6 Medical Careers You Should Look Into When Young

When young, many people don't think about their future careers. They may not even know what they want to do with their lives. But if yo...

When young, many people don't think about their future careers. They may not even know what they want to do with their lives. But if you're interested in a career in medicine, there are some things you should start thinking about now. Here are six medical careers you should look into when young.

1. Personal Care Assistant

This person helps people with disabilities or chronic illnesses manage daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating. This can be a great career choice if you want to work closely with people and make a positive difference in their lives. To become a personal care assistant, you will usually need some form of certification or training.

Many hospices and senior living centers also work with personal care assistants, so this is another excellent option if you're interested in working with the elderly. The demand for these services can only increase as the population ages, so this is a career that can offer job security for years to come.

2. Dental Hygienist

This job needs specific skills and training. Dental hygienists clean teeth, take dental x-rays, and provide other preventative care to patients. They also educate patients on maintaining good oral health habits at home.

To become a dental hygienist, you will need some form of professional certification as well as a degree in dental hygiene. Depending on your state, you may need to have an accreditation as a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH). When looking for hygienic dental schools in Oklahoma, target the best ones with experts and education. Understand the center's examinations and their accreditation. You want to be sure that the school you choose will prepare you well for the job.

3. Emergency Medical Technician

As an emergency medical technician (EMT), you will be responsible for providing initial care to patients injured in accidents or having a medical emergency. You may work for an ambulance service, a hospital, or a private ambulance.

To become an EMT, you must usually complete a training program and pass a certification exam. This is a great career path for someone who wants to work in medicine but isn't sure if they want to commit to years of education and training. Plus, the job outlook for this field is excellent, with employment in the US expected to grow by 15% before 2026.

4. Nurse Practitioner

This certified nurse has advanced training and can prescribe medications independently. As a nurse practitioner, you will be responsible for providing direct patient care and maintaining medical records. This can be an excellent choice for someone interested in the medical field but who wants to devote more time and energy to patient care than an EMT might.

However, nurses must constantly take advanced exams to evaluate their proficiency and ensure their competence in providing high-quality patient care, whether for a promotion, changing their specialty, or assessing their preparedness for the nursing profession. Exams like the HESI measure a nurse's knowledge, critical thinking abilities, and clinical judgment. These exams contribute to the challenging nature of the nursing profession as they require dedication to ongoing education and professional development. Online education has become increasingly popular, providing flexibility for nurses to pursue advanced degrees or specialized certifications while working. Additionally, resources such as the free HESI A2 study guide by Career Employer can be invaluable for nurses seeking to enhance their knowledge and performance. These study guides offer comprehensive materials and practice questions covering the tested essential topics.

To become a nurse practitioner, you will need an advanced nursing degree and a certification. This is also a very in-demand career in the medical field. Generally, the job may be demanding, but it's among the highest-paying professions. The satisfaction rate among nurse practitioners is also very high, making it a rewarding career path to consider.

5. Travel Nurse

If you want an adventurous and flexible path while considering a career in the medical field, travel nursing should be on your radar. Travel nursing is an exciting option that allows healthcare professionals to work in different locations on temporary assignments. It provides an opportunity to explore new cities, experience diverse healthcare settings, and gain a wide range of clinical skills. As a travel nurse, you'll have the chance to work in various hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities, adapting to new environments and meeting new challenges. This career choice offers not only professional growth but also a number of benefits, including a travel nurse housing stipend, competitive pay rates, and flexibility in choosing assignments.  

To become a travel nurse, you should first obtain your nursing degree and become a registered nurse (RN). Gain experience in a specialized area and consider obtaining additional certifications. Research travel nursing agencies and connect with recruiters. Prepare a comprehensive resume and secure the necessary licenses. Once partnered with an agency, they will match you with suitable travel assignments based on your preferences and expertise. Then, you can embark on an exciting career as a travel nurse.

6. Physical Therapist

If you are interested in helping people with physical disabilities recover from injuries or illnesses, a career as a physical therapist may be right for you. Physical therapists work closely with patients to help them recover movement and function. This can involve a lot of hands-on work and helping patients do exercises or even walking.

Becoming a physical therapist requires completing undergraduate and graduate degrees in physical therapy. You may also be required to take the National Physical Therapist Examination (NPTE). The job outlook for this career is excellent, with employment expected to grow by 25% before 2026.

As a therapist, you also need to learn the best lifestyle coaching and motivational skills and proper and effective communication skills to help patients be motivated and succeed. This helps you guide patients through better lifestyle adjustments which are crucial in their healing process.

7. Dietitian

A dietitian is a nutritionist who helps people with food and nutrition issues such as diabetes, weight management, or heart disease. This can involve helping patients adjust to new diets or advising them on how to shop for healthy meals.

 You will likely need to get a degree in dietetics or nutrition through an accredited university. You will also need to pass a certification exam and get licensed by your state to become a dietitian. Becoming a dietitian can be very fulfilling and rewarding, especially if you enjoy working with people who may need special dietary counseling or advice.

If you are a registered nurse with a passion for adventure, you might want to consider pursuing a travel nursing career. With the help of Medical Solutions, you can easily find your dream travel nursing job and get the opportunity to explore different parts of the country while doing what you love.

You may not have considered many great career options in the medical field. So, if you're interested in helping people or working closely with them, choose any of these six careers above and kickstart your journey to becoming a successful healthcare professional.