Planning for Your Career as a Healthcare Hero: Why You Should Start Now!

Ever wondered what it would be like to work in healthcare, but don’t know how to get there? The world of healthcare is full of exciting careers that make a real difference in people’s lives. But guess what? You don’t have to wait until college to start exploring all the possibilities!

Here’s the thing: NOW is the perfect time to get a head start on your healthcare hero journey. Why? Because there are tons of awesome opportunities waiting for you to discover your perfect fit.

It gives you time to explore your interests. You might be thinking you want to be a nurse, but find out you don’t like dealing with blood, maybe you don’t want to commit to all those years of medical school, or you might not even know about all the healthcare professions that are available to you! By starting early, you gain experience and set yourself up for future success by finding your passion!

• STEM Power! Dive deep into science, technology, engineering, and math classes. These subjects are the foundation for many healthcare careers.
• Level Up! Consider taking dual enrollment classes at a local college to get a jumpstart on college-level coursework.
• Be a Hero in Training! Join clubs like HOSA (Future Health Professionals) or volunteer at hospitals and clinics.
• Job Shadow! Find opportunities to shadow a healthcare professional. Seeing real-life healthcare in action is a game-changer. Seek out a mentor who can provide guidance, advice, and support. Use our template letter resources and tips to help prepare for your job shadowing opportunity.
• Teamwork Makes the Dream Work! Healthcare is all about collaboration. Join sports teams or your student government to build teamwork skills.
• Communication is Key! Strong communication skills are vital for doctors, nurses, and yes, even occupational therapy practitioners (keep scrolling to find out what OT is)! Practice your writing, speaking, and presentation skills in every class. Use our resources and tips to help prepare for your OT school interview.
• Seek out Career Fairs! Use the opportunity to learn more and network with individuals in healthcare professions.
• Think Outside the Box! Participate in science fairs or competitions. Showcase your passion and knowledge, and who knows, you might even win an award!

Bonus Tip: Bilingual is Brilliant!
Learning another language is a huge plus in healthcare, especially in diverse communities.

There’s a healthcare profession where ultimate problem-solvers help people of all ages, from babies to seniors, do the things they want and need to do every day.  Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) make a real difference supporting people in living more independently and enjoying their lives more fully.

OTPs are known for their compassionate, innovative approach to treating the ‘whole person.’ They delve into a patients’ daily activities, relationships, and surroundings, highlighting the physical, emotional, and unique aspects to support their success.

Occupational therapy is an important healthcare service. You can learn more by exploring this website, or following us:

If you’re inspired by what you see, talk to your school counselor and use our directory to find schools near you that offer occupational therapy programs. You might just discover your hidden passion for helping others through this rewarding career path!