Training your way into the medical industry!
The medical industry offers a variety of career options. Health care is an increasingly attractive field, and medical professionals are needed now more than ever to take care of the increasing aging population. If you want to build a career in the medical field, consider the required qualifications and seek out the best college for earning your degree. Make a targeted exam quickly to learn more about any areas of your studies that need improvement.
Earn your medical degree
Many universities can be costly, so choose your college wisely. Online courses allow you the flexibility to gain experience while completing your education, which sets you ahead of the competition from the moment you graduate. This allows you the opportunity to consider more advanced and specialized careers in medicine.
Medical doctors are typically the first career that comes to mind when thinking about the medical field. MDs have to complete a bachelor’s degree and pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) exam, which is followed by medical school. The next steps include passing two parts of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), covering basic medical knowledge and disease management. After this, students must seek out residency programs. Those who have completed these steps move on to obtain board certification, obtain a state license, and navigate their way through job applications to begin their career in medicine.
Nurse practitioners may work under the supervision of a medical doctor, or depending on the state, they might run their own practice. They are usually required to earn a master’s degree or Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, so you will want to look into an online nurse practitioner degree at an outstanding university.
Another important part of any medical team are those individuals who perform surgery. These individuals undergo years of education, training, and residency, during which they will likely find themselves looking at things like these ABSITE practice questions to prepare for the exams that they must pass in order to progress on their journey. Should they then wish to specialize in a particular area of surgery, this will require even more intensive training.
Entry-level medical careers
With plenty of medical careers to choose from, you have specialized options to consider. Here are a few of the top entry-level medical jobs.
Registered nurses are at the top of the list. They work directly with patients coordinating their care in hospitals, schools, and other facilities. RNs usually earn their bachelor’s degree.
Licensed practical nurses or vocational nurses work in clinics, nursing homes, or private residences caring for patients’ needs under the directions of a medical doctor and registered nurse. They typically need 12 months in a practical nursing program and nursing license.
Critical care nurses are RNs who work in the intensive care unit. Critical care nurses work directly with patients who are experiencing critical or life-threatening medical conditions. They directly care for patients by making life-saving decisions in a high-stress, fast-paced environment.
Certified nursing assistants typically work in hospitals or nursing homes, providing essential care to patients, such as dressing, bathing, checking vital signs, giving medications, and serving meals. This career path often requires a state-approved education program to be completed.
Medical laboratory technicians perform tests and analyze samples taken from patients. They might draw blood, collect urine samples, or take a tissue sample. They are skilled at operating lab equipment, computer data systems, and performing tests to meet requirements. Medical lab technicians should have a bachelor’s degree
Pharmacy technicians collect data from health care providers to fill patients’ prescriptions. They carefully measure amounts of medication, package medications, and provide appropriate instructions and label information. Pharmacy techs work directly with patients processing payments. Pharmacy techs differ from pharmacists, since they cannot answer medical questions. Pharmacy technicians need a high school diploma, and often a certification. You could also work at a pharmacy online which would need similar qualifications.
Home health aides provide care to patients one-on-one, typically in the patient’s home. They assist with dressing, bathing, giving medication, checking vital signs, and sometimes light housework. Home health aides sometimes drive patients to medical appointments and assist them with errands. This career path requires a high school diploma and a certification.
How to break into health care
If you are not working in health care but want to transition into a medical profession, consider your transferrable skills. There are health care roles for IT, accounting, sales, marketing, administration, and human resources. Consider your current skill set and experience. Scientists might consider professions in medical research or pharmaceuticals, for example.
Start at an entry-level medical job and gain valuable training in health care to be considered for different roles. Once you decide which specialized medical career interests you, research which college offers the best program
Talk with friends who work in health care. Ask them which jobs they think fit your experience. Look for a mentor who has broken into the health care industry or a supervisor once you land your first job in the health care sector.
Whether you are beginning your career or you want to transition to a medical career, consider your interests and skills to determine the specialty suited to you. Find the best university and specialized program so that you are set to succeed.