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Dr. Melissa A. Simon
and
Rabih Dahdouh
This course aims to help high school students, recent graduates, and those considering career transitions explore health care career options and learn strategies for entry into the health care workforce and health related fields.
Read more
This course aims to help high school students, recent graduates, and those considering career transitions explore health care career options and learn strategies for entry into the health care workforce and health related fields.
Read more
This course aims to help high school students, recent graduates, and those considering career transitions explore health care career options and learn strategies for entry into the health care workforce and health related fields.
There are lots of amazing job opportunities in medicine and healthcare! Join us, as we share the strategies and secrets for getting those jobs. This course will introduce you to healthcare professions, help you map a path towards a health career, and impart skills relevant for any career, including: articulating your personal story, resume and cover letter writing, job search, interviewing, professional networking, and professional communications. In this course, you will hear the personal stories, experiences, and journeys of dozens of people who work in health related careers. You will also have the opportunity to connect with a supportive community of students, mentors, and health care professionals to explore your interests, find resources, and discover exciting new opportunities.
The course features more than 50 different guests and lecturers, including Northwestern University faculty from Feinberg School of Medicine; the Kellogg School of Management; the Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications; the School of Professional Studies; Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences; and the School of Communication.
The course is also a resource and tool through which educators, parents, career counselors and others can support students’ career readiness and professional advancement.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/9aj2pi/career
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What's inside
Syllabus
Why Health?
Careers where you can make a difference in people's lives
Day in the Life Snapshots
Healthcare professionals briefly describe what they do and introduce medical terminology
Read more
Syllabus
Why Health?
Careers where you can make a difference in people's lives
Day in the Life Snapshots
Healthcare professionals briefly describe what they do and introduce medical terminology
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Offers an introduction into the healthcare profession, exploring job opportunities
Shares strategies and secrets for getting a job in the healthcare sector
Provides guidance on customizing a personal story to enhance professional opportunities
Includes hands-on exercises in resume and cover letter writing
Provides practical tips on professional networking and interviewing techniques
Connects students with mentors and healthcare professionals for support and guidance
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Reviews summary
Healthcare career exploration and job skills guide
According to learners, this course provides a valuable introduction to healthcare careers and offers practical guidance for entering the field. Many highlight the inspiring insights from guest speakers sharing their diverse journeys. The modules on resume writing, cover letters, and interviewing are frequently praised for their usefulness. While it serves as an excellent starting point for high school students or those new to the field, some students with prior experience felt the content was foundational. Overall, it's considered a solid foundation for aspiring healthcare professionals.
Ideal for beginners, less for advanced
"This course is perfect for high school students or those with absolutely no background in healthcare."
"As someone with some prior experience, parts of the course felt a bit too basic."
"Provides a good overview, but if you're looking for deep dives into specific careers, you'll need additional resources."
"Great starting point, but might be less challenging for career changers from related fields."
Explores many healthcare roles
"I appreciated the breadth of healthcare careers introduced; it helped me understand the vast landscape."
"The 'Day in the Life' snapshots were great for getting a quick sense of different roles."
"This course does a good job of showing just how many different paths there are in medicine and healthcare."
"Helped me explore various options before deciding on a specific path."
Inspiring views from professionals
"The guest speakers and interviews with healthcare professionals were incredibly insightful and motivating. Hearing their real stories was invaluable."
"Loved the diverse range of careers presented through the guest talks. It opened my eyes to possibilities I hadn't considered."
"The personal journeys shared by the guests were the highlight for me. They provided great context and inspiration."
"It was great hearing from so many different people in the field; it made the possibilities feel very real and accessible."
Useful advice for resume/interview
"The sections on resume and cover letter writing were practical and immediately applicable. I feel much more prepared now."
"The interview tips and practice exercises were very helpful in building my confidence."
"Learned valuable strategies for professional networking that I can use right away."
"The practical tools and guidance on job searching and applications are the strongest part of this course."
Some info might be slightly dated
"Some of the job market statistics or resource links felt a bit outdated."
"While the core skills are timeless, some specific examples or platforms mentioned could use an update."
"Hoping the course content, especially concerning the job search landscape, is reviewed periodically for currency."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Career 911: Your Future Job in Medicine and Healthcare with these
activities:
Review basic math and algebra skills.
Show steps
Refresh foundational math skills to enhance understanding of statistics and data analysis, which are essential in health care research and decision-making.
Browse courses on
Math
Show steps
-
Review online tutorials or textbooks to recap math concepts.
-
Complete practice problems to solidify understanding.
Review _How to Get Into Medical School_ by Ryan Gray
Show steps
Provide insight on how to develop a successful application that may lay the groundwork for admission to a medical school and clarify expectations within the field.
