Most of us enter the world into the hands of a health care professional, then rely on them throughout our lives. From regular checkups, illnesses, immunizations and prescriptions, we depend on health care workers to keep us going. If you have an interest in helping people stay healthy, consider working in one of the many specialized health care roles.
Clinical health care jobs
What most people consider a trip to the doctor’s office includes a visit with a clinical health professional.
Physicians
A physician performs wellness checks such as annual physicals. They are also trained to diagnose and treat illnesses. A typical day may include applying casts, administering immunizations and minor surgery such as mole removal. You could work as a family practitioner or choose a specialty such as pediatrics, internal medicine or OB-GYN.
There are multiple types of nursing roles in health care, each with unique responsibilities.
Nurses
There are different types of nurses, each with a different education level requirement: nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants. Each has different responsibilities.
- NP: may work independently or with physicians; performs exams, diagnoses problems
- RN: works closely with physicians, administers medicine, observes patients, helps perform diagnostic tests
- LPN: checks vital signs, provides basic care such as changing bandages
- CNA: helps patients with daily living such as bathing, dressing, eating
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Medical assistant
A medical assistant is often the prepper. They may measure and record vital signs, collect fluid samples or ask about your symptoms. Assistants often work in specialty clinics such as a dermatologist or podiatrists office.
Not all health care role deal directly with patients.
Allied health professionals
Health care roles other than physicians and nurses are considered allied health professionals. Their focus is generally on prevention and recovery. There is no definitive list, but it includes jobs such as:
- Radiologist
- Physician assistant
- Physical, occupational and respiratory therapists
- Registered dietician
- Speech-language pathologist
Health care workers in these roles typically collaborate with physicians to determine patient care.
Remote health care jobs
As we become more immersed with an online world, patient care is changing too. Remote health care jobs let people skip the office visit and get help through a virtual visit.
Telehealth is changing the way people seek medical help.
Telehealth providers
These doctors, nurses and therapists are the same as you’d meet in an office, but you can see them from the comfort of your living room. Just as with an in-person visit, the patient is asked about their symptoms and then given a diagnosis.
Care coordinators
Remote care coordinators help with patient care by managing their multiple appointments and following up with treatment plans. A coordinator looks at the big picture, focusing on holistic or long-term care rather than an episodic illness.
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Health care administration jobs
Health care is a business, which means there needs to be someone running the daily operations. Health care administration jobs keep offices open and running smoothly.
Office managers
A health care manager, for example, would oversee the day-to-day operations of a hospital or clinic. They also manage the staff and assure that the facility is staying in compliance with state and federal regulations.This might include managing budgets and coordinating services.
Records and information management
If you’ve peeked at the shelves of a doctor’s office, you know there are shelves and shelves of patient files. Medical record specialists manage all those patient records, ensuring that they are accurate. The job may also entail electronically submitting insurance claims and payments.
Medical transcriptionist
Once you’ve had your doctor’s appointment, work begins behind the scenes. A medical transcriptionist converts physician’s notes to create a formal electronic health record. The job includes learning medical terminology, physiology and anatomy, along with codes for medical procedures.
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Technician roles in health care include behind the scenes work such as testing samples.
Specialized health care roles
Aside from providing direct medical help, there are dozens of other specialized health care roles. Some of those include:
- Pharmacist: Dispense medications, advise patients regarding prescribed drug use and possible side effects. A pharmacy tech will help refill prescriptions and assure that essential medications are always available.
- Lab technician: Look at samples of blood, urine, etc., and identify problems.
- Medical social workers: Assist patients with the non-medical challenges related to their care such as financial or emotional assistance.
- Clinical research coordinators: Manage clinical trials, including recruiting participants and adhering to research protocols.
- Radiography technician: Take x-rays, scanning for broken bones or lung problems.
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A pharmacist may advise patients regarding their medication.
Other health care roles
Not all health care jobs are as well-known or recognized, but they play a crucial role in the industry. Some positions include:
- Health education specialist: When someone has a specialized problem such as kidney failure, they teach people about their medication and help them understand their care plan.
- Housekeeping: Keeping all the linens laundered, surfaces sanitized and garbage emptied is a critical part of health care.
- Recreational therapist: In care centers, they organize and facilitate activities to keep long-term patients active and improve their mood.
Whether you want to work with people directly or stay in the background, there are possible health care roles. Search for opportunities on KSL Jobs.
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