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By Clarence Wilkins
It isn’t uncommon to want to change careers in your late 20s, 30s, or 40s. In fact, CNBC reports that the average age at which people switch careers is 39. Those who have left the traditional workplace to become a stay-at-home parent may decide as their children start to get older that returning to work is the right option for their life circumstances. Instead of jumping back into the same field, many individuals will return to school to begin an entirely new career path.
If you are a stay-at-home parent who is considering starting a career in healthcare, review these helpful tips from Family Connections Coaching.
Research career paths and degree programs
The field of healthcare is brimming with opportunities. With so many areas of study and expertise, the possibilities for your new career are truly endless. Nurses in particular are in high demand and can thrive in today’s field.
That is why it is essential to research career paths and degree programs of interest. Explore all possible options before settling on your final choice. If you haven’t been in school for a long while or if you remain undecided about what field is right for you, this is a fantastic place to start.
Once you’ve completed the program, you can go on to others such as basic nursing assistant training. Plus, as the American Association of Medical Assistants notes, medical assistants are in high demand, which is fantastic for post-graduation employment. No matter what you choose, be sure that it is something you could see yourself doing for the long-term.
As you build your skillset, be sure you keep your resume updated. You’ll need it as you apply for internships and when you finally land the interview with a prospective employer. Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to create one by using free, online resume templates that allow you to enter all your information and choose from a number of different designs and color schemes. By using such a tool, you’re able to quickly download your completed resume so you can either print it out or send in digital form to whomever needs to see your creds.
Establish a schedule that works for you and your family
Adding school to the mix of everything you do at home can be tricky at first. Obviously, time management is crucial. If you already feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to complete your duties, it may seem like going back to school isn’t a feasible option.
Thankfully, with the flexibility offered in many degree programs these days, balancing parenting, household duties, being a partner, and schooling is possible. Before enrolling in a degree program, decide how you would want your days to flow. Do you only want to attend classes on specific days? Would the morning, afternoon, or evening be best for homework assignments? Planning a mock schedule will further help you choose the school and degree program with options that are right for you.
Earn your degree online for added flexibility
If in-person classes are a definite no-go for your schedule, don’t worry. You can opt to go back to school for a healthcare-related degree fully online. Doing this will give you an added layer of flexibility that isn’t possible with in-person classes.
By earning your online degree in healthcare, you can develop a host of relevant skills and experiences. Online programs include healthcare information management, nursing, health service coordination, and health leadership.
Take classes at a pace that suits your needs
When you become a new student, don’t feel like you need to take on a full course load. Although you may be tempted to do whatever you can to get through your chosen program quickly, you don’t want to overwhelm yourself (especially at the beginning).
In your first few semesters, take classes at a pace that is right for you. If in doubt, sign up for fewer class hours to err on the side of caution. Becoming overloaded with the responsibilities of life and school could put you at risk for dropping out of your program. Whether you take 10 credit hours or just two, your class schedule should revolve around your life and goals.
Another important thing to remember is how capable you are. Having confidence and a positive mindset going into your program can do wonders for your grades, mood, and motivation.
Family Connections Coaching partners with those who want to elevate their commitment to developing themselves, to lead with wisdom and love, at home and work. Set up your free consultation today!