Updated April 13, 2023
The healthcare field has been growing quickly, and there are constant reminders that we have a healthcare worker shortage. These reasons and its rewarding nature make healthcare a promising field for those just starting their careers and those looking for a new path. Still, misconceptions about healthcare careers abound, and these common ideas can keep people from pursuing a career that could ultimately be high-paying, interesting, and in demand.
Let's look at some of the misconceptions about healthcare careers and the truth behind these myths.
Misconception 1: Healthcare Requires Extensive Degrees
Both pop culture perceptions of healthcare and media highlights often showcase the long road it takes to complete an M.D. Some positions in the medical field indeed require extensive training and competitive programs with long hours, but that's not the end of the story.
There are many ways to participate in healthcare—and those paths do not need to be long and difficult. Portland Community College offers many courses that can lead to a fulfilling job in the healthcare field in just one to two years! For example, Sterile Processing Technicians require 42 hours of training, and PCC offers it in a mix of online and in-person opportunities for maximum flexibility. Training as a Phlebotomy Technician takes only a two-course, two-term program.
Don't let the misconception that training has to take a long time and expensive degrees keep you from following your passion!
Misconception 2: You Will Need to Work in a Hospital
Another common belief is that those who pursue healthcare will find themselves in a hospital environment. While some thrive in this fast-paced workplace, others avoid careers in healthcare altogether because they don't want to be under so much pressure and stress.
The truth is that healthcare takes place in many settings, from quiet private offices to school campuses and even in resorts or on cruise ships. Healthcare workers are needed anywhere that people receive treatment and care. If a hospital corridor's bright lights and quick pace don't appeal to you, there are still plenty of places to use your healthcare training.
Misconception 3: The Work Hours are Too Long
With good reason, many healthcare professionals have been publicly vocal about their long hours and heavy workloads. While these conditions can certainly be a problem in understaffed and overcrowded environments, they can also give a false impression that every healthcare career demands overtime and exhaustion.
In reality, most practices hold regular work hours in offices that have holidays and weekends off with reasonable start and stop times. Healthcare can be a flexible means of having a work-life balance that provides a predictable schedule and good benefits.
Misconception 4: There are Narrow Job Opportunities
Another common misconception is that the openings in the healthcare field are narrowly defined. Some shy away from a career in healthcare because they're afraid they'll have to do the "grunt work" that no one else wants to do.
Once again, the truth is much more flexible. The healthcare field is full of various positions ranging from active, patient-centered roles to administrative tasks and beyond. Healthcare is a vast network of interconnected services, and there's sure to be one that fits your personality and preferences.
Misconception 5: There's No Upward Movement
Some worry about getting stuck in the same position if they head into the healthcare field — especially if they enter with a specific technical role and training.
This kind of thinking ignores the fact that healthcare requires complex, interconnected skillsets, and opportunities often open for upward mobility because of the connections made on the job. Furthermore, additional training (often incentivized or even entirely paid for by healthcare employers) can provide even more options.
Misconception 6: Working in Healthcare is Gross
If you know people working directly with patients in healthcare, you've probably heard some horror stories about their grossest moments. It's true that some healthcare professionals have to get up close and personal with bodily fluids and other side effects of illness, but this is only one component of the healthcare system.
Plenty of private practices, pharmacies, and administrative roles have no interaction with the more visceral parts of healthcare. They offer options to put your skills to use without needing to worry about any unpleasant encounters.
Misconception 7: Administration is Only for Older Staff
Finally, there's the misconception that administrative roles and other positions that are less hands-on are only for the more seasoned staff members.
While it's true that placement in upper-level administration does often rely on education and experience, there are plenty of entry-level administrative healthcare positions. These positions can be rewarding in their own right, but they are often a path toward increasingly complex (and higher-paying) executive roles in the future.
Don't Believe the Misconceptions about Healthcare Careers
The bottom line is that choosing a career in healthcare means opening up the door to a wide range of possible workplaces, positions, and future career moves. The growing field is full of rewarding opportunities that fit a variety of personalities and personal preferences. Don't let the misconceptions keep you from pursuing a rewarding future!
PCC has many class options to help you start a healthcare career today! Check out some of our courses for medical professions today!
