How to Find a Career in Medicine

The field of medicine offers many career opportunities. Most people immediately think about doctors and nurses when they consider a career in medicine, but there are dozens of other health care-related jobs from phlebotomist to X-ray technician, and many require two years of education/training or less. The field of medicine is also growing rapidly, and health care workers of all types are expected to be in demand because of the demographic trend toward an aging population in the United States and Europe.

Functions

Physicians who diagnose, treat and supervise the care of patients occupy the top level of hands-on medical workers. These doctors rely upon the support of skilled nurses who are filling medical roles once reserved only for doctors. Advanced nursing specialties include nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, medical research nurse, nurse practitioner and occupational safety nurse. Other supporting positions include physician's assistant, physical therapist, radiology technician, and laboratory technician.

Requirements

A licensed practical nurse may study for as little as one year, while a nurse anesthetist must receive a master's degree in anesthesia. A certified nurse assistant may work in the medical field after a few months of training. Physicians who specialize often spend an additional three years studying after they become a doctor, which commonly requires ten or more years of study and supervised practice. Therapists need a bachelor's degree, while therapy aides may begin working after completing a certification course.

Industry Changes

Since 1980, advancement in the medical fields of mental health, dentistry, psychiatry, dentistry, physical therapy, medical research, environmental health, and chiropractic medicine has opened new avenues for medical workers. Dental assistants, hygienists and dental lab technologists play a supporting role for dentists, while physical therapists, occupational therapists and recreational therapists offer rehabilitative services for patients recovering from injuries.  Based upon population trends and the current number of students enrolled in medical careers, the fastest growing demand for workers in the health care industry include cardiovascular technologists, occupational therapists, radiation therapists, surgical technologists, registered nurses, respiratory therapists, massage therapists, paramedics, diagnostic sonographers, and medical equipment repair persons. Another sector of growing demand is in the area of geriatric care, attributed to the baby boomers entering their retirement years.


Instructions

1. Research medical careers. Assess your skill set, personality and future goals in determining what type of medical career you are interested in pursuing.
2. Talk to a career counselor. Talking to a career counselor gives you an opportunity to ask questions and get a better understanding of the careers you are considering and the education required.
3. Find a mentor.  Look for someone who is in the field you are interested in and contact them.  You will find that most professionals are more than willing to answer your questions about their field of expertise.
4. Undertake the education and training you need to become qualified for the health care job you have decided on. Make good grades and get to know the faculty and fellow students as it is never too early to start networking to find a job.
5. Find a job in your chosen career. Make sure to take advantage of any career counseling or employment placement services available through your educational institution. Applying for as many jobs as possible and getting your (well-crafted) resume on the desks of as many hiring managers as possible is a good start, but keep in mind that most jobs today are found through networking.
6. Don't forget, as you become advanced in your career of choice, look for opportunities to mentor others who may be interested in entering your field.