6 Surefire Ways to Advance Your Healthcare Career

1. Continue Your Education

A healthcare education never truly ends, and healthcare providers who fail to expand their formal education will struggle to advance their careers. Fortunately, almost every healthcare specialization comes with plenty of certificate or advanced degree options. For instance, RNs can obtain a Master of Science in nursing (MSN) and specialize in clinical, pediatric or oncology care. Almost all advanced healthcare management positions require a master’s degree, so those who earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management must continue their education to be sure they can get ahead.

2. Take Initiative and Become a Leader

Students can demonstrate their level of leadership and responsibility by taking assignments seriously and asking for more. Always be prepared to share credit and accept accountability for failed tasks, which demonstrates maturity and a high EQ. Instead of being an everyday employee, become a passionate advocate and an expert in your field. This is possible through mentoring new employees, chairing committees, volunteering with nonprofits and joining your healthcare association.

3. Work Your Network

Be sure to build and utilize online and traditional social networks. By meeting and maintaining contact with new people, healthcare providers can exchange industry information and share approaches to solving problems. Professional colleagues are the best sources of insider information regarding upcoming promotion or research openings. Professional social networking is also a great way to connect with diverse people in different disciplines.

4. Find a Mentor

It helps to network with experienced professionals who can also act as mentors. Because it takes time to develop a relationship with a mentor, work on simultaneously establishing a few mentoring relationships with qualified candidates. For example, a nurse could seek clinical advice from a team supervisor and career advice from a veteran hospital administrator. Most people enjoy opportunities to share their wisdom and experience, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.

5. Keep it Professional

Every healthcare organization will have its own list of key professional components, such as integrity, respect, advocacy and maintaining confidentiality. Be sure to cultivate additional attitudes, such as compassion and a positive attitude, but also strong soft skills, such as interpersonal competency and ethical decision making.

6. Get Training Where You Can

A sixth and final way to advance your healthcare career is through taking advantage of on-site classes and cross-training opportunities. Every improvement opens more doors and provides more opportunities for career advancement.