Why Allied Healthcare is the ultimate career pivot for working mums seeking stability
For many working mothers, the “Great Reshuffle” wasn’t just a buzzword; it was a wake-up call. If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that the value of career stability and future-proofing your income cannot be overlooked.
Now, before you think about launching an online freelance boutique (in some cases, it is the right choice), just know that it lacks stability and structured or fixed working hours. For many women, opting to build a career in allied healthcare, specifically, the field of Radiologic Technology, is becoming a premier choice for mothers looking to pivot.
If you are looking to transition from a stagnant role into a high-growth industry, here is why radiology should be on your radar and how you can make the move without upending your family life.
The demand for “recession-proof” roles
Unlike many corporate sectors that fluctuate with the economy, healthcare remains a constant. As the population ages, the need for diagnostic imaging like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans continues to climb. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for radiologic technologists is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations.
For a mother, this means more than just a paycheck; it means leverage. When your skills are in high demand, you have more power to negotiate shifts that work for your childcare schedule or find a clinic closer to home.
Also, reports suggest that females are dominating the healthcare industry, with 74.1% of healthcare and social assistance roles held by females.
Addressing the myth of the four-year degree
One of the primary reasons or barriers that hinder working mums from considering a career in healthcare is the idea of a four-year degree program. Yes, you do need a medical degree to become a certified practitioner; however, you can enter allied healthcare in a surprisingly short duration. For instance, you can become a radiology technician within a year.
Not to mention that many online rad tech programs are now completely online, i.e., no need to travel to an institution or dedicate multiple hours a day to learning.
Reasons why becoming a radiology technician is great for working mums
If you are unsure why to go for a radiology tech program instead of any other allied healthcare roles, it is because you already possess certain soft skills to excel in this role, i.e., empathy, communication, performing under pressure, and accuracy.
Additionally, the BLS states that the average salary for this role is approximately $78,980 per year. While you may not end up earning this amount right away, this role does offer unshakeable stability.
Taking the first step toward your pivot as a working mother
Start by auditing your current transferable skills. Much of the administrative or organizational work you’ve done in previous roles will serve you well in a clinical environment. From there, look for accredited programs that offer accelerated pathways. By focusing on a specialized certificate rather than a broad degree, you can bypass the “fluff” and get straight to the high-value skills that employers are looking for.
Please note that the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Certificate is the industry standard. Therefore, it is a great idea to check if you are eligible to sit for the exam. Eligibility criteria are:
- Completion of an ARRT-approved education program
- Demonstrate and pass an ethics review
- Apply within three years of your ARRT-approved education program
Enter a stable career
Yes, the transition from an uncertain 9-5 to a stable allied healthcare career is the ideal choice for any and all working mothers. With that said, it simply will not happen overnight. You will be required to make time to study, learn about completely new procedures, and pass the certification exam, all while taking care of your family.
But with the right mindset, training, and a desire to grow (both financially and socially), you can enter a stable career.
