If you’re passionate about helping others and making a change, have you considered a career in health care? Every day you’ll provide support and assistance to those who need it most. It’s a rewarding and fulfilling career and no two days are ever the same. The hospital environment is an emotional one, but the benefits of providing essential care are overwhelming.
When thinking about a career in healthcare, we instinctively think of doctors and nurses. Of course, they are the foundation of our care society. They are on the front line. However, there are hundreds of other options out there. Today we’ll explore some of the various career routes involved in the health industry. Starting with the more obvious occupations, we’ll then discover some jobs you may not have considered. source
Doctor
Naturally, doctors are the first career choice on the list. However, even this is no clear cut decision. Within the umbrella description of ‘doctor,’ there are lots of specialities. You’ll start with a well-rounded medicine degree and general training. But, following that, you can choose to move into a particular area. As a surgeon, you can specialise in the heart, the brain, bones or general surgery, among others. You could also forgo the hospital entirely and become a GP. They are all high-pressure positions but incredibly rewarding.
Nurses
Nurses are the crucial support system in our health care industry. Without their care and assistance, the entire system would grind to a halt and collapse. They will look after the patient’s every need and ensure they feel comfortable and relaxed. They perform essential procedures and monitor the progress of treatments. They’ll administer tests and keep patients informed. The best nurses are empathetic, compassionate and confident in their abilities. Nurses are also vital in caring for the elderly. Nursing homes and residential care rely on this support system more than ever.
Emergency services
Paramedics and emergency personnel are the first point of contact in an accident situation. They will respond to car crash emergencies or home injuries. They are the first on the scene and administer life-saving first-aid treatments. It’s a very high-pressure job and requires a cool head. Paramedics need less formal training than doctors, so the barrier to entry is lower. Arguably, however, the sense of responsibility is much higher. Emergency services will keep patients alive and transport them safely to the hospital.
Physical and occupational therapy
One of the most rewarding areas of healthcare is physical therapy. It is the process of helping injured patients get back on their feet after long term problems. It can involve nursing paralysed patients into their first steps, or helping coma patients speak their first words. It’s a fantastic part of healthcare to work in as it relies on hope and recovery. You get to witness the smiles and excitement as people make the tiniest steps towards recovery.
Midwifery and OB-GYN
Bringing new life into the world is perhaps the most magical aspect of healthcare. It is often accompanied by intense pain and screaming! But, the smiles of new parents are worth every second. OB-GYN doctors are also responsible for the sexual health of their patients. It involves regular check ups and surgery on reproductive organs. They are also heavily involved in fertility treatments and care throughout pregnancy.
Dentist and oral hygienists
If you can’t handle the blood and gore of surgery, perhaps your forte lies in teeth! Dentists are highly qualified medical experts, and their training is extensive. Dentists are equipped with the skills to diagnose any condition with symptoms in the mouth. It means that training involves a full understanding of the human body. An easier route into this world is becoming an oral hygienist. There are pros and cons of being a dental hygienist, but the rewards far outweigh the negatives. The salary and sense of achievement alone are enough to fall in love with this career.
Pharmacy
Not everyone is suited to the high-pressure environment of a hospital. Instead, why not look to the pharmacy sector. You’ll need fantastic chemistry credentials and full medical training. Pharmacists are responsible for organising and dispensing vital treatments and drug courses. They are also on hand to provide advice and suggestions to customers and visitors. Another route here is the pharmaceutical and medical sales career.
Research and development
If you’re looking for a career in the backstage of healthcare, research and development may suit you better. You’ll be thoroughly trained in science, medicine or engineering. Your role would be to help develop new vaccines and find new cures. It could be to create the next important treatment or equipment that will save more lives. It’s a fascinating world spent in laboratories and workshops. You could be the first person to find a cure for cancer or develop the next X-Ray machine. These teams are the heart of medical advancement, and it’s a chance to shape the future.
Dietician and dermatology
Obesity is a huge problem in the developed world. Over 50% of the American population is considered overweight, and the statistics are similar in the UK. The importance of qualified dieticians is growing rapidly. Dispensing expert advice on healthy eating is one of the most challenging conversations of our generation. Dermatologists occupy a similar space and focus on difficult skin conditions. These cosmetic aspects are crucial to our future.
Mental health and psychology
The profound effects of mental health are slowly dawning on us. With more and more awareness of mental health conditions emerging, the more we need experts. Suicide is the single biggest killer of 20-50-year-old men. That is a shocking statistic that is going unnoticed by too many. We urgently need new professionals to tackle mental health problems and slow down this terrifying statistic. It all starts with therapy and general psychology, but we must go further to address this devastating issue.
As you can see, there are plenty of options to consider in the world of health care. It’s not simply doctors and nurses! There is always a place to use your skills and expertise in this industry. Where could you help?
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