Many people spend time researching health and the human body in order to understand how they can look and feel their best. However, what if you could help others to live their ideal lives as well? If you are a compassionate person with a love for health, it is never too late to consider a job in the health industry. Here are some common careers where you can spend your workday exploring your health-related passion while making a difference in people’s lives.
1. Personal Training
As a personal trainer, you can work one-on-one with clients to develop a routine of fitness and self-care. You will assist people in meeting a multitude of objectives that could include weight loss, disease prevention, or dietary improvement. This is an ideal career for someone with an outgoing personality who is enthusiastic about working out and eating well. Clients will look to you for motivation and support as they strive toward their wellness goals. Personal trainers must stay well-informed on the latest research in fitness and nutrition. There are a number of programs offering personal trainer certification, so it is important to choose the one that best meets your needs and desired area of focus.
2. Nursing
Nursing requires considerate and caring individuals with an interest in learning about healthcare practices. As the Baby Boomer generation ages and requires additional care, experts anticipate there will be a rapidly growing need for nurses in the very near future. Many people mistakenly assume they will not have the time to go back to school and receive a nursing degree. However, programs such as grand canyon university nursing offer flexible degree programs for traditional students and online students. Nursing courses can be taken at your own pace, and online classes make it easier to juggle attending school with managing your daily life. A grand canyon university nursing education gives students the opportunity to earn their Bachelor’s degree and find work in a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, physicians offices, or in-home care.
3. Counseling & Therapy
It is important to remember that overall health is measured by more than just someone’s physical condition. A person’s mental state plays an equally salient role in his or her wellness. As a therapist or mental health professional, you have the chance to work with clients of all ages and backgrounds and potentially make a lasting difference in their lives. Before pursuing a degree in therapy, determine your ultimate goal. Would you like to work with children, treat those with mental disorders, offer marriage counseling, or assist recovering addicts with rehabilitation? Licensed therapists provide all these services and more. However, the education and training necessary may vary depending on your chosen specialty or field of expertise.
4. Physical/Occupational Therapy
Physical and occupational therapists aim to aid individuals in managing pain and gaining independence while coping with a health condition that limits mobility. In addition to providing physical assessments and lifestyle counseling, a physical therapist might take patients through a range of stretches, strength-building movements, and therapeutic exercises. Physical therapy education requires a deep understanding of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. On the other hand, occupational therapy work focuses more on helping patients regain or develop skills needed for daily life and independent living. Occupational therapists may prepare people to re-enter the workforce, practice certain everyday activities or even devise alternate solutions to make tasks more manageable.
These are only a few of the potential career paths for the health-minded. If you need a change from the office cubicle, think about earning a new degree or certification. There are a vast number of ways you can utilize your skills to assist others in living healthier, more fulfilling lives both mentally and physically.