A global pandemic. Mass chaos. Tired faces of medical professionals painted on our television screens. You might ask, “Is this the right time to pursue a healthcare career?” As a health sciences college, our response is obviously, “Yes, of course!” But don’t just take our word for it – we have the data to prove it.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare occupations are expected to grow an average of 14% over the next ten years—double the 7% expected growth across all other occupations.1 These numbers can’t be tampered with, even by a worldwide pandemic. In fact, the American Staffing Association reveals the need for skilled medical professionals has only grown during the COVID-19 crisis, with large cities like New York City recruiting healthcare workers from around the country. This only increases the nationwide nursing shortage we already had prior to the pandemic.[1]
Dr. Joelle Stolte, Program Chair of Healthcare Administration and Public Health at Mercy College and long-time employee of MercyOne, states, “Healthcare careers are, have always been, and will always be, a necessity to the community and essential to the well-being of public health.” Dr. Stolte adds, “This is especially evident as we reflect on the current state of health across our globe today.”
For any future healthcare heroes still hesitant about chasing their dream careers, we’ve got you covered. We spoke with the MercyOne Human Resources recruitment team (a.k.a. the ultimate experts in healthcare hiring). Their joint statement insists, “Regardless of the pandemic, there will always be a need for healthcare providers. It is a growing field with no slowdown in sight.”
COVID-19 apparently has only added to the need for new workers in the health system. “We actually started [hiring] several new grads early this spring with emergency licensing [to keep up with the staffing needs incurred by the pandemic],” the department states.
Healthcare careers not only serve to sustain our population during moments like these, but they are also a critical piece of the solution. Dr. Stolte addresses how all occupations within the field can fight the effects of COVID-19. “From healthcare professionals who treat patients with acute and chronic diseases, to CEOs and administrators of hospitals and long-term care facilities, everyone plays a vital role in managing the health of our communities. We have current students and graduates working in labs interpreting COVID tests and others who are advocating for policies and systems to protect the health and wellbeing of our neighbors.”
For MercyOne’s recruitment team, the critical nature of healthcare gives them confidence in the future of this field. Perhaps their closing statement best summarizes this: “Now is the time for people to step up and show the world what they are made of. Healthcare is not for the faint of heart, but it is a field filled with the most amazing, driven, compassionate, and knowledgeable people you will ever meet. Who wouldn’t want to join a team like that?”
Learn more about how Mercy College of Health Sciences is preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals at www.mchs.edu.
About Mercy College of Health Sciences
Mercy College of Health Sciences is the only private Catholic college in central Iowa and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Located in downtown Des Moines, Mercy College prepares graduates for service and leadership in the healthcare community with a wide range of bachelor, associate, and certificate programs. Visit www.mchs.edu or call (515) 643-3180 to learn how you can start Charting Your Course.
