9 answers
Ally
Student
Cambridge, Massachusetts
1
Question
Asked
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What types of careers are there in the medical field?
I’m an incoming junior and I want to explore jobs on the medical field. I am currently thinking about college and what I may want to study if I were to enter the medical field.
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9 answers
Michel Davis
Medical student
171
Answers
Cranston, Rhode Island
Updated
Michel’s Answer
Literally anything you can imagine I will try to describe a few.
Medical admin people who look into the bottom line of hospitals make sure to spend money on things that help out the profitability. Not widely liked because they have to do a lot of the things that make peoples lifes harder, but some people enjoy the management component of this.
Medical doctors MD/DO these are physicians who have a wide range of jobs inside the hospital. Internal medicine, primary care, surgery, radiology, emergency medicine.
NP and PA typically help physicians, but in some states have been given full practice authority to act more like a medical doctor.
BSN/RN nursing staff who do a lot of the direct patient care.
CNA assistant to the nursing staff.
Occupational therapy these are the people who help people regain day to day activities
Physical therapy through exercises help people regain strength and flexibility
Pharmacists the drug gurus they know everything you could ever need to know about drug interactions and what dosages will be needed in a patient.
Dietitian these are the people that help out with diets and what people can eat to maximize health
Techs these are the people that can help in different areas radiology techs will do a lot of the scanning for radiologists
Scribes these are the people that do a lot of the note writing for physicians and other professionals in the hospital. This eases the job of these other workers so they can be more efficient.
There are a lot more, but only so much time to explain all of them. This list is in no particular order all of these jobs are absolutely crucial to healthcare and there are other unsung heroes. There are people that clean rooms, security to protect everyone, cooks, and secretaries. There are many different types of jobs and together they make a healthcare system run.
Medical admin people who look into the bottom line of hospitals make sure to spend money on things that help out the profitability. Not widely liked because they have to do a lot of the things that make peoples lifes harder, but some people enjoy the management component of this.
Medical doctors MD/DO these are physicians who have a wide range of jobs inside the hospital. Internal medicine, primary care, surgery, radiology, emergency medicine.
NP and PA typically help physicians, but in some states have been given full practice authority to act more like a medical doctor.
BSN/RN nursing staff who do a lot of the direct patient care.
CNA assistant to the nursing staff.
Occupational therapy these are the people who help people regain day to day activities
Physical therapy through exercises help people regain strength and flexibility
Pharmacists the drug gurus they know everything you could ever need to know about drug interactions and what dosages will be needed in a patient.
Dietitian these are the people that help out with diets and what people can eat to maximize health
Techs these are the people that can help in different areas radiology techs will do a lot of the scanning for radiologists
Scribes these are the people that do a lot of the note writing for physicians and other professionals in the hospital. This eases the job of these other workers so they can be more efficient.
There are a lot more, but only so much time to explain all of them. This list is in no particular order all of these jobs are absolutely crucial to healthcare and there are other unsung heroes. There are people that clean rooms, security to protect everyone, cooks, and secretaries. There are many different types of jobs and together they make a healthcare system run.
Carolyn Hosenfeld
Medical Laboratory Scientist and Assistant Clinical Professor
12
Answers
Bowling Green, Ohio
Updated
Carolyn’s Answer
Hello Ally! Great question, and some great answers on here!
I just wanted to also include the field of medical laboratory science, since it hasn’t been mentioned yet. We do all the scientific testing on patient specimens to aid in patient diagnosis and treatment. There’s lots of different testing disciplines… hematology, hemostasis, urine and body fluid analysis, virology, mycology, parasitology, bacteriology, transfusion medicine, clinical chemistry, immunology/serology, molecular testing, genetics… and so much more! This is a 4 year degree, and also makes a great undergrad degree for med school or physician assistant/pathologist assistant school. You could also go into public health, government jobs, education, etc.- lots of possibilities! If you love the science behind the medicine, check it out! Much like nursing, there’s a 2 year degree (medical technician) as well if you’re looking into associate degrees.
Good luck with your search on the medical field disciplines!
