How a Graduate Open House Can Help You Plan Your Health Care Career Path
Here are five ways an information session gets you the answers to your key questions
So, you want a career helping others, but you need some help in figuring out how best to get there. You could look at health care job postings on employment websites to understand the responsibilities, requirements and skills you need. Or you could explore government resources or nonprofits that offer information about health career options.
But one of your best options to get an in-depth understanding of the many health care careers, the skills needed, the education required and the job outlook is to attend a graduate open house at a college or university. It’s more than an information session; it’s the next step in your journey.
Follow your heart as you heal others Learn how to launch a career in health care at our next graduate open house
Register now!Here are five ways an open house can help you design a clear and confident pathway in health care.
1. Clarify Your Career Options
Not sure if you want to be a physical therapist or a public health director? How about a speech-language pathologist or an athletic trainer? Do you know what an occupational therapist does?Health care offers a wide range of rewarding career paths. At a graduate open house, you can speak directly with faculty and admissions counselors can help you discover options you might not have considered. At Sacred Heart University, you have a variety of disciplines to choose from , including programs in various health professions, including nursing. Ultimately, you’ll get the information you need to create an action plan to pursue the profession that aligns best with your interests, skills and long-term goals.
2. Determine Past and Future Requirements
As unique as health care careers are, so are their educational and licensing requirements. Knowing what those are early on can help you to plan more effectively. At an open house, you can ask about prerequisites, exams, certifications and other requirements for your desired occupation.
Admissions staff can also help you to identify ways to strengthen your application. What courses and experiences should you list? What requirements do you still need to meet? If you know this information in advance, you can save time and stay on track toward your graduate goals.
3. Gain Insight into Real-World Experience
At the heart of graduate health care education is real-world experience. For each program, different hands-on learning opportunities provide the foundation for professional success. At a graduate open house, you can ask about clinical placements, simulation labs and research opportunities that will give you the practical experience you need. For instance, what type of training is needed to work in a fast-paced hospital environment and how does that differ from a community-based health facility?
When you get a better picture of the real-life realities of caring for patients and the work that goes into preparing for that future, you can make a more informed decision of the program that best matches your learning style and career vision.
4. Ask Questions and Network
Talking with people who have already navigated the graduate school journey can help you understand what to expect—and what it takes—to succeed in your chosen field. Their experiences can give you the confidence to take your next steps.
And you can start your networking early! Faculty members, current students and alumni are all eager to share their insights and experiences, which down the road can lead to mentorship, professional advice and even job opportunities.
5. Assess Outcomes and Job Opportunities
During your graduate open house, ask about alumni success, job placement rate and the types of careers graduates pursue. If you are still deciding which path to pursue, the answers could help to reveal which programs have strong professional networks and national reputations for preparing its graduates for the workforce.
Ask about employment trends and discuss what the job pays. You can use this knowledge to make a better investment in your future.
Ready to Register for a Graduate Open House?
If you’re serious about a career that makes a difference, here’s your chance to get an inside look at programs, people and possibilities that can shape your career. Registration is open now for Sacred Heart University’s next Health Professions Graduate Open House at the Center for Healthcare Education.
Want even more reasons to attend a graduation open house? Here are more ways you can benefit from registering.
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