View
The Premed Playbook Guide to the Medical School...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Identify medical school programs of interest.
-
Read through the book actively to gain insight on the process and expectations.
-
Reflect on personal experiences, skills, and aspirations that may be relevant to an application.
Create a comprehensive study guide by collating notes, assignments, and practice questions.
Show steps
Promote active learning, enhance retention of key concepts, and facilitate efficient preparation for assessments by organizing course materials into a cohesive and accessible resource.
Browse courses on
Study Guide
Show steps
-
Organize notes and assignments chronologically or by topic.
-
Include practice questions and answers for self-assessment.
-
Review the study guide regularly to reinforce learning.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Create a visual infographic outlining your strengths as a health care worker.
Show steps
Demonstrate your proficiency in effectively communicating your skills to potential employers in the health care industry and synthesize information from the course.
Show steps
-
Review examples of effective infographics.
-
Identify key strengths and accomplishments relevant to the health care field.
-
Use design tools to create a visually appealing and informative infographic.
Complete practice questions on medical terminology.
Show steps
Reinforce understanding of the language of medicine, which is vital for effective communication in the health care setting, and ensure comprehension of course content.
Browse courses on
Medical Terminology
Show steps
-
Review notes and course materials on medical terminology.
-
Utilize online resources or textbooks to find practice questions.
-
Complete practice questions and self-assess understanding.
Join a study group or participate in online discussion forums with peers.
Show steps
Facilitate knowledge sharing, diverse perspectives, and deeper understanding of course content through active engagement with peers.
Show steps
-
Identify or create a study group or join online discussion forums.
-
Actively participate in discussions, ask questions, and share insights.
-
Review and reflect on contributions from peers to expand understanding.
Attend a virtual career fair for health care professionals.
Show steps
Provide an opportunity to connect with potential employers, learn about job openings, and expand professional network within the health care industry, which aligns with the course's focus on career preparation.
Browse courses on
Networking
Show steps
-
Research upcoming virtual health care career fairs.
-
Prepare an elevator pitch and professional resume to showcase skills and experience.
-
Attend the virtual career fair, engage with employers, and follow up with potential leads.
Volunteer at a local health clinic or non-profit organization.
Show steps
Provide practical experience in a health care setting, foster empathy and understanding of patient needs, and complement theoretical knowledge gained in the course.
Browse courses on
Community Engagement
Show steps
-
Identify local health clinics or non-profit organizations that align with interests.
-
Inquire about volunteer opportunities and eligibility requirements.
-
Commit to a regular volunteer schedule and actively participate in assigned tasks.
-
Reflect on experiences and how they connect to course content.
Review basic math and algebra skills.
Show steps
Refresh foundational math skills to enhance understanding of statistics and data analysis, which are essential in health care research and decision-making.
Browse courses on
Math
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review online tutorials or textbooks to recap math concepts.
- Complete practice problems to solidify understanding.
Review _How to Get Into Medical School_ by Ryan Gray
Show steps
Provide insight on how to develop a successful application that may lay the groundwork for admission to a medical school and clarify expectations within the field.
View
The Premed Playbook Guide to the Medical School...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify medical school programs of interest.
- Read through the book actively to gain insight on the process and expectations.
- Reflect on personal experiences, skills, and aspirations that may be relevant to an application.
Create a comprehensive study guide by collating notes, assignments, and practice questions.
Show steps
Promote active learning, enhance retention of key concepts, and facilitate efficient preparation for assessments by organizing course materials into a cohesive and accessible resource.
Browse courses on
Study Guide
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Organize notes and assignments chronologically or by topic.
- Include practice questions and answers for self-assessment.
- Review the study guide regularly to reinforce learning.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Create a visual infographic outlining your strengths as a health care worker.
Show steps
Demonstrate your proficiency in effectively communicating your skills to potential employers in the health care industry and synthesize information from the course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review examples of effective infographics.
- Identify key strengths and accomplishments relevant to the health care field.
- Use design tools to create a visually appealing and informative infographic.
Complete practice questions on medical terminology.
Show steps
Reinforce understanding of the language of medicine, which is vital for effective communication in the health care setting, and ensure comprehension of course content.
Browse courses on
Medical Terminology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review notes and course materials on medical terminology.
- Utilize online resources or textbooks to find practice questions.
- Complete practice questions and self-assess understanding.
Join a study group or participate in online discussion forums with peers.
Show steps
Facilitate knowledge sharing, diverse perspectives, and deeper understanding of course content through active engagement with peers.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify or create a study group or join online discussion forums.
- Actively participate in discussions, ask questions, and share insights.
- Review and reflect on contributions from peers to expand understanding.
Attend a virtual career fair for health care professionals.