I just wanted to also include the field of medical laboratory science, since it hasn’t been mentioned yet. We do all the scientific testing on patient specimens to aid in patient diagnosis and treatment. There’s lots of different testing disciplines… hematology, hemostasis, urine and body fluid analysis, virology, mycology, parasitology, bacteriology, transfusion medicine, clinical chemistry, immunology/serology, molecular testing, genetics… and so much more! This is a 4 year degree, and also makes a great undergrad degree for med school or physician assistant/pathologist assistant school. You could also go into public health, government jobs, education, etc.- lots of possibilities! If you love the science behind the medicine, check it out! Much like nursing, there’s a 2 year degree (medical technician) as well if you’re looking into associate degrees.
Good luck with your search on the medical field disciplines!
Keyston Rice
Supervisor
178
Answers
Lawrence, IN
Updated
Keyston’s Answer
Hey there, it's great that you're considering the medical field! There are a lot of paths you can take, even without attending college. You could look into roles like medical assistants, lab technicians, or even healthcare administration. Just remember, my own journey led me to where I am, so explore your options and follow what feels right for you.
Marlena Bushway
Registered Nurse Manager
34
Answers
Roswell, New Mexico
Updated
Marlena’s Answer
So Ally, great question! There are so many options in the medical field it's unreal! Depending on how long you want to go to school, income desired, levels of responsibility, the options are endless! Medical doctor, surgeon, anesthesiologist, dentist, specialize, but you have medical assistant, physicians assistant, medical Device trainer, transcription, etc. Nursing has everything too from cna to PhD, NP, clinical nurse specialists, midwife, specialize, anesthesia, infection control, mds/coding, management, teaching, informatics, case management, different settings, endless! Physical, occupational, and speech therapy, chiropractic, herbal medicine, osteopathy, respiratory therapy. Emergency medicine, paramedics, EMTs, CPR/ACLS/PALS/NRP educators and beyond! There are also legal careers in Medina, malpractice, nurse consulting, claims, etc. Can do remote work. More communicating and helping others you have social work, therapists, other mental health areas too you can specialize in. Endless possibilities! I love nursing because of the possibilities, change, flexibility, new roles. Forensics is even in the medical field! Can run your own practice, iv clinic, aesthetics, even sports medicine! Talk with your school counselors, set yourself up for success, and start preparing now for your future career. Research different areas you might be interested in. Can even deal with animals in medicine if humans are too dramatic ;-)
School counselor
Research college programs
Pre-requisites
College requirements
Healthcare careers
Marlena recommends the following next steps:
Robert Jones
Software Engineer Intern
10
Answers
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Updated
Robert’s Answer
It's fantastic that you're thinking about the medical field! There's a wide range of careers in healthcare, each with its own unique blend of science, empathy, and skill. From hands-on roles like nurses, physicians, surgeons, and physical therapists to behind-the-scenes careers like medical laboratory technologists, healthcare administration, or medical billing, there's something for almost any interest.
Maybe you're drawn to pharmacy, where you could work on medicine distribution, or perhaps medical research, diving into the quest for new treatments and cures. If technology sparks your curiosity, you might look into radiology or biomedical engineering.
Don't forget about mental health, where careers like psychiatrists, psychologists, or counselors make a significant impact. Even fields like occupational therapy, dietetics, or speech-language pathology are essential parts of healthcare.
Take the time to explore these paths, maybe through volunteer opportunities, internships, or shadowing professionals. Talk to people in these roles, ask questions, and see what resonates with you. Your school's guidance counselor might have some great insights too.
Maybe you're drawn to pharmacy, where you could work on medicine distribution, or perhaps medical research, diving into the quest for new treatments and cures. If technology sparks your curiosity, you might look into radiology or biomedical engineering.
Don't forget about mental health, where careers like psychiatrists, psychologists, or counselors make a significant impact. Even fields like occupational therapy, dietetics, or speech-language pathology are essential parts of healthcare.
Take the time to explore these paths, maybe through volunteer opportunities, internships, or shadowing professionals. Talk to people in these roles, ask questions, and see what resonates with you. Your school's guidance counselor might have some great insights too.
