Every year on 7 April, World Health Day is celebrated with a different theme each time. The theme for the year 2023 is “Health For All”. This year it also marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1948.
As the theme for this year highlights - the focus is greatly on public health. If it weren’t for the number of people who enter into public health professions, the world wouldn’t have witnessed the massive improvement in the quality of lifestyle we experience these days. From sanitary health to mental health, each and every area has seen major transformations in terms of quality of life.
As we celebrate World Health day, let’s take a look at some popular health and wellness careers:
1. Medical Researcher
These specialists conduct and analyse/diagnose various diseases, health issues and develop treatment and methods to cure or prevent those diseases.
How to become a Medical Researcher:
- Get a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics.
- Clear the relevant Entrance Examinations
- Pursue a PhD or opt for a dual-degree programme to learn the required clinical and research skills
- Apply for the role of researcher
2. Rehabilitation Counsellor
Mental Health has always been of great concern. Whether it is in the case of people requiring support to deal with mental health issues, or people requiring support when they are the victims of trauma caused by political or natural causes. Rehabilitation Counselling is one of the fast-growing Counselling Specialties in India, showing the advances that we have made in the field.
How to become a Rehabilitation Counsellor:
- Get a BA/BSc with your preferable specialisation(s) in Psychology, Counselling etc.
- Complete an MA/MSc in the relevant area
- Upskill further with a PG Diploma in various specialisations can definitely give a boost to your career
- Pursue PhD in your area of branches of rehabilitation to get into research related careers
- Apply for Rehabilitation Counsellor in Nursing homes, disability centres, residential care settings and the like
3. NGO Worker
Working for a social cause can prove to be a rewarding career for many. It allows you to make a living while improving the world around you. If you're passionate about health and wellness as a social cause, working for an NGO or other nonprofit organisation that works in the area of public health might prove to be an ideal career.
How to pursue a career in an NGO
- Complete your education in the area of public health that you are intersted in.
- Be sure to volunteer for the cause much before you have completed the course as this arms you with valuable experience.
- Working with NGOs will also open up employment opportunities over time.
4. Nutritionist
Dieticians and nutritionists are professionals who cater to their patients’ and clients’ nutritional and health needs. If this is an area that interests you, it could be a rewarding career with exceptional opportunities.
How to become a Nutritionist
- Get a bachelor’s course (BSc) in food and nutrition
- Complete an MSc in Food and Nutrition with specialisations like therapeutic nutrition, public health nutrition or food science from a recognised university.
- Get professional experience by completing internships or volunteering
- Apply for the role of Dietician and/or Nutritionist at hospitals, clinical laboratories, wellness startups, government agencies working for public health departments and the like.
5. Nurse & Nursing Assistant
A nurse plays a huge part in a patient's recovery and also assists doctors and surgeons. Nurses serve to care for people who are suffering from disabilities, accidents, or diseases etc. and are usually the primary caregivers in many circumstances.
How to become a Nurse
- Complete your 10+2 with core subjects like Physics, Chemistry and Biology with a minimum of 50% aggregate.
- Prepare for the Bachelor degree entrance examination and enrol in a BSc Nursing course.
- Complete the requisite training before you apply for a position at hospitals, nursing homes, public health centres, old age homes, etc.
- Complete a Master’s degree to grow further in your career.