Show steps
Provide an opportunity to connect with potential employers, learn about job openings, and expand professional network within the health care industry, which aligns with the course's focus on career preparation.
Browse courses on
Networking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research upcoming virtual health care career fairs.
- Prepare an elevator pitch and professional resume to showcase skills and experience.
- Attend the virtual career fair, engage with employers, and follow up with potential leads.
Volunteer at a local health clinic or non-profit organization.
Show steps
Provide practical experience in a health care setting, foster empathy and understanding of patient needs, and complement theoretical knowledge gained in the course.
Browse courses on
Community Engagement
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify local health clinics or non-profit organizations that align with interests.
- Inquire about volunteer opportunities and eligibility requirements.
- Commit to a regular volunteer schedule and actively participate in assigned tasks.
- Reflect on experiences and how they connect to course content.
Career center
Learners who complete Career 911: Your Future Job in Medicine and Healthcare will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Medical Doctor
Medical Doctor
Medical Doctors are responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of illness and injury. They may specialize in a particular area of medicine, such as pediatrics or surgery. The Career 911 course can help Medical Doctors by providing them with a strong foundation in the healthcare system, as well as strategies for career advancement. The course also features interviews with dozens of healthcare professionals, which can provide Medical Doctors with insights into the different career paths available to them.
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurses provide direct patient care, working under the supervision of a physician. They may specialize in a particular area of nursing, such as critical care or pediatrics. The Career 911 course can help Registered Nurses by providing them with a strong foundation in the healthcare system, as well as strategies for career advancement. The course also features interviews with dozens of healthcare professionals, which can provide Registered Nurses with insights into the different career paths available to them.
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants are licensed healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of a physician. They can perform a variety of tasks, such as taking patient histories, performing physical exams, and ordering tests. The Career 911 course can help Physician Assistants by providing them with a strong foundation in the healthcare system, as well as strategies for career advancement. The course also features interviews with dozens of healthcare professionals, which can provide Physician Assistants with insights into the different career paths available to them.
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Practitioners are licensed healthcare professionals who can practice independently or under the supervision of a physician. They can provide a variety of primary care services, such as diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medications, and ordering tests. The Career 911 course can help Nurse Practitioners by providing them with a strong foundation in the healthcare system, as well as strategies for career advancement. The course also features interviews with dozens of healthcare professionals, which can provide Nurse Practitioners with insights into the different career paths available to them.
Medical Assistant
Medical Assistant
Medical Assistants perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks in a healthcare setting. They may work in a doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. The Career 911 course can help Medical Assistants by providing them with a strong foundation in the healthcare system, as well as strategies for career advancement. The course also features interviews with dozens of healthcare professionals, which can provide Medical Assistants with insights into the different career paths available to them.
Pharmacist
Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense medications and provide information about their use. They may work in a retail pharmacy, hospital, or clinic. The Career 911 course can help Pharmacists by providing them with a strong foundation in the healthcare system, as well as strategies for career advancement. The course also features interviews with dozens of healthcare professionals, which can provide Pharmacists with insights into the different career paths available to them.
Dental Hygienist
Dental Hygienist
Dental Hygienists provide preventive dental care, such as cleanings and fluoride treatments. They may also work with dentists to provide restorative care, such as fillings and crowns. The Career 911 course can help Dental Hygienists by providing them with a strong foundation in the healthcare system, as well as strategies for career advancement. The course also features interviews with dozens of healthcare professionals, which can provide Dental Hygienists with insights into the different career paths available to them.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists help people who have been injured or disabled to regain their independence and improve their quality of life. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, schools, or clinics. The Career 911 course may be useful for Occupational Therapists by providing them with a strong foundation in the healthcare system, as well as strategies for career advancement.
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapists help people who have been injured or disabled to regain their mobility and function. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, schools, or clinics. The Career 911 course may be useful for Physical Therapists by providing them with a strong foundation in the healthcare system, as well as strategies for career advancement.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologists help people who have difficulty communicating due to a variety of causes, such as stroke, brain injury, or developmental disorders. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, schools, or clinics. The Career 911 course may be useful for Speech-Language Pathologists by providing them with a strong foundation in the healthcare system, as well as strategies for career advancement.
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Engineers design and develop medical devices and equipment. They may also work on the development of new drugs and treatments. The Career 911 course may be useful for Biomedical Engineers by providing them with a strong foundation in the healthcare system, as well as strategies for career advancement.
Health Information Manager
Health Information Manager
Health Information Managers oversee the collection, storage, and use of health information. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or insurance companies. The Career 911 course may be useful for Health Information Managers by providing them with a strong foundation in the healthcare system, as well as strategies for career advancement.
