Are you looking for a job?

You've come to the right place! Need info about resumes, social networking,
interviewing and career planning?
Let's get started!
Open your toolbox now!


Thinking about making a change for a career in healthcare?

Published on February 9th, 2010
7 Comments

As part of my new “Altruistic Tuesdays” series, today, I am pleased to highlight a story from Encore.org:

Terry Ramey started working on an assembly line at a Ford plant outside Ann Arbor, Mich., when he was in his 20s. “I’m third-generation auto,” he explains. Like his father and grandfather, he figured he would retire from the same job.

But after more than 13 years, the monotony of the line, the physical toll it took on his body, and the auto industry’s uncertain future started Ramey thinking about leaving. “The quality of life, even though I made a good living, was terrible.”

Not too long afterward, Ramey happened to be the first on the scene of a highway motorcycle accident. He was calm, able to help the injured man – and surprised that he got so much satisfaction from doing it.

When Ford offered an “education buyout package” – a chance to attend school for four years and receive up to $15,000 in annual tuition money and half his annual wages – Ramey jumped at the chance.

Even though he had never been to college and he was 40 years old, Terry enrolled in a four-year nursing program. He plans to become a nurse by age 44.

Have you ever thought of making a change – a big change – in your career? The healthcare industry consistently ranks in the top growth fields year after year. Is this a field of interest to you?

Andrea Santiago, about.com’s guide to health careers, reminds us, “There are lots of health care jobs that don’t require a bachelor’s degree, and some don’t even require an associate’s degree.” She cautions, “However, keep in mind that generally, the more education is required for the job, the higher it will pay, just as in any other industry.” (Stay tuned for much more advice from Andrea about transitioning to a health career tomorrow!)

Encore.org offers a variety of resources if you are considering making a change to a career in healthcare. Follow THIS link for details about jobs in high demand, information about being an RN and resources for scholarships and financial aid.
Healthcare is not your career of choice, but still think a major change to a non-profit is on the horizon? You may want to visit:
Encore career finder
Learn more about Encore Careers
Stay tuned for more stories that may inspire you in my next “Altruistic Tuesdays” post!
photo by interplast

Did you miss these?

  1. Thinking about making a change for a career in teaching? Have you considered changing to a career in teaching? Some...
  2. Resources for those considering a career in healthcare Andrea Santiago, about.com's health careers expert, shares extensive information and...
  3. Three tips for making a career change in a tough time Changing careers is tough, but especially in this economy. Some...
  4. More good jobs for 2010 and beyond For a future so bright that you have to wear...
  5. Highlights for job seekers from Career Management Alliance Highlights from the Career Management Alliance conference....

Do you need help showing that you are qualified? You need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching? If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.


Receive Keppie Careers' blog updates by email.

 

Comments

  1. February 9th, 2010: Rowan Artemis Says:

    You’re so right – according to friends in the field, healthcare can be one of the most rewarding things you ever do. As a massage therapist, I’m halfway there already, and I’m thinking of making the final leap. Can’t wait to read the next one!
    Rowan Artemis´s last blog ..Just in Case My ComLuv Profile

  2. February 9th, 2010: Miriam Salpeter Says:

    Rowan – Thanks for your comment! I think people forget how many different avenues there are in health care. The fact that it is a tough job to outsource also makes it a valuable investment! I appreciate you stopping by and hope you enjoy tomorrow’s post as well!

  3. February 9th, 2010: Andrea Santiago Says:

    Great post Miriam! Thanks for spreading the word about the wonderful world of healthcare and all of the various career opportunities, & also thanks for including me!

    Regards,
    Andrea

  4. February 9th, 2010: Miriam Salpeter Says:

    Andrea – Thank you for being such a great resource and providing extra details and advice that I will post tomorrow! I am so glad that we “met” on Twitter!

  5. February 9th, 2010: Joe Lavelle Says:

    Miriam – I am so excited to read your post on Healthcare Careers. For your readers that are interested in Healthcare IT Careers, please check out http://HealthcareITToday.com where I am the featured career coaching blogger.
    There will be tremendous opportunity in Healthcare IT the next five years, several experts predict 50,000 new jobs!
    Joe Lavelle´s last blog ..Are You Ready for Your Phone Interview? My ComLuv Profile

  6. February 9th, 2010: DC Jobs Says:

    I have never heard about the concept of an “educational buyout” before, but the idea is pretty awesome. I’d love to see more companies offer packages like this to their employees. Instead of just laying someone off a package like that at least offers the possibility of a new beginning.

    Props to the guy in the story for going with his gut, and taking the risk in order to improve his own quality of life!

  7. February 10th, 2010: How To Break Into A Healthcare Career « health care commentaries from around the world Says:

    [...] Coach Miriam Salpeter of Keppie Careers recently explored options for changing careers and related an inspiring story of one person who [...]

Leave a Comment

CommentLuv Enabled

Switch to our mobile site