If you want to work in healthcare but aren’t sure which role is right for you, that’s okay! Sometimes the best thing you can do is get in the door, stay curious and see what you’re naturally drawn to.

Lead MRI Tech and MRI Safety Officer Tosh did just that, taking a winding path versus a straight line to his ideal role in imaging. Whatever role you’re considering—nursing, administrative, allied health or something you haven’t even thought of yet—his advice is the same: get close to the work, take advantage of the many resources available and give yourself the freedom to find where you belong.

Get close to the work—all over the hospital

Tosh originally thought he wanted to be a nurse, but after earning his CNA license, he realized it wasn’t the right fit. So, he did something smart: he took a job in patient transport. He recommends this as a great first step to anyone still figuring out their direction in healthcare.

“Transport is for the whole hospital, so you interact and work with all of the different departments,” Tosh says. That wide-angle view let him observe teams, cultures and kinds of work he may not have discovered otherwise. That’s how he realized he wanted to be a radiology tech. “Everybody in imaging always seemed positive, like they were having a good time while doing the work.” He asked how to get started, and it was the beginning of a career he loves today.

Take advantage of the resources available

When beginning a career in healthcare, don’t shy away from seeking out resources to help clarify where you want to go—as well as financial support to help you get there. Here are several things Tosh recommends.

• Start with an entry-level role in the department that interests you: Once you figure out where you want to be, take any role that you’re qualified for. In Tosh’s case, before he was certified as an MRI Tech, he accepted an imaging assistant role. He used that time to go to school while working and exploring different modalities, as well as asking experienced techs about their roles—which ultimately piqued his interest in MRI.
• Use Providence Swedish tuition support to get the necessary credentials or degree: Non-represented (0.5 FTE and higher) caregivers can receive up to $5,250 in annual tuition reimbursement for qualifying education, certificate programs and expenses. Says Tosh, “I don’t know if I would’ve been able to financially get through that without tuition support.”
• Work with your manager to ensure flexible scheduling: Tosh’s flexible schedule allowed him to complete school while working and gain a solid foundation in MRI before he ever had his X-ray license (which, in most states, you need before you can get an MRI certification). Says Tosh, “I had worked as an MRI assistant for so long, so they said, ‘You already know how all this equipment works, you know all the safety concerns, we just have to teach you how to run the computer to take the pictures.’” He adds with a laugh, “I think I was a registered X-ray tech for six days before I started in MRI.”
• Shadow different departments before committing to a career path: Many departments allow you to come observe before you apply. Sometimes shadowing confirms you’re on the right track. Other times, it redirects you somewhere better. “A friend once shadowed in MRI, realized it wasn’t for him, and found he loved X-ray instead,” Tosh says. “Both outcomes are wins—especially if you’re going to invest all that time in an education.”
• Embrace skill portability as part of a large organization: Providence Swedish is part of the seven-state Providence family of organizations, so joining our Puget Sound region gives you access to apply as an internal applicant to roles in Alaska, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, and Washington.
• Build connections through Caregiver Resource Groups: These employee-led groups provide opportunities for mentoring, networking, professional development and community while helping you build relationships across the organization.

Entry-level roles can lead to advanced roles

We’re ready to help you grow into a career you love, just like Tosh. Here are several entry-level roles that can open the door to exceptional long-term careers:

• Certified nursing assistant: Build experience before becoming a registered nurse, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant
• Medical assistant: Grow into clinic management, medical office administration, or a clinical path such as a surgical technologist.
• Patient transporter: Explore a path toward becoming a radiology tech, imaging department manager, or imaging educator.
• Patient services specialist: Develop a career in medical billing, clinical operations, or community health advocacy.

Top three reasons to consider a career with us

If you’re considering joining Providence Swedish, here are Tosh’s top three reasons to click “apply.”

1. You’ll make a big impact. You’ll serve patients in Puget Sound, working in the spirit of our mission to care for all in the community, especially the vulnerable.
2. You’ll grow with support. Whether you’re just getting started or ready for your next step, we’re here to help you outgrow your role.
3. You’ll belong to a tight-knit team. Ours is a culture of belonging. “We rely on each other so much,” says Tosh.

Explore your next step

A healthcare career here means focusing on patients, developing your skills and being part of a team that has your back. If that sounds like the future you want, we’d love to welcome you. Explore open roles and discover where your healthcare journey could lead.