A career in healthcare offers many options for those looking to make a difference. The field of medicine is changing rapidly, and new opportunities are opening up every day. There are many ways you can get involved with this industry, depending on your interests and skills.
These careers will allow you to impact people’s lives while also providing them with the best possible medical care. Consider which type of career might be right for you if you’re interested in making a change or want to help others live healthier.
Registered Nurse and Nursing Assistant
Those interested in working with patients can consider becoming a registered nurse. Nurses play an essential role in the field, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care. They focus on providing emotional support for their patients and working with physicians to develop treatment plans.
You can also become a nursing assistant. These are professionals who work closely with nurses to assist. Their duties include walking patients, transporting equipment between rooms, and preparing medical supplies for the nursing staff. This job requires CNA training, which you can complete online.
Dental Assistant and Hygienist
One of the most popular careers in healthcare is working as a dental assistant. Dental professionals help patients maintain healthy teeth and gums by performing x-rays, taking impressions for dentures, and scheduling patients’ appointments. You can also become a dental hygienist, which requires additional training. Dentists also use hygienists to perform cavity fillings and exams.
Consider becoming a dental assistant or hygienist for those interested in medical sciences. These careers will allow you to work closely with patients while helping professionals keep their teeth healthy.
Physician Assistant
Working as a physician assistant offers the opportunity to work closely with physicians. These professionals perform physical exams, diagnose illnesses, and treat patients according to physicians’ instructions. You can also choose to become a PA-C, which requires additional training. Physicians will often ask PAs to administer medications and minor surgeries and help during surgery.
Patients may prefer working with a PA instead of an M.D. since it’s more affordable. Plus, PAs can still perform the same duties as many physicians without requiring additional training.
Emergency Medical Technician
If you’re interested in working in the field of medicine but don’t want to spend long hours sitting in a hospital or clinic, becoming an EMT might be the best option for you. EMTs work with physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals at the scene of accidents or emergencies to provide support.
What’s more, you’ll need less training to become an EMT than many other professions in this industry. However, you can take courses online if interested.
Respiratory Therapist
If you want to work closely with patients, becoming a respiratory therapist is another option. These professionals help keep patients breathing smoothly and may even use various tools, such as masks or nebulizers, to accomplish this goal. You can also choose to become a cardiopulmonary technician or RRT, which requires additional training.
These professionals support physicians and nurses during standard procedures like EKGs and CPR.
Additionally, they might assist with radiology scans and testing. Medication administration is another one of their responsibilities, as is providing support for post-operative patients in the recovery room. Some professionals also help to monitor patients’ vital signs. For those interested in science, becoming a respiratory therapist is an excellent path to take.
Physical Therapist and Occupational Therapist
Patients with disabilities or injuries may need the assistance of a physical therapist or occupational therapist to fit into society again. Physical therapists focus on helping people regain proper mobility and movement, while occupational therapists focus on the functionality of patients’ muscles.
Physical therapists are often involved with athletic training, as well. If you want to help individuals regain their overall capacity to function in society, consider becoming a physical therapist or occupational therapist.
You can also choose to become an OT assistant instead of a full-fledged therapist, which requires less training.
Neurological or Neuropsychological Technician
These professionals support doctors who are treating patients with neurological or neuropsychological disorders. As a neurological technician, you may need to perform diagnostic tests on patients using EEGs and help these professionals determine the course of treatment for their patients.
Having a background in science is beneficial, but it isn’t necessary to work as a neurological or neuropsychological technician. You’ll need an associate’s degree and be comfortable testing and analyzing patients.
So, if you’re interested in a healthcare career, there are many paths you can take. The roles and pathways listed above are just a few of the many options available to you.
No matter which path you choose, be sure to do your research and get the appropriate training so that you can provide the best possible care to your patients.
