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You may have chosen a career in the medical field for many reasons: the pay, the job security, and stability, or even because it’s something you’ve always wanted to do.
Whatever your motivation, one thing is certain; working as a professional in this industry will undoubtedly allow you to make a difference in other people’s lives.
If you find yourself asking, “So what can I do with a career in the medical field, then?” you’re not alone. This is a question many people have asked themselves throughout history.
So keep on reading to learn about some of the most impactful roles within the medical field that allow you to make a difference in other people’s lives each and every day.
Medical Assistant
Typical duties of a medical assistant include greeting patients, checking in and out, answering phones, performing clerical work such as filing and coding information into the patient’s file, taking vitals, getting blood samples, administering injections or medications under the supervision of a healthcare provider, and assisting with examinations.
A medical assistant’s role is more than just administrative work. A medical assistant also plays an integral part in patients’ overall experience; providing support and assistance whenever it is needed – before, during, and after their office visits.
Therapist
For those of you who are looking to help people overcome difficulties rather than just treat them, becoming a therapist might be the perfect career path for you.
There are several different types of therapists, each with their own specialization and responsibilities – including psychiatric, school, addiction, marital/couples, neurological or neuropsychological, rehabilitation or physical, and geriatric.
No matter what your specialization as a therapist is, you will be working with individuals who are experiencing difficult times in their lives – personally, emotionally, or mentally – and helping them to overcome those difficulties through various forms of therapy.
Social Worker
Similar to therapists, social workers help people overcome difficulties and improve their quality of life.
Their areas of focus include school social work, child protective services, family and marriage counseling/therapy, vocational rehabilitation, refugee services, public assistance programs, and mental health institutions.
School social workers assist children who are experiencing difficulties in school or need help adjusting to the school environment – through individualized support, crisis management, and guidance.
Child protective services workers ensure that children in the foster care system are in a safe and healthy environment, visiting their homes to check on their well-being and reporting any potential abuse or neglect back to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.
Family and marriage counseling/therapy social workers provide individualized support to families, couples, and marriages in crisis.
Vocational rehabilitation social workers assist individuals with disabilities or other difficulties in finding employment through job training, interviewing skills, resume writing assistance, and more.
Public assistance program social workers provide support to families in need, helping them to find adequate housing, food/nutrition donations, and much more.
Mental health institution social workers work in psychiatric hospitals and community mental health facilities – providing guidance and support to patients as they recover from psychiatric conditions, addiction, or other difficulties.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Though you might not actually be seeing patients face-to-face and making direct patient care decisions, one of the most impactful roles within the medical field is that of an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
An EMT’s job is to provide on-site medical care for individuals who are injured or ill in emergency situations, using his/her training and skills to assess the situation and provide the necessary treatment.
“The role of an EMT can be challenging and emotionally demanding; however, the reward of helping people in critical situations makes it all worthwhile”, according to Maxim Gorin.
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
A Nurse Practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).
They are able to perform physical assessments and diagnose illnesses or injuries; provide treatment; prescribe prescriptions; monitor ongoing conditions; refer patients for additional tests and procedures, and teach patients to better manage their illness or injury.
“Nurse practitioners work in a wide range of fields including primary care, critical care, ambulatory care, emergency rooms, psychiatric hospitals, and long-term care facilities”, according to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
With the growing elderly population – who often need additional and specialized care in order to maintain their independence and quality of life – nurses in the geriatric fields are in high demand.
Whether you want to specialize as an NP, CRNA, CRNP, or CNS; or work for home health agencies; long-term care facilities; hospice centers; outpatient clinics; assisted living communities; schools; colleges/universities; or private practice as an independent consultant, the demand for nurses is expected to keep growing over the next decade.
Conclusion
Career paths within the medical field are vast and diverse – allowing you to choose a path that best suits your interests and passions.
By working as a therapist, social worker, EMT, nurse practitioner, or school social worker you will be able to make a difference in the lives of others and help better their health and wellbeing.
