Which Healthcare Career Is Right for You?
The healthcare landscape relies on a diverse range of professionals to help it run successfully. Of all the opportunities, how do you know which healthcare career is right for you? If you find yourself asking, “Would I make a good nurse practitioner?” or “Is a health administration job a good fit for me?” then this guide is for you
Whether you hope to specialize in caring for elderly patients or you want to cultivate your knowledge in the public health field, there are excellent healthcare career options to match your interests.
We aim to help guide individuals at any point in their educational journey. If you are considering a nursing, healthcare, or business degree, WCU invites you to learn more about your next steps.
Discover a path that allows you to build on your strengths and pursue your professional goals.
Healthcare Careers
Are you confident that you want to pursue a career in healthcare but feel uncertain about your niche? This brief overview offers insight into the right path for you. Healthcare is a broad field that encompasses everything from public health to healthcare administration and informatics.
Learn more about various healthcare careers in the table below. The following is not a comprehensive list.
| Profession | Required education | Work type | Take core courses like… |
| Dental hygienist | 3-4 years | Patient care |
|
| Physician assistant | 6-7 years | Patient care |
|
| Healthcare administrator | 3-7 years | Administrative/support |
|
| Clinical mental health counselor | 2-3 years | Counseling |
|
| Public health professional | 3+ years | Varies |
|
| Speech-language pathologist | ~2 years | Patient care |
|
| Occupational therapist | 2+ years | Patient care |
|
| Physical therapist | 3-4 years | Patient care |
|
| Pharmacist | 7-8 years | Retail/lab |
|
Nursing Specialties
Nursing is far from a monolithic career path. With a number of possible specializations, find out which nursing specialty may be right for you. From overseeing nursing units as a nurse leader to providing care and treatment to families as an FNP, you can pursue a nursing specialty that puts you on the right track.
Learn more about various nursing specialties in the table below. The following is not a comprehensive list.
| Specialty | Required education | Min. degree level | Work type |
| Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) | 3-5 years | MSN | Patient care |
| Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) | 4-6 years | MSN | Patient care |
| Nurse Educator | 3-5 years | MSN | Teaching |
| Nurse Leader | 3-5 years | MSN | Leadership |
| Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) | 4-6 years | MSN | Patient care |
| Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) | 4-6 years | MSN | Patient care |
| Critical Care Nurse | 3-5 years | MSN | Patient care |
| Oncology Nurse | 3-5 years | ADN/BSN | Patient care |
| Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) Nurse | 4-6 years | ADN/BSN | Patient care |
| Hematology Nurse | 3-6 years | BSN | Patient care |
| Gastroenterology (GI) Nurse | 3-6 years | ADN/BSN | Patient care |
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.
