Medical field careers are some of the most popular paths that students take, not only because of the money or passion but for all the different choices available. Those that are in this field feel that there is a prestige that comes with working in a hospital or doctor’s office.
Medical professionals are the ones that help those who are in pain and suffering, or who need surgery done, whether it’s for an emergency or cosmetic. Saving lives and improving the well-being of their patients are core values in this field, but being trusted with the responsibility isn’t easy. There are years of studying that go into any one of these fields and there can sometimes be fierce competition when getting a job.
Top Medical Field Careers
Some of the rewarding Medical field careers include: Nurses, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapy Assistants, Physicians, Doctors and Radiologist Technicians and many more. Salaries are high in any of these fields, but some are higher than others.
For example, a registered nurse (RN) made an average salary of $63,750 in 2009 with the top 10% earning over $93,000. A Radiologist Tech. can earn an average of $57,000 with only an associate degree and the top 10% made over $75,000, to compare. Even though pay rates are different, the work that is required is also very different and so are the schedules. Each field is unique in it’s own right, and a lot is required out of the professional.
Some of the job duties of a Physical Therapist, for example, help patients who are disabled with different strategies and fitness programs that will work out their muscles before they lose mobility permanently. They are the ones that assist those who may have injured their lower extremities, have a disease in their legs that keep them from walking much or some kind of physical trauma.
Medical Field Careers: Nursing
Nurses help those who are sick by providing care and medicine for the sick and injured. They can find work at a doctor’s office, private practice, schools, camps and any other health care facilities. Nurses can find a job anywhere and with more and more surgical and pharmacological breakthroughs with in Medicine, this is sure to be an in demand Medical field career for a long time to come.
Radiologist Technicians specialize in using CT scans, ultrasounds, mammography and MRIs. They use X-rays to scan patients to check for any fractures and dislocations. An exam must be passed for them to be certified to practice. There is a greater need for this position since the baby boomer generation is aging and will need more checkups and scans. There are also openings to move up to becoming a supervisor and department administrators. Like Nurses, they work in hospitals, private practices, health care facilities and clinics.
Upper level Medical Field Careers such as Doctors and Dentists are great ways to make a living, but be prepared to study long and hard , but obtain job security and prestige!
If spending 6 years or more in school to become a Doctor or Dentist doesn’t appeal to you , no problem! You can still have a rewarding career in the Medical Field. There are many entry level positions that require little or no formal education: such as a pharmacy technician. If you enjoy the Medical Field but feel uneasy at the thought of giving someone a shot you may be better suited for a “hands-off” position working behind the scenes as a Medical coder .