Science / Health

Top Medical Careers You Should Consider

If you’re someone who’s got the healing touch, then pursuing a career in medicine might be right up your alley. The medical field is one of the diverse career opportunities available. Because of how many positions there are to choose from, you may not be too sure on what you want to do. Here are a few lucrative careers in medicine you can pursue.

Nurse Practitioner

A nurse practitioner is always going to be one of those jobs you’ll always be recommended, and for good reason. Compared to the standard registered nurse, nurse practitioners are given more job opportunities as well as responsibilities. Below is a brief list of duties you can expect to perform as a nurse practitioner:

  • Perform physical examinations to patients
  • Prescribe medicine
  • Give the green light to certain forms of medical treatment
  • Order lab tests, like blood tests, x-rays or MRIs.

Registered nurses can only perform a handful of tasks such as sorting through patient files and collecting information for the doctor. Becoming a nurse practitioner, however, does require more work on your end. A medical degree is one of the most expensive degrees you can get. Though you may be inclined to take out a student loan, the interest rates can make paying them back difficult.

Rather than deal with fees and interest rates, applying for a scholarship is the better option. The dream of going to college is expensive, and scholarships offer much needed relief to offset the costs of higher education. You can research various online scholarship platforms instead. These can help you get matched with eligible college scholarships that are geared to your needs of covering tuition costs.

Physician Assistant

A physician assistant is one step under a doctor. They work in a variety of medical settings, including hospitals, private practice and urgent care. Some of physician assistants might also choose to work with surgeons and assist in the OR. While most NPs can write prescriptions, they usually still work under another doctor.

Certified Medical Assistant

CMAs also work in hospitals and private practices. They may also find work in nursing homes and rehab centers. They can earn a two-year degree as a medical assistant, or they can complete a certification program. It’s important to note that medical assistants are not nurses, and they cannot diagnose patients. They also are not allowed to write prescriptions. However, there are many business tactics to learn in this role despite some of the strict guidelines.

Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory therapists usually work in hospitals. Their job details helping patients breathe easier after a traumatic accident, surgery or if they have a chronic medical condition like COPD. To work as a respiratory therapist, you do need to complete the proper certification and training.

Physical Therapist

Physical therapists help patients recover after an injury or after surgery. They usually work in an outside facility, but can also work in the hospital setting. They must complete comprehensive training, in addition to state certification, to hold a license. Their primary goal to expedite recovery and teach patients strengthening exercises they can perform at home.

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