Medical Job Types and Roles With Descriptions

by

a green and purple circle with a hole in it

In this article, we’ll explore medical job types and roles, with descriptions to help you better understand each option. Keep reading to learn more about the different medical careers you could pursue.

EMTs and Paramedics

img

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics are responsible for providing emergency care to patients who are injured or ill. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and ambulance services. EMTs and paramedics typically have a high school diploma or equivalent. They must be certified by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). Certification requirements vary by state, but generally include completing an accredited training program and passing a certification exam. EMTs and paramedics provide basic life support (BLS), which includes assessing patients’ conditions, controlling bleeding, bandaging wounds, and providing oxygen therapy. They may also provide advanced life support (ALS), which includes administering drugs and performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The job duties of EMTs and paramedics vary depending on their level of certification. However, they typically work with patients who are experiencing health emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, seizures, or respiratory problems. They must be able to quickly assess patients’ conditions and determine the best course of treatment.

Physician Assistants

Physician assistants (PAs) are health professionals who work under the supervision of a licensed physician. They are formally trained to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive healthcare services, as well as to help physicians in their practices. PAs can specialize in various medical fields, including family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, and pediatrics. To become a PA, one must complete an accredited PA program. These programs usually last two years and include both classroom instruction and clinical experience. After completing a PA program, graduates must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) in order to be certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). PAs may practice medicine in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. They generally work in private physician offices or clinics but may also find employment in hospitals or other healthcare facilities. PAs receive relatively low pay compared to other medical professionals; however, their salaries have been increasing over the past few years.

Medical Assistants

img

Medical assistants are allied health professionals who support physicians in the delivery of health care services. They perform clinical and administrative tasks to keep the medical office running smoothly. Medical assistants have a variety of job titles, depending on their area of specialization. Duties vary depending on their level of training and experience, but may include: taking patient histories and vital signs; preparing patients for examinations; assisting the physician with exams; ordering and stocking supplies; recording patient information in electronic medical records systems; coding insurance claims; and providing basic education about healthy living habits. For example, a medical assistant might help a health care work with monitoring someone receiving cancer treatment in Westwood, NJ. Cancer is one of the most common and serious medical conditions in the United States. Nearly 1.7 million Americans are diagnosed with cancer every year, and more than 600,000 people die from the disease annually. Despite these statistics, cancer treatment has come a long way in recent years and there are now many effective options for patients.

If you’re looking for career-focused medical training in Egg Harbor, NJ, there are plenty of programs you can explore to pursue a career in health care. The roles laid out in this article are just a few options of positions you’ll find in the field.

The importance of medical job types and roles cannot be overstated. Healthcare professionals are necessary for the functioning of the medical field and are responsible for many of the advances that have been made in the field.

Search
image/svg+xmlLayer 1

Contact Us