If you’re searching for a rewarding career in healthcare, then there may be a few top roles you’ve considered. There are many obvious choices when it comes to healthcare careers, such as doctors, but there are also an abundant amount of specializations and categories you can go into, too. When researching which healthcare roles would be right for you, it’s important to consider what first interests and appeals to you, as well as the many different options there might be for further training or specializations.
Here are some of the top healthcare job roles you should know about if considering this career path.
Surgeon
Surgeons are responsible for operating on patients in order to treat injury, disease, or health concerns. Surgeons will be required to work in an operating theater to treat internal issues or remove damaged parts. Surgeons also have a role outside of the operating theater, as you may need to pay visits to wards or patients.
There are many different types of surgery, too, meaning that you can specialize in one particular area.
Some examples include:
- Neurosurgery
- Plastic surgery
- Cardiothoracic
- Pediatric
- Orthopedic
Speech Language Pathologist
This healthcare role focuses on the abilities of speech and language in patients, as well as their abilities to swallow. Speech language pathologists are able to diagnose and treat people who may have issues with their speech or swallowing function.
Those with stutters or speech impediments may seek the services of a speech language pathologist, or patients who are recovering from medical conditions which have affected their speech may need to be treated by a speech language pathologist. In regard to language, this role may also see you working with growing children who are finding it difficult to comprehend language.
This role can also see you working in a variety of different environments depending on patient needs.
Nursing
As a registered nurse, you would be responsible for maintaining a patient’s condition and administering any medication in line with their treatment plan. You would also be able to perform certain medical procedures as required and work to track a patient’s progress and recovery.
Nurses can work with patients who are both healthy and trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle or those in need of medical assistance or advice. Nurses may also be required in other capacities, such as through old age or pregnancy.
A nurse’s focus will be on good health and overall holistic wellbeing. Therefore, they are crucial members of healthcare services. The great thing about taking a position such as this is that there will always be career progression. Some nurses looking to progress their careers can seek a Masters of Nursing, for example.
Veterinarian
Not all healthcare roles have to be with humans, after all. If you’re a lover of animals and your scientific or medical interest sees you wanting to work with animals primarily, then becoming a vet will see you diagnosing, treating, and performing surgeries on a variety of animals. You will also be required for general healthcare, such as vaccinations or medications.
As a vet, you may be stationed in a general clinic that deals with pets such as cats and dogs, or you may specialize in treating certain kinds of animals, such as wildlife or farm animals, which may see you venturing out of a clinic and visiting onsite.
Optometrist
Eyecare and eye health can be a fascinating field, and this is just one example of how you can hone in on one particular specialization in regard to health. Optometrists are responsible for dealing with patients in order to maintain good eyesight and treat any eyesight issues. This is usually coupled with prescribing glasses or contact lenses, or even medication for eye-related diseases.
Optometrists can also work to assist patients with eye therapy or recovery treatments and speak to patients regarding any everyday concerns, such as sight difficulty.
Pharmacist
The role of a pharmacist is an important one, requiring the dispensing of medication to those who have been prescribed drugs by their healthcare professional. Not only that, but pharmacists are responsible for the safe dispensing of medication, in regard to checking certain medicines and medical conditions to ensure the right treatment at all times.
Pharmacists can also help patients understand how best to take their medication and inform them of any possible side effects.
Behind the scenes, pharmacists will also need to work to keep medication records, supervise the work of technicians, and stay informed of the latest medical information.
Is a Healthcare Role Right for You?
If you’ve been thinking about a career in healthcare, see if any of these top roles appeal to you and align with your future plans.