DaSabria Dunbar, RPT
60
Answers
Updated
DaSabria’s Answer
Hello! The medical field is brimming with a multitude of diverse career opportunities just waiting for you to explore. Let's take a brief look at some of them: Neurology, a fascinating field focused on the study of the brain and nervous system; Hematology, dedicated to understanding the intricacies of blood; Dentistry, perfect for those who wish to become dentists or oral surgeons; Cardiology, for those passionate about the heart; Psychiatry, a field that delves into the mysteries of the mind; Ophthalmology, ideal for those who aspire to become eye doctors; Dermatology, for those interested in skin health; and Gynecology, a field that supports women's fertility, prevention, and pregnancies. There's also the option to become an EMT or specialize in Pediatrics, and so much more.
The first step on this exciting journey is to discover your passion. For instance, I have a passion for working with young people in the medical field, so I'm currently pursuing a career as an ultrasound tech and plan to become a labor and delivery midwife in the future. I would suggest taking a career assessment to identify your interests and then delve into researching the potential career paths that align with these interests. Lastly, don't hesitate to consult your school advisor about the most effective route to reach your career goal. I hope this information is helpful to you. Best of luck on your journey!
The first step on this exciting journey is to discover your passion. For instance, I have a passion for working with young people in the medical field, so I'm currently pursuing a career as an ultrasound tech and plan to become a labor and delivery midwife in the future. I would suggest taking a career assessment to identify your interests and then delve into researching the potential career paths that align with these interests. Lastly, don't hesitate to consult your school advisor about the most effective route to reach your career goal. I hope this information is helpful to you. Best of luck on your journey!
Heather Taylor
Speech Language Pathology
3
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Heather’s Answer
Speech Language Pathology is a truly rewarding profession within the healthcare sector. Beyond addressing communication issues, I assist patients struggling with swallowing difficulties. I have the privilege of attending to patients during awake brain surgeries, treating those with facial and neck burns, and even caring for the tiny infants in the NICU. I am absolutely thrilled to have discovered this fulfilling career!
Michelle Selko, MS, OTR/L
occupational therapist
22
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello Ally!
I'm an occupational therapist, a career that involves helping people with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities manage their daily activities like self care, work, leisure activities, sleeping and interacting with others. It's a really cool career because I get to help individuals to have fulfilling lives! Occupational therapists can work in a variety of settings like hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and in the community.
I currently work at a hospital in adult and geriatric psychiatry. My team includes social workers, doctors, nurses, health aides, recreational therapists, dietitians, psychologists, physical therapists, speech language pathologists, and behavior therapists. All of these are excellent career paths worth exploring! My own journey towards becoming an occupational therapist started in high school when I had the opportunity to observe various professions at work.
There are so many options- have fun exploring them!
I'm an occupational therapist, a career that involves helping people with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities manage their daily activities like self care, work, leisure activities, sleeping and interacting with others. It's a really cool career because I get to help individuals to have fulfilling lives! Occupational therapists can work in a variety of settings like hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and in the community.
I currently work at a hospital in adult and geriatric psychiatry. My team includes social workers, doctors, nurses, health aides, recreational therapists, dietitians, psychologists, physical therapists, speech language pathologists, and behavior therapists. All of these are excellent career paths worth exploring! My own journey towards becoming an occupational therapist started in high school when I had the opportunity to observe various professions at work.
There are so many options- have fun exploring them!
Kristin Ward
Auditor
2
Answers
Oakland, Iowa
Updated
Kristin’s Answer
Hello there! It's wonderful to see your interest in the diverse world of healthcare.
There's a whole universe of options available, from pursuing a Doctorate, becoming a Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), or Medical Assistant, to exploring careers as a Pharmacist or Therapist, or even delving into the realm of Physical Therapy.
Is there any particular field or specialty that sparks your passion?
Explore the areas you are passionate about
Talk to friends/family that are in the medical field
There's a whole universe of options available, from pursuing a Doctorate, becoming a Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), or Medical Assistant, to exploring careers as a Pharmacist or Therapist, or even delving into the realm of Physical Therapy.
Is there any particular field or specialty that sparks your passion?
Kristin recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much, Kristin!
Sabrina