Different Occupations in the Medical Field

Healthcare industry is one of the fastest growing economies. In spite of recession, this industry has maintained steady growth in the past few years. This sector employs a whopping 14 million people in US alone. Every year, newer opportunities for careers in the medical field are generated. Often, medical careers are only associated with physicians, nurses, medical assistants, technicians etc. However, there are number of other different jobs in the medical field, which you may not be aware of.

Different Occupations in the Medical Field

Health care industry offers number of job opportunities in core healthcare as well as health support. If you wish to make a career in this field but are averse to blood or sickness, then technical jobs can be your thing.

Physicians
This is the most respected and highest paying jobs in the medical field. Physicians are also amongst the highest paying professionals in the country. However, the career path to becoming a physician is very difficult, long and laborious. You have to spend several years in education and internship, before you can practice on your own.

Nurses
Nursing job is only next to physicians when it comes to respect and earning potential. As a nurse, you can work in diverse areas such as neonatal, pediatric, cardiac, cancer etc. One can become a nurse after completing a formal four-year degree course in Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) or can take an easier route of two year associates degree. Obtaining a license is a must if you wish to work as registered nurse.

Medical Assistants
Those who do not wish to take the difficult route to becoming a doctor or nurse, yet want to get involved in patient care, can opt for the career of medical assistant. Medical assistant job description involves scheduling appointments, relaying patient information to the doctor, documenting diagnosis information and treatment procedures, supervising administrative work and taking care of insurance paperwork on patient's behalf. The educational requirements may vary as per the specific needs of job position. Medical assistants mostly work in private clinics or small community settings.

Physical Therapist
This is a satisfying career without the hassles of emergencies and erratic working hours. Physical therapists help the patients to regain mobility. They suggest physical therapies that help strengthen the muscles of disabled patients. To become a physical therapist, one needs to complete a formal education in physiotherapy.

Paramedics
This is another exciting occupation for young people aspiring to make a career in medical field. Paramedics and EMTs are always in demand. They are the first to report on the sight of accident, mishap or natural disaster. Their working hours are highly erratic and may sometimes stretch over normal limits.

Dietitians and Nutritionists
Owing to the awareness regarding one's health and physical appearance, the demand for nutritionists and dietitians has increased. These are the experts who guide you regarding your diet, either for overcoming weight problem or as a complimentary therapy with your main treatment for overcoming an illness.

Technicians
There are number of technical jobs available in the medical field. The educational requirements and experience varies according to the individual type of job. Some of these jobs require high degree of expertise along with prescribed education, while some only need a high school diploma or an associates degree along with a certification in respective area. The various medical field occupations in technical field include laboratory technician, dialysis technician, operating room technician, X-ray technician etc.

List of Other Occupations in Medical Field

Apart from the above mentioned careers, there are number of other exciting career options in this field. Given below are some other careers in the medical field.

• Audiologist
• Chiropractor
• Electroneurodiagnostic Technologist
• Environmental Health Specialist
• Epidemiologist
• Forensic Scientist
• Geneticist
• Health Educator
• Histologist
• Medical Records Administrator
• Patient Representative
• Psychotherapist
• Radiation Therapist
• Ultrasound Technologist

These were some of the careers in the medical field. So, if you are really interested make sure you explore the various avenues open to you.