As one of the most diverse career fields, there is a wide range of options when it comes to jobs in the medical field. From nursing and pharmaceuticals to dentistry and more, each with its own unique perks and challenges, there’s always something new in medicine for those willing to put in the hard work. There are multiple different types of careers you can choose from when starting off in medicine:
1. Advanced Practitioner
These doctors have been through years of training and often require a bachelor’s degree in addition to their professional degree. They can prescribe medications, order tests, make diagnoses and perform surgery. Many advanced practitioners provide primary care for patients, such as midwives, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.
2. Anesthesiologist Assistants
These assist anesthesiologists during surgeries by monitoring the patient’s heart rate and respiratory system as well as controlling pain medication given before or during surgery. In most cases, they must complete one year of internship after completing four years of medical school before they are eligible to take national certification exams required by many states to practice medicine.
3. Dentist
Dentists help keep our teeth sparkling clean and our mouths healthy. They can work anywhere from private practices to hospital clinics to school health centers, and they also play a vital role in the medical community by working with children whose developing teeth may be at high risk for disease.
4. Dietitians and Nutritionists
Dietitians and nutritionists are healthcare professionals that help patients maintain their nutritional health through proper diagnosis, treatment, and education. Along with studying food intake and how it affects overall well-being, dietitians must become certified before they can begin practicing medicine. Many of them specialize in certain areas such as sports, wellness, or pediatrics.
5. Emergency Medical Technician
When a medical emergency occurs, EMTs are the first responders that help with the stabilization and transport of a patient. EMTs can earn their certification through many education pathways, including a high school diploma or equivalent, job training, and an associate’s degree from a reputed EMT school. Becoming an EMT is a rewarding occupation because you will work alongside doctors and nurses to save lives.
6. Genetic Counselor
A genetic counselor provides support to people who have a family history of a hereditary disorder or birth defect, along with their families and significant others. They may offer guidance on how diseases are inherited in addition to the methods of coping when an individual is at risk for passing down a disease. In many cases, they can help arrange testing, which gathers information from chromosomes that helps identify certain medical conditions in both children and adults.
7. Nurse Anesthetist
Nurse anesthetists perform anesthesia services in areas such as operating rooms, ambulatory care centers, and patients’ homes, where they administer anesthesia before, during, or after surgery under the direction of an anesthesiologist. In most cases, they do not need a bachelor’s degree but must complete certification courses and an accredited nurse anesthesia program before passing the certification exam to practice as a nurse anesthetist.
8. Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners have been carefully selected from those who have a nursing degree as well as a master’s degree in another field of study. In addition to their clinical responsibilities, nurse practitioners also manage the overall quality and coordination of patient care by supervising and delegating tasks to other members of the healthcare team. They can choose to work at any location, including clinics, hospitals, and even private practices.
9. Pharmacist
Pharmacists compound medications for patients and advise them on how to properly use their prescriptions. They can work at any one of the thousands of pharmacies that are located throughout the country where they provide healthcare services to customers before, during, and after dispensing medication. Since pharmacists must complete many years of post-graduate coursework, it is important to choose a reputable school when pursuing your PharmD degree.
10. Physician Assistant
Physicians work closely with a physician assistant in diagnosing medical conditions and treating patients. They may also perform certain procedures such as stitching wounds or delivering babies in addition to working in a hospital, clinic, or private practice. In most cases, they have a master’s degree in their field of study, which can include sciences, nursing, or healthcare administration, along with coursework that is specific to their medical specialty
Medical professionals play an integral role in our society and help people maintain healthier lifestyles that lead to greater productivity and better health outcomes. This is only the beginning; if you enjoy helping others while gaining personal satisfaction, then medicine may be perfect for you!
