Have you decided you want a job in healthcare but you don’t necessarily want to spend years in training to become a doctor? There are many different occupations in healthcare, each needing a certain level of education and training, yet not requiring several years at medical school. Find out here some of the most popular jobs in healthcare and how you can begin your career in one of these fulfilling roles.
Nurse
A nurse can encounter all manner of trauma and although you will not have as many responsibilities as a doctor, you will still experience a heavy, stressful workload. This should not put you off however, as being a nurse can be one of the most satisfactory jobs in health care. In addition to having the ability to build a great rapport with people from diverse backgrounds, you will need to attend an accredited registered nurse program. To enrol on one of these courses you will usually need to hold a Bachelor’s Degree and will be required to undertake certain exams. You will then need to register in the state in which you intend to be employed. Training is ongoing to maintain your skills and to acquire new skills if needed when new techniques and technology are introduced.
Occupational Therapist
The role of an occupational therapist involves assisting people to learn, or re-learn everyday activities such as bathing, dressing and eating. It is however, about more than physical recuperation as you may be required to help patients with emotional or mental difficulties too. Becoming an occupational therapist requires a lot of study and experience, and you will need to secure an undergraduate degree, and in many cases, a Master’s Degree also. Although it is not necessary to be certified, it would help with employment opportunities to gain certification, and this can be achieved by passing the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapists. If this career interests you, search for the Best Colleges For Occupational Therapy Major courses to discover the best opportunities.
Medical Social Worker
If you want to flex your people skills, and enjoy the personal side of healthcare rather than the strictly medicinal element, consider becoming a medical social worker. Helping people with practical issues that they may face while in hospital, in addition to their emotional wellbeing is an essential role of the medical social worker and you may find yourself finding financial and housing solutions for patients in hospitals and health care centres. There are many roles a medical social worker may play, including therapist, and case manager. To become a medical social worker, you will need to successfully graduate with a Master’s degree from an accredited course provider.
Choosing a healthcare position can seem difficult at the beginning, but if you research the qualifications, relevant schools, and accreditations you need before pursuing one particular role, you will find the final decision much easier to make. If possible, speak with other healthcare professionals to ascertain their experiences and advice, as well as a realistic view of what their job entails.
