If you’re looking to start a career in the medical field, it can be hard to know where to begin. With so many options available, it’s important to research the opportunities and narrow down your choices. To help you get started, here are six medical careers that can pay off big in the long run.
Physician Assistant (PA)
Becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) offers a rewarding career route in the medical field, with many opportunities to make a positive impact in people’s lives. A PA educates patients, provides preventive care services and diagnosis of conditions, interprets laboratory tests and X-rays, assists with surgery, orders treatment plans and medications when appropriate, and performs follow-up visits with patients.
To begin their career path as a PA, an individual needs to complete a pre-professional undergraduate program before being accepted into an accredited program for PA education. Upon successful completion of a PA program and passing the necessary examinations needed for state licensure, individuals are qualified to practice as PAs.
It is an exciting time of exploration for those seeking a well-respected position that allows them to utilize their acquired medical knowledge while practicing autonomy with some doctor supervision.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a great way to begin your career in the medical field. CNA programs provide aspiring healthcare professionals with the foundational knowledge and clinical skills required for entry-level positions in nursing, such as administering medications, taking vital signs, collecting samples, and maintaining records.
CNAs also help patients with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating. CNA programs are an excellent way to start for those looking to make a difference in the lives of others while working in a team-oriented setting.
Registered Nurse (RN)
Registered nurses provide patient care by assessing their condition and needs, administering medication and treatments, educating patients on health topics, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals. As an RN, you will be responsible for providing care to patients in various healthcare settings.
RNs are responsible for many tasks, such as planning and administering treatments, observing patients, educating patients and their families on health issues, charting patient progress, and responding to medical emergencies. Furthermore, the role of an RN is constantly changing due to advances in technology and the increasing complexity of care needed by patients.
Being an RN also means having excellent communication skills and working well with others. If you choose this career path, you will need an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing before pursuing state licensure.
Physical Therapist (PT)
A career as a Physical Therapist (PT) is an incredibly rewarding choice for anyone interested in healthcare and helping others. PTs play an important role in the health of individuals, enabling people to move and do their day-to-day activities with ease. They provide evaluations, and diagnoses, develop plans of care and administer treatments to help patients of all ages able to perform daily tasks.
Additionally, they use physical techniques such as stretches and exercises and therapeutic modalities such as ultrasound or hydrotherapy to assist in recovery from illness or injury. Given the opportunity to invest a considerable amount of time and energy into cultivating relationships with their patients, many PTs report their job is gratifying both professionally and personally.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists are extremely important healthcare professionals and play a very vital role in managing patients’ drug regimens to ensure they improve their health and meet their wellness goals. They also counsel patients on the proper uses of medications and answer any questions about potential side effects or interactions.
A career in pharmacy is not just about filling Prescriptions. It often involves extensive research work within the laboratory and meaningful connections with patients. Educational requirements for pharmacy jobs vary depending on employers, but most require graduates from an accredited college of pharmacy, pass licensing exams, and meet all state requirements before beginning practice.
Optometrist
Optometry is a healthcare profession that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of eye problems. Optometrists assess patients’ eyesight, diagnose vision problems or diseases, prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, and provide low-vision rehabilitation services. They also monitor their patient’s condition over time to determine if their vision has changed or if any medical treatments are needed.
Optometrists must complete a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree program, which typically takes four years to complete and requires students to take courses in biology, chemistry, physics, optics, anatomy, and physiology. After completing the OD program, optometrists must pass a state licensing exam before they can begin practicing.
The Bottom Line
A career in the medical field can offer many rewards – both professionally and financially – so it’s worth exploring your options if you’re interested in this field! With so many different paths available from Physician Assistants (PAs), Registered Nurses (RNs), Physical Therapists (PTs), Pharmacists, and more – there are sure to be multiple rewarding opportunities awaiting those willing to pursue them! Start researching your options today so you can find the perfect job that pays off!
