Posted On: February 26, 2010
Do you have a caring and compassionate personality? Have you always felt like you were meant to care for others? Perhaps a future in healthcare is right for you. If you’re not really sure what you want to do, but have always felt like helping others is the right path, consider a future in the medical field.
There are many rewarding careers in the medical field that are made for the right kind of person. Hospitals, clinics and other treatment centers need educated, caring workers to care for patients. This could be you. A career as a nurse, surgical technician, medical receptionist, or other healthcare professional could be the right career path for you.
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics expects medical careers to increase rapidly over the next decade. The increase of healthcare professions is expected to happen due to changes in the healthcare industry, as well as the rise in the population and the need to replace healthcare professionals as they reach retirement.
Here are five rewarding careers in the medical field:
Registered Nurse
Registered nurses treat patients and educate the public about various health issues. Registered nurses consult with physicians, administer medication and observe patients, making sure they are comfortable during their hospital stay.
Registered Nurses hold at least a bachelor’s degree, or an associate degree with a diploma from a certified nursing program.
Medical Receptionist
Medical receptionists work in hospitals, doctor’s offices and other clinics. Medical receptionists are responsible for answering phones, filing patient records, and helping in a number of other office tasks.
A high school diploma is generally adequate to become a medical receptionist, with some hospitals and clinics requiring additional training. However, most training is learned on-the-job.
Medical Billing/Coding
Medical billing clerks work in hospitals and other clinics assisting physicians and healthcare administrators. Medical billers and coders are responsible for updating patient’s medical records, filling out medical insurance forms and working with insurance companies.
A high school diploma is generally adequate to become a medical biller/coder, with some hospitals and clinics requiring additional training. However, most training is learned on-the-job.
Medical Assistant
Medical assistants are responsible for updating patient’s medical records, filling out medical insurance forms and arranging laboratory services. Medical assistants work closely with patients as well as under the direction of physicians.
Schooling for medical assistants is anywhere from 1-2 years. Most technical schools offer training for a one-year certificate and much is learned via on-the-job training.
Surgical Technician
Surgical Technicians assist in surgical procedures under the supervision of board certified surgeons. Surgical Technicians also help with room preparation before operations; including preparing equipment, sterilization and preparing patients before each procedure. Surgical Technicians are also responsible for disposing of materials or getting them ready for laboratory analysis.
Surgical Technologists train at junior colleges, universities and hospitals. Training usually last between nine months and two years, depending on the specialization.