Whether you are a mother or a father, raising a child alone can be an extremely difficult task. Add the burden of a hectic work schedule to this equation, and they task can be nearly impossible. If you are feeling exhausted and overwhelmed trying to balance your work life with your home life, it may be time to make a career change. Now, before you dismiss the idea completely because you think you have no time to go back to school, keep in mind that there are many healthcare careers that take only a couple of years to complete the training for. Plus, with a large percentage of the population aging, jobs in healthcare are in high demand right now. But what ones are the best for a single parent?
1. Nursing
Chances are, your compassion as a parent already makes you a great candidate to become a nurse. While there are nursing degrees that can be completed in 1 or 2 years that will qualify you for entry-level positions, a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is increasingly becoming the standard for higher paying positions. After a few years working in the field, you may even choose to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN Degree). In addition to hospitals and doctor’s offices, you could work in a home care setting or as a school nurse.
2. Radiologic Technologist
Becoming a fully-licensed radiologist requires one to attend medical school, so that is why we suggest pursuing a career in radiologic technology instead. One must obtain a bachelor’s or master’s degree. While not required, a radiology degree is the best one to pursue. One must also receive certification which usually takes a little over a year to complete.
3. Medical Secretary
If you think you’re better at handling computers and documents than handling patients, then a career as a medical secretary may be best for you. In this role, you will provide medical-specific administrative support, including handling medical charts and communicating with patients.
4. Medical Assistant
If handling administrative tasks and handling patients sound interesting to you, then a career as a medical assistant may be your calling. In addition to administrative duties, medical assistants also administer medications to patients and draw blood.
5. Dental Hygienist
A dental hygienist is a great career path for the single parent who never wants to deal with unpredictable hours. Dental hygienists are responsible for cleaning patients’ teeth. This is a great job for those who are social and enjoy being around others constantly.
With a rise in certain medical issues, such as cardiac arrest, more people are trying to be diligent about their health. In fact, many schools are requiring students to receive medical check-ups nowadays. With the demand for better health comes a demand for more health care professionals.