According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in healthcare is projected to grow by 16 percent in 2030. That means there’s no better time to start a career in healthcare than today. But with so many roles and responsibilities, it can be hard to know where to start.
So, how do you decide which medical career is right for you? This article will explore some of the most common healthcare roles and what they entail. You’ll also get tips on getting started in each field.
Physician
The first thing that comes to mind when most people think of healthcare is probably a physician. Physicians are medical doctors who diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. They typically complete four years of undergraduate school, four years of medical school, and three to seven years of residency training.
If you’re interested in becoming a physician, you’ll need to complete a rigorous educational process. But the rewards can be worth it. Physicians enjoy a high degree of autonomy and satisfaction in their work. They also earn a very competitive salary.
When it comes to getting started in this field, the best thing you can do is get good grades in your undergraduate and medical school classes. You should also try to get involved in extracurricular activities like volunteering at a hospital or working as a research assistant. These experiences will give you a taste of what it’s like to work in healthcare and help you stand out when you apply to residency programs. This way, you’ll be one step closer to your goal of becoming a physician.
Nurse
Other important members of the healthcare team are nurses. These medical professionals provide direct patient care and support physicians in their work. They typically complete two to four years of nursing school and may also need to obtain a license from their state.
You’ll need to complete an accredited nursing program to become a nurse. Once you graduate, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed. Nurses can specialize in a particular care area, such as pediatrics or geriatrics. They may also work in a specific setting, such as a hospital, private institution, or nursing home.
If you don’t have enough time to commit to a nursing program, you might want to consider becoming a certified nurse assistant (CNA). CNAs provide primary patient care under the supervision of nurses. With an expert CNA training program, you can accomplish your certification and gain the skills you need to start working in the medical field.
Pharmacist
Another vital role in the healthcare industry is that of pharmacists. They are responsible for dispensing medications and providing information about their proper use. They typically have a four-year pharmacy degree, although some pharmacists choose to complete a two-year program followed by a four-year residency.
Pharmacists must complete an accredited pharmacy program and pass the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT). They must also obtain a license from their state Board of Pharmacy. After completing these requirements, pharmacists can work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or retail pharmacies.
Many pharmacists specialize in a particular area, such as geriatrics or oncology. They may also work for a specific type of pharmacy, such as an independent or mail-order pharmacy.
Emergency Medical Technician
You have probably seen emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics on TV or in movies. These medical professionals are responsible for providing lifesaving care to patients in emergencies. They typically complete a short training program and must obtain certification from their state.
Depending on the state, EMTs and paramedics may need to complete a formal training program that lasts anywhere from four months to two years. They must also go through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam and obtain a state license.
EMTs and paramedics can work in various settings, such as ambulance services, hospitals, or fire departments. Some may choose to specialize in a particular area, such as critical care or pediatrics. Either way, the work can be very rewarding as you help patients in their time of need.
Medical Assistant
Medical assistants support physicians and other medical professionals by performing administrative and clinical tasks. Most medical assistants have a high school diploma, although some may choose to complete a formal training program.
No matter your educational background, you can start working as a medical assistant with on-the-job training. However, if you want to advance your career, you may want to consider completing a formal training program. In doing so, you’ll learn crucial medical terminology and gain the skills you need to succeed in the field.
Once you have the necessary training, you can obtain certification from a professional organization, such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). With certification, you’ll be able to demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to your career.
These are just a few medical careers you might want to consider. With so many options available, you’re sure to find one that’s a perfect fit for your skills and interests. So get started on your path to a rewarding career in healthcare today.
