Exploratory Research Paper: A Deeper Dive Into Healthcare Careers

Having a goal in mind is a huge first step to achieving that goal. You have taken another step towards your goal by starting college. Now that you have an idea of what you want to do after college you need to do some research into that career choice. It is important to know everything you can about your career choice and how to get there.

As you research the details about your path you will be using some on campus resources such as Career Services. You will also be using the skills that you are learning in your research skills class to help you to find the information you will need for this paper.

Requirements:

· Total length of paper should be 6-7 pages (1 title page, 4-5 body pages, 1 reference page)

· Body of paper: 4-5 pages (no more than 5)

· Times New Roman, 1.5 spacing, 12 pt font (these directions are in this format)

· APA format (to include title and reference pages)

· Minimum of 5 references (appropriate, quality references)

· You will submit an outline, rough draft, and final paper (see schedule for due dates)

OPTIONAL:

Submit documentation showing that you submitted your rough draft to the Learning Center’s writing tutors. The documentation can be a screenshot of the appointment or a screenshot showing that you received feedback. You will receive extra credit for taking this additional step during the writing process.

Please see the Learning Center-Writing Skills folder for help with creating your appointment and the submission area for the extra credit documentation.

Grading: (please see grading rubric for further details)

· Content: 70% (broken down into categories based on what is being required)

· Technical: 20% (includes spelling, grammar, formatting; also followed outline, improved on rough draft)

· References: 10% (has at least 5 quality references)

CONTENT OF THE PAPER (DETAILS):

1. Choose ONE career you explored from your PowerPoint project. Discuss/explain this career in more detail. This portion of the paper can include things such as:

a. A general description of the career

b. Why you chose this career, why it is a good fit for you

c. Specialty areas of the job

d. Settings you would work in

e. Types of duties/responsibilities that a person in this career will do/have

f. Skills and personality traits that you have in common with his career

2. Research the educational requirements for this job. This portion of the paper can include required education for entry level as well as advanced job opportunities. Your research should include at least TWO programs that would help you achieve employment for this ONE career. In this section, you should include:

a. Costs and time to complete each program/school

b. Comparison of the two programs (pros and cons)

c. Which program is best for your needs

d. Requirements to obtain the license or certification

e. Any continuing education requirements once you are working in the field

f. Any other important details about completing your education for this career

3. Explore the career potential. For this portion of the paper, you will likely want to use the Career Services resources. You should have started this process through the intake forms that are being completed. Exploring the career potential will include information such as:

a. CNY (or your local area) job market. Explain the need for this position.

b. Current job opportunities – name some of the top industries that hire for this career and some specific employers in the local area you live or wish to live.

c. Determine and explain what skills and experience employers are looking for (include both soft skills and hard skills).

d. Describe what the career path might look like for advancement within your chosen profession (what promotions or advancements you can achieve).

e. Salary ranges for the career path and what that will look like at different levels (entry level to advanced experience).