The healthcare sector can expect a shortage of about 100,000 critical health workers in the U.S. by 2028, according to Mercer’s “Future of the U.S. Healthcare Industry” report cited by the American Hospital Association.
Some companies are addressing the projected shortage by reevaluating their hiring practices to tap into an abundance of skilled labor among 27 million “hidden workers.”Among these highly qualified individuals is the community of former service members, many of whom served as military medics and technicians and are well-trained in patient care and emergency response. Tina Amelchenko, senior marketing manager at Indeed for Military, attributes this to former service members' experiences, skills and leadership abilities. She points out some core transferable skills: - Adaptability to handle changes and lead others
- Communication to listen, understand and follow instructions and policies
- Integrity to uphold ethical standards
- Leadership to help lead and manage people
- Problem-solving to identify and solve problems under pressure
- Teamwork to communicate, resolve conflict and build strong relationships
- Work ethic to be more reliable and dependable
With these valuable skills, former service members could be instrumental in bridging the healthcare skills gap. In this article, we have compiled a list of top healthcare companies and organizations hiring former service members, along with expert opinions and tips. Former service member shares tips for transitioning into civilian employment
Solomon Rhima, a former service member and senior strategist for Indeed, recommends three strategies if you’re looking for jobs: - Use AI tools to help draft your resume and cover letter, and prepare for interviews.
- Ask for referrals from former service members already working at various organizations by providing them with your resume, the job posting and a few sentences explaining why you’re a good fit.
- Search for free upskilling opportunities, such as Google's Career Forward program, to enhance your skills and improve your marketability in high-demand fields during your job search.
Solomon acknowledges that medically trained service members often face challenges when transitioning to civilian healthcare roles. While their military experience provides a strong foundation, converting that experience into civilian certifications can be difficult, as military training and credentials don’t always align with civilian requirements.Here are some steps he recommends: - Take advantage of SkillBridge and apprenticeship programs to get civilian work experience before leaving the military.
- Consider taking certifications like Certified Clinical Medical Assistant(CCMA) made available by the Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) program, while still on active duty or in the reserves.
- Network with other former service members already working in healthcare to learn about different industries and the general workplace processes.
For all transitioning service members, regardless of industry, seeking mentorship through programs like Veterati is essential. Mentors can offer personalized advice and share their experiences, making it easier to navigate civilian workspaces.Solomon adds that successful transitions often require patience and a long-term approach. “What helped me most was being patient with myself, focusing on a long-term (10 to 20 years) strategy, continuing to learn, and staying connected to others who’ve gone through it,” he explains.
Ultimately, Solomon believes that transitioning from military life to civilian employment is a two-way street. “Employers are working on translating military skills to civilian roles,” he says. “It’s equally essential for former service members to figure out how to communicate their value in this new context.”
Top healthcare companies hiring former service members in 2024 via Indeed
Below is a list of companies, healthcare facilities and state governmentdepartments/agencies hiring former service members for various positions, along with some of the available job roles. Employers on this list have the highest share of new job postings on Indeed and a Company rating above 3.5 or an Indeed Work Wellbeing Score above 72, arranged in descending order based on the share of jobs. To find more opportunities, search Indeed's Careers in Care job board to find openings by job title, company and location. You can also filter by job type, salary and experience level.1. Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Share of jobs*: 22,979Company rating: 3.81Work Wellbeing Score: 72About: Home to some of the most prestigious hospitals and medical research institutions in the world, Massachusetts is a hub for medical advancement. Some open positions that might garner some interest include Direct Care Worker, Nursing Assistant or Mental Health Worker.Find jobs at the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 2. Stanford Medicine Children's Health (SMCH)
Share of jobs*: 20,618Company rating: 3.93Work Wellbeing Score: 73About: SMCH’s healthcare system offers pediatric and obstetric care. Social Work Clinician and Quality Improvement Advisor are some opportunities you could explore. Find jobs at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health 3. University of Utah (UoU)
Share of jobs*: 16,962Company rating: 4.2Work Wellbeing Score: 75About: UoU is a public research university in Utah with a strong emphasis on health sciences and research. Some opportunities for vets include Medical Assistant, Nurse Apprentice and Medical Scribe. Find jobs at UoU 4. The University of Toledo (UT)
Share of jobs*: 15,189Company rating: 4.1Work Wellbeing Score: 73About: UT is a public university in Ohio that offers undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. Some open positions you could inquire about are Billing Specialis, Pharmacist and Clinician. Find jobs at US5. County of Los Angeles (L.A. County)
Share of jobs*: 9,671Company rating: 4.01Work Wellbeing Score: 75About: L.A. County is the largest county government in the U.S., offering a range of public services to over 10 million residents. Some open positions include Medical Examiner, Public Health Investigator and Audiologist. Find jobs at L.A. County6. Easterseals New Hampshire (NH)
Share of jobs*: 9,316Company rating: 4.2Work Wellbeing Score: 77About: Easterseals NH is a nonprofit that provides services for individuals with special needs, veterans and seniors in New Hampshire. Some job titles you could consider are Personal Care Service Provider, Care Coordinator and Dietician. Find jobs at Easterseals NH7. Stanford Health Care
Share of jobs*: 9,195Company rating: 3.9Work Wellbeing Score: 74About: Stanford Health Care is a leading academic health system offering advanced care and conducting innovative medical research. Some open roles include Patient Care Coordinator, Nursing Assistant and Patient Services Rep. Find jobs at Stanford Health Care8. County of San Diego
Share of jobs*: 6,329Company rating: 4.0Work Wellbeing Score: 74About: The County of San Diego provides a range of public services, including healthcare, safety and infrastructure, to over 1.3 million residents. Some open positions are Certified Nurse Assistant, Staff Nurse and Residential Care Worker. Find jobs at the County of San Diego9. Memorial Healthcare System
Share of jobs*: 6,280Company rating: 4.06Work Wellbeing Score: 75About: A Florida-based public healthcare provider offering a comprehensive range of medical services. Some job titles include Patient Transporter, Nutrition Assistant and Billing Specialist. Find jobs at Memorial Healthcare Systems10. US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)Share of jobs*: 6,251Company ratingWork Wellbeing Score: 73About: The VA is a federal agency that provides healthcare and other services to U.S. military veterans. The agency is hiring for roles such as Patient Care Assistant, Food Service Worker and Senior Social Worker. Find jobs at the VA*share of jobs is the number of jobs available on Indeed per 1 million
0 Comments