What it is
Jobs in medical care vary greatly and can include work directly with patients, with medical equipment and medicines or creating items such as artificial limbs. Aside from doctors (general doctors and specialists), many jobs in medical care are available for physician assistants, radiation therapists, respiratory therapists and anesthesiologists/anesthesiologist technicians.
|
Physician assistants do much of the same work as a doctor but work under the supervision of a doctor. They should not be confused with medical assistants, who do some clinical tasks and office work. Physician assistants take medical histories, examine patients, order lab tests and X-rays and make diagnoses. They can treat minor injuries, such as providing stitches or making a cast. Radiation therapists operate the machinery that treats people with cancer, and respiratory therapists evaluate people with breathing problems and so that they can receive medical care. Anesthesiologists monitor pain relief for patients, many anesthesiologists work in hospital surgical settings to provide medical care.
What it's like
Medical care jobs are available in hospitals, community clinics and private practices. To learn more about what it’s like to work in medical care, see what Nicole and Eli have to say about their work as medical assistants, or read about Atul's experience working as a physician assistant.
What it takes
Training requirements for jobs in medical care vary greatly and range from positions that offer on-the-job training to medical care jobs that require doctoral degrees.
To learn more about medical care jobs, check out the job options to the right.
Jobs in this field
-
Anesthesiologist
Salary range:
$114,200 and up
Minimum training:Doctorate; 4-year residency
Job description:Anesthesiologists supervise the care of surgical patients and pain relief. More
-
Anesthesiologist Assistant
Salary range:
$95,000 and up
Minimum training:Master's degree
Job description:Anesthesiologist assistants assist in developing and implementing anesthesia care plans. More
-
Anesthesiologist Technician
Salary range:
$26,618 – $33,968
Minimum training:High school diploma or equivalent
Job description:Anesthesiologist technicians assist the anesthesia team in the planning of technical support for patient monitoring. More
-
Medical Assistant
Salary range:
$24,565 – $36,795
Minimum training:On-the-job training
Job description:A medical assistant or certified medical assistant performs administrative and medical care tasks. More
-
Orthotist / Prosthetist
Salary range:
$39,666 – $73,466
Minimum training:Bachelor's degree; certification required
Job description:Orthotists and prosthetists design and assist patients with orthopedic and prosthetic devices, like braces or artificial limbs. More
-
Osteopathic Medicine
Salary range:
$102,333 and up
Minimum training:Doctorate; 4-year residency; state-issued license required
Job description:Osteopathic physicians are physicians that place special emphasis on the body’s musculoskeletal system, preventive medicine and holistic patient care. More
-
Physician
Salary range:
$130,187 and up
Minimum training:Doctorate; 4-year residency; state-issued license required
Job description:Physicians diagnose illnesses, prescribe and administer treatment for injury or disease, and counsel patients on preventative health care. More
-
Physician Assistant
Salary range:
$77,397 – $108,430
Minimum training:Master's degree; state-issued license required
Job description:Physician assistants provide health care services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. More
-
Podiatrist
Salary range:
$53,861 – $122,692
Minimum training:Doctorate; state-issued license required
Job description:Podiatrists diagnose and treat disorders, diseases and injuries of the foot and lower leg. More
-
Radiation Therapist
Salary range:
$75,109 – $105,164
Minimum training:Associate's degree
Job description:Radiation therapists use machines to administer radiation treatment to patients with cancer. More
-
Respiratory Therapist
Salary range:
$56,867 – $75,546
Minimum training:Associate's degree; state-issued license required
Job description:Respiratory therapists evaluate, treat and care for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders. More
-
Respiratory Therapy Technician
Salary range:
$48,256 – $64,355
Minimum training:Associate's degree; state-issued license required
Job description:Respiratory therapy technicians evaluate, treat and care for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders. More
-
Surgical Technologist / Operating Room Technician
Salary range:
$38,730 – $54,371
Minimum training:Nine-month certificate program
Job description:A surgical technologist or operating room technician assists in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses or other surgical personnel. More
We're sorry, but there were no jobs found within your area.
Job Listings