There are many reasons people want to have a career in the healthcare industry. One of the main reasons is that it is a gratifying field. Healthcare workers get to help people when they are sick or injured, and they often get to see people recover and get back on their feet. Healthcare workers also enjoy good job security, and they typically have decent salaries and benefits.
Careers in Healthcare
There are many careers that someone can pursue in the healthcare industry. Some of the most common jobs include doctors, nurses, and paramedics. However, there are many other options as well. Here are 15 different careers in the healthcare industry.
1. Doctor
A doctor is a medical professional who diagnoses and treats injuries and illnesses. Doctors may work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Training to be a doctor involves a lot of hard work and many years of schooling. After completing medical school, doctors must become licensed to practice medicine. They may also choose to specialize in a particular area of medicine.
2. Nurse
Nurses are healthcare professionals who provide care to patients. They may work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. Nurses typically have an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in nursing. A registered nurse (RN) is a nurse who has been certified by a governing body. You must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become an RN.
3. Nursing Assistant
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) is a healthcare worker who assists nurses with providing care to patients. Nursing assistants may work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. To become certified as a nursing assistant, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam.
4. Paramedic
A paramedic is a healthcare professional who provides emergency medical care to patients. Paramedics typically work in ambulances and are responsible for administering life-saving treatments to patients. You must complete an accredited paramedic program and pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam to become a paramedic.
5. Radiologic Technologist
A radiologic technologist is a healthcare worker who uses radiation to produce body images. Doctors use these images to diagnose injuries and illnesses. Radiologic technologists typically have an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology. They must be licensed and registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
6. Medical Laboratory Technician
A medical laboratory technician is a healthcare worker who performs tests on blood and other body fluids. They typically have an associate’s degree in medical laboratory technology. They must register with the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
7. Cardiovascular Technologist
A cardiovascular technologist is a healthcare worker who specializes in diagnosing and treating heart problems. Cardiovascular technologists typically have an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in cardiovascular technology. They must register with the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE).
8. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
A diagnostic medical sonographer is a healthcare worker who uses ultrasound to diagnose injuries and illnesses. Diagnostic medical sonographers typically have an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography. They must register with the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
9. Respiratory Therapist
A respiratory therapist is a healthcare worker specializing in treating patients with breathing problems. They may work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. Respiratory therapists typically have an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy. They must be licensed and registered with the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
10. Physical Therapist
A physical therapist is a healthcare worker who helps patients recover from injuries and illnesses. They may work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. Physical therapists typically have a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy. They must be licensed and registered with the Physical Therapy Licensing Board (PTLB).
11. Physical Therapist Assistant
A physical therapist assistant is a healthcare worker who helps physical therapists provide care to patients. Physical therapist assistants typically have an associate’s degree in physical therapist assisting. They must be licensed and registered with the National Board for Certification in Physical Therapy Assistants (NBCPTA).
12. Occupational Therapist
An occupational therapist is a healthcare worker who helps patients recover from injuries and illnesses and regain the skills they need to do their jobs. Occupational therapists may work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. They typically have a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy. They must be licensed and registered with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
13. Speech-Language Pathologist
A speech-language pathologist is a healthcare worker who specializes in treating patients with communication problems. They may work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. Speech-language pathologists typically have a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. They must be licensed and registered with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
14. Dentist
A dentist is a healthcare worker who specializes in treating teeth and gums. Dentists typically have a doctorate in dental medicine. They must be licensed and registered with the American Dental Association (ADA).
15. Dental Hygienist
A dental hygienist is a healthcare worker who helps dentists provide care to patients. Dental hygienists typically have an associate’s degree in dental hygiene. They must be licensed and registered with the American Dental Association (ADA).
Be a Health Worker
The healthcare industry is full of exciting and rewarding careers. Whether you want to help people recover from injuries and illnesses or specialize in treating teeth and gums, you have a career in the healthcare industry. These careers require training and licensure, so be sure to research the requirements before you decide on one. You will indeed find great fulfillment in this field.
