Have You Ever Thought About Teaching?

Many experienced professionals in the health care industry have considered taking on a teaching position later in their career. It's a great way to take on a new challenge while also sharing your experiences with the next batch of health care professionals to enter the workforce. Teaching can be a rewarding experience that also gives the professional the opportunity to take a break from their regular routine and immerse themselves in an educational environment.

Although some health care workers may be intimidated by the thought of teaching college students, there are several options in education that may suit different professionals based on their interest in teaching. For example, some nurses, physical therapists, nutritionists and other health care workers actually volunteer their time to be a guest speaker in a class or at a special event. They can share their wisdom and experience with students on a more informal, temporary basis. This is a great way for health care professionals to test out the possibility of teaching on a case-by-case basis. They can see if they like the idea of teaching a group of students before becoming fully invested in the teaching world itself. It also provides students with valuable information they can use to provide better care for their patients in the future or to discern which health care career path is right for them.

Other health care professionals find that a full- or part-time teaching position is what works best for them. This often requires an advanced degree such as a master's or a doctorate in their given field. Some teach just one or two classes a week, while others teach several classes a day. While some teach at a vocational school or community college, others become employed at a four-year university teaching students working towards a bachelor's degree or master's degree. These positions require a significant amount of time and research in order to provide a well-rounded learning experience for the students. In some cases, a health care professional leaves their job in the health care industry in order to teach full-time. Others take on a part-time position at a college or university while still working part-time at a medical facility. In either case, being the lead professor for a classroom requires much more work than a one-time speaking engagement. However, it can also be more rewarding as teachers get to know their students and watch as they learn and grow in their class.

If you've ever thought about teaching a subject pertaining to the health care industry, consider talking to a professor at a nearby school. Ask about their experience and qualifications as well as the time they invest in teaching every week. Offer to speak in front of a class to provide advice or information to see how you like the teaching world. While it may require additional education or qualifications in order to become a professor, it can be a fun challenge that allows health care professionals to give back and help others succeed in the health care industry.