Want a Career in Senior Healthcare? Know These 5 Facts

College students and mid-career adults who want to forge a new life as workers in the senior healthcare sector have plenty of opportunities. The 2020s are a golden age for the industry as it expands and needs more professionals in dozens of roles. But not only are career paths varied, but job satisfaction is high, schedules are flexible, and pay is above average. Student loans for schooling can be deferred, which makes it easier for new grads and job changers to delay payments while searching for work. Consider the following facts before starting your career in the fast-moving field of senior health and wellness.

Career Paths are Numerous

Hardworking adults can take their pick from multiple career fields within the senior wellness category. The most popular in 2023 include physical therapy, geriatric nursing, hospice support staff, exercise assistants, counselors, home health technicians, speech therapists, and more. Most academic programs offer specific career tracks for those who know which route they want to take. Be sure to speak with a vocational counselor before choosing a path. Try to find out what’s available first, and then choose a sub-category that appeals to you.

Student Loans Can Be Deferred

You can get education loans deferred, but the details depend on the institution that services your agreement. However, most former students can qualify for deferment. The only way to know for sure is to review a complete guide that explains how to apply and gain approval for a student loan deferment. Deferring payments can be a smart way to smooth out the financial demands of paying for training and schooling. Keep in mind that many health-related credentials are awarded upon completion of one-year, two-year, and four-year academic programs.

Job Satisfaction is High

For so many reasons, those who work in the senior care industry enjoy very high levels of job satisfaction. The obvious explanation is that it makes people feel good to help others. But there’s more to it than that. Not only is pay higher than the national average but benefits for senior health workers tend to be excellent all around. Most clinics, hospitals, and care centers offer top-notch medical plans, life insurance coverage, retirement accounts, and paid time off.

There Are Plenty of Good Paying Openings

Few occupational niches can claim to offer both mid-career and entry-level pay that exceeds regional and national averages. Health and wellness work for older populations is unique not only in the level of pay but also in the number of openings at any given time. There are shortages of skilled workers in many areas, and even where there are enough applicants, companies are expanding to bring in new hires year-round.

Schedules Are Flexible

Healthcare, in general, offers highly flexible schedules for new and experienced team members. Hospitals and many clinics operate around the clock, so there’s a need for three shifts of employees. For decades, people in the healthcare and wellness industries have enjoyed varied and flexible schedules, including four 10-hour days, two optional days off per week in lieu of a traditional weekend, and the ability to travel.