. Too often, when people talk about wanting to get into the healthcare field, they are pushed towards nursing or medical school. While those are both needed and admirable professionals, there are so many more areas of need within healthcare that people can find fulfilling careers.
1. Meditation Instructor
Many people associate meditation with religious practices. However, meditation is practiced by people of all spiritual and non-spiritual beliefs. Additionally, the health benefits of meditation have been proven to help all individuals who practice consistently. Those who practice meditation on a regular basis have been shown to have lower blood pressure, sleep better, and have an increased ability to regulate their emotions.
This does not mean people who meditate don’t feel anger, sadness or struggle with negative emotions. It simply means they have a tool that can be used to improve their reaction to situations. Depression and anger treatment may involve medication including an antidepressant, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other mental health services, and these are all important treatments as well. Meditation is one of many health services that can improve mental health and provide patients with an additional tool to use when they are feeling panic, anger, sadness, or depression symptoms. Becoming a certified meditation instructor will allow you to work with people individually or in a group setting to walk them through the process and gain confidence in their meditation practices.
2. Ultrasound Technician
Ultrasound technicians are in high demand because they are utilized in so many different areas of healthcare. Becoming a technician requires a minimum of an associate’s degree, which can be earned in a period of two years. You can work within a hospital, medical facility, doctor’s office, or traveling. There are many organizations that offer ultrasound services to areas without the needed facilities. During training, you will learn how to use a portable ultra sound probe, as well as how to see and understand the ultrasound images that are created. You’ll learn how to use a variety of different tools, including the portable ultrasound and ultrasound probe. Ultrasound images appear blurry and fuzzy to those that do not know what they are looking at. While it will be up to the doctor to communicate findings with the patient, the ultrasound technician will know what they are looking at.
3. Project Management Professional
A project management professional is an individual trained and certified in the area of project management. That may seem self-explanatory, but a project manager can apply their skills to nearly any industry. With PMP certification online classes, you can start a career within healthcare as a project manager working for a hospital, clinic, or healthcare group. There is no limit to the number, size, or type of projects that may need to be managed. Projects may include fundraising events, educational or networking events, appreciation events, banquets, job fairs, and more. As a project manager, you will have the tools and understanding to effectively network, budget, create a timeline and proposal, and execute the proposal within budget. You’ll understand operation management and be able to run programs accordingly. The PMP certification classes are online and can be taken on your schedule. The certification exam will also be online, so you can complete it from the comfort of your home. You’ll receive a professional certificate, which will show your credentials. Enrollment in a project management class is the first step to a new career in the healthcare field.
4. Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS)
A CPRS is an individual with personal experience living with and overcoming a substance use disorder and/or mental health issues. The individual can take series of classes and examinations in order to become certified. They can then work in a variety of settings including recovery community organizations for those struggling with addiction or within behavioral health settings for those struggling with mental health. These positions provide individuals with an opportunity to use their own lived experiences to help others. The certification exam is offered online, and practice questions are provided. The educational requirements are reasonable and easily accessible.
Those living with an anxiety disorder, major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or a generally depressed mood can benefit from working with both a meditation instructor and a CPRS. In addition to traditional behavioral health approaches including medication and therapy, non-traditional mental health tools like meditation and peer support are evidenced-based approaches and support by major research foundations including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Negative thoughts, loss of interest, helplessness, self esteem, self-compassion, and anger issues are all things that can be worked on with a CPRS or a meditation instructor. While they do not take the place of a licensed therapist, they offer a safe and effective alternative or addition to other forms of behavioral health treatment.