Public Health Educator
Public Health Educator
Public Health Educators develop and implement programs to promote health and prevent disease. They may work in a variety of settings, such as schools, community centers, or government agencies. The Career 911 course may be useful for Public Health Educators by providing them with a strong foundation in the healthcare system, as well as strategies for career advancement.
Health Policy Analyst
Health Policy Analyst
Health Policy Analysts develop and analyze policies that affect the healthcare system. They may work for government agencies, insurance companies, or nonprofit organizations. The Career 911 course may be useful for Health Policy Analysts by providing them with a strong foundation in the healthcare system, as well as strategies for career advancement.
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrators oversee the day-to-day operations of healthcare organizations. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or insurance companies. The Career 911 course may be useful for Healthcare Administrators by providing them with a strong foundation in the healthcare system, as well as strategies for career advancement.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/9aj2pi/career
Reading list
We've selected 29 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Career 911: Your Future Job in Medicine and Healthcare.
Provides a comprehensive overview of medical terminology, which is essential for understanding the language of healthcare professionals. It valuable resource for students who are new to the field or who need a refresher on the basics.
Save
Provides an overview of the healthcare job market, including information on current trends and future projections. It valuable resource for students who are planning their careers in the healthcare field.
Save
Provides step-by-step instructions on how to write a strong resume that will stand out to potential employers. It valuable resource for students who are preparing to enter the job market.
Provides a comprehensive guide to networking, including tips on how to build relationships, find mentors, and advance your career. It valuable resource for students who are looking to develop their professional network.
Save
Provides a proven system for finding a job in as little as two hours per day. It valuable resource for students who are actively looking for employment.
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to career planning, including tips on how to identify your interests, explore different career options, and make a career change. It valuable resource for students who are exploring their career options or who are considering a career change.
Provides a personal career plan that can help you to achieve your career goals. It valuable resource for students who are looking to develop their career plan and track their progress.
Provides a comprehensive guide to the job hunting process, including tips on how to write a resume, prepare for interviews, and negotiate a salary. It valuable resource for students who are looking to find a job.
Provides a comprehensive guide to medical terminology, including information on pronunciation, spelling, and usage. It valuable resource for students who are new to the field or who need a refresher on the basics.
Provides a comprehensive guide to healthcare professions, including information on job descriptions, educational requirements, and salary expectations. It valuable resource for students who are exploring different career options in the healthcare field.
Provides a comprehensive guide to careers in healthcare, including information on job descriptions, educational requirements, and salary expectations. It valuable resource for students who are exploring different career options in the healthcare field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the healthcare administration field, including different career paths and educational requirements. It also covers topics such as healthcare finance, human resources, and marketing.
Classic guide to personal and professional effectiveness. It provides practical advice on how to develop habits that will help you achieve your goals and live a more fulfilling life.
Provides clear and concise instructions on how to prepare for and ace job interviews. It great resource for anyone who is looking to improve their interviewing skills.
Comprehensive guide to career planning and job hunting. It provides practical advice on how to identify your career goals, develop your skills, and find the job that is right for you.
Save
Useful resource for those who are considering a career change or who are looking to find a career that is more fulfilling. It provides practical advice on how to assess your skills and interests, identify career options, and make a successful career transition.
Save
Provides a unique perspective on career and life planning. It challenges traditional notions of work and success and provides practical advice on how to create a more fulfilling and productive life.
Challenges the traditional notion that you should follow your passion when choosing a career. It argues that it is more important to develop valuable skills and become an expert in your field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the healthcare industry, including different career paths and educational requirements. It also includes a directory of healthcare employers.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the healthcare industry, including different career paths and educational requirements. It also offers tips on resume writing, interviewing, and networking.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the healthcare industry, including different career paths and educational requirements. It also offers tips on resume writing, interviewing, and networking.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the healthcare industry, including different career paths and educational requirements. It also includes a directory of healthcare employers.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the healthcare industry, including different career paths and educational requirements. It also offers tips on resume writing, interviewing, and networking.
Provides a crash course in business fundamentals. It great resource for those who are interested in learning more about business and who are looking to develop their business skills.
Includes tips on how to write a strong resume and cover letter for a health care job. It also includes sample resumes and cover letters for a variety of health care positions.
Save
Explains the art of writing personal narratives. It is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to improve their writing skills, including those who are preparing for job interviews or writing cover letters.
Save
Introduces medical terminology and provides a step-by-step approach to learning it. It helpful resource for anyone who wants to learn more about medical terminology, including those who are considering a career in healthcare.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the legal aspects of healthcare.
Provides a comprehensive overview of medical ethics.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/9aj2pi/career
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Via
Coursera
Institution
Northwestern University
Instructors
Dr. Melissa A. Simon
Rabih Dahdouh
Language
English
Transcripts
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