Finding A Satisfying Career In Healthcare
There are more opportunities to find work in the healthcare field than ever before. As new technologies are expanding the ways in which we communicate, research, and perform tasks in healthcare, the need for healthcare professionals has extended into all facets of the industry. Whether you’re interested in becoming a doctor or nurse, or you’re looking to get into healthcare through public health or medical sales, there are plenty of opportunities for individuals who are highly motivated and have a strong work ethic.
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)
Becoming a doctor takes a lot of hard work and discipline, as well as a natural ability to excel in the sciences. However, medical schools accept students from different educational and vocational backgrounds. Once accepted, medical students will undergo four years of intense clinical training. During this time, medical students will observe and take part in patient care through rotations in internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, family medicine, obstetrics/gynecology, neurology, and psychiatry.
Once a medical student has graduated from medical school, they will participate in at least three years of residency and choose their area of specialization. After they’ve completed a residency or fellowship, the doctor must obtain a medical license and become a board certified physician. Once all of the education, training, and certifications are complete, a doctor may join a group practice, start their own private practice, join a clinic, or remain hospital based. Even though the path for becoming a doctor is long and difficult, doctors enjoy a profession based on helping others that is both highly challenging and rewarding.
Other Clinical Job Opportunities
Outside of medical school, there are a variety of options in the healthcare field that provide alternatives for those unable or willing to pursue an M.D. Most fields require education beyond a bachelor’s degree, but they offer competitive salaries and the rewards of direct patient care. Some options for other clinical jobs include:
– Physical Therapy
– Physician Assistants
– Occupational Therapy
– Medical Radiology
– Nutrition
– Pharmacy
– Nursing
– And more
Like medical students, those pursuing clinical job opportunities face rigorous courses and testing, but once they pass licensing exams and receive certifications, these individuals have the opportunity to work directly with patients in their specialty areas.
Public Health
Working in healthcare does not always mean participating in direct patient care. A career in public health allows for professionals of various skill sets to stay involved in the industry without necessarily working in a hospital or doctor’s office. Many public health graduates work in local, state, or federal health departments with jobs ranging from epidemiology to public health education.
There are also plenty of opportunities for healthcare professionals in non-profit organizations. Case management is an important part of non-profit organizations in which professionals help particular individuals with their specific health or financial needs. Case managers organize insurance policies, order prescriptions, make doctor’s appointments, and work individually with each of their clients. Working in public health usually requires someone to have excellent communication and organizational skills. While professionals may not be working in direct patient care, they still retain the rewarding aspects of helping others in the healthcare field.
Health Administration or Medical Sales
These positions are for those who are more interested in the business side of healthcare. Health administrators can be responsible for running an entire facility or be responsible for operations within a specific department of a hospital. Some jobs in health administration include:
– Policy Analysis
– Finance
– Accounting
– Budgeting
– Marketing
– Human Resources
Another career opportunity related to the business end of healthcare is medical sales. Because medical sales often requires very specified knowledge of the equipment, students who took pre-med courses in college or have some specific medical training often find medical sales interesting and challenging. While a job in medical sales is usually commission based, professionals have high ceilings for success if they are motivated to succeed.
Peg Smith is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Ms. Smith is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to healthcare careers.
Peg Smith is an experienced writer who is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to healthcare careers. http://www.topworkplaces.com/frontend.php/regional-list/company/tampabay/laser-spine-institute
Author Bio: Peg Smith is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Ms. Smith is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to healthcare careers.
Category: Medical Business
Keywords: healthcare careers