There’s no doubt that military members acquire a number of useful and effective skills during their time in service. After separation from the military, however, many veterans may face difficulty choosing their new path in life. Though it may not be obvious, military experience offers an excellent segue into medical training. Both fields require many of the same skills and character traits, and there are several reasons that veterans may want to consider careers in healthcare.
Healthcare is one of the most reliable job sectors in our country. Good doctors, nurses, paramedics, laboratory technicians, and other healthcare support jobs are always in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected that healthcare will demonstrate the fastest job growth of all industries. Unlike other types of employment, healthcare is one field that can never become obsolete.
Many of the characteristics that military experience cultivates would serve veterans well in the medical environment. In the ER, the surgical suite, the ICU, or the oncology floor, healthcare workers encounter intense, weighty, and high-pressure situations, often with high stakes. Active duty experience can make veterans well-equipped to handle these responsibilities. Healthcare organizations need clinical staff with integrity, leadership, and a strong work ethic; all the character traits that hail from military discipline.
Healthcare jobs within the government, such as those posted at VA hospitals or base facilities, give preferential hiring to prior Military job-seekers. This makes healthcare even more appealing to veterans who are considering moving on to new professional careers.
Healthcare companies are extremely encouraging of their employees’ upward development. They offer tuition reimbursement, professional counseling, and even some in-hospital classes to further the education of staff. For those who choose the nursing route, RN to BSN and RN to MSN online programs are the norm. This makes professional advancement accessible for RNs while they are still working.
Taking care of others in their most vulnerable state is not easy, but it is well worth the effort. Many veterans know that already. Healthcare is rewarding on so many levels. From the patients whose lives you change to the families that are forever grateful, few careers can offer the satisfaction that healthcare offers.
If you are a healthcare company looking for dedicated employees, why not consider military veterans as an option? Click here to see our pricing for posting your healthcare job ads where they will reach qualified candidates.