Healthcare careers are many, and you can find yourself working in several different fields. Some of these careers are Physicians, Medical and health services managers, Phlebotomists, and Oncology technologists.
Physicians
Physicians play a key role in the health care system. They perform procedures, diagnose patients, prescribe drugs, and provide advice about their health. A physician may be employed in a hospital or private practice. The need for physicians will continue to increase in the coming decades.
To become a physician, you must attend medical school. Typically, this requires a bachelor’s degree and an advanced degree. After completing training, you can choose to specialize in one of many areas of medicine.
Doctors can earn very high salaries. Compensation varies by the level of expertise, the region where you live, and the number of years you have been in practice. In addition to salary, physicians may receive incentive payments based on productivity.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs for physicians and surgeons is expected to increase by about 3% through 2031. This is slightly slower than the average growth rate for all occupations.
Medical assistants
Medical assistants are employed by hospitals and physician’s offices. They perform routine administrative tasks, such as taking vital signs, updating records, and answering telephones.
Medical assistants also provide clinical assistance. Depending on the setting, they may help doctors during appointments, collect specimens, administer medications, and take patients’ vitals. Some medical assistants work in specialty clinics and emergency care facilities.
A medical assistant’s salary depends on the type of facility he or she works for. In some hospitals, the pace of work is fast and furious, while in a private practice, the hours can vary. Additionally, the volume of patients can have a big influence on the salary.
While most medical assistants learn how to handle administrative tasks, others specialize in clinical duties. For instance, some assistants handle billing and insurance forms, while others provide specialized services, such as phlebotomy.
Oncology technologist
Those who pursue oncology careers have the opportunity to provide support and help for cancer patients. These professionals work in various settings, including hospitals and health care facilities, to ensure patients receive the best possible treatment.
Oncology technicians may be responsible for monitoring a patient’s vital signs, as well as collecting and preparing samples. They can also be tasked with lifting and operating heavy equipment. However, they must be able to handle the stress of working with seriously ill patients.
As more people become aware of the dangers of cancer, more screenings are performed. Technologists detect tumors through blood and microscopic cellular abnormalities, as well as genetic testing.
Having good communication skills can make it easier to explain procedures and treatments to patients. They should also be up-to-date on the latest developments in oncology technology.
Phlebotomists
If you’re looking for an entry level job in the medical field, phlebotomy is one of the best options. Phlebotomists help patients get their blood tested, which is a key part of diagnosing medical conditions.
This career path is also one of the fastest to enter, allowing you to be a vital member of the healthcare team quickly. It is a rewarding and satisfying profession that offers a good work-life balance.
You’ll find jobs in nearly any health care facility, from nursing homes to research centers. You’ll draw blood for patients, and be responsible for storing and labeling it.
A good phlebotomist will be able to keep the process safe. He or she will follow strict infection control procedures to prevent cross contamination of the patient’s blood. Blood samples can be sent to an outside lab, or an in-house laboratory.
Medical and health services managers
Medical and health services managers are administrators who oversee healthcare operations and facilities. They work with physicians, hospitals, health care facilities, and public health organizations. Their job is to ensure the facilities operate efficiently.
These professionals are in demand, and there are numerous job openings. The demand for these positions is expected to grow at a rate of about 28 percent through 2031. This is faster than the national average of five percent for all occupations. However, there will be strong competition for upper management positions.
Some medical and health services managers oversee a single facility or department, while others are responsible for the activities of a number of facilities within a health system. In addition to overseeing operations, these professionals are also responsible for human resources, billing, finance, and regulatory issues